5 Tips for Growing Thinning Edges: A Guide for African American Women

As an African American woman, hair is a significant aspect of our identity, and hair loss can be emotionally daunting. It's heartbreaking to see your edges thinning and finding hair strands all over your bathroom floor. But don't fret; thinning edges are a common issue, and there are remedies to help. Whether it's a bad weave or genetics, our hairline can start to vanish, but not permanently. This blog post will provide five tips for Africa American Women in the mid-Atlantic region to grow back their thinning edges.

1. Moisturize Your Scalp

One significant cause of thinning edges is a dry scalp. If you have a scalp that lacks moisture, you will experience itchiness, flaking, and thinning. To combat this issue, you should frequently moisturize your scalp with a lightweight oil or scalp serum. Make sure that the product you use is non-greasy and easily absorbs into the skin. Add this into your hair routine by applying it to your hairline twice a day, morning and night.

2. Avoid Tight Hairstyles

Are you guilty of getting tight weaves, braids or wearing wigs? Unfortunately, this type of tension can cause hair loss around the hairline or nape of the neck. Avoid tight hairstyles and undue stress on your hair follicles. It's best to consider choosing loose hairstyles that are comfortable or investing in seamless hair clips to help relieve pressure on your hairline.

3. Protein and Vitamin Rich Diet

A healthy diet can help promote hair growth. Consider incorporating more protein-rich foods such as chicken, eggs, and fish, and vitamins such as biotin, vitamin C and iron into your meals. Your hair is composed of protein, so eating a diet high in protein is excellent for hair growth. Ensure that you drink lots of water as well, which will keep your body hydrated and your scalp moisturized.

4. Use Natural Hair Products

The harsh chemicals in hair products can cause hair damage or even hair loss. To avoid further hair thinning, it's best to use natural hair care products such as aloe Vera or shea butter-based treatments. These treatments will help nourish, moisturize and strengthen the hair fibers. Check the ingredient list, and steer clear of products that contain sulfates, fragrances, and alcohol.

5. Don't Play with Your Edges.

It's tempting to edge your hair down in a sleek look or to lay your baby hair using a toothbrush. But, doing this excessively could ultimately lead to hair thinning. Try limiting how much you edge your hair daily or use a brush that is gentle on your edges. Also, avoid pulling, tugging or brushing your hair too hard.

Hair loss can be a troubling issue, but just remember, with persistence, time and the right remedies, thinning edges can grow back. Moisturizing the scalp, avoiding tight hairstyles, eating a nutritious diet, using natural hair products, and not playing with your hairline. These are all huge steps towards promoting hair growth. Remember, the key to healthy hair growth is patience and consistency. And, don't be afraid to seek advice from a healthcare physician or dermatologist if the hair loss persists.