Natural Hair and Thinning Edges

Got Edges? Also known as the Noami Campbell syndrome, well hopefully not as severe. A lot of naturals, and women of color in general, combat thinning edges, often as a result of hair habits (perms, too tight weaves and braids etc). It can be very limiting and damaging to our self image.

Keeping good health and eating well will help improved your hair health, good in, good out. There are many things that you can apply to the hair itself, but it's what's on the inside that counts. Eating foods rich in protein will provide structure and strength (the main component of hair is the protein keratin).

Exercise also stimulates blood flow. If you eat the right foods, the nutrient-rich blood will nourish each hair follicle, promoting healthy hair growth. Deficiencies of vitamins and minerals result in duller hair. (See list of vitamins/minerals below)

Thinning edges are caused by slow growth, scalp infection or an excessive amount of tension/stress applied to a specific area over a long period of time. To help the hair grow back, the hair follicles need to be rejuvenated and stimulated to improve blood circulation and promote more hair growth. I've noticed that products containing anti-fungal and anti-microbial properties, help combat dandruff and bacteria on the scalp. The removal of dandruff/bacteria unclogs the hair follicles allowing the scalp to breathe resulting in faster hair growth since nothing is inhibiting the growth.

I've compiled a list of potential remedies to this problem

- Rosemary Oil - Needs to be mixed with a carrier oil (too potent otherwise). Known to increase blood flow, therefore, promoting hair growth.

- Peppermint Oil - Needs to be mixed with a carrier oil (too potent otherwise). Gives a cooling effect/tingle to the scalp, and removes dandruff. Purifies the scalp. Known to increase blood flow, therefore, promoting hair growth.

- Castor Oil - Cleanses toxins & impurities from the scalp, nourishes and thickens the hair. Stimulates hair growth while moisturizing dry brittle hair.

- Coconut Oil - Promotes hair growth by revitalizing and exfoliating dead skin tissue from the scalp. Great in removing dandruff so that the scalp/hair follicles can breath and the hair can grow at a faster rate.

- Aloe Vera Gel/Juice - Includes an enzyme that is beneficial in stimulating new hair reproduction.

- Vitamin E - Antioxidant that enhances scalp circulation. Helps to increase and improve circulation of your scalp, promoting the growth of healthy hair

- Miconazole Nitrate - Found in Yeast Infection Creams & Neosporin. Has antifungal properties. If applied to the scalp, it will remove dandruff/bacteria off of the scalp thus promoting hair growth (caution: can cause headaches).

- Sulfur 8 - Provides a tingling sensation to the scalp. Helps remove dandruff off the scalp. Sulfur does three important functions in our body. It brings about hair growth, strong nails and smooth skin.

- Mega-Tek - It stimulates and promotes RAPID hair regrowth without the use of silicone, synthetic polymers, oils or petroleum based products. Many ladies have seen great results with this product.

Promote hair growth
Protein: fish, eggs, cheese
Iron: whole grain, dark leafty vegetables
B Vitamins: eggs, meat
Essential Fatty Acids: walnuts, soy
Vitamin E: nuts, seeds
Sulfur: meats, legumes, vegetables

Growth Aids
(apply directly to the hair or scalp)
Cinnamon extract (Essential oil must be mixed with a carrier oil. Too potent alone, may cause irritation)
Grape seed oil
Castor oil
Vatika oil
Avocado oil
Henna
Amla oil

Stunt hair growth
Coffee
Sugar
Fat



Check out the comments section here for other peoples experiences and ideas




Hope this helps

~Addicted Fembot