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

Cold + Hair = ???

As part of my "hide your hair challenge" I'll already be transitioned and prepared for colder weather. But here are some ideas on how to transition into fall. Fall and winter months are great times to do protective styling but it is very important not to negelect your hair and its need for moisture. Simple "protection" will not and should not be the end of your efforts.

And remember that even thought here is a wealth of info out there not all of it will work for you. Just do what you feel is right and works best for YOUR hair. I've included some links for more information at the bottom as well.

Via Black Girl with long hair - original here

24 September 2012

Transitioning to Cool & Cold Weather Hair Care

Natural Hair Care

By Geniece of Beautifully Made

School buses, leaves in lovely orange, red and golden hues and cooling temperatures signal the end of one season and the beginning of another. Personally, summer is my favorite season. The heat, however, can dry out my hair. Cooler weather has can be beneficial for the hair but once the weather become brutally cold you will need to winter proof your hair to ensure maximum moisture. In providing you a few helpful tips I think it’s important to distinguish between hair care in cool, autumn weather and winter weather. In my experience, hair responds differently to cool temperatures and extreme cold.

Cool Weather Hair Care

Cooler temperatures in the fall bring a decrease in humidity and arid heat. In many ways the weather is conducive to retaining moisture but not humid enough to spoil you well styled braid out. During this time of year you may want to limit your use of products containing glycerin. Products that contain glycerin high on the ingredient list are designed to attract moisture from the air towards your hair. When the air is dry and cool glycerin doesn’t draw moisture from the air. The worst case scenario is that if there is more moisture in your hair than the air, you may suffer from moisture loss. In cool weather, say 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit, light moisturizers and light oils to seal in the moisture have worked well for my kinky-coily hair. If you became used to humid, muggy summer that required less weekly application of moisture, you will have to moisturize your hair more regularly, paying special attention to your ends.

Cold Weather Hair Care

I live in New England and right around late October the weather begins to get downright cold, dropping into the 30s and below. During this time of year I find it helpful to have a rich and creamy moisturizer on hand. I am an aloe vera juice fan and will lightly apply the product to my hair before sealing my hair with an oil or butter. For me, products that contain castor oil are wonderful sealants in extreme cold. Castor oil is rather heavy so you might create a mixture with castor oil and a lighter oil like jojoba or olive oil. Be sure to moisturizer you hair before applying oils because, while oils and butters may make you hair feel soft and supple, they don’t actually impart moisture. Remember: If water is not in the product then your hair won’t be moisturized.

During the cold weather I find it necessary to protect the ends of my hair. This includes protective styling but more importantly being mindful of the fabrics in which our hair comes in contact. I have had the hair along my nape break off because of a wool scarf. I was in high school at the time and thanks to my mother’s wisdom I stopped wearing the scarf. Left to my own devices I would have happily continued wearing the scarf as it rubbed against my hair, all the while wondering why the hair along my nape was 7-8 inches shorter than the rest of my hair. Also be mindful of wool coats. Wool pea coats are lovely winter staples but if you wear “out” styles that cause your hair to be in constant contact with you coat consider using a satin or silk dress scarf and folding it over the collar of the coat. The same goes for hats. I’ve seen a few winter hats lined with satin or silk that may be a great option to reduce unnecessary friction between your hair and your clothing.

I hope these tips are helpful as you approach cooler weather. Although, I’m not a fan of the cold I do appreciate the lack of sudden summer down pours and the sweltering humidity that transforms my well styled braid out into, well, something else. As long as you keep your hair moisturized winter hair can be flawless and fabulous just like you.

How do you transition your regimen as the weather cools?

More cold weather tips

Mature Natural Weblog- Preparing Kinky-Curly Hair for Cold Weather
Naturally Fierce- Surviving the Cold: Winter Hair Care
College Curlies- My Winter Regimen, Several Ways to Mositurise Rough Brittle Dry Crispy Ends
GOOGLE

Check out my previous post on protective styling here.

Youtube Guru's

NikkiMae2003- Mae's Winter Natural Hair Regimen 2011

Naptural85- Winter Hair Protection: Prevent Dry Hair and Maintain Moisture

Winter Hair Protection: Conditioning on the go

iknowlee- Natural Hair Winter Protective Style Two Stand Twist Updo

~Addicted Fembot

Top 5 AHOLICS [8]

Wigs
Turbans
Dark wash jeans
Curly hair
Jumpsuits [NO not the orange kind]

Wigs! I'm slowly building my collection of wigs, currently I have 4 very different ones. Curly, straight, long and short I want it all! I really want to get a lace front wig, curly and synthetic. Need to really, but in the mean time I've made a quick weave wig. It was on a whim actually, the day before I made it I had been watching Youtube videos [no surprise there] and was inspired to make one. I'm fairly creative, modest aren't I, but I'm not really good with "doing hair"-weaves, extension etc. So I was definitely apprehensive about making this one. But to my surprise it was easy and turned out FANTASTICALLY.

Before

After

Part of my new found obsession with wigs is due to the fact that my friend and I are on a hide you hair challenge. It started January 1st and is ending on the 14th of this month [our graduation]. When we made the agreement I wasn't so sure I could do it, but wigs have been a godsend. My hair has retained so much length from the reduced manipulation, I love it! I definitely will be continuing the low manipulation, wig wearing habit after the challenge is done.

Try challenging yourself to something like this, using braids, weaves, wigs, etc. Do whatever keeps your hands out of your hair and keeps hair on your head!

If you saw my first outfit of the day post/video [here] you'll know I'm loving the turban trend. I feel so, I don't know, cool in it, plus it's a great alternative to a wig or hat! Turbans just make a look that much more fabulous. I especially like using African cloths [Ankara] to tie mine, but anything will work really.

Fashion Turban

My take

Dark wash jeans, what don't they go with??? Honestly I think this particular wash compliments all body types in all cuts. Personal favorite is the straight leg/skinny jean. The best part of this wash is that it really dresses of an outfit but you still get the comfort and versatility of it being a jean.

This next one I don't have much to say, and perhaps in on the list due to my personal bias. But my blog, my list :) . Curly hair, I LOVE it. I cant rave to much about this, but I will say I wish I'd never gotten a relaxer. Honestly until I had to go natural I never really thought of an alternative to getting a perm and having straight hair. Now that I think about it, it's almost unbelievable, not that everyone should be natural, blah blah blah. Just sharing my thoughts.

It could be the 80's baby in me, but jumpsuits will always be in for me. Not that I'm really an avid follower of trends. But regardless I love them. There are so many styles of jumpsuits, and I'm going to include rompers, that everyone should be able to find one that works for them. I love black ones, brightly colored ones and especially ones with fun/bold prints. I picked up one from H & M on sale that's a leopard print so hot!

~A

I'M SUPER PUMPED

I know I never explained things, and I don't really have time to now [cuz I'm in a rush]. But I'm in a "hide your hair challenge with one of my  friends. Anyway I've been using wigs as my way of protection, and I just got a new one in the mail today. I'm in LOVE!

EverDream Instant Wig 1019

Stay FAB

-F