I decided to get a weave last weekend.
Mind you, I haven’t donned a weave for the past five years; since I embarked on my natural hair journey.
Initially, I was stoked with the new look. As the hours passed though, my smile turned upside down.
The best way to describe the 24 hour experience before I gave into my urge to take it out would be that it was painful and uncomfortable. I think it’s been so long since I’ve had my hair pulled tightly that I honestly could not stand the 24 hours I kept it in for.
My scalp was inflamed for at least two days. Mind you, my hairdresser didn’t pull too tightly, because I was so fussy about her not pulling too tightly. She did the best she could, considering she also wanted to do a good job and make me happy so I return. Suffice to say, it was a lose-lose situation. She lost a customer, not because she did a poor job, but rather because she did a good job.
This leads me to the problem. Hairdressers want to do a good job so they ensure that your braids are tight and will last you a while. The problem is that, it actually leads to hair loss. This is especially true for the hairline, where hair is more fragile and younger.
So what do we do then?
Well, we did our research and found the best strategies to protect your hairline. Thank us later.
Protective styling
Protective styling is not new to Africans. Most of us have been wearing protective styles since we were in our teens. The difference now is that with a weakened hair line, it’s important to choose styles that don’t put a lot of pressure on this fragile areas. The ideal protective style should be aimed at reducing damage caused by daily maintenance with heating and styling products. Choose styles that require either no manipulation or very little.
Low manipulation styles: Braids, cornrows and twist-outs that are re-braided at night or, buns.
No manipulation styles: Twist, braids, flat twist, wigs. These styles do not require daily combing and a wide-tooth comb or fingers are best to use. Breakage should be minimal if maintained properly.
Follicle rejuvenating shampoos & treatments
Follicle rejuvinating shampoos and treatments are designed to help with follicle damage which causes thinning hair, dermatitis, alopecia, and other scalp problems. The treatments are designed to wake up and flush the follicles of the damaged scalp area and promote new hair growth. These treatments have been proven to be effective on many people who have suffered from hair loss. Remember, with these treatments, you are aiming to heal the scalp and encourage new hair growth. So make sure to stay away from anything that will hinder new growth. This includes tightly pulled braids, chemical treatments on the hair such as relaxers and dyes. Lastly, be gentle with your scalp by using a rubber tipped brush.
Hair growth pills (Biotin)
There are many hair growth supplements out there. Starting with natural remedies for hair nourishment to commercial products for hair growth.
But there is one supplement that stands out. Take a look at most of the hair products that promise and deliver the best results for your hair. You will notice one little ingredient that seems to be stuck in there – biotin.
So, how effective is biotin for hair loss? Though biotin is good for hair loss, it is highly and positively reviewed for hair growth. According to most of the reviews and testimonials found online, men and women who take biotin to help with the problem of hair loss have seen positive results.
Scalp stimulating oils
Oiling of the scalp is not only good to keep dandruff away but also helps stimulate the hair follicle for new hair growth.
The following oils have been rated the best when it comes to aiding hair growth.
Castor Oil:
Castor oil is rich in vitamin E, proteins and minerals. It’s a very viscous oil and it’s hard to wash it off the hair, but that’s the only con. It works wonders on hair. It has anti-microbial properties that will help you get rid of dandruff and other scalp issues. Castor oil also contains ricinoleic acid which treats scalp inflammations and diseases. Castor oil moisturizes and softens hair, maintaining the moisture level in the hair. Castor oil aids in blood circulation and therefore results in faster hair growth. Since it is moisturizing in nature, it can be used to treat dry scalp. To use, apply it well on scalp and run through the hair, leave overnight, and wash it with a mild shampoo the next day. Regular use of castor oil gives you healthy, thick, shiny, and moisturized hair.
Bhringraj Oil:
Bhringraj oil is made from combining Eclipta alba or False Daisy with sesame oil. This oil helps in reducing hair fall, prevents premature greying, and also aids in faster hair growth. Regular use will give you healthy and long hair.
Marula Oil:
Marula oil is a highly moisturizing hair oil, rich in vitamin E which is so important for hair growth. This oil has a high concentration of anti-oxidants which is good for both hair and skin.
The oil is lightweight and contains oleic acid which easily penetrates the hair shaft and locks in the moisture. Marula oil is one of the best natural conditioner available and will give you touchably soft and smooth hair with regular use.
Since this oil has anti-inflammatory properties, it helps in treating dandruff thereby reducing hair fall and aiding in subsequent hair growth.
Sesame Oil:
Sesame oil is used as a base oil in many preparations for hair growth, for example, bhringraj oil. Since sesame oil is anti-microbial, it treats a lot of scalp infections and fungal infections. Sesame is best when used as a hot oil treatment.
It conditions hair, nourishes scalp, and gets rid of dandruff and the vitamin E in the oil boosts hair growth.
Argan Oil:
Argan oil is taking the beauty world by storm and why not, it is an excellent oil for healthy hair. It hydrates and moisturizes hair, it penetrates hair shafts and nourishes deeply. Argan oil is rich in anti-oxidants and repairs damaged hair. The high vitamin E and vitamin F content repairs damaged hair and makes the hair lustrous. Argan oil also treats split ends. It is known as “liquid gold” for its wonderful properties on hair and is absolutely great for hair damaged from heat styling.
Jojoba Oil:
Jojoba oil is highly beneficial for both hair and skin because of its moisturizing and healing properties. Regular use of the oil makes hair lustrous and frizz free. Jojoba oil aids in hair growth by helping in the growth of new hair cells. It acts against dandruff and thus reduces hair fall.
Coconut Oil:
Coconut oil has been hailed by some as the best hair oil as it gives hair a healthy, soft, and lustrous appearance. Coconut oil is a natural conditioner rich in vitamin E and antioxidants which repairs damaged hair. It is also known to penetrate into hair follicles and stimulating hair growth and moisturizes dry hair. Coconut oil makes hair softer and prevents hair breakage and split ends. When herbs like bhringa, brahmi and curry leaves are added to coconut oil, it excelerates hair growth.
Sources: https://draxe.com/essential-oils-for-hair/
https://www.healthline.com/health/biotin-hair-growth
https://therighthairstyles.com/top-5-easy-showy-protective-hairstyles-for-natural-hair/
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