Studies show that there will be a high increase in hair loss amongst black/African American women between the ages of 20-35. Unlike the normal hair loss that begins around age 40. Guess what won’t be the cause of hair loss… Relaxers. Guess what will be the cause of increased number. Wigs! I see more teens and young adults are the most who are defaulting to wigs instead of healthy hair care. By age 30 they will be the group that struggles the most with hair loss.
1. Wearing a wig is ok. Wearing a wig ALWAYS and never allowing your hair to breath and be free causes maximum damage!
2. What was the reason for the “natural hair movement”? It was to take back our identity and love who we are. So yes, a lot of us returned natural. But what happened?
We did not return to healthy hair care. We returned to hiding the same hair to wear wigs similar to relaxers.
The illusion that wigs are apart of our culture is untrue. Our culture extensions are added to braids, twists, locs and more. Not covering and hiding it. There are different types of extensions out there that our hair can be free and will continue to grow. Like linked ins, clip ins and more.
But what is happening to the hair under the wigs?
First and foremost, incorrect application and removal of wigs can lead to damaged, dry or brittle hair.
Second, hair needs oxygen it needs to be free to breathe. Since hair contains cells, and every single cell requires oxygen for life, therefore, it is crucial to ensure that the hair receives sufficient oxygen so that cells leading to hair growth can be renewed. Less oxygen is carried to the scalp, starving the follicles, and eventually causing gradual, uniform hair loss.
Healthy hair is partially a result of sufficient supply of oxygen to the hair. Oxygen encourages a healthy scalp that generates growth of strong and healthy hair. Hair follicles thrive on nutrients and oxygen supplied by the blood capillaries. Increased blood circulation to the scalp encourages the scalp to increase hair growth throughout the entire head.
When oxygen intake is reduced, our circulatory system can be disrupted and less oxygen is available for transportation to the cells in our body. A lack of oxygen affects all cells, including the hair cells and can cause premature hair thinning and hair loss.
We need to bear in mind that one of the most important contributors to having healthy hair is a sufficient supply of oxygen and nutrients to the scalp and hair. The top of the scalp is the most difficult place to maintain good blood circulation because it is the farthest point upward from the heart, thus hair follicles can become sluggish forcing hair to grow at a slower rate.
Thirdly, the hair on the scalp grow out of hair follicles. Bacteria can enter the skin through damaged hair follicles. The scalp also grow fungi and bacteria when the scalp isn’t properly exposed and taken care of. Healthy scalp is the answer to healthy hair. So covering the scalp hinders it’s ability to grow successfully!
Bonus:
If you are experiencing fungi on the scalp a easy quick remedy is Tea Tree. Get some tea tree shampoo and conditioner.
What kills fungus on scalp naturally?
——Use Tea Tree Oil——
Tea tree oil is naturally antifungal and antibacterial. Mix it with any carrier oil like coconut oil or olive oil and dab over the infected area. This is one of the most effective home remedies to treat fungal infections.
But if this isn’t helpful please speak with a dermatologist as soon as possible. Seeing a cultural sensitive dermatologist would be even better.
Eating food rich with Iron helps to create strong nutrition for the scalp and helps to build strong, healthy hair.
Biotin has functions in “creating red blood cells, which carry oxygen and nutrients to the scalp and hair follicles.
Vitamin C. Oxidative stress is one of the main factors contributing to hair loss. This occurs when we have an imbalance of free radicals and antioxidants
Vitamin D
Vitamin D Deficiency (is number one in black woman) can lead to hair loss conditions like alopecia, female pattern hair loss and excessive shedding.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E contains the same antioxidant prowess as its vitamin C counterpart possesses. It means it can curb oxidative stress by balancing out the electron level in free radicals.
Let’s begin to be more hair conscious. In my efforts to teach healthy hair care for textured and natural hair, I also want to inspire black woman to love their curls. If you get a relaxer also love and take care of your real hair and scalp. Improper relaxing also cause major damage.
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