If you're losing copious amounts of hair very suddenly then you need to see a doctor early for an exam, proper diagnosis and medication if necessary. Hair loss can happen to anyone for many reasons including, but not limited to illness, medications, work, emotional stress, thyroid disease and much more. 95% of all hair loss is attributed to Androgenetic Alopecia and it can effect both men and women although men experience a much greater degree of loss. In women it occurs over most of the scalp and appears as diffused hair loss.
Here are some ways to prevent hair loss and retain and maintain the hair that you do have.
Step 1- Avoid harsh chemicals (i.e. relaxers, bleaching, and coloring) and hair styles that pull the hair tight. Hair pulling and twisting used by many African Americans can lend themselves to hair loss and balding. This is why it's important that African American men and women reduce the wearing of tight braids and twists. This can lead to hair loss due to scarring of the scalp area also known as Scarring Alopecia, which typically involves the top of the scalp and is believed to be associated with persistent tight braiding of the hair. If you're going to wear your hair in braids then ask your stylist not pull or plat them so tightly. It's better if your came loose then to fall out. Also consult with your hairstylist to create styles that minimize the appearance of hair loss without sacrificing your look.
Step 2 - Let your scalp breathe. Avoid wearing baseball caps, wigs and weaves everyday (stop using glue for hair weaves). Clogged hair follicles occur when the use of heavy conditioners or other greasy products are used on the hair.
Step 3 - Try using natural herbs and oils to help stimulate hair growth. Rosemary
, lavender
, sage
, fenugreek
, Vitamin E oil
and Castor oil are just some of the natural herbs and oils that are known to stimulate hair growth. Here's a hair oil recipe that can aide in hair growth.1/4 c Jamaican Black Castor oil or regular Castor oil
2 Tbsp Jojoba oil
/
1 tsp Sage, fresh or dried
1 tsp Lavender, fresh or dried
1 tsp Rosemary, fresh or dried
- In a sauce pot combine all ingredients and cook over a low heat for 45 minutes to an hour (this is known as an herbal infusion).
- Removed oil infusion from heat and let cool until it's lukewarm
- Drain oil through strainer or cheese cloth with funnel into applicator bottle
Note: DO NOT shake the mixture as this causes free radicals within the oil that can cause it to go rancid. Instead, mixing oils you want to gently roll the bottle around until all have been fully incorporated. It's recommended that Rosemary not be used if you're pregnant, nursing, have high blood pressure or on children under the age of 2 years.
Step 4 - Incorporate more Omega 3 and Omega 6 foods, such as fish into your diet as well as drinking more water. Eat B vitamin rich leafy vegetables and foods. Remember that hair is made of protein and needs proper nutrition to grow. Hair loss will occur if there isn't enough protein in the diet.
