Hair Loss and Thining Edges

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

2 Tbsp Coconut/Olive oil

1 tsp Sage, fresh or dried

1 tsp Lavender, fresh or dried

1 tsp Rosemary, fresh or dried

1. 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).
2. Removed oil infusion from heat and let cool until it's lukewarm
3. 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.

Nutmeg Butter

Nutmeg Butter is extracted from the kernal of the fruite of the nutmeg tree (Myristica fragrans), a native of the Molucca Islands, but is cultivated elsewhere in the tropics.

It's a semi-solid, yellow low melting ingredients of the nutmeg fruit and contains high amounds of essential myristic acid.  Nutmeg Butter has been used to soothe skin irritations and to alleviate rheumatic pain.  It's also recommended that pregnant women do not use during pregnancy.

Nail & Cuticle Care

During the winter our nails and cuticles are more prone to becoming dry, brittle and cracked due to the lack of moisture in the air. The appearance of our nails is a good indicator of our overall health.  Nail care includes the care of our cuticles, which is the dead skin that overlaps the nail plate at the base of the nail.  The cuticle acts as a seal between the nails and the fingers and protects the body from fungus.  Ragged cuticles are an indication that your cuticles are dehydrated and in need of immediate care to restore moisture and health. By the same token too much exposure to water and/or improper trimming can result in cuts that reflect dehydration, redness and irritation.  The key to healthy nails is soft cuticles. 

Here are a few simple, homemade nail and cuticle recipes for healthier and stronger fingernails.

Olive Oil
2 Tbsp Olive oil
Warm olive oil slightly and gently massage cuticles

Lavender Olive
1 tsp Olive oil
3 drops Lavender essential oil

Healing Cuticle Oil
5-10 drops Tea Tree essential oil
2 Tbsp Sweet Almond oil

Nail Conditioner, Strengthener & Whitener
2 drops Tea Tree oil
2 drops Lavender oil
2 drops Rosemary oil
2 drops Lemon oil
2 Tbsp Vitamin E, Sweet Almond, Jojoba or Olive oil

• Remember to always store oils in a small dark glass jar or bottle (1oz-2oz) as this helps to keep the oil longer and avoid oxidization.
• Tea Tree and Lavender essential oils have anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties.
• Rosemary essential oil moisturizes and strengthens dry and brittle nails.
• Lemon essential oil strengthens weak nails as well as whitens discolored nails.
• Vitamin E, Sweet Almond, Jojoba and Olive oil are excellent moisturizers and conditioners.
• DO NOT shake the mixtures as this causes free radicals to form within the oils that can cause it to go rancid.  Instead, when mixing you want to gently roll the bottle around until all has been fully incorporated.

Ucuuba Butter

Ucuuba Butter is native to Central and South America and is cold pressed from the seeds of the Ucuuba tree.

Ucuuba Butter is said to have anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties and is ideal for treating acne, eczema and dry or irritated skin.  Exceptionally rich in essential fatty acids, Ucuuba Butter is considered to have anti-aging properties and can be used to replenish tone and moisture to dry and mature skin. Therefore it's ideal for making pomades, creams lotions, and body butters.

Murumuru Butter

The Murumuru tree grows in the clay rich soils of the Amazon rainforest and can also be found on the fertile firm terrain.

Murumuru Butter is a rich butter that is a light amber color and carries a natural earthy aroma.  Its rich oleic acid content promotes nutrition and moisture for skin, hair and scalp.  It's an excellent choice for shampoos, conditioners and highly moisturizing skin care products.