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We all know of a black woman with severe hairline issues. We may be that black woman with the sparse hairline, thin or weak edges, and mild or severe traction alopecia – the hallmarks of an acutely damaged hairline.

We are becoming much more educated as to why our hairline is receding; the usual suspects being overuse of weaves, hair that is pulled much too tightly into braided hairstyles, locs that are pulling at our scalps and ponytails. All of these styles when overused or used improperly will cause pressure at the hair root which in turn causes damage – lasting damage in most cases.

Here are 5 tips that are worth repeating to reduce or prevent a prematurely receding hairline:

1. If a style hurts especially along the edges, it’s time to stop wearing that hairstyle if you want to save your edges. If you want to wear your hair pulled back, make sure that the style is gently and loosely held in place. Tightly pulling back hair causes tension along the hairline resulting in thin edges over time due to weakened hair resulting in hair loss. You won’t even notice the loss until it’s too late.

2. Sans the elastic headbands and choose a loose cloth headband or scarf instead. Opt for silk or satin headbands whenever possible.

3. When braiding the hair, make sure that your braids are not too tight along the hairline. Avoid braids that are either too small, (which will cause damage when you take them out), or too large. Heavy braids will pull at the hair root which can lead to permanent root damage and traction alopecia. The same applies to locs. If your locs are too heavy, you’ll cause permanent hair damage over time. If you notice that you are suffering from headaches, or the locs are becoming too long and heavy, cut them to alleviate the weight of the hair pulling against your scalp.

4. Avoid sleeping in very tight updos, buns or ponytails. If you have to tie your hair up i.e. in a pineapple before bed to get a second-day hair, make sure that you tie your hair loosely with a scrunchie. Covering your loosely tied hair with a satin scarf will keep the sensitive hair along your edges from getting stressed if you toss and turn in your sleep. Sleeping on a silk or satin pillowcase will also help.

5. Give your sensitive hairline some much-needed tender loving care by massaging it with natural oils or butters. Natural oils like castor oil, grapeseed and coconut oil and natural shea butter can soothe and nourish your scalp because they contain nutrients like Vitamin A which helps keep follicles healthy. Regularly massaging your scalp two to five times a week may encourage growth of healthy, strong hair; especially along your hairline.

Felicia Leatherwood, celebrity natural hairstylist recommends using Temple Balm by Organic Root Stimulator to stimulate hair growth around your edges.

Author: Dianne

Protect Your Hair -Silk Scarves



“Changing attitudes about natural hair” is what we do at Natural Haircare News. Through informative articles, podcasts and videos, we go beyond just sharing the latest advice and tips on kinky, curly, wavy haircare – We shake things up and focus on the realities of wearing our hair natural.