Nurturing your edges is a part of hair care maintenance. Even if you’ve done everything to protect your edges, there are some situations where the damage is difficult to avoid. Those suffering from alopecia may be well aware of this challenge. Alopecia is a key cause of thinning edges, and can affect confidence and overall hair health.
What causes balding edges?
According to the Hair Restoration Center in Connecticut, traction alopecia could be a cause for balding edges. The tension caused by tight high ponytails causes edges to gradually fall out. The good news is that this form of alopecia is entirely treatable. Note that if persistent traction alopecia occurs it may result in permanent hair loss.
Certain protective hairstyles may also be to blame for thinning edges. When your hairline begins to suffer, you will notice that there are a few protective hairstyles that cause significant damage to your edges. Some of the staple protective hairstyles to look out for include box braids, lace fronts and faux locs. While useful, these hairstyles cause unnecessary pressure to your edges.
Otherwise, genetics could also be the root cause of thinning edges. Hormonal and medical conditions contribute to hair loss that affects edges.
How to grow your edges back
If you’re regrowing edges once they’ve been lost, there are a few options to get you back on track to a healthy head of hair.
Rethink your protective hair styles
Growing your edges once they’ve been lost means reconsidering which hairstyles you regularly use. Choosing low tension hairstyles will be the most productive decision in the long run and will be kinder to your scalp health. Some low-tension hairstyles include knotless braids, mini twists, wash and gos, and low/high puffs.
Massage your edges
Stimulate the scalp and promote growth with head massages. Massages will significantly increase oxygen, blood flow and nutrients to the scalp which will aid edge growth. Some opt to massage the edges freely but using warm oils may also hugely help the process.
Natural oils
Jamaican castor oil has long been used as a miracle oil for hair regrowth. Incorporating Jamaican castor oil into your regimen will help stimulate the follicles. Other oils that may be worth trying to help grow your edges back include Jojoba oil, which is closest to sebum, the oil naturally secreted by the scalp, and Argan oil, which strengthens and supports healthy hair growth.
Supplements for hair growth
Taking supplements and vitamins for hair loss can help with your goal of regaining luscious edges. Thankfully there are a handful of products that are known to help regrow hair after loss. They include biotin, zinc and iron. Supplements should be taken consistently.
A healthy diet
It’s been said over and over again, but you really are what you eat. Eating your vegetables and ensuring that your diet is rich in antioxidants will be a game-changer in growing your hair back thicker and fuller than ever. Laying your edges will soon be your reality, but patience and observation will be key!
Related: What Exactly Is Alopecia? 5 Facts To Keep You Informed