Hair Loss Advice for Black Women from the Afro Hair Specialists at Junior Green Hair Salon in Kensington, West London
Thinning hair and hair loss is a common problem amongst black women which can be upsetting and distressing.
If you have any hair concerns, please take the time to talk to your Junior Green black hair specialist at our Kensington afro hair salon. We can offer advice and help you find a hairstyle to disguise your hair loss. It is also important that you consult your doctor to assess whether there are medical reasons for your hair or scalp issues.
Remember that you are not alone. Many black women experience hair loss or thinning hair at some stage in their life and there are many causes and reasons for this. Take actress Jada Pinkett Smith, for example. She blamed her hair loss on stress and admitted having to cut her hair short and wearing turbans to disguise her hair loss.
In this article we look at some of the causes of hair loss, and give some advice to help improve the situation.
Hair Loss Caused by Weaving & Braiding of Black Afro Hair
Wigs, braids and weaves give black women versatility when it comes to styling their hair and can be worn safely – just make sure you have yours fitted by an expert from Junior Green Hair Salon in Kensington.
You may begin to have hair issues if you fail to give your hair a rest from braids and when your braided hair is pulled too tightly. Traction alopecia is a form of hair loss caused from the tension on your hair from tight hairstyles like braids, extensions and wigs, where the hair is braided underneath.
The first signs of traction alopecia are likely to be pain and tiny bumps around the hair follicles. If this is not treated and you continue to put your hair under tension, these bumpy areas will scar over and stop the hair from growing.
Naturally curly hair is also naturally fragile as the sebum (moisture) from the scalp is unable to travel the full length of the hair due to the bends. This means curly afro hair is prone to breakage so needs extra care and attention.
Thinning Hair in Black Women During the Menopause
All women go through the menopause, but not all women experience the same symptoms. A decrease in oestrogen in the body during the menopause can lead to afro hair loss and thinning hair. You may also find that your hair does not grow as long because reduced oestrogen causes the hair to grow more slowly.
During menopause, many women find that their hair does not grow as long. This is because oestrogens keep the hair in the growing phase, and the longer the growing phase, the more hair will grow.
Hair Loss in Black Women With Thyroid Problems
The thyroid is essential in the production of hormones necessary in regulating many bodily processes. The fluctuation of thyroid hormones in the body may cause your hair growth cycle to slow down. If you suspect you have a thyroid problem, please book in to see your doctor.
In the meantime, it may be worth increasing your protein, essential minerals and micro-nutrients in your diet.
Some of the best sources of protein are nuts, seeds and beans, while your hair and scalp health can also improve with a diet rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, selenium, iron, Vitamin A, B-vitamins, Vitamin D, iodine, and copper.
These nutrients may help to correct any imbalance or disorder that affects your thyroid.
Diabetes and Black Afro Hair Loss
If you have, or suspect you have, diabetes it is vital you book in to see your doctor. Diabetes that is unmanaged can have many adverse affects on the body, including hair loss or thinning hair. The causes of hair loss among diabetics can be difficult to pinpoint, although there are a few common causes including hormonal imbalance, emotional stress and the medication you are taking.
While hair loss can be extremely distressing and can affect your confidence, there is good news. Most hair loss caused by thyroid issues and diabetes are not permanent and can be reversed with the right approach. We have some tips on how to treat or manage your hair loss:
Tips To Encourage Thinning Afro Hair To Grow Back Healthy
Tips on growing back healthy afro hair include:
– massaging the area to stimulate the blood flow
– avoid over-washing and over-styling your hair
– hot oil treatments and conditioning treatments
– avoiding tension on the hair (braiding etc)
– consider moving towards wearing your hair in a natural afro hairstyle
– using a satin pillowcase at night to reduce the friction on hair strands
– increase protein and zinc intake (within daily diet)
– taking supplements to promote hair growth & scalp health
– a well-balanced diet and good state of health have positive effects on hair growth.
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