The Epidemic Of Hair Loss... Why Is My Hair Breaking Off/Falling Out? Common Causes of Hair Loss...How To Correct & Prevent it
The Epidemic Of Hair Loss Among Women With Highly-Textured Afro Hair
There are many common reasons for hair loss among the general population, but hair loss causes among those of us with afro textured hair especially, women may be more self inflicted than internal or hereditary, though these are also often common reasons for our hair loss.
Possible Causes of Hair Loss
Most hair loss is due to a few common factors. First and most difficult to treat are internal factors. Many persons experience hair loss due to heredity, medical illnesses and other biological deficiencies. Some of these causes can be the result of stress, post-natal hair loss, thyroid condition, high blood pressure, diabetes, poor diet, cancer, prescription medications and other medical conditions. To be sure of the root cause of your possible internal conditions causing your hair loss, it is important to seek the advice and evaluation of a broad certified dermatologist and or internal medicine physician. By way of medical tests they will be able to determine what if any internal problems could be causing your hair loss problems. Second, your hair loss could be the result of a external factors, such as the improper use of or allergic reactions to harsh chemicals in the products being used. Types of products that may cause hair loss and breakage are permanent chemical relaxers and hair colors. Other causes can be from harsh or synthetic ingredients in many products that you may have been able to tolerate in the past but now find you are now allergic to. Certain ingredients in these products may also react adversely when used in conjunction with certain prescription medications. Or, over time our hair and scalp may simply no longer to be able to tolerate ingredients we once could due health or other reasons. Finally, styling practices or how we manipulate our hair, is by far one of the most prevalent yet preventable ways that many, women especially those with highly-textured hair, are losing hair at epidemic proportions. Styling practices such as weaving, braiding and even the use of wigs can and do cause much of the temporary and even permanent hair loss experienced by many. Often the very "protective styles" used to help the hair grow are actually the root cause of hair loss. Many weaving, braiding and even natural hair styling and locing techniques cause traction alopecia and hair thinning and sometimes worse, permanent hair loss.
Before
But the reason for this epidemic may go deeper than either internal or even external factors..
After
Why You Might Be Your Hair's Worst Enemy...
Sadly, it has only been in the last 10-20 years that many of us have learned to care for our own real hair, be it natural or chemically treated. While I generally advocate for wearing the hair in it's natural state, it's not likely that all women with highly textured hair will opt to "grow natural", and style their hair with out the use of chemicals or hair extensions or additions. Hair in it's natural state will always be at it's strongest and healthiest when cared for properly. However, without the necessary education about your own individual hair's natural texture, it is impossible to properly care for it. Because most highly-textured natural hair does not secrete natural oils or sebum to lubricate the hair shaft (not just moisturize), it is prone to severe dryness and thus breakage. Highly textured natural hair requires the proper combination or both moisture and oil or constant lubrication to maintain the necessary softness and protection to prevent breakage. As difficult and time consuming as it may be for some, it is necessary to educate ourselves about our own individual hair type, texture and it's needs to successfully maintain a healthy, growing head of hair. Most in the natural hair community, have adopted a "hair-typing" system, though absolutely no one hair texture is the same as another, even within families. There may be close similarities but never is it exactly the same. Even when it comes to hair typing, it is important to understand that while we may have a variety of both different and similar hair types, that still does not include the variety or hair textures we may have. Even on one head of hair we may have a variety of hair types & textures. This accepted hair typing (hair pattern) system does not usually address the many hair textures, ie; soft, medium, corse, very corse, etc. Therefore, in order to maintain our hair successfully, we must patiently study our own individual hair type and condition and how it responds to different hair care products and regimens. This can only be done by careful research, then trial and error. In some cases, you may be fortunate to have a very experienced stylist or even a relative that has a similar hair type and texture as you that has successfully learned how to care for their hair type to guide you. Unfortunately, for many, within and without our community, wearing your hair in it's natural state has not and is not always accepted. For this reason, we are unfortunately a culture of people who have not been educated as to how to properly care for our general hair type and texture, instead opting to use chemical or heat straightening or hair extensions such as braids weaves or wigs that often cause us to put off learning how to properly care for our own hair. We must learn to love our hair no matter the type (pattern) or texture. In many cases it is a lack of confidence or know how to care for our hair, (in some cases) be it natural or chemically treated, that has prevents many from taking the time necessary to learn how to make our unique hair type/texture optimally beautiful, for others it may the sheer time consumingness of it. However, anything we love enough, be it a person or thing, we will take the time to learn what it will take to make it flourish. The same applies to our hair. Though some are able to achieve an attractive head on hair via the use of harsh chemicals, artificial hair additions or styles that may cause stress to the hair and it's follicle, in time, many of the accepted ways of caring for or even covering up our hair may in the end be the very cause of our hair loss.
How To Correct & Prevent Hair Loss...
Not all hair loss can be corrected. In some cases hair loss may be so severe that nothing will bring it back. The hair follicle may be so damaged or scarred that the hair follicle is completely dead and unable to be revived. Unfortunately, in the case of permanent hair loss the use of artificial hair or wigs may be your only option, either because of medical reasons or in the case of permanent hair follicle damage. But for those who may be experiencing temporary hair loss, thinning or breakage due to external factors, learning what is causing your hair loss will help you to correct current hair loss and prevent future hair loss. Seeing a physician who can diagnose and prescribe medications that can restore hair growth is a good start. Though some medications may themselves cause other side effects. Therefore, ask your physician if there may be a more natural or less invasive remedy that can be tried first. It's possible that dietary and lifestyle changes, ways of relieving stress and mild medications may help correct the problem over time. Making changes in the way the hair is styled regularly will do much to prevent most temporary or permanent hair loss problems. In this case, early prevention is better than looking for a cure that may not be able restore your hair to its original healthy state. Eliminating hair styles that require severe or even moderate constant manipulation will prevent traction or repetitive manipulation hair loss. Opt for styles using your own natural or real hair without the use of extensions and added hair which usually requires pulling and stress on the hair shaft and hair follicle. Finally, whether your hair is natural or chemically treated with relaxers or permanent hair color, its' important to use these products responsibly. Be sure to read the manufacturers directions and follow them carefully. Use the prescribed products when shampooing and conditioning right after using them to be sure the chemical has been properly neutralized. Then follow up regularly with products that nourish the hairshaft, scalp and follicle sufficiently and return the hair to a healthy pH level. If you must use permanent chemical products such as relaxers and permanent hair colors, use them only a few times a year and protect the hair and scalp from these chemicals with a fortified scalp and hair base as a barrier against direct contact to the hair, skin & scalp. In some cases, over time, you may have used certain products or even chemicals that your hair and scalp may now have developed an allergic reaction that may begin causing hair, skin or scalp irritation, hair breakage, hair loss and thinning. Hair breakage can usually be eliminated by properly using the products, however, in many cases if the hair begins to shed, break, fall out and thin from the scalp or follicle, this may be the beginning of permanent hair loss and these products should be eliminated completely to prevent irreversible hair loss. Most importantly, learn to love your own, unique hair type and texture, be patient with it and in time it will flourish and make you proud! and become "the crown of glory" it was meant to be!
For more information on real & natural hair styling ideas, tutorials and product use, browse this website or read our blog for step-by-step instruction on how to maintain your hair for optimal health.
Journey To Natural Hair...
A Natural Hair Journey & Transition Story
Last spring I began helping an amazing young lady transition to her natural hair texture. Having always had a healthy head of hair, though relaxed, she-and I, were a bit apprehensive about cutting all of her relaxed hair at once. Since her hair had become severely damaged after enrolling in a major University and enduring all the stress that comes along with it, her hair began to suffer. Giving it a great deal of thought she decided to make the transition. This video will showcase her transition and the final look we chose to help protect her beautiful new natural tresses.
It is highly recommended that you test your hair before attempting this style to be sure it is compatible with your hair type, texture and condition.
VIDEO PHASE 1: THE PARTIAL BIG CHOP The video below shows how her hair was cut in a partial big chop. Then coiled & perm rod set. This allowed her time to become accustomed to working with her natural hair.
VIDEO PHASE 2: This video will show a few weeks later when her hair was a tad bit longer and able to be perm rod set all over. This "Cute Curly Fro" is ideal for those who are newly natural.
VIDEO PHASE 3: After the final cut to remove the remainder of her relaxed ends. The video below chronicles her 1 year complete transition into her natural and professional journey. After achieving a significant amount of growth, we opted for a style that would allow her to protect her ever growing natural hair and provide her with a low maintenance style. The thumb nail photo is here before pic when her hair was healthy yet relaxed. After the stresses of college and life her healthy hair began to suffer. The video will pick up her journey to natural hair from that point. Enjoy her touching journey!
I get a lot of Naturals concerned about how to make their perm rod set last longer. How to create a natural hair roller set that will last longer than a few days. This technique will allow you to protect your hair and style it at the same time. This style can last for up to 1-3 months depending on hair type and texture. When done correctly they are easily taken down with a denman brush and a good slip conditioner brushing the ends and working up. The braids should be done loosely, to make take down easy. A few test braids should be done to be sure this style is compatilbe with your hair type.
Products used: http://naturaloasisproducts.com/essential-balms/
HOW TO 3 STRAND TWIST FOR MORE DEFINITION
For some, your natural hair texture can be difficult to define. All hair textures can be styled in a way that is beautiful, polished and stunning.However, knowing how to achieve the look for your hair type is key. The popularity of 3 Strand Twists is ever growing as are the many ways of creating them. This video will show you step-by-step how to create a "Faux" Wash-N-Go look from an easy to create 3 strand twist out. These can be created on old stretched hair or on freshly cleansed tresses. For maximum definition, its best to apply additional moisturizer and or setting lotion so that you will maintain your definition for days to come.
100% ALL-NATURAL HOLISTIC, EDIBLE HAIR & SKIN CARE
Our products are all-natural, holistic products that will yield amazing yet gentle results for both hair & skin. We formulate our products with "100% Pure, All-Natural" Edible ingredients for the safety of those with allergies related to, common cosmetic grade ingredients, synthetic fragrance, soy, sulphates, parabens, silicones & estrogen so that you can be sure they are safe yet effective for you and your family. We use only 100% pure, full-strength, full potency, highly concentrated and highly beneficial, Non-GMO, Non-hydrogenated, non-toxic oils, all-natural and organic fruit, herbs & flowers and essential oils.
Our products are not diluted with water or cheap carrier oils, they are highly concentrated and last 2-4 times longer than most commercial products and are naturally shelf stable and preserved without the use of harmful chemicals. Freshness Guaranteed! Our products are made fresh weekly so you will always receive highly potent and effective products.
3 Strand Twist Out
There are times when those of us with naturally tightly coiled or textured hair may want to stretch, elongate and define it. There are many ways to achieve this. Braiding is a tried and generally healthy way to elongate the hair while still maintaining texture. There are new devices being created that also help with stretching or elongating naturally textured hair, but may not curl the hair at the same time.
Why forgo direct heat on naturally dry, kinky hair types?: It is because in order to get the hair completely straight you must disrupt the protein bonds of the hair. The extreme heat needed to straighten the hair will cause these protein bonds to be slightly broken down each time the hair is heat treated. The more often the hair is straightened the more the bonds will be broken down, causing the hair to lose it's natural curl pattern more and more each time the hair is pressed.
Depending on the hair's texture it may require more aggressive straightening to get the hair as straight and silky as one may desire. The straighter the hair texture is naturally the less heat will be required. This is why some can heat style their hair with minimal heat damage and others experience more damage. The type of process used to straighten the hair will also affect how damaging it will be to the hair. To minimize damage, especially if the hair texture is tighter, more corse and harder to straighten, opt for more indirect ways of straightening, stretching or loosening the hair, such as roller setting. Roller setting will allow you to set the hair in a way that it will straighten naturally as much as it can based on it's natural curl pattern without forcing it to straighten beyond it's natural ability and what is healthy for your particular curl patten and or texture. Heat damage occurs when the hair is forced to straighten far beyond it's natural curl patten using extreme heat and tension.
Many who have been trying to grow their natural hair have found that the hair only grows to a certain point but never to their desired length. If you are pressing your hair or using heat implements on a regular basis this could be the problem. Also trimming the ends regularly, especially if you are heat treating your hair, is a must. This is because heat treating the hair will cause the ends to split. If these ends are not trimmed they will travel up the hair shaft and cause uneven hair breakage and thinning.
If you have made the decision to "grow" natural, learn to accept your hair's natural texture without comparing it to that of others. Learn the options you have for changing and increasing your style options without damaging it with the excessive use of heat..
How to Achieve this look: When we opt for a curly style we most often want to maintain as much noticeable length as possible. This video will show how to define and elongate the hair while also creating amazing texture, curls and waves all without applying extreme tension, heat or manipulation to achieve the look.
What you will need to achieve this look:
PRODUCTS: Natural Oasis
Step1 Cleanser- Fruit Herb & Flower ACV
Step 2-Moisturizer/Leave-in Conditioner Honey Creme Liquid Balm
Step 3- Setting Lotion-Fruit, Herb 7 Flower Setting Lotion (Tea bags)
Step 4-Add Shine & Seal/Define: Herbal Hair & Skin/Scalp Conditioner Or Honey Gloss & Shine Liquid Balm
2) TOOLS: Large tooth comb, Rat-Tail Comb, Magnetic Rollers with Clamps, Large Perm Rods.
Cute Curly Fro | Transition Style
Not everyone is ready to do the drastic "big chop". This Natural Hair Transition Style Tutorial will show you how to style your hair while gradually cutting your relaxed ends. As well as how to style two hair textures while growing out the rest of your relaxer.
PRODUCTS: Natural Oasis
Step1 Cleanser- Fruit Herb & Flower ACV
Step 2-Moisturizer/Leave-in Conditioner Honey Creme Liquid Balm
Step 3- Setting Lotion-Fruit, Herb 7 Flower Setting Lotion (Tea bags)
Step 4-Add Shine & Seal/Define: Herbal Hair & Skin/Scalp Conditioner Or Honey Gloss & Shine Liquid Balm
Natural Hair No-Heat Curls & Waves
PRODUCTS: Natural Oasis
Step1 Cleanser- Fruit Herb & Flower ACV
Step 2-Moisturizer/Leave-in Conditioner Honey Creme Liquid Balm
Step 3- Setting Lotion-Fruit, Herb 7 Flower Setting Lotion (Tea bags)
Step 4-Add Shine & Seal/Define: Herbal Hair & Skin/Scalp Conditioner Or Honey Gloss & Shine Liquid Balm
HOW TO GIVE DRY 4C NATURAL HAIR, SHINE & DEFINITION
4C Defined Corkscrew Curly Coily Fro: Great way to define, stretch and curl short 4B/C natural hair. For transitioning hair to help blend natural and relaxed hair together to create a uniform look. For best results stretch and roll hair at the same time up rod.
What you will need to achieve this style:
1) About 30 perm rods.
2) Large tooth comb & leave-in moisturizer & detangler.
3) Large tooth rat-tail comb.
4) Small tooth rat-tail comb for smoothing & setting hair.
5) Setting lotion.
6) Hair oil for shine and sealing.
7) Maintain using a satin bonnet or sleeping on a satin pillow case.
To prevent dryness in the future, eliminate all direct heat, permanent hair color and bleaching, as this will make 4C hair textures excessively dry, brittle and prone to breakage. Click here for products used.
PRODUCTS: Natural Oasis
Step1 Cleanser- Fruit Herb & Flower ACV
Step 2-Moisturizer/Leave-in Conditioner Honey Creme Liquid Balm
Step 3- Setting Lotion-Fruit, Herb 7 Flower Setting Lotion (Tea bags)
Step 4-Add Shine & Seal/Define: Herbal Hair & Skin/Scalp Conditioner Or Honey Gloss & Shine Liquid Balm
