Must Know About Afro Hair Loss

 Hair loss is something we all worry about, but hair loss won't occur until much later in life for most of us (provided we look after our afro hair).

And yet, despite this, it's a major issue amongst black women and the topic "tends to be shrouded in silence". 

What Causes Afro Hair Loss?

But what causes afro hair loss? In most cases, afro hair loss results from bad hair practices or mistreatment. In others, it's down to stress, diet or conditions that require a different approach.

So, to help you avoid afro hair loss wherever possible, we've taken a look at what causes afro hair loss and what you can do to combat it. 

Stress

Of all the things that cause afro hair loss, stress might be the trickiest to deal with – not because there aren't solutions (there are), it's just that everyone deals with stress differently.

Now, when it comes to stress and afro hair loss, two types can be attributed to stress:

Telogen effluvium

This is a temporary form of hair loss that usually happens after stress, a shock or a traumatic event. 

Trichotillomania

Trichotillomania is when someone can't resist the urge to pull out their hair and feel "growing tension" until they do. This may be done in response to a stressful situation. 

What can you do to manage your stress? Avoid things like caffeine, alcohol and nicotine. Have a balanced diet. Try to get more sleep. Try relaxation techniques. Talk to someone. Manage your time more effectively. Take a holiday where you truly switch off. Meet some friends.

Do everything and anything you can to reach a level of comfort and calm that makes you happy. Taking control of the situation is often the best thing you can do, and doing nothing can make problems worse.

Keeping your stress levels under control will do wonders for your health and, in turn, your hair. You'll be noticeably more chirpy and your hair vibrant. 

If your stress levels reach a point where you begin seeing symptoms of stress in other areas, i.e. excessive tiredness, distraction/forgetfulness, excessive worry or irritability, or your health begins to suffer (headaches, chest pain or shortness of breath), please see a medical professional.

Scalp Conditions And Disorders

Scalp conditions can be an absolute pain, from dry scalp and dandruff to eczema and dermatitis. They're all annoying.

Now you might say, "but none of these conditions cause afro hair loss, surely?" and you'd be right. They don't directly cause hair loss, but the itchiness they cause can lead to scratching, which can damage your hair follicles and scalp, leading to partial hair loss.

What can you do to manage your scalp conditions? Fortunately, the above can all be managed and treated with the right afro hair care (natural shampoos, moisturisers and oils). As with everything, it's all about having the right products and routine.

We've put together a blog on treating dry afro hair (which you can find here), but the main things to remember are: use a sulphate-free shampoo and get natural moisturisers and oils. The natural products will provide your hair with the nutrients it needs to grow long and strong, while a sulphate-free shampoo won't strip your hair of its sebum, ensuring it's not dried out.

 

5 tips for effectively reducing hair fall in the winter

1. Oil massages

There's nothing better than a relaxing scalp massage to help your hair during the winter months. This increases blood circulation on your scalp. This can help build up the hair follicles inside.

Warm-up 2-3 teaspoons of almond oil or olive oil, and gently massage it onto the scalp to help it penetrate into the hair's root. For a deep-conditioning effect, it is possible to apply the oil along all the hair's length, too. In addition to being extremely relaxing massages with oil are a fantastic method to nourish your scalp and hair with the necessary vitamins to fight winter's harsh cold. Regularly massaging your hair with oil is crucial to ensure its shine and strength increase blood circulation and ensure proper nourishment for the cuticles of your hair. Be aware of your levels of Vitamin B, as Vitamin B12 helps to promote healthy hair growth.

For removing the dandruff problem, apply some oil, mix it with a bit of camphor. Apply it on your scalp. Camphor acts as an antiseptic, and aids in reducing the dryness on your scalp as well as preventing itching.

2. Examine the real causes of hair fall.

Stress to nutrition deficiency everyday habits yours could contribute to a winter-related fall-off in hair. See a hair specialist (trichologist) help keep your hair looking shiny and healthy. Your doctor may recommend certain tests for health to know your blood-borne parameters. A comprehensive blood test will allow your doctor to determine if you have a systemic illness that could be the cause of the condition of your scalp and hair.

3. Drink plenty of water and eat a balanced diet.

A diet that is unhealthy, coupled with the absence of vital minerals, vitamins, and other hair-related nutrients within your diet may result in loss of hair. Vitamin A stimulates the healthy production of sebum on the scalp. Vitamin E increases blood flow to the scalp, which helps hair follicles to remain healthy, and vitamin B aids to maintain the health of hair. Insufficient nutrition and diet deficiencies hinder the body's ability to produce fresh hair follicles. Make sure you eat enough green food and protein when it is cold. Consuming lean curd, fish, meats, or soy as well as other protein sources encourages hair growth and keeps an eye on the loss of hair.

Do you think you're not taking care of your health?

In addition water, it is the most magical ingredient we all require to keep hydrated during this winter's dry weather. Drink plenty of fluids and ensure that your hair is well-hydrated. This will help prevent split ends and dry hair. It will also help nourish shining, glowing hair.

4. Make sure you use the correct hair products based on the hair type

There are many hair products, including shampoos, oils for hair conditioners, shampoos, and masks. The right product for your hair needs is an important aspect of preventing loss of hair. For instance, if you have hair that is dry choose products that are deep conditioning.

A conditioner that moisturizes your hair is a crucial step in hair care that is missed too often. It's the most essential step to take during winter. Conditioning can do wonders for your hair's outermost layer- the cuticle, to make it appear healthy and shiny. When you condition after each wash, you will ensure that the cuticle fulfills its purpose of providing the protective shield is supposed to serve. When buying, search for conditioners that contain cetyl alcohol since it's widely regarded as a moisturizing ingredient.

Additionally, an intense conditioning hair mask is an excellent option to ensure your hair stays well-hydrated and stop it from becoming dry and boring, and lifeless. Hair packs made from natural ingredients for winter hair care give your hair shiny hair. It can be used every week or once.

For the first time, if you want to start hair care at home, you can take the egg and banana in a bowl and mix them well until it forms an emulsion. Add the juice of a lemon, along with a Vitamin E capsule. Then mix with the blender. Apply the paste from the roots to the ends of your hair. Wait at least 30 minutes prior to washing it out using a mild shampoo.

You could also use an organic aloe vera gel. You can add a few drops of lemon juice and 1 tablespoon of olive oil or coconut oil. Apply the mixture evenly starting from the roots to the tips of the hair. Wait for 30 minutes. Apply a mild shampoo, as well as a cool (preferably) or the lukewarm option to wash your hair.

5. Beware of taking a hot bath

Do not take long hot showers or wash your hair using hot shower water. Excessive heat can harm your hair. Choose cool water when you take an in-head bath.

Also, you should try to limit the usage of curling irons, or blow dryers. The less you'll have to deal with using these devices for heat styling more healthy hairstyles will end up. If you do your hair frequently make sure you apply a hair-protection spray prior to trying new styles.

Do you have the right tools to manage the fall of hair in the winter?

Follow these steps like a regular routine to take care of your winter hair and get beautiful hair with the best treatment! This winter, say goodbye to all your hair issues and put all your bad hair days to the past.

Name: Derm-E-Care - Best Dermatologist & Cosmetologist Skin Care Doctor in Andheri West
Address: Shop No 22, Ground Floor, Kartik Complex Opp. Laxmi Industries, New Link Rd, near Senco Gold & Diamond, Andheri West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400053
Phone No: 9833769146