I have being getting a lot of questions
lately on thinning or disappearing hairlines………a while ago I researched this
article as part of a haircare series I wanted to do, but I put it on the back
burner thinking that it wasn’t something that was very important; as we were
all probably aware of Traction Alopecia but with all the
questions lately, I can see that we probably need a refresher on what exactly
this is and what we can do about it. I
have realized through my interactions that there are quite a few misconceptions
and also a lot bogus claims of miracle cures, and one of the biggest claims
that Castor Oil and especially Jamaican Black Castor Oil (JBCO) can treat and
cu
What is Traction Alopecia?
This the gradual loss of hair along the hair line mainly on the temples and sides of the hair. This type of Alopecia or hair loss is not caused by illness or any internal factors in your body it is caused by YOU and ME and our STYLISTS……the continual tension being applied on this area by hairstyles that pull the hair back tightly like weaves, braids, and tight pony tails. Damage is caused to the dermal papilla and hair follicle therefore the follicle kind of “dies”. Damage can also be caused by over processing of the hair with chemicals like relaxers, hair dyes and bleaches. (Source Wikipedia and www.traction-alopecia.com )
Traction Alopecia is ONLY REVERSIBLE if
detected early if you can see that a certain style is damaging your hair STOP
doing it immediately. There are various
interventions you can do at this early stage, such as increasing your protein
intake, as protein is a building block of your hair, include more Zinc, Biotin,
Vitamin E and Omega 3 Fatty Acids in your diet, taking supplements as well
helps build up these minerals. You will also
need to exercise and generally maintain a healthy life style as this will also
reflect on the general health of your hair. (source www.urbanbushbabes.com )
What I have found out
Through all my trolling of the WWW, trying
to find the cure for traction alopecia the only solutions I have found have being
for treating it at the very early stages.
There is ABSOLUTELY NO topical
cure for traction alopecia when you follicle has being permanently damaged……. the only cure for this would be a
cosmetic surgery where they would transplant hair from mainly the back of your
head to the affected area. So in essence really prevention of this is better
than living with no hair along your hairline……I have also found myself with
hairstyles that are too tight and I have sworn never to do it again only to do
it again and again…...prevention is something that we probably have to be more conscious
of at all times when styling our hair…..we have to make sure that whatever
style we choose does not pull at the temples so much that your eyes start to
slant that is a definite no no ………. Say good bye to tight pony tails, tight
weaves and braids and hairstyles that put too much pressure on your hair
line. Just rock your natural hair
ladies……
If at all your are worried about Traction Alopecia
or are developing any bald spots or on your head please see a qualified
dermatologist……. they are the only ones who can give any medical advice and/or
treatments of any form for Alopecia or hair loss…….your are welcome however to trying
safe home remedies for treatment as long as they do no irritate or burn your
scalp this will only aggravate the situation……As always I have searched the WWW
and I have found hundreds of home remedies on how to “treat” early stages of
Traction Alopecia here is just a few that I felt were worthy of a mention……..I
too have my own “concoction” a mixture
of 7 essential oils that I feel stimulate my hair growth. I
gently massage this into my hair line when I feel I have mistreated my temples
and the sides of my hair and I obviously STOP whatever hairstyle was causing
the damage or pain………here is a few you can all give a try and let me know
Treatments and Home Remedies
This treatment was done by Gabrielle
Allen founder of www.strawberriecurls.com,
this is a regime she started for her mother who was in the early stages of Traction
Alopecia what she used was Jamaican Black Castor Oil every night on her
mother’s hair and when it came to wash day they did the whole works, Shampoo,
Protein Treatment, Deep Condition, Moisturize and Seal then they Styled. According
to the article this was done for 5 months and her mom did manage to grow back
her edges go and read Gabrielle’s very interesting article here http://blackgirllonghair.com/2011/10/how-i-helped-my-mom-regrow-her-edges-in-5-months/
NiceHairOrg, says that
massaging the affected area for 15 minutes twice a day will increase elasticity
to the skin they claim that this will improve blood circulation to the scalp
which will then stimulate the hair follicle and the hair will grow go read the
full article here www.nicehair.org
The UrbanBushBabes suggest that you
massage a mixture of castor oil and rosemary essential oil to the affected area
everyday this they claim will stimulate your follicle to start growing hair……
they do stress however, that you
shouldn’t use products that will clog your pores and prevent your follicle from
“breathing” check out the whole article here www.urbanbushbabes.com
The Black Hair information blogs suggest that the
following recipe might help
3 drops Lavender Essential Oil
2 drops Thyme Essential Oil
3 drops Rosemary Essential Oil
2 drops Cedarwood Essential Oil
½ Tsp of Jojoba Oil
4 Tsp of Grapeseed oil
They say this must be massaged into the
affected area every day until there is improvement. Check
out their article here http://www.blackhairinformation.com/growth/hair-problems/regrowing-thin-edges-and-bald-spots-caused-by-alopecia-with-essential-oils/
Very
Important
One very important thing that I must
mention with Essential Oils is that you must always mix them with a carrier oil
such as Jojoba, Grape-seed, Sweet Almond Oil, Castor, Coconut and any of your
favorite carrier oils………it is not wise to apply essential oils directly on to
your skin as they are quite strong and this can only be done by a professional,
care should also be taken during pregnancy and with small children
My
Thoughts
With all this said and done what do I
think……… I believe that there is NO topical treatment for
Traction Alopecia once it has become permanent, apart from a very painful and
expensive surgery. The only treatment
that I would support and recommend for Traction Alopecia is PREVENTION
so make sure you watch your hairstyles at all time, do protein and
deep treatments in between protective styling that might cause tension on your
hair…….and keep your hair moisturized I cannot stress that enough……I really
hope this helps some of you that have spent quite a lot of money on treatments
that claim to treat permanent Traction Alopecia…….
XXX
Isabel
Isabel
All pictures showing Traction Alopecia from Google Search Images
Essential oil picture from www.dischem.co.za
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