How to Prevent Black Hair Thinning

Black hair thinning is becoming much too common in women as well as children, teens, and young adults. Why is this happening and what can be done about it?

The main reasons these are happening is due to the usage of relaxers, coloring, hairstyle options, and braids or extensions.

Relaxers and Black Hair Thinning

black-hair-thinning Relaxers are not necessarily harmful to the hair if used correctly. However, incorrect applications and too often applications can lead to loss of hair that can't be replaced or simply thinning over time.

When using relaxers, I suggest going to a professional stylist versus doing it yourself. However, this is not even full proof!

Thoroughly investigate your stylist before letting them touch your hair. Make sure they have the credentials and have some long-term happy clients. Here is an article with more extensive information on choosing a hair stylist.

Research the type of relaxer they will be using on your hair. Watch them and make sure they are applying it correctly and do not leave it on your hair too long.

Don't worry that you'll seem to be an overly cautious client and will annoy your stylist. If your stylist is annoyed that you care for your hair, then they aren't the stylist for you.

Coloring and Hair Thinning

Coloring your hair too frequently, with the wrong type of product can lead to thinning, also. Coloring can cause some adverse affects such as breaking off hair if it becomes too dry.

If you're not taking good care of your colored hair, it is bound to break off and become thin at the tips or the root.

Just as with relaxers, you should leave this one to the professionals and make sure they are using the right type of color for your type of hair. You should also be sure your hair is in good health before even considering coloring it.

Tight Hair Styles and Black Hair Thinning

Wearing your hair so tight that your eyes squint is not very healthy for your hair. Over time, this can lead to your hair becoming thin in various areas, typically your hairline. The constant pulling pressure yanks the hair out of the follicle and over time, it just doesn't grow back.

For an African American, thinning hair can be prevented easily by not wearing hair styles so tightly. You can get a nice, smooth look without it being so tight. Using the right products consisting of gels, pomades or balms can get you the same polished look. Here's an article of getting a smooth hair line.

Braids

A beautiful, versatile look that many black women choose to wear continually or occasionally are braids. Braids can make maintenance easy and can also give hair a rest from relaxing or styling. However, the major downside to braids is that some stylists make them much too tight around the hair line causing irreversible thinning.

If you choose braids as a styling option, make sure your stylist does not create a braid for every little piece of hair around your hairline. Instead, leave those areas free and smooth them down with pomade or hair cream.

Leaving the hair line free is much healthier on your hair. You'll be excited to have your braids removed and still see your edges and hairline in existence.

Conclusion

Black hair thinning can be caused by chemical treatments and styling options. This can be avoided by paying careful attention to the application of the treatments and by not trading hair for an unnecessary styling extra such as braiding edges and tight ponytails.