WHERE ARE MY EDGES GOING?
Hello Ladies and Gentlemen:
As a licensed cosmetologist this is a conversation that I am so passionate about because when
a client comes to me, it is an embarrassing subject, and a lot of people start off by covering up
the problem sometimes for months or years. When I researched the statistics, it shows that 35 million men and 21 million women are facing this challenge in their life. The American Hair Loss Society reports that 40 percent of all thinning and hair loss sufferers are women.
Thinning edges are a result of one or two things: genetics, or the constant application of tension styling. You can't control genetics, but you can certainly control aggressive styling, or any hair style that pulls your strands too tight and too far from where they naturally fall. Be careful of braids, twists, relaxers, weaves, wigs, tight and protective styles that cause tension and pull on your scalp. Sometimes wearing your hair in the same style, like putting your hair in a bun or wearing a ponytail can affect your edges.
I know that you have heard the term “snatched edges”' being thrown around amongst your
family, friends, and in the media, describing thinning edges in a friendlier way. But if you are
experiencing hair loss near your temple area, there’s nothing funny about the struggle to grow them back.
Common Causes of Hair Loss
What is alopecia? The medical term for hair loss is alopecia, regardless of the cause.
● Age. Almost everyone will notice hair loss and hair thinning as they age
● Genetics
● Pregnancy
● Facial cleansers, moisturizers, and makeup near your hairline
● Chemotherapy treatments
● Chronic illness (Lupus, and other illnesses)
● Hormonal changes
● A stressful life
● Nutritional deficiencies
● Autoimmune disease
● Medications
● Infections
● Using glues and adhesives when applying wigs and weaves
● Wearing wave caps and wig caps for long periods of time
Regrow Your Edges and Avoid a Thinning Hairline
● Be gentle with styling (we want baby hairs--not breakage)
● Change up your everyday styles occasionally to avoid constant tension on your edges
● Regular shampooing of your hair, we really became lazy during the pandemic
● Don't skimp on moisturizing/caring for your edges--in fact, give them even more love
● Deep condition regularly
● Try a protein treatment
● Good old fashion head massage because it increases blood flow to your hair follicles
● Let your scalp have a chance to breathe
● Essentials oils like castor oil and coconut oils as a monthly treatment for your scalp
I want to end this article by saying that you need to have a conversation and a consultation with
a licensed cosmetologist like myself as soon as you notice any hair loss or thinning edges because there is a difference between breakage and shedding of your hair. This is what licensed stylists are trained to do. A licensed stylist like myself will examine your scalp because “Where Blood Flows, The Hair Grows.” The licensed stylists will develop a treatment plan for you to follow. I have spent my career helping all of my clients to have a healthy hair journey no matter what type and texture of hair that you have. I care more about your hair care than your hairstyle because:
● Our natural hair is our CROWN
● There are no magic tricks to grow your edges back. Hair growth can take 3 months or
more.
● Have Patience and Trust the process.
● I am blessed to work with a team of professionals where I can refer my clients to a PCP
(primary care physician), a Dermatologist (scalp & skin specialist), Trichologist (hair loss
specialist) and a Nutritionist (what are you eating?) What we put in our bodies will show
on your scalp. We work together to help the clients with solutions, so you don’t have to do
it alone. Going for Bloodwork is the first thing I ask everyone to do because that is your
blueprint to show us what is going on inside your body. The human body is amazing.
If you have any questions, reach out to me and I will be honored and blessed to speak to you. I
will be interviewing some of the amazing professionals that work with me because they are as
passionate as I am when it comes to talking about our edges and hair loss. So make sure you
keep reading my articles because I have some good topics coming up.
Remember to Drink your Water and Take Your Vitamins! I SAY YES!
Crystal D. Lewis
28 years as a Licensed Cosmetologist,
Beauty Expert, Educator/Trainer, Philanthropist and Owner of I Say Yes Salon and Spa,
LLC (Cinnaminson, NJ)
Email: Isayyessalonspallc@gmail.com
Website:Isayyessalonandspa.com
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photo credit: Photo by Liza Summer from Pexels
