I honestly am shocked how much I was able to cover on this blog. When I first thought of the idea, I was not aware at how deep this topic could possibly go. I was worried at first that it would turn into a cosmetology-styled blog, rather than one about real life issues the need to be talked about. Overall, I am very pleased with how it turned out. I feel that I have fully shared and expressed the degree of my passion in a way that was not too serious, but still informative.
Today’s blog will pertain to a fear that all women share as they grow older: hair loss. Though it is the harsh reality, many of us will experience it or similar symptoms, like hair thinning and grey hairs. I never really put two and two together that in the black community, this fear is fostered at a young age. Black women are prone to a certain type of hair loss termed traction alopecia. Heat damage, and the pulling of hair at the root due to tight styles like some braids, extensions, weaves, and dreadlocks, can cause this type of hair loss.
Hair loss can also be genetic, but when paired with these tight hairstyles, those already prone to hair loss can see the detrimental effects of these styles can have. I hear this term a lot when I hear black women refer to retaining or losing their edges, which are the “baby hairs” that encircle one’s hairline. When these styles are done on these women’s hair if too tight, the baby hairs weaken or break-off once the style is taken out, which can create bald spots or patches with few strands of hair.
Scalp care is important when deciding to use these styles listed above. “Under hair” habits can really be damaging to hair, since women tend to do these styles and not pay attention to maintaining the health of their hair while in these styles. There is a false notion that protective hairstyles are better than wearing ones natural hair. Protective hairstyles are termed as, “a style that protects the ends of your hair, helping to decrease tangling, shedding and breakage.” Though protective hairstyles help women keep their hair from the damaging effects of the sun, hot water, and chemicals, it is not always the answer to problems. Jasmine Collins, a respected and acclaimed hairstylist in Atlanta, states that, “If you are wearing protective styles more than you are wearing your real hair that is a problem.” False narratives expressed online can cause women to not do their research, and to blindly follow beauty gurus. This, as we can see, can really put their hair at jeopardy. Other factors like the complications of health, emotions and stress can also be proponents of hair loss.
There are ways that we can eliminate these risks, and monitor our hair health more closely. As with everything, doing the research or talking to experts is the best way to figure out what works best for you. I know this was not the most exciting last post, but I am very proud of the work I have accomplished on this blog. The goal of my blog was education, so I hope you learned something new and can refer back to my posts if you ever want to read up on things or find out where you can get more information.
I loved reading your blog because it has so many topics and discussions that I don’t think about on a day to day basis. I had no idea how many factors contribute to hair loss, or how quickly it can occur.
Janae, your blog has been such a great read this whole year. I have learned so much about a topic that I realized I know so little about. This post was really interesting. I have always wondered what caused people to have hair loss and how to prevent it. I had no idea your emotions could actually cause hair loss. I will sincerely miss your blog posts.
This has been such a great blog to read! I always found myself coming back to read your blog because I knew I would get new information from it. There’s definitely things that I’ve learned that I am more aware of in my everyday life now so thank you for that.