For many women experiencing hair loss, the blame can be placed squarely on their genes. But heredity isn’t the only culprit for female hair loss. Often, it is the result of the way women style and treats their hair and the products they use to get the look they want. For example, traction alopecia is a specific type of hair loss that results when tension is applied to hair for a prolonged period, as with tight braids, ponytails, or cornrows.
While women of all races deal with hair loss issues, African-American women face unique risks because of common styles and looks that can weaken and damage hair follicles, making them more prone to fall out. In addition to hair loss caused by traction alopecia, edge control products popular among African-American women can contribute to shedding and loss.
Edge control products are typically firm-hold gels designed to keep frizzy edges under control. But getting that sleeked-back look requires a product strong enough to do the job. To get that strength, most edge control products contain copious amounts of alcohol. While the alcohol provides for quick-drying and hold, it can also do tremendous damage to hair follicles if used too often or if it is not cleaned from hair often enough.
Alcohol can dry out your follicles, and dry follicles are more brittle and susceptible to breakage. This is particularly true for hair along the hairline, which is often finer and shorter than hair elsewhere on the scalp. The longer alcohol-filled edge control product is left on the hair, the more likely it is that follicles will become terminally damaged and fall out. Combine this with a tight hairstyle left in place for extended periods of time, and you have a recipe for problems.
This doesn’t mean that edge control itself will lead to hair loss. It is simply a matter of using the product prudently and cleaning your hair regularly. If you want to look good without making your hair feel bad, keep these tips in mind:
- Try to use alcohol-free or low-alcohol edge control products containing hair hydrating ingredients.
- Thoroughly rinse out previous applications before applying another treatment of edge control product.
- Don’t go to sleep in your edge control gel.
- Switch-up your hairstyles on a regular basis between tight and loose.
Concerned About Hair Loss? Call the Hair Transplant Institute of Miami Today.
Many different treatments can be used to address female hair loss. Which treatment will be most effective depends on the causes and degree of hair loss in the individual patient. At the Hair Transplant Institute of Miami, we use a comprehensive, holistic approach for evaluating and treating women experiencing hair loss and leverage the very latest scientific advancements in hair loss treatments at our state-of-the-art facility.
Schedule an appointment with the Hair Transplant Institute of Miami today by calling 305.925.0222. We look forward to assisting you.