But fret not – this article explores the causes of those thinning edges and certain effective tips to regrow your edges naturally. Keep reading.
1. Chemical Exposure
Frequently relaxing and dyeing the hair may damage the fragile baby hairs. Relaxers and dyes contain chemicals that damage the internal hair structure. Frequent use of straightening techniques can result in side effects like scalp inflammation, damage to the hair shaft, and hair loss (1).
2. Tight Hairstyles
Braids, twists, tight buns, weaves – any tight and protective hairline can pull and tug your hair and cause damage. This is called traction alopecia, which often affects the hairline. If you continue sporting these hairstyles without any appropriate intervention, traction alopecia may progress into an irreversible scarring alopecia (2).
3. Excess Use Of Edge Control Treatment
Excessive use of edge control gels and creams to style and hold your baby hairs can damage the hair follicles and cause thinning.
4. Excessive Manipulation
You may love to change the edge design pattern often and brush or stroke the baby hairs frequently. This causes friction, hair breakage, and thinning.
5. Wrong Hair Products
Not all products are suitable for natural and coily hair. Products containing alcohol, parabens, petrolatum, mineral oil, and artificial preservatives may affect hair health. Your face makeup may also accumulate on the edges and cause scalp buildup, flaking, and hair breakage.
6. Friction
Hats, caps, beanies, headbands, headscarves, helmets, hairbands – anything that holds around the hairline for long causes friction (rubbing against the hair follicles) and thinning edges.
7. Health Conditions And Heredity
Factors like stress, sudden weight loss, post-partum stress, any chronic condition, lupus, and medications (especially steroids) may affect your overall hair health and cause thinning. Also, if you have a family history of receding hairline, you may experience the same. If you think your thinning edges are a result of an underlying condition, consult a dermatologist or trichologist. In most cases, regrowing your edges is easy with proper hair care. Try the following tips to restore your hairline naturally.
How To Regrow Your Edges Naturally: 9 Effective Tips
1. Change Your Hairstyle
One easy way to halt hair loss due to traction alopecia is to change your hairstyle. Instead of pulling your hair back in a tight ponytail or bun, wear it down. If you want to wear a ponytail or a bun, keep it loose and low on your head. Change your hairstyle every 2-3 weeks, and alternate between ponytails, loose braids, and buns. Don’t wear weaves or extensions for a few months.
2. Avoid Chemical Exposure
Avoid chemical procedures like coloring, relaxing, smoothening, and other hair treatments. This will help your hair regain its strength, elasticity, natural texture, and pattern and minimize hair breakage. Do not use heat styling tools for a few months. Allow your hair to breathe and embrace its natural pattern.
3. Switch To Gentler Hair Care Products
Switch to shampoos and conditioners that contain natural and mild ingredients. Use products that contain natural oils and other hydrating ingredients. Avoid harsh ingredients like alcohol, parabens, artificial fragrance, and colors. Use protective serums and sprays to prevent environmental damage caused by UV exposure and pollution.
4. Keep Your Hair Moisturized
Dry and brittle hair snaps easily. Hence, keep your hair moisturized to minimize breakage. Use natural oils like olive and jojoba oils, nourishing hair masks, and plant butters for soft and smooth hair.
5. Consult A Trichologist
Trichologists are specialists who treat scalp and hair issues. If you are distressed by your recent hair loss, consult a trichologist, and follow the prescribed treatment. The trichologist may suggest topical minoxidil to stimulate hair growth (3).
6. Use Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and vasodilating properties. Preliminary studies indicate a positive correlation between peppermint oil and hair growth (4). Mix 2-3 drops of peppermint oil with two tablespoons of any carrier oil, like olive or jojoba oil, and massage your hairline with it.
7. Follow A Healthy Diet
Deficiencies in vital nutrients can cause hair fall (5). Hence, following a diet rich in protein, vitamins, minerals, and good fats is essential for healthy hair. Consume healthy portions of fresh fruits, green leafy vegetables, seeds, nuts, seafood, meat, dairy, and whole grains to improve your scalp, hair, and overall health.
8. Wear A Wig With A Bonnet
Wearing a wig can protect the baby hairs while they grow. However, ensure to buy good quality wigs. Keep your edges moisturized and wear a satin bonnet under your wig to protect your hairline from friction.
9. Get Your Complete Blood Work Done
Go for complete blood tests to determine any underlying medical conditions or nutritional deficiencies. Your hair may grow back once the conditions or deficiencies are addressed and practice the hairstyling habits suggested above. What’s good for thin edges? The first step is to treat your hair gently by avoiding chemical treatments, excess manipulation, and switching tight hairstyles with those that are gentle on your hair and scalp. If the condition persists despite changing your hairstyle, diet, products, and hair care routine, consult a trichologist. How can I make my bald edges grow faster? Depending on the severity of your condition, the best way to achieve faster results is to consult a doctor who may prescribe minoxidil to treat your hair condition (3).
