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Joanna M. African Author
Joanna M.
Hair
09 / 2020

Afro Hair Loss Treatment for Black Hair – 4C Natural Hair

afro hair loss treatment

Afro Hair Loss Treatment – What Are Causes of Thinning Hair & Hair Loss? What is The Best Cure?

What is the best hair loss treatment for Afro hair’ is a common question asked by many of us women with curly hair & Afro-textured hair. Growing hair can sometimes feel impossible if you have Afro kinky textured hair, especially for those with 4b/c hair. Although I have managed to grow my 4C hair to tailbone length, it was not possible for many years. Due to its unique structure, Afro is the most vulnerable hair type to damage of all hair textures. I also experienced various degrees of breakage.

Despite having similar hair textures, each person’s condition is unique, and the cause for hair loss and hair loss treatments may differ from person to person. For this reason, I advise visiting a trichologist hair care specialist if you are worried about the health of your hair or scalp. By checking your scalp health, hair porosity and condition, hair specialists are able to find the best treatment that can inject moisture, shine and gloss into your hair.

With this post, I hope to help you learn more about hair loss – the causes, prevention, how to cure hair loss. Remember that hair loss and breakage, although similar, are not exactly the same. For more information on breakage, check out my other article about how to stop breakage on natural 4C hair. Just pin the articles to your bookmarks so you can read them later.

Is The Structure of Afro Kinky Curly Hair More Vulnerable to Hair Loss?

The hair shaft of most 4b/c Afro hair types are flat with a more twisted structure and a thinner diameter compared with other hair types.

In addition to this, the curly nature of African hair makes it difficult for the oils from the root of the hair, to travel up to the ends of the hair.

For these reasons, Afro hair is more prone to dryness than other hair types, making it more vulnerable to breakage BUT not necessarily hair loss.

afro hair loss treatment

The Causes of Hair Loss in African Hair/ Natural Black Hair

There are many different types of hair loss, ranging from Alopecia to breakage caused by over styling. Hair loss can be genetic, or as a result of extreme stress, a medical condition or treatment.

Hair loss can sometimes take the form of “thinning” or involve a total loss of hair. It can be gradual or sudden and can affect both old and young. the structure of black afro hair

Hair loss is also a well-known side effect of chemotherapy, and around 50% of women lose more hair than usual after they’ve given birth.

african hair loss treatment

Afro Hair Loss Due to Iron Deficiency

Many women do not realise that iron deficiency is the main cause of their hair loss or thinning hair. Iron deficiency can be life threatening if not treated. The good news is that most hair loss related to iron deficiency is not permanent and can be rectified with some iron vitamins. If you so if you notice your hair is getting abnormally thinner, or you think your hair loss is related to an iron deficiency, first consult your GP to measure your iron levels. Your doctor will most likely order a ferritin level blood test, which measures the levels of a protein called ferritin that helps store iron.

If your test results show low iron levels, you can treat it with iron supplements. You may experience a change in bowel movements as a side effect of the extra iron, so tell your doctor if you’re prone to upset stomach.

Afro Hair Loss Caused by Traction Alopecia

Traction alopecia is a form of alopecia, or gradual hair loss, caused primarily by pulling force being applied to the hair. It is a recession of the hairline due to chronic traction, or hair pulling. This commonly results from the sufferer frequently wearing their hair in a particularly tight ponytail, pigtails, or braids.

Traction alopecia shouldn’t be confused with alopecia areata, which looks very similar as it also occurs in patches. However, alopecia areata is often caused by psychological or internal stress rather than physical, external stress from traction.

Black Hair Loss Caused by Androgenic Alopecia

Men are the most affected by androgenic alopecia, but this problem also causes hair loss in women. The difference is that, instead of developing the classic pattern of male pattern baldness, women often have a more diffuse shape and the loss is distributed throughout the scalp. In addition, the female version usually manifests later than in men (often only after menopause).

Not all treatment options for androgenic alopecia are ideal for women, but there are several alternatives and appropriate versions to combat it. I would advise to visit a trichologist that specializes in Afro hair.

Causes of Thinning Hair & Traction Alopecia in Natural Black Hair / Afro Hair

Scalp Conditions – Some aggravating hair conditions can lead to hair loss such as dermatitis, folliculitis and persistent dandruff. Fungal diseases cause localized hair loss and are most often seen in those with Afro hair.

If your scalp is itchy, flaky and sore you could be suffering from a bacterial or fungal infection. If left untreated this can lead to hair loss so please visit your doctor for advice.

Additionally, product residues can build up on the scalp if not rinsed out properly and this can cause scaling, itchiness, and tenderness of the scalp. Read more about treating scalp problems on the article: How to Get Healthy Scalp On African Hair and How to Get Rid of Dry, Itchy Scalp.

Permed & Processed Hair – Excessive use of relaxers and hair colourants can damage the quality of the hair, making it susceptible to breakage along the shaft.

Relaxers & Perms contain strong chemicals that weaken and damage hair over time. In addition to this, adding permanent hair colour can further lead to thinning and more damage to hair follicles.

Over Manipulation & Styling – Over-manipulation of the hair can lead to thinning through breakage.

Treat your hair with respect and resist the temptation to over-use styling tools, including too much combing and brushing. If you are constantly over-heating your hair through using high heat when blow drying or using heated styling tools, your hair may become weak and damaged.

Tight Braids and Weaves – Braids are a tricky subject when it comes to discussing healthy Afro hair. You may have heard some contradictory opinions regarding braids – some say it helps grow hair, others say it damages hair.

Wearing light braided extensions wrapped around a larger portion of your natural hair can in fact aid in protecting your hair from dryness, leading to healthier hair & growth.

However, if you continually wear tight and heavy braids, you put the health of your hair at risk of hair loss & breakage, particularly around the temples and hairline.

Genetics – The root cause of hair loss generally stems from genetics, however with proper maintenance and hair care you can help keep your hair healthy and strong.

Nutrition – Nutrition is, without doubt, a factor that aids in hair growth and is important for healthy hair maintenance. By eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, along with the right nutritional supplements you supply your body with the essential vitamins you need, which also aid with healthy hair growth. Be sure to fill up on iron-rich foods like spinach, peas, lean proteins — like pork and salmon — and dried fruit. You should also look for the phrase “iron-fortified” on labels of packaged foods like cereals. Add foods high in vitamin C to your diet. These foods allow your body to absorb iron in a more efficient manner. Be sure to eat more oranges, strawberries, melons, broccoli, and tomatoes.

Medication – Medication is a major cause of hair loss and thinning. We advise visiting your GP for more information on what you can do to reduce the side effects of your medication.

Hormonal Changes – The hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy and menopause can often cause hair loss in many women.

Stress – Stress depletes our bodies from the essential nutrients it needs to function properly. This can affect your overall health and wellbeing as well as the condition of your hair.

Afro Hair Loss Due to Dandruff

Dandruff is a situation where the skin on your scalp dries out, dies and comes out as flakes. In the process, dandruff sometimes takes away some hair with it, along with their roots. This drying out and death of the skin is caused by various reasons, primarily due to fungi like Malazzesia Globosa and Pityrosporum Ovale (also called Malazzesia Furfur).

Some researchers are of the opinion that dandruff leads to hair loss. Although dandruff is not a cause of hair loss, it can simply aggravate other conditions and can also lead to baldness.

Honey has antifungal properties that can be helpful for treating dandruff due to fungal infection. Furthermore, the natural wax in it and its moisturizing properties can help treat dandruff due to dryness and exposure to adverse weather. Finally, even if the dandruff is due to lack of skin nourishment, honey can be helpful here too as it is very nourishing for both the body and the skin. Now, let’s have some practical exercises. You can learn about some special applications and uses of honey to boost the health and longevity of your hair.

For more information on the causes and treatments for dandruff on natural hair, visit the article: Get Rid of Dandruff On Black Hair.

Natural Hair Loss Treatment that Encourages Hair Growth in Afro Hair | 4B & 4C Hair / Black African Hair / Afro Curly Hair

#Hair care begins at home! The best cure for traction hair loss is to reduce the pulling of your hair, by wearing looser braids and brushing your hair more gently. There are no treatments that will make your hair grow faster or longer. If damage has already been done, treatments that encourage hair regrowth and improve the condition of your hair may also be needed. With the right technique along with specially formulated products to grow and maintain Afro hair, it’s likely you will be able to grow your hair past shoulder length – but this doesn’t happen overnight.

There are medical hair loss treatments that can stabilise progressive hair loss, and there are treatments which work to re-grow hair that has been lost. These such treatments are available in specialist hair clinics.

Most likely, breakage is the main culprit for hair loss in most women with Afro hair and possibly also causing your hair to thin. The key to getting it to grow again is to stop the damage that’s causing the breakage.

Our top tips to encourage your hair to grow include:

  • massaging the area to stimulate the blood flow
  • hot oil treatments and conditioning treatments
  • avoiding tension on the hair (braiding etc)
  • increase protein intake (within daily diet)
  • taking nutritional supplements

Hair Care Tips to Prevent Hair Loss On Natural Afro Hair

Wear your hair down. Wearing it tight in a headband can lead to breakage and hair loss.

Protect your hair from the elements with scarves and hats. On exceptionally sunny and windy days, keep your hair covered.

Brush and wash your hair gently. Being gentle can help you avoid pulling out any excess hair during routine maintenance.

Avoid using chemicals and hair dyes. If you do use chemicals and hair, seek help or guidance from a trained professional.

Avoid heat-based equipment like blow dryers and curling irons. I used blow dryers on low heat and I have never experiecned hair loss. If you must use them, add a layer of protection with hair-protectant gel or mousse, which you can purchase at any supermarket or drug store or use shea butter like I do. Natural is always best.

Protective Natural Hair Styles to Grow Natural Hair Fast | 4B & 4C Hair / Black African Hair / Afro Curly Hair

Taking proper care of hair moisture is paramount, especially if you live in a country where the weather changes from day to day.

The best way you can ensure your hair is protected is to wear it in a protective style such braids or twists. This will ensure that the right amount of moisture will stay locked in your hair, to keep your afro hair healthy, moisturised and frizz free.

Protective styles are great, as they can also be worn out if you want to let your hair down and have fun later at night.

Natural Hair Conditioner

It’s vital to use a specialized conditioner on natural African hair. Conditioners fall in two categories – pre-shampoo and post-shampoo. Both need to be used frequently to keep African hair looking its best.

We advise choosing products labeled ‘moisturizing’, ‘re-moisturizing’, ‘emollient’, ‘deep conditioning’, ‘elasticizing’, ‘penetrative’ and/or ‘intensive’.

Although many are labeled ‘oil free’, they leave an unpleasant coating on your hair that dust and dirt cling to. This gives hair a dull, greasy look instead of providing a healthy shine.

Natural Hair Oils for Afro Hair

Natural hair oils replenish Afro hair that is stressed by frequent blow drying, straightening, colour treatments, braiding and weaves.

Hair Vitamins to Help Grow Afro Hair

Biotin vitamins contain the basic nutrients for overall healthy hair. A healthy body is an ideal environment for healthy hair to thrive. This means that a good metabolism and immune system are also key factors for growing healthy hair fast. They also contain specific nutrients that are essential for faster hair growth.

Best Oils For Natural Hair Loss Treatment | 4B & 4C Hair / Black African Hair / Afro Curly Hair

When growing back your roots, you can supply the additional oil your hair needs using high-quality organic oils, since it takes time for the scalps natural oils to make its way from the root of your hair to the ends.

Castor oil, one of the best oils to grow natural hair fast, comes from the castor plant, Ricinus communis, which commonly grows in tropical regions. Castor oil carries ricinoleic acid and omega- 6 essential fatty acids, which accelerate blood circulation to the scalp, hence increasing hair growth. It works on nourishing the scalp and strengthening the roots with the help of essential nutrients.

It is generally thought that the naturally active ingredients in Rosemary oil can help block some of the causes of baldness. There is increasing scientific evidence that rosemary oil can help boost hair growth.

The Jostylin natural Afro hair growth oil, contains a rich blend of Castor Oil, Moringa oil, Hemp Oil, Rosemary Oil & Burdock Root to help grow, nourish and rejuvenate your natural hair. It is rich in proteins and keratin and is designed to give you beautiful hair and healthy scalp. This beautifying product works to restructure and create fullness, leaving hair more radiant, healthier and better toned.

How to Colour Natural Black Hair/ Afro Hair Properly to Prevent Hair Loss

The flat shape of Afro hair means that it absorbs chemicals more rapidly than other hair textures. For this reason, it’s vital to protect and hydrate African hair if you colour or bleach it. Additionally, if you have very dark hair, more concentrated bleach is needed to lighten it.

Because it’s already prone to breakage, this makes it even more vulnerable to damage. To help prevent snapping and breakage, use natural hair intensive pre-shampoo hair conditioning treatment for Afro hair & curly hair types. treatment at least once a week.

More Information On: How to Grow Natural Black Hair Fast

You can find many hair growth tips on our natural hair blogs on black hair growth secrets and recipes for natural black hair growth. You can also read my article on How to Grow Natural Hair Fast

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