Tips on How to Grow back your edges for Natural Hair.

“Where did my edges go?” This is a question many of us ask ourselves when we finally realize our precious hairline is receding. In 2015, I had a major issue of thinning edges. It was a very gradual process, and when I finally noticed as I was getting ready one morning, I couldn’t believe that my edges had reached that extent of thinning and breakage. At the time, I had a handful of bad hair practices that contributed to the loss. Someone close to me was recently struggling with this issue and I recommended a few things to her and today, she was very excited to share with me that her edges are back. How awesome is that! Hence my decision to share this post with others who are struggling.

By the time you are reading this post, you must be looking for ways to save/ revive your edges. Before I share the tips I used and highly recommend, I will start by highlighting a few reasons why your edges are thinning.

1. Wigs/Weaves

These are great as a protective style if done with caution to protect the edges. However, thinning of the hairline is as a result of very tight braiding, wig caps and use of glue. Since the hairline is very delicate, the hair might start to break overtime. Sometimes you don’t notice right away until the damage is very visible. Please watch out.

2. Chemical/ Heat damage 

Over time, these weaken the hair and weak hair leads to breakage. Relaxers and hair dye/ bleaching chemicals may lead to thinning edges if not supplemented with good hair care habits.

3. Frequent edge control usage

We all love that sleek back, edges on fleek look, but the results of frequently applying very drying gel to your edges may cause them to start thinning. I use a toothbrush that I got specifically for this purpose which I use to manipulate the edges to get them sleeked. This practice has to be done with caution because it too may contribute to disappearing edges.

4. Wearing Styles too tight

I loved to wear tight high puffs/ buns on a regular basis but I started to notice my hairline receding. I still wear these but I alternate with other styles. Such styles cause tension on your hairline. When braiding, it is important to stress what you want to the person braiding you by politely requesting them not to pull on your edges, especially the “baby hairs”. Whenever I used to braid, after 2 weeks I would start to see my roots literally start sticking out. I would freak out and remove the style the next week because it wasn’t worth me losing my hairline.

5. Postpartum Hair loss

This affects about 40-50% of new moms of which most of the hair loss occurs in the anterior scalp (ie; the front).  This might be alarming and frustrating to many but do not worry, it is normal and the hormonal changes that cause hair loss are temporary . The hair return to its normal cycle in 6-12 months after delivery. Eating plenty of vegetables, fruits and protein will help minimize hair loss.

6. Medical conditions

Alopecia, stress and diet deficiency contribute to thinning edges. Some people may have a condition whereby they have the urge to pull out their hair resulting into hair loss. I recommend seeking medical advise if you are losing more hair than usual. Do not suffer in silence.

How Can I Grow Back My Edges?

1. Massage

I recommended this method to a close friend of mine recently and I kid you not, after a month of consistently doing so, her edges have grown back. You can do this every night before bed. I personally still do so. I use Jamaican black Castor oil, it does such a great job at promoting hair growth and  thickens the hair while doing so. Apply the oil to your fingertips or use an applicator bottle and massage for 2 minutes.

 This method alone will get you significant results if done consistently. You could use any other stimulating oil but I highly recommend castor oil.

2. Reduce the usage of strong edge controls

By doing so, you are reducing the level of manipulation on your edges. The gel tends to become to dry and causes breakage on your edges overtime. If you do apply the edge control, I recommend wetting your brush and start by applying water as though you are using the gel. This will help in making it easier for gel application, reduce the amount of gel required and finally, the gel will not completely dry out.

3. Avoid very tight Styles

Alternate between styles to reduce on the stress on your edges. Switch between your high bun /puff to maybe wash n gos/ twists that require less manipulation and stress on your edges. You will start to see a huge difference. If your hair cannot easily be held back, please do not force it otherwise you will be stressing your edges,

As you are waiting for your edges to grow back, if you want to hold a puff, leave the edges and some hair in the front out and style with a twist braid or leave the front hair hanging.

4. Moisturizing

This also played a huge role in growing back my edges and currently in maintaining the edges. I apply a generous amount moisturizer to my edges. On wash day, during the deep conditioning stage (I deep condition weekly/ bi-weekly), I apply a good amount of deep conditioner to my edges. You will start to notice the delicate, and oh so fragile hair starting to become stronger through this easy practice.

NB: IN ORDER FOR YOU TO SEE RESULTS YOU HAVE TO BE REALLY CONSISTENT AND BE WATCHFUL OF THE PRACTICES YOU HAVE WITH YOUR HAIR. BE KIND TO YOUR EDGES.

Are there some tips you have used in the past that helped you? Please do share in the comments below. They might help someone else. Cheers!

*Remember, you are marked by Flawless Craftsmanship*