Growing Your Edges

Please note, these are my personal opinions and experiences. If you need additional information on health issues contact a health care provider.

When it comes to issues with edges, I’ve had my fair share! For a while, I wondered if my edges will grow back but quickly realizing I wasn’t alone, gave me some comfort. My edges are the most vulnerable sections of my hair and can’t take too much stress – at all! For about two years now, I have spent time to “babysit” keeping in mind the growth process might take a while 💪 and it paid off. So if you are struggling with growing your edges too, you are not alone.

The health experts discuss several causes of hair loss especially at edges or periphery. These can either result from acute or chronic conditions. Acute causes are usually corrective while chronic causes may need additional medical attention, and sometimes, a permanent issue. I will leave the details to the experts. There are several resources online (thanks to search engines), so have at it. 😁

Some causes of hair loss at the edges.

Protective Hairstyles

You already know how I feel about protective hairstyles but braids, weaves, wigs or even tight ponytails can be real culprits of losing hair at the edges. Most of the time, we want these styles to last, but the tighter the style, the more tension you are applying to your scalp and those fragile edges cannot tolerate it. Even with braids when the style is too tight we know but tend to ignore it (let’s face it, I see some hands up 🙋🏽‍♀️ ) Keep in mind these can harm your edges and limit growth.

Glues and other styling adhesives

For my wig lovers, this is very attractive. You want to make sure the wig doesn’t fall off and the look is as real as possible. However, there are always issues related to using glues and other adhesives on your hairline and edges. While I am not an expert on this, I have figured out types of wigs to prevent me from manipulating my edges too much, especially while regrowing it. Aside from the hair loss and breakage you may experience, some of the chemicals in these adhesives are “questionable”, so, better save than sorry, avoid them completely.

Hair gels, edge controls and brushes

Sleek look is desired by all, whether you are wearing your hair out or in protective styles. I love my Ecostyler gel (don’t get me wrong), but if you have problems with your edges (like I currently do), you will have to consider “less sleek” looks at least until your hair grows back. And while you are thinking about that, consider edge controls too. Edge controls never does it for me so I don’t have an issue, but you may.

Also, I find that to achieve “that desired look“, you will have to use hair brush (or similar) to lay your baby hair, which can your edges too. However, if you must do it at all cost (for the wedding, party, etc) I’d encourage you to use a “very” soft brush or even your fingers, at least for now.

Medications and hormonal changes

Some medications can affect hair growth in general which can impact the edges. If you find yourself doing everything possible to grow your hair but continue to experience hair loss, please consult your medical provider, who may refer you to a specialist for further help. This will be critical for those taking certain medications with possible side effects, such as this.

Another thing that affects the edges is hormonal changes, such as “postpartum shedding”. This is my current reality 😔. I love when while pregnant my hair look full and bouncy. However, I experience postpartum shedding, sometime after having those cute babies. I think breastfeeding might be a culprit too 🤔 🤷🏻‍♀️ as I’m able to produce good amount of milk, so even though I continue to take my prenatal and other support vitamins, I still experience breakage, which is strangely prominent at my edges.

Other factors

There are other factors that can cause problems at the edges you need to watch out for. These include itchy scalp, hair styling tools (straighteners, curling tools, etc) and hair products. As long as the condition is not “traction alopecia”, you can certainly do something about it.

In some case “stress” can be a factor too. Our hair somewhat reflects the strength of our body and the nutrients it’s currently receiving. When the body is subjected to stress for a period of time, rest assured the impacts will be seen in our hair growth. That’s why it’s important eat healthy, stay hydrated and also deal with things that potentially stresses the body.

Stimulating growth especially at the edges

There are several ways to stimulate hair growth, which is applicable to your edges as well:

• Do scalp massages to increase blood circulation: Circulation is important for hair growth. Whether you are using an oil or cream to grow your edges take time to massage after applying.
• Sleep on satin pillow case or wear satin bonnet to sleep. Continuous rubbing of you hair/edges on the cotton sheets deters hair growth.
• Look into hair vitamins, especially ones with good amount of Biotin – please consult your doctor before starting any vitamins.
• Stop! using brushes at your edges – leave your edges alone until it grows back
• Moisturize your hair and scalp: dry hair and scalp is prone to breakage.
• Revisit your hair products and check for any chemicals that hinders growth or cause breakage

Products to use to grow and/or regrow edges

These are the products I have been using to grow my hair. There are several on the hair shelves that are great too. These have helped to boost my hair follicles and activated growth.

• Jamaican black castor oil: I have been using this alone for at long as I started experiencing the hair loss at my edges, and it works. I simply massage the oil into my scalp but you’ll need a little patience, too! My two favorite brands. You can find them at Walmart or your local beauty supply store:
  1. Sunny Isle Extra Dark Jamaican Black Castor Oil &
  2. Jamaican Mango & Lime Black Castor Oil
• Virgin hair fertilizer: I’ve been using this for a while on my scalp whenever my hair I’m in braids. Recently, I realized I had one and started applying just a dime size to my edges, with the black castor oil and I think it’s working (too close to call). This is very greasy so a little goes a long way. The packaging spills a bit so if you are concerned about the mess, get the one in the lotion container. They are also available at Walmart, Amazon or check your local beauty supply store.
• Mane choice growth oil: I have been using this generously whenever I have it available. I also keep it for backup when I run out of my black castor oil.
• Hair Vitamins: I recently started taking Hair, Skin and Nails vitamins I picked up from Costco, for additional nutrients. Again, this is one you may have to research and also check with your health provider before trying any.

Currently, I make a mixture (paste) using the Jamaican black castor oil and virgin hair fertilizer, to buy time. I started doing this about a month ago and already seeing some results. I massage it gently into my edges, paying attention to the problem areas.