All about your edges. Why we lose them. How to take care of them. How to lay them.
For black women and men, edges are an important part of a hairstyle. We often design, shape and manipulate our edges to match or add flair to hairstyles. Some people find it hard to tame their edges. While some find themselves with a lack of edges. This article will cover both dilemmas.
Photo Courtesy of TheAshLeon
There are plenty of causes for thinning edges:
Pregnancy
Postpartum
Drastic Weight Change
Chronic Illness
Chronic Stress
Alopecia
Traction Alopecia
Over manipulation
If you are predisposed to thin edges because of genetics, you may want to consider researching hair transplants. There is absolutely no shame in having a hair transplant done, however I will not be recommending any services. If you have thin edges due to alopecia, a hair transplant is likely not a viable option for you due to the nature of the condition. Traction alopecia can also be treated with a hair transplant. A hair transplant is not a must as some people are completely fine with not having hair, wearing short hairstyles or wearing wigs.
Hair loss can occur during and post pregnancy due to the immense changes that are going on with the body. It happens to millions of women who have children and is considered to be a normal side effect. When I experienced this postpartum, my mother gave me biotin to quickly fix the problem.
Stress is a huge reason for losing both hair and edges. One semester I experience chunks of my hair falling out and again I fixed it with biotin. If you suspect stress is a reason for hair loss, find ways to de-stress. Losing hair from chronic illness or drastic weight change should be discussed with a medical professional.
Over manipulating your edges can be solved by taking steps to retain length. Stop brushing them so much and gelling them down. Avoid tight styles that pull them. Allow them to breathe product free. Cover them when you are going to sleep. Supplements and growth products can be used to help your edges regrow.
Zero manipulation may be nearly impossible due to our relationship and beliefs with our hair, but there is plenty to do to care for your precious edges. Prevention is the best method for keeping your edges intact.
Avoid super tight hairstyles that will pull on your edges. Hairstyles that pull too tightly can cause traction alopecia, which eventually can be irreparable.
Switch your part position so that the hair there is not always being manipulated. Even parting an inch away from where you would normally part makes a difference.
Change the position of your bun or ponytail. If you always wear high buns/ponytails try a lower positioned style.
Check the bristles of the tool that you are using to style your edges. Your hands are a great tool to use but it may not give you the desired results.
Keep chemical exfoliants as far away from your edges as possible.
At bed time cover them with a scarf, bonnet or use a silk pillow case.
Rescuing your edges after mistreatment will require a lot of tender love and care on your end.
Scalp massage can stimulate hair growth.
Stimulating oils & treatments can promote growth.
Hair supplements will assist with growth.
Protective styling and prevention methods once your edges grow back will keep them intact.
Some people have shaved their edges off and let them grow back with great results. (This is something that you will have to decide for yourself, I am in no means telling you that you must shave your hair.)
Many naturals find it difficult lay or slay their edges. Pressures from social media and real life make it seem as if our edges need to be on point at all times. This is not the case. It is perfectly fine to just smooth your edges down without the theatrics and flair. It is perfectly fine to let your edges do as they please. It all comes down to what you want, how you want to look and what you are comfortable with. However, if you would like to slay your edges, here are some tips, tricks and tutorials.
Use a eyebrow brush (My personal favorite)
Wet your edges before applying product
Use a soft bristle brush
Put a scarf on your edges for 10-15 minutes.
A tutorial for laying your edges:
Here is the thread that I originally posted in June 2016.
Leave a comment below with your hair type, favorite edge control and any tips you would like to share. If you don't lay your edges, comment below and tell us why.
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