@
LiftedUp - I am
VERY near your Mom's age and so far I have not experienced hair loss in the crown, attributed to age, however I have experienced hair loss. My hair loss is (on the sides) from braids and weaves as well as STRESS. I did not realize the severity of my loss until last year and to be honest, the areas were not "cared for" properly to improve the condition. Thanks to all the ladies and info on LHCF I have learned so much and my hair care regimen has improved dramatically.
Two years ago the hair on my crown was ~2 inches long due to wearing hair pieces with attached combs. I massaged (regular) castor oil on my scalp/hair daily. (This breakage was due to hair combs in hair pieces). With the exception of the alopecia areas, my previous NL hair is a little past SL. I just measured my (natural - no heat) hair at the crown area - and braided it's touching my shoulder.
This is what I've done over the last two years following the advice of the wonderful ladies at LHCF, which I believe have attributed to my progress.
- Cleanse hair weekly (co-wash or shampoo)
- MOISTURIZE, CONDITION, SEAL (GHE/Baggy on a daily basis)
- MASSAGE SCALP DAILY
- Daily use of oils speculated to support hair growth (i.e. castor, coconut, rosemary, cedarwood, peppermint, thyme, ayurvedic, etc)
- CONSISTENTLY take vitamins and supplements
- NEVER go to bed without protecting hair (satin bonnet or silk scarf)
- Monitor diet
- Protective style with wig***
- No hair extensions or braids***
- Protein treatments
- Monitor what ingredients are in my hair products
- No chemicals
- No heat
- Deep condition on a weekly basis
- Low manipulation
- BABY my hair
- Visit dermatologist for alopecia treatment (currently apply ointment to areas)
*** I may have to get braids (CAREFULLY) done. The lace front wig is starting to thin my edges - and I can't have that.
It appears hair in the alopecia areas is trying to grow back - I have fuzz
. A few strands are ~1-2 inches.
CARE, DEDICATION & PATIENCE IS KEY.
I refuse to believe my hair must be thin due to age. Because of age - I have to institute some mitigating practices/solutions (vitamins, better diet, better maintenance) to offset the change in my body and system as a result. These practices "fill the gap", so to speak, that age creates.
It may seem like a lot of work - but it really isn't. I take pleasure in caring for my hair and the benefit is seeing how much my hair has and still is growing.
My goal is to have BSB/BSL hair by June 2014. And "I Ain't Playin" "
HTH