How to Grow Back Your Edges

Your edges are not only the most delicate part of your hair but they are also the most visual part of your hair. Your edges frame your face and define any hairstyle, which is why it's important to take care of them. Over-styling and over-handling your hairline can cause your baby hairs to thin and break off over time, resulting in permanent hair loss if not addressed. So, it's important to take care of your fragile hairline and avoid excessive manipulation. Thin or damaged hair can also make it challenging to style your hair in a way that hides the damage.

What causes thinning edges?

There are ways to address thinning edges and promote regrowth. First and foremost, it's essential to identify the root cause of your hair loss. Once you know what's causing your edges to thin, you can take steps to address the issue. You can typically blame the loss of your hairline on one of these 3 reasons:

1. Tight Hairstyles

Your high ponytail, box braids, and weaves look amazing, but any of these styles if too tight may cause tension that results in thinning your hairline. Instead, opt for looser hairstyles that don't pull on your hairline or edges. We suggest this because with time, the hair thinning resulting from the excessive styling and pulling of your hair could result in traction alopecia, a specific type of hair loss.

2. Genetics

When it comes to hair loss, genetics can unfortunately play a significant role. If you're experiencing hair loss it may be time to ask some of the women in your family if it is something they've dealt with. Even though genetics may play a significant role in hair loss, there is still a chance further hair loss can be prevented and treated.

3. Medical changes

Hormonal changes, such as those experienced during postpartum or when dealing with thyroid conditions, may contribute to a thinning hairline. Hair loss due to hormonal changes is more common than we think, as experienced by supermodel Ashley Graham during postpartum.

Image: Ashley Graham

How do you grow back your edges and continue to protect them?

1. Avoid tight hairstyles

A very important step in regrowing your edges is to stop any hairstyles that put unnecessary tension on your hairline. Yes, this includes protective styles like braids and ponytails! Despite these styles being known as 'protective styles', if these styles are done incorrectly by a stylist, they can cause serious harm your hairline. Skip braids that are too heavy and switch up the style of braids every once in a while. You can also ask your hairstylist to leave out your hair at the front so there is less tension. When it comes to wigs, if your wig is too tight or loose, it can also cause thinning of your edges. If you use glue to hold down your wig and you don't remove it correctly, it can also lead to breakage and damage. To avoid this make sure your wig fits comfortably around the circumference of your head, you can check out our other article for tips!

2. Use a Silk or Satin Scarf or Pillowcase

When it comes to sleeping, using a silk or satin scarf or pillowcase can help keep your edges from rubbing against cotton, which can cause breakage. Silk and satin are gentler on your hair and can prevent damage, so investing in a scarf or pillowcase made from these materials is a great way to care for your hairline and edges.

Image| Silk Pillowcase

3. Moisturize Your Hair

Dry hair is more prone to breakage, so keeping your hair moisturized is essential. Use a leave-in conditioner or hair oil to keep your hair moisturized, paying particular attention to your edges. Avoid using heavy products that can weigh your hair down and cause buildup.

4. Protect Your Hairline from Heat

Heat is a major culprit of damage to hair, particularly the hairline and edges. To care for your edges, avoid using heat styling tools, such as flat irons and curling irons, and choose heat-free styles instead. If you must use heat, be sure to use a heat-protectant product to minimize damage.

5. Avoid Chemical Treatments

Chemical treatments, such as relaxers and hair dyes, can be damaging to hair, particularly the sensitive hairline and edges. If you must use chemical treatments, be sure to choose gentler formulas and avoid applying them too close to your hairline.

6. Eat Well

Eating a diet rich in foods that promote hair growth such as spinach, red peppers, avocado, and eggs can help in restoring your edges.

Image| Avocado

7. Massage Your Scalp

Another effective way to promote hair growth is through scalp massage. Massaging your scalp with stimulating oils, such as peppermint, rosemary, or lavender, can improve blood flow and promote hair growth. You can also try using a scalp scrub to exfoliate any buildup that may be obstructing hair growth.

Image| GRO Revitalizing Scalp Massager

8. Scalp Care

In addition to these measures, there are numerous hair growth products and supplements available that claim to restore edges. However, it's essential to do your research and select products that are backed by science and contain proven ingredients such as biotin, keratin, and castor oil.

How long will it take to grow back your edges?

Unfortunately we can't give you an exact time line. Growing back your edges can take time, depending on the amount of damage that has been done. Depending on the severity of the hair loss and how much care you put into restoring them, it could take anywhere from a few weeks to several months for your edges to regrow.

In order to speed up this process, it is important to make sure that you are caring for your hairline properly and avoiding any further damage. This includes taking protective measures mentioned above such as avoiding tight hairstyles, using silk or satin scarves and pillowcases when sleeping, keeping your hair moisturized, protecting from heat styling tools and chemical treatments, and eating well. With a lot of patience and dedication to looking after your edges correctly, they will eventually grow back stronger even more than before!

 

(photo in header from istock photo)