Traction Alopecia, a hair loss condition caused by damage to the dermal papilla and hair follicle by constant pulling or tension over a long period, is most common in African-American women and men who braid or pull their hair too tightly. Tight braids, especially “cornrows”, or ponytails can lead to high tension, pulling and breakage of the hair. Traction alopecia is reversible if diagnosed early, but may lead to permanent hair loss if it is undetected for a prolonged period of time. In traction alopecia the worst hair loss is in areas where the hair is pulled the tightest, usually the forehead and temples, but varies depending on the hairstyle. It can be subtle at first, but becomes apparent over years as the hair line recedes from ear to ear starting farther and farther back on the head. The hair is lost because the tension from pulling damages the hair follicles beneath the skin. Over time, pulling the follicle damages it and eventually the damaged follicle can no longer make hair. Because you cannot develop new follicles, as more and more follicles are damaged, more and more permanent hair loss results. Many products suggest that conditioning the hair follicles and cleansing the scalp will revitalize damaged hair from traction alopecia. This is not always the case; hair loss sustained by constant abuse remains damaged for life. This form of alopecia might be able to be corrected, but prolonged abuse without proper care can be irreversible. The key to stopping traction alopecia is detecting it early! Hair styles that put unnecessary strain on the hair root must be changed for “looser, gentler hair styles. Those who suspect they may be vulnerable to traction alopecia should take action immediately to change their hair style or treatment methods to lessen or possibly eliminate long-term damage.

Curly and kinky hair requires extra care and attention. Because of its dry state, it can be brittle and quite fragile. Sebaceous glands below the scalp secrete an oily substance which travels down the shaft of straight hair making it shiny and locking the moisture in. With curly hair the sebaceous oil does not make it very far, this is why curly and kinky hair tends to be dry, frizzy and prone to breakage. Deep conditioning is easily one of the most important aspects of the curly and kinky hair care regimen.

Strictly speaking, deep conditioners are those types of conditioners which you are directed to leave on the hair for 15-30 minutes. For the deep conditioner to be truly effective, it is important that heat is used along with it. Heat allows the hair shaft to swell and the cuticles to open and allow the conditioner inside.

All hair types benefit from deep conditioning but for black hair, this is an essential component! As the hair is dry by nature, deep conditioning restores the moisture balance in the hair which stops breakage. The type of deep conditioner used should depend on the condition of the hair.

Moisturizing deep conditioners should be used alternately with protein deep conditioners to maintain a healthy balance. By using products that contain protein in them, you improve the hair’s elasticity and strength properties. The goal is to have hair that has both strength and elasticity.

With relaxed black hair some bonds have been broken during the chemical service so protein is required to strengthen the hair but moisture will also be needed because chemicals tend to aggravate the dry condition of the hair. For natural black hair it’s better to err on the side of moisture. As the hair bonds have not been broken by chemical service, the hair is usually pretty strong. However, it is likely to be quite dry. By promoting elasticity, deep conditioning improves the strength of the hair making it more resilient which helps in length retention in the long term.

Healthy, shiny hair is a reflection of proper nourishment and a healthy lifestyle. Whether you use the highest-quality natural shampoos, conditioners and styling aids, the condition of your hair will still suffer if your diet is lacking in necessary nutrients.

Quick snacks for healthy hair:

Low-fat dairy products are great sources of calcium, an important mineral for hair growth. They are also high-quality protein sources.

·         Low-fat yogurt

·         Low-fat cottage cheese

·         Soy Milk

Red, orange and yellow vegetables are an excellent source of vitamin A, which promotes a healthy scalp and good vision.

·         Carrots

·         Tomatoes

Many nuts contain alpha-linolenic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid that may help condition your hair. They are also a terrific source of zinc; a zinc deficiency can lead to hair shedding.

·         Walnuts

·         Almonds

·         Cashews

·         Pecans

A vitamin C deficiency can cause the hair to be susceptible to splitting and breaking.

·         Berries

·         Oranges

·         Grapefruit

·         Melons

Protein is needed by every cell in the body, including the cells needed in normal hair growth. Without adequate protein intake, the body cannot efficiently make new hair to replace the hair that has shed.

·         Tuna

·         Cheese

·         Peanut Butter

A healthy diet ensures the intake of essential vitamins and minerals that contribute to your health and a healthy head of hair. Regular exercise, stress management, limiting alcohol intake, and avoiding tobacco are also essential to good health & healthy hair.

Although exercise does absolutely nothing directly to grow hair, it is highly recommend for creating a balanced environment for healthy hair growth. Lack of physical activity will definitely lead to brittle or lusterless hair. Exercising can improve blood flow, the delivery of oxygen to the cells of the body, and help the digestion of foods, all things that aid the health of hair follicles. It is very effective in increasing the elasticity and flexibility of the scalp. A tight scalp has long been associated with slow hair growth, hair loss, and male pattern baldness. Blood flow to the scalp is increased during regular exercise. Like any other part of the body, your hair needs nutrition, as well as, exercise. You must combine your exercise with a generally nutritious diet. This is a great way to combat hair loss and have healthy hair. After all, hair is also a part of your body, and if the body gets nourishment, so does the hair. The following exercises encourage flexibility of the neck and back, which in turn promote circulation to the scalp. They provide better nourishment to the hair follicles and result in healthier, more voluminous hair- old-fashioned toe touches and head/neck rotations. Incorporating these tips into your daily regimen can lead to great hair in the long run. Remember! Exercises need not be very strenuous to reap health benefits. All you will need is a jog or walk for around 20-30 minutes per day to increase flexibility and blood flow. So keep your body strong and your hair growing by doing some type of cardio exercise EVERYDAY! You’ll never regret it!