How to Feel Fabulous when Coping with Hair Loss and Scalp Damage
“Bad” hair days can be challenging. However they often pale in comparison to hair loss and scalp damage. There are many reasons hair loss and scalp damage can happen. Some causes include genetics, skin conditions, hairstyling practices, medical issues and medications. Whatever the reason, these tips should help you put your best self forward so you feel fabulous. (If you need some insight on hair issues, visit the Learning Lab, http://senicanaturals.com/learning-lab. I’ve written in-depth information on some hair concerns and challenges which you can find in the Learning Lab and here, http://senicanaturals.com/tag/hair-care-tips/).
1. Be encouraged. At the end of day the goal is to be comfortable in your own skin, with your own look. And while that might mean thinking yourself pretty positive or positively handsome on tough days, getting comfortable and confident is key. Once you make peace with that you can truly move forward to finding options that work well for you and perceptions of what people may think will matter less. There are worse things that can happen – you could be dead. :-/
2. Find a look that works for you and the damaged areas. Updos, shortcuts, braids, wigs, clip on ponytails, and sew-in weaves are just a few options that may work. The point is to embrace your beauty in a way that makes you comfortable. I’ve tried all these options at various points of dealing with scalp dermatitis and folliculitis. Updos are my favorite be it a high bun, low bun, etc. They are a quick and versatile option for casual and formal looks. And the options are endless for extensions that can be styled added in to your hair for the finished updo – braided bun, loose pony tail, rolled and styled. And done correctly, they can keep your hair protected and help your achieve hair growth goals.
Wigs can be very helpful if you have thinning hair. There are many options on the market that allow you to create your own style. If you have curly, afro textured hair, and a creative, your can try your hand a creating a wig. This video from Roshini aka Glamazini shares her method for making a braid out wig, http://www.glamazini.com/how-to-make-a-crochetlatch-hook-wig. I met Roshini virtually years ago via her blog documenting her approach to addressing alopecia. Her styles are versatile and her approach to hair is one of the gentler out there.
http://www.glamazini.com/how-to-make-a-crochetlatch-hook-wig
Toni Daley also offers a few styles of wigs that can be worn as a half or full wig. You can view them here, http://www.tonidaley.com/collections/wigs. A quick internet or YouTube search is a good starting point for options that cover the entire hair spectrum.
For straighter hair types here are two videos from Ami Desai https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pN7GR9Yr2yk&t=646s and Allison’s Journey https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yM3-4SK9GGs.*
3. Have fun with head wraps. Head wraps are fun, easy, and a great option for protecting your scalp and hair. I’ve always loved head wraps and they have become extremely popular of late. This video from Cannie aka MzNaturalLife has a few looks worth trying. Thanks for allowing me to share Cannie. 🙂
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vw8XisZtaQ
There are endless possibilities for head wrap styles. Some offer full coverage and others partial. Looking for more options, search ‘head wrap tutorial” on the internet and get to practicing.
4. Find a great stylist or barber. When I decided to cut my hair into a short bob and finally a short afro I reached out to one of the best natural hair stylists I knew. She had relocated but referred me to an excellent barber. He was good at working with the varied textures, lengths, and thickness (or lack thereof) of my hair. I always felt fabulous after a fresh cut. You can also work with a stylist that can help you develop options based on the condition of your hair and scalp. At this point, less is more. Consider minimizing or skipping the extensive treatments and heat exposure and opt for simple washes, scalp massages and moisture rich options that help you maintain your existing hair health and extreme manipulation of hair and scalp which can have an adverse impact.
My horror story with the wrong barber:
I’ve also been in a pinch and went to an “okay” barber. Never again darling! The front of my hair was fine but I looked like I had mange at the nape of my neck because of how he cut the finer sections of my hair that is thinner and has a few bald spots. I wore collared shirts until it grew in some and even popped the collar. (I don’t pop collars so you know I was desperate.) The point being, find a great barber or stylist who has experience working with clients that deal with scalp damage and hair loss and also focuses on hair health. Halfway decent is not an option. I have a lot more stories I could share but like they say, tell some, keep some.
Caveat – Exploring alternative looks and styling options is great. It is important to be mindful of the choices you make. This advices stands even if your not dealing with any hair or scalp issues. For example, glueing in tracks or caps may not be the best option as they can pull your hair out and damage healthy hair along with hair follicles. In the same breath, caring for your hair is important – think moisturizing your hair regularly even with long term installations. A wig, or weave may look cute, but healthy hair underneath that style is even cuter long term.
Related Article: The Basics of Hair & Scalp – https://senicanaturals.com/basics-of-hair-and-scalp/
Sound off! Do you or have you dealt with scalp damage or hair loss? What tips would you offer in navigating the process while you celebrate your natural beauty? Please share in the comments section. I’d love to read. And, if you there are resources for specific hair types you think would be a good fit for this post, send them my way. Thanks for reading and sharing.
Recommended Reading
Common Types of Hair Damage & How To Prevent Them
3 Hair Teas for a Healthy Scalp
Best of Hair Part 2: Hair Care Routine + Maintenance
Best of Hair Part 1: Anatomy of Hair + Scalp Dermatitis
Recommended Products: Senk Conditioner & Shampoo Bar Set, Senk Shampoo Bar, Senk Conditioner & Hair Lotion
Natural. Beautiful. You.®,
Benardett, Creator of Sénica® Products
www.senicanaturals.com
* External links are suggested as starting points and do not serve as medical advice. These links are not affiliate links and any links or codes shared within related content are not affiliated with Sénica.*
Photo Credit – Boddy Rodriguez via Unsplash