After 2 years of being natural my hair looks healthy but my hair is thinning at that same spot…..

Ask Jamilah

Hair care specialist Jamilah, featured in natural hair documentaries for CNN, answers your burning questions.

I went natural because my hair was getting thin and I had a scary bald spot. After 2 years of being natural my hair looks healthy. It also feels healthy but my hair is thinning at that same spot. Can you please give me some advice on how I can get this spot to grow? I mainly wear 2 strand twist, no extensions and I mainly use natural products like Shea butter, to twist my hair. I wash every week or every two weeks with a suave conditioner. What do I do wrong?

I do understand your concern with the area that is bald and has continued to thin. The condition you are describing is termed Alopecia. Alopecia has several causes. The primary cause can be associated with poor circulation, lack of oxygen, and poor nutrition in the body. This can come from eating foods that do not agree with your system to high stress levels. Simply put, your hair is suffering because it is not getting the proper nutrition it needs to produce healthy hair in the follicle. As a result, the hair follicle loosens and the hair falls out at the root. The regimen you have is decent and involves loving care to your tresses (externally), however, your hair needs you to take it to another level. It is important to address your issue internally as well as externally.

First, I would suggest that you go to a practitioner to have a hair analysis done. This will give you specific support of what your body needs more or less of, and a more specific regimen for your needs. Generally speaking, healthy hair growth requires gentleness, water, rest, essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. Drink up to 8 – 8 oz glasses of water daily, get 6 – 8 hours sleep daily and up the volume of the nutrients you put into your body. Because our food supply is lacking in nutrients because of our environment, it is important from my experience to get the vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids in supplements. Visit your local health food store and check out the following: B-complex vitamins, essential fatty acids (flax seed oils), evening primrose oil, biotin, zinc, magnesium, vitamin and mineral supplements.

Next, reconsider the products you use on your hair. Does the shampoo have harmful sulfates, mineral oil, and other chemicals in it? Does your conditioner have fragrance and chemicals in it that will continue to cut off oxygen to your hair follicles and essentially stunt your hair growth? Although these products may not be the cause of the balding issue, they do exacerbate the problem. As a rule, I stay away from commercial products with sulfates, fragrance, mineral oil, dyes, chemicals, and the like. They generally do not have your best health interest in mind. You hair products should be food and medicine for your condition. Use natural products with ingredients like arnica, rosemary, nettle, castor oil, coconut oil, and lavender to stimulate your hair growth.

From my experience, if the hair follicle has not experienced permanent damage, the hair will absolutely grow back. It will take time, consistency, and patience. Affirm to your hair and yourself, everyday, that your hair grows beautifully.

Jamilah – President & CEO Saniyyah…Naturally®, LLC

Website:   http://aniyyahnaturally.com
Contact email: sales@saniyyahnaturally.com

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