A question that I get asked a lot is what to do about damaged edges. I know it’s something that many women struggle with so I wanted to make sure I addressed it here.
The first step it to STOP! Stop whatever it is you’re doing to your hair. Your edges need a break. So that means you want to avoid using heat. No more chemical treatments. Don’t wear styles that put a lot of tension on the hair, like tight braids or ponytails - protective styles may be a no-go for a while. Your edges are much more fragile than the rest of your hair, so anything that puts tension on those delicate strands is to be avoided! Try not to mess with them too much for a little while. Don’t use a brush – style them with your fingers.
Now that you’re not actively harming your edges, you can start to heal them. Keep them clean and treat them to a moisture-rich conditioner - or you may even want to try a conditioning masque. Essential oils are also a great way to nourish and replenish. Gently massage a little olive oil or vitamin D into the hair for a quick moisture boost. Castor oil can help strengthen the hair strands and peppermint can stimulate the hair follicles.
You’ll also want to sleep with a silk bonnet or scarf, or on a silk pillow. This is a good practice in general to prevent damage to all your hair. Fabrics like cotton absorb moisture from the hair, and create friction which can lead to breakage. Silk actually preserves moisture, and that smooth texture minimizes breakage.
Once you’ve taken these steps, if your hair is still not responding, it may be time to consult your physician. Diet can have a huge effect on hair, so, for example, if you’re not getting enough iron, that can cause hair loss and thinning. Your physician should be able to advise you on what type of supplements you can take to address any deficiencies.
