How to prevent hair loss – according to Dr. Ugonabo

Hair loss is a natural cycle, no matter hair texture. You may notice this especially once you remove your braids, shampoo or comb your hair. “It’s normal to lose about 50 to 100 hairs a day” – Board-certified dermatologist and academic partner of SheaMoisture, Dr. My Ugonabo says ESSENCE. The average hair growth cycle consists of three phases: the expansion phase (anagen), which might last up to six years, until the regression phase (catagen) occurs, before the hair falls out within the resting phase (telogen).

“Usually about 90% of ours hair on the head they are in the anagen phase, but our growth cycles can be interrupted by many things,” says Ugonabo. Excessive shedding (known by dermatologists as telogen effluvium) could also be attributable to problems akin to recent illness, stress, after giving birth, medications and weight loss. But unlike excessive shedding, “true hair loss happens when something prevents the hair from growing the way it otherwise would,” he says. Think: conditions like alopecia. From traction alopecia (often attributable to tight/tight hairstyles) to alopecia areata (often attributable to the immune system), it is vital to concentrate to which category your hair falls into.

While hair loss is common with all hair types, afro-textured hair is especially dangerous. “[A] common type scarring alopecia it’s called central cicatricial alopecia (CCCA), which is classically characterised by hair loss that begins within the crown area and spreads outward,” he says. Sometimes this involves burning, itching or pain. “Afro-textured hair is more delicate and susceptible to damage during care and styling [because of] structural differences in the hair shaft.” For this reason, hair breakage attributable to harmful hair care procedures (akin to using excessive heat, chemical relaxers, and hair dye) can lead to hair loss.

While a specialized diagnosis is advisable to properly treat hair loss, below are some general suggestions that Dr. Nkem Ugonabo recommends for textured hair to help reduce breakage and strengthen tresses.

Shampoo and condition every 1-2 weeks

How often you must wash textured hair is a subject of constant debate. For Ugonabo, “it will depend on the patient and the type of hair,” he says. Generally speaking, every 1-2 weeks is a dermatologist-approved guideline for shampooing and conditioning kinkier hair. New Shea Moisture Bond repair shampoo AND Conditioner is a sulfate-free option enriched with regenerating HydroPlex, which provides 84% ​​less breakage, making hair six times stronger.

For additional hydration, use a deep moisturizing or leave-in conditioner

“Keeping your hair moisturized between washes is important to prevent breakage,” she says. “In addition to regular conditioners, consider using a deep leave-in conditioner to add extra moisture to your hair.” As seen in our March/April issue, Cécred Moisturizing deep conditioner intended for dehydrated hair with 12 African oils and butters providing multi-level hydration after washing with shampoo and conditioner. “[Textured hair] they may dry out faster compared to straight hair, which may result in breakage,” he says. Therefore, deep conditioning is a vital step to prevent hair loss.

Always use a heat protectant

Fashionable silk presses and Bobs with upturned ends may cause you to use heating tools more often than usual. “[But] cracking can be caused by excessive use of heat (e.g. hair straightener), especially without a heat protectant,” he says. “Always use a heat protectant before using any hot tools, such as straighteners or hot combs.” WITH Oribe Gold Lust Dry Heat Protection Spraythat protects against damage up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit, to award-winning Guava Spraying Ceremonyby protecting against UV radiation and hot temperature, preparing the hair for aggressive tools will reduce the quantity of hair loss.

Try to limit tension when styling your hair

We all know the mix of headache and neck stiffness after a good haircut, which, as mentioned above, may cause traction alopecia. “When getting braids, braids or extensions, choose your stylist carefully and let them know if you experience any pain while styling,” she says. If our habits are causing hair loss, we should always consider an updated approach to hair styling. Your hairstyle may be neat, durable and cozy – so try to limit or reduce tension at any time when possible.

“If you like to change up your hairstyle, it’s important to use products that moisturize and strengthen your hair,” she says, especially for protective hairstyles. Ugonabo recommends SheaMoisture Binding Oil enriched with amla oil that locks in moisture, prevents frizz and protects against heat (think: before braiding), and may be used before and after styling high-tension hairstyles.

Protect your hair whilst you sleep

“At night, sleep with a satin scarf or pillowcase to reduce friction on your hair,” advises Ugonabo. If your bonnet or hat is prone to falling off at night, a silk pillowcase provides additional protection against friction. If you do not cover your hair, cotton sheets not only cause friction, but they will dry out your coils, which in turn causes them to break.