My edges is receding but I'm not giving up yet
It's no secret that hair loss is an issue for many women, myself included. My hairline has been receding over the years because of tight hairstyles that pulled my hair out. I always thought my edges will grow back when I stopped those hairstyles but it looks like it's not happening. I don't want to go bald!
What having edges means to me as a woman
For me, my edges are like my crown. They give my face shape and without them, I feel like my whole look is thrown off. Without edges, I cannot confidently pull off a ponytail or wear my natural hair the way I want. I feel like my options are limited and that affects my self-esteem. It's more annoying than anything to feel like you can't style your hair the way you want because of hair loss.
Different ways people wear their hair
There are many various ways people wear their hair. Some women choose to wear their hair natural, while others may prefer to relax their hair or wear it in braids or weaves. No matter how you choose to wear your hair, hair loss can be a difficult issue to deal with. Hairstyles look better when you have a full hairline.
My personal journey with hair thinning
I first noticed my hair thinning when I was in my early twenties when I was still using perm. I would see my edges grow thinner and thinner. It was very concerning to me but still thought it was normal. After doing some research, I realized that my hairline was receding and I was beginning to lose my edges. This was a very difficult thing for me to come to terms with because I loved doing any type of hairstyle unbothered. Even when they were detrimental to my hairline.
Hair loss remedies
There are a variety of treatments available but here are my thoughts on hair growth supplements I tried to prevent my hairline from receding.
Biotin
Some people swear by biotin for hair growth. However, biotin sometimes causes me to break out. B vitamins are also important for hair growth because they help with energy production and red blood cell formation. Biotin is a form of vitamin B7 that's often taken as a supplement for hair growth.
Collagen
Collagen is another popular supplement for hair growth. It's a protein that's found in our skin, hair, and nails. Collagen supplements are said to improve hair elasticity and prevent breakage. Collagen is the most abundant protein in our bodies and it's responsible for the structure of our skin, hair, and nails. It's found in bone broth and you can also take it as a supplement. I didn't experience any adverse side effects from taking collagen but it can be annoying to remember to take it every day. Especially the powder formula that you have to mix with smoothies or other drinks that will make it taste good.
MSM
MSM is another popular supplement for hair growth. It's a sulfur-containing compound that's necessary for the formation of keratin, which is the main protein in hair. MSM can be found in food but you'd have to eat a lot of it to get the therapeutic dose needed for hair growth. MSM is said to improve circulation and reduce inflammation. I am currently using MSM powder together with collagen when I remember to take them.
Iron
Iron is an important mineral for hair growth because it helps transport oxygen to the cells. If you're iron deficient, you may experience hair loss. I take an iron supplement and I've noticed my hair is growing a bit faster. However, too much iron can be toxic so it's important to get your levels checked before supplementing.
Toppik topical hair-building fiber for thinning hair review
I've also been using a topical hair-building fiber product to help my hair look fuller. The fibers are made of keratin, which is the same protein that our hair is made of. The fibers are charged with static electricity so they adhere to your hair and make it look thicker. I've been using the Toppik brand but there are other brands available as well.
In the above video, I demonstrate a secret on how I apply hair fiber for my edges to look natural in the best way. You can see the difference in the before and after images.
Cons of hair-building fiber
-if you don't apply it correctly, it can look very fake and unnatural
-the fibers can fall off throughout the day
-can be expensive if you use it daily
Pros of hair-building fiber
-instant results
-make your hair look fuller
- affordable
- easy to apply
hers Minoxidil 2% Extra Strength Topical Hair Regrowth Solution for Women review
I've also tried minoxidil 2% to grow my edges. However, it might not be recommended if concurrently doing tight hairstyles. This is because minoxidil can cause scalp irritation leading to even more hair shedding.
I'm currently using minoxidil to grow my hairline and I'm seeing some results. It's only been a few weeks but my hair is definitely growing in. Also, I don't use this regularly, just one to three times a week when I remember. The downside is that it's very drying and sometimes makes my scalp itchy. The product contains alcohol which can dry out your hair, irritate your scalp, and can remove hair pigments. Also, the bottle and dropper could use a better design. Overall, I'm happy with the results I'm seeing so far and I'll continue to use it until my hairline is where I want it to be.
I think there are a variety of options available for women experiencing hair loss. Supplements, minoxidil, and hair-building fibers are all viable options. It's important to consult with a doctor or dermatologist to figure out what's best for you.
I'm still on my journey to grow my hair back but I'm hopeful that with these treatments, my hairline will eventually come back. Stay tuned for updates! Thanks for reading!
