One of the most common question I’m asked is how to help a damaged hairline recover. First and foremost, it is important to understand why you are losing your hairline. Once you have identified the problem, there are five simple steps you can take to stop further damage and set your hairline on the road to recovery.
1. Stop pulling your hair out
Understandably, we are obsessed with the hair that frames our face as our face is generally the first thing someone see when they look at you. As a result, we are constantly manipulating our hairlines to look neat.
Always handle your hairline gently!
Stop brushing; instead, use your fingers or a scarf to smooth down your edges.
If you must wear braids or weaves, find a hairdresser with ‘soft’ hands who won’t pull and won’t try to braid up every single tiny hair.
2. Moisturise your hair DAILY
Yes, even the little, tiny hairs along your hairline. It is so easy to forget these when you are concentrating on your ends but remember that these little hairs have ends too.
You don’t need fancy products, simply apply water or a leave-in conditioner then an oil over to help seal in the moisture. It is important to use a natural oil, particularly as you will undoubtedly get some on your scalp in the process.
Although it is said that rubbing castor oil into your hairline twice daily helps your hairline grow back, it is more actually the action of massaging that increases blood flow to the area, encouraging your hair to grow.
3. Condition, condition, condition
The hair around your hairline is no different to the rest of the hair and will respond well to being treated well. Regularly conditioning and deep conditioning keeps your hair nourished and strengthened from the inside. Strong, supple hair not only feels soft but is also less prone to damage. Don’t forget to do protein treatments too.
4. Eat a balanced diet and drink plenty of water
Don’t underestimate the important role our diet plays in the healthy of our hair (and skin, and nails and life in general...). Eat a rainbow: as many different coloured fruit and veg as possible. Eat whole grains and foods rich in good fats. Eat lean protein and drink lots of water. Your hair will thank you.
We are an instant gratification society but no amount of applying product or examining your hairline will help it grow faster. Try taking pictures monthly so you can monitor your growth. It may take a while to fill in completely but if you follow the above steps diligently, you should start to see some new growth very quickly.