5 Easy Steps to Grow Back Your Edges

Edges are not only huge in the natural hair community, but in the Black community as a whole. Edges are a big deal, and it can be an embarrassing, never-ending problem when, after years of relaxers, too-tight braids, high ponytails, weaves, wigs, extensions, and hair glue, you are left with no edges. Women have tried it all, from coloring in edges with eyebrow pencils to manipulating their hair to cover edges and even gluing on hair to cover the missing hair. None of these quick fixes, however, will make your edges grow back. Here are 5 quick steps to help your edges grow and prevent further breakage.

1. Recognize the Problem

Sometimes the scalp can be so severely damaged that it is extremely hard for the hair to grow back in this area. This can result from chemicals and even excessive tension. Sometimes hair can also be thinned from alopecia. If you believe your hair has thinned due to medical issues, contact your physician for the best course of action, and do follow these steps.

2. Stop Bad Habits

If you wear your hair out when sleeping, your edges rub against your pillowcase, causing friction and more breakage. Begin wearing your hair in protective styles at night, as well as sleeping with a silk pillowcase or bonnet. Stop using harsh brushes and gels that can cause breakage and damage. Alleviate tight, tension-causing buns from your hair regimen. If you wear braids or weaves, make sure the style isn't too tight, so it won't cause tension bumps. Also, allow your hair rest time in between styles. Meaning, if you often wear braids and are taking your hair down to get it re-braided, allow some downtime in which you wear your hair in loose protective styles before going back to braids or weaves. You want your hair to have some time that it is tension-free.

3. Baby Your Edges

Pay extra attention to your edges. Massage your edges throughout the day and before you go to sleep to stimulate hair growth.

4. Oils

Several different oils are known to promote and stimulate hair growth. Peppermint and rosemary are very popular and perform well. Castor oil is also said to promote hair growth. There are many different recipes online for oil mixtures that help to stimulate growth. One of our favorites is rosemary and a carrier oil (olive, grapeseed, jojoba, apricot, etc.); you can use any carrier oil. Mix a few drops of rosemary oil into your carrier oil and massage this on your edges. This recipe helps to stimulate growth. You may feel a tingling sensation, but if you feel any burning or uncomfortable sensations, stop using it, as you may either have open sores or allergies to essential or carrier oils. Here’s a recipe that uses essential oils to stimulate growth:

Ingredients:

• 2 drops thyme essential oil
  
• 3 drops lavender essential oil
  
• 3 drops rosemary essential oil
  
• 2 drops atlas cedar/cedarwood essential oil
  
• 3 mL jojoba oil
  
• 20 mL grapeseed oil

Directions:
Mix the essential oils into the jojoba and grapeseed oils. Massage into the scalp nightly for at least two minutes. Be sure to store the mix in a cool, dark place. (DISCLAIMER: Essential oils are very potent. Please consult a doctor before using them, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a medical condition.)

5. Change Your Diet

Sweet potatoes, spinach, and blueberries have all been said to promote hair growth along with many other great foods and vegetables. Begin incorporating these foods as well as more fruits, vegetables, and water into your diet, and keep an eye on your results. Remember, you can never have too many fruits or vegetables in your diet! Will you be following these steps to grow back your edges?