Hi Everyone, I’m new here

and now starting a new hair journey.  I submitted a post a few days ago but I'll just tell you my story again.........I cut all of my hair off last year and started wearing a sewn in weave. After about 7 months, I noticed major growth in my hair. The only problem is that the hair that remained out did not grow as fast as the hair that was braided and on the right side of my head and above my forehead, my hair line is a mess.  It's very thin.  I've always suffered from thin edges (around the temple) but my hair has always been long enough to cover that area...plus it really wasn't that bad-it hereditary.  But now....it's awful.  I made the mistake of having my hair braided after taking the weave out,thinking I'd just give my entire head a break and let the short area do some catching up, but it's not tight, not tight at all.  I still wash my hair-delicately since I know my hair will experience some added weight with the braids.  I've only been on this journey for a week and started using the Organic Root Stimulator products (temple balm in the morning and the serum at night)...word of caution, the serum has cayenne pepper in it and does tingle/sting sometimes. I've been massaging my scalp and temples 2x's a day, taking ulta nourishair w/ an additional MSM pill, and overall taking better care of my body.  Also, I spray my hair w/ coconut oil daily just so my own hair stays moisturized while it's braided.  Also, I don't pull my braids in a ponytail or anything, mostly, I wear them down or I will use a few hair pins and create a style..........My hair has only been braided for a week (1/21/06) and I only plan to leave this in for a few more weeks.  I dont' know what to do w/ natural hair and was planning to get a press and curl until I can gauge whether or not my thin edges are permenent.  Does anyone have any idea what else I can do to stimulate growth.....oh yeah....I'm also using tea tree oil shampoo and Organic Root Stimulator Uplifting shampoo on the thin area.  Since I'm braided I spray a leave in condition in my hair. I'm scared, I'm going to be bald but I believe in prayer and since I see hair in the thin areas, I have hope it will thicken up.  I know there are no miracle cures, I just want my hair back!!!!!! 

This site is awesome and you guys definitely know your stuff.........Thank you advance for your advice and I hope in six months I have some good news to add.

I have the same problem you have... the edges are thin from wearing braids. I have worn braids for years and years and that is how my edges got bad. I would first suggest taking a good multi-vitamin. Here is a link to a page that has information about that http://www.growafrohairlong.com/nutrients.html

Secondly, don't make the same mistake I have made. I am currently correcting it.... when you put the oils on your problem areas, DO NOT put this into your scalp daily. Only do this if you are washing your hair on a daily basis. Too much oil will clog your pores and actually cause your hair to thin and fall out. I would suggest putting an oil on those problem spots every other day. I hope that this helps!! I just don't want you to go through the same drama I am going through lol. Let me know how it works for you

This is just my personal opinion, but it may benefit your hair to let it rest from all hair add-ins and chemicals for a while. If you're not into afros or other natural styles, maybe you could try plaiting it and wearing a wig sometimes. I've found that my hair grew beautifully when I wore a wig. I would just put Pantene's Creme Oil Moisturizer and Perfective's Mega Growth Strengthener (the only 2 moisturizers I use at all), plait it, and put a wig on it. That may be best since your hair is probably stressed out from the braids and weaves.

Just go to a beauty supply store and try some on. Synthetic is best since they're cheaper (mine was $35 1 year ago) and hold their shape/curls after washing. You may want to stay away from cornrows too, because it pulls the hair tight.

To wash a wig, you simply fill the sink with clean water and a little shampoo, swish the wig around a couple of times, and then swish it around in some clean water, and hang up to dry.

cmesweet wrote: I would say go for a wig too, but you have to be careful because it can rub your edges as well.  Also, there are many African American women in business that wear their natural hair.  Where do you think all the natural ladies in the around the world work?    Exactly why haven't your boyfriend seen you with your own hair? What are you scared of? Let's talk about it and work it out.

It just happened that way.  He met me w/ a weave and from there I had my hair braided so he's never seen my real hair.  I don't know if he'll accept me w/ this thinning/balding. I'm scared honestly.  Heck, I'm scared because this has never happened to me before.  I decided to take my braids out in 2 weeks and wear a wig until I can see the dermatologist.  It's making me really sick to think that I'm losing my hair and that I possiby did this to my self.  UGH!!! I started wearing my hair in a weave last April to give my hair a break and to let it grow out some and then this.......ugh!!!! I'm so disgusted right now.....but I gotta believe it's going to be okay.

just wanted to let you know I found a link at black hair media about wigs, weaves and extensions... The ladies here are posting about how much they paid for them and where they got them at. http://forum.blackhairmedia.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=18722&am p;am p;KW=mtg

I hope that this will help you out