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Old 12-11-2012, 09:19 PM
 
32 posts, read 45,312 times
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Hi everyone,

I have a question. I am an African American woman who decided to get lock exstensions. In the past I had locks with just my hair, but I cut them off after five years. I went about two years without locks and decided to get extensions on my natural hair. Well for about two years, I've had these extensions, but I am currently losing hair at the top part of my head. It's not completely bald but it's fuzzy and thin. Now it might be because I would pull and twist my hair a lot when I would become stressed, but I haven't been doing that lately. I see some of it growing back but I am getting nervous. I always had a bunch of hair and never had hair growth issues, so I was shocked when this happened. Does anyone know about any vitamins I could take or creams? I haven't had a perm in almost ten years. I don't know if this is stress or my diet? I want to find out what I could do before all my hair falls out lol..... I would go to a dermatologist but I'm a student and don't have access to specialist. I will have money once the new year comes in and I will pay for a visit to at least make sure it's not a serious condition, but for now does anyone have any suggestions?
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Old 12-12-2012, 10:43 AM
 
1,831 posts, read 4,419,446 times
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Here are a few suggestions.

I would lose the extensions first. Maybe they are too heavy. Also, a little Jamaican Black Castor Oil is known for helping to promote growth (notice I didn't say it grows your hair). A little on your scalp may be helpful, along with some TLC. I used JBCO on my edges after a certain edge cotrol pomade thinned them out. They filled back in fine.

Is the scalp irritated? Maybe you need a clarifying shampoo. Or maybe you need to keep the hair moisturized by following your moisturizer or leave-in with an oil or butter. I've done these with success also.

I hope this helps. Good luck.
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Old 12-13-2012, 02:02 AM
 
32 posts, read 45,312 times
Reputation: 36
thank you for the response.. Yeah I am beginning to think the extensions are too heavy.. I only had them in a little over a year. But I'll try castor oil, I think if I tend to my hair more it will grow in. I just think in this dry climate I am in my hair just started to fall apart. I'm from a humid state and now I'm in a dry state. Thanks for the help. I'll get some moisturizer.
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Old 12-13-2012, 02:22 AM
 
Location: Relaxing with animals
468 posts, read 550,638 times
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I'm not African but I can offer you a little advice. Ditch the extensions, pronto, whether they are heavy or not. They're usually not properly placed and can cause baldness in any type of hair. Naomi Campbell is mostly bald because of years wearing weaves/extensions. She wears wigs now.

Also, try using herbal remedies like concoctions of marshmallow root, slippery elm bark etc as nourishing leave-in conditioners. Use organic shampoos with the regular chemicals (which promote hair loss), such as those made from castile soap. You can make your own, too.

Here's some info on vitamins and herbs for hair growth:
Vitamins and herbs for strong, healthy hair

Of course you want to maintain a healthy diet as well. I'd try the natural stuff before consulting the dermatologist, unless it's a holistic one. Docs nowadays just fill you up on expensive drugs and creams that hardly work. Herbs & diet yield far better results, and faster. You may want to look into acupuncture too.
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Old 12-13-2012, 02:23 AM
 
24,488 posts, read 40,985,403 times
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Also, take biotin.
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Old 12-13-2012, 07:57 AM
 
1,084 posts, read 2,469,015 times
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Don't wear extensions for long periods of time. The fact that you said that you had them in for 'a little over a year' scares me. I agree that some extensions can be nice, but overall they can really damage your real hair and scalp. When I had extensions, I would have them in for a month or two and then take them out (and not wear anymore until 6 months or a full year later). I would be afraid to leave them in longer because even after that little amount of time, my 'real' hair would be dried out, tangled, and thin.
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Old 12-16-2012, 11:27 AM
 
Location: NYC
7,364 posts, read 14,630,032 times
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You should also improve your diet to help promote growth. Natural fats such as avocado or fatty fish like salmon are great for hair growth. No processed foods at all, and plenty of veggies.

I suggest clip in extensions in the future, so that your scalp gets a break every night. I wear them a few times a week depending on my mood. It seems there aren't a lot of black women wearing clip ins, but they are great.
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Old 02-04-2013, 12:12 AM
 
32 posts, read 45,312 times
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thank you everyone for your feedback i will try all of your suggestions..
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Old 02-06-2013, 07:57 AM
 
Location: NY
188 posts, read 404,432 times
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Don't forget to tie your hair up at night, and if you frequently pull your locks into a ponytail or bun, don't make it too tight.
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Old 02-06-2013, 09:08 PM
 
Location: St. Pete/ ATL
185 posts, read 316,938 times
Reputation: 137
I dont think any of you really understand the nature of loc extensions are giving rec's based of general knowledge of other types of extensions. Im not trying to knock anyone just my thoughts.

Loc extenstions when done properly can be worn forever or can be eventually cut off when the wearer is ready. The problem with loc extenstions is that there are so many different methods that stylist are using out there and alot them are no properly trained nor have an understanding of what they are doing. Instead they are just trying to make a quick buck.

I do agree with the other ladies in that I believe you should cut the exts. off. If they were done incorrectly they could be causing tension which equals the hair loss your experiencing. You dont want to end up with alopecia. Going to the dermatologist is a good idea but honestly to me it sounds like stress, especially if you use to pull your hair.

You need to add in activities that you enjoy doing to your life like reading a book,shopping, coloring lol A good diet (drinking more water, nixing soda,etc) and even just adding a multi vitamin will help, you really dont have to go over board. JBCO is good product to use to promote hair grow too as mentioned above.

Best of luck to you. Oh and I suggest you vist hair boards like Nappturality, long hair care forum and even alot of the groups on Facebook. Lots of helpful ladies and gent there who have been where you are maybe able to add more insight.
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