Celebrity Master Textured Tresses Hair Artist and Author Tameeka McNeil-Johnson AKA #TheCurlWhisperer has taken the natural and textured tresses scene by storm. So we’re excited to apply her expertise to your crucial hair concerns. Remember, if you have questions for our experts you can submit them on our submissions page.
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Question:
I’ve been natural for most of my life but haven’t really taken care of my hair. Most of my hair is still healthy but my edges and the nape of my neck are so bad! I’m assuming it went into shock because of so many tight weaves and braids. Could it be permanently damaged or with time will I start to see growth results?
– Malika
PS: I’ve been weave free since July 20th 2014.
Answer:
Hello Malika,
The hair around the hairline and nape area can be very fragile. So prolonged use of weaves or added tension from braids can do damage. I cannot determine if the damage is permanent without an in-person consultation to examine the scalp and hair follicles.Please keep in mind that if you have only stopped wearing weaves or braids recently it will take time before you begin to see any regrowth in those areas.
In the interim, I would recommend that you be very careful as to how and what you use to cover your hair with at night as wrapping the hair too tightly or using a fabric such as cotton may cause friction to finer hairs as the new growth begins to come in and cause them to fall out. I would also suggest that you massage the areas with Jamaican Black Castor Oil (make sure you do this in moderation as this oil is extremely thick). Do this massage every other day on wet or dry hair and be sure to massage the oil into those areas very thoroughly. The massage will help stimulate the blood flow to the nerves and scalp and aid in producing new hair growth.
Additionally, I would suggest that you try taking a good quality multi-vitamin or a vitamin specifically for hair growth for a minimum of thirty days to see if you have any noticeable hair growth. If you do not live in the tri-state area and are unable to visit me in my NY or NJ salon for a consultation, I would suggest visiting either a licensed hairstylist who specialized in naturally textured hair or a board certified dermatologist. Either one will be able to examine the scalp and make personalized recommendations.
Please keep me posted and I wish you the best!
#TheCurlWhisperer
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An expert with more than 20 years of experience Tameeka’s goal is to teach women, men and children to embrance their coils, kinks, and curls and equip them with the tools and knowledge to grow their healthiest mane of hair ever! To connect with Tameeka please visit JadedTresses.com.
