Everything You Need to Know about Alopecia and Natural Hair

If you’re experiencing hair loss, thinning hair, or a receding hairline, you may have what’s called Alopecia.

Alopecia can present itself in several forms, each with its own recommended treatment. If you suspect that you may be suffering from this condition, we do recommend seeing a dermatologist or trichologist to get a proper diagnosis, first. With that being said, we’d still like to offer the little bits of guidance that we can, to help you understand what alopecia is and provide some natural solutions for preventing hair loss and encouraging hair growth, too!

What is Alopecia?

Alopecia is hair loss on any part of the body where there is hair (i.e., beards, scalp, eyebrows, or eyelashes), usually appears in the form of patches and, in most cases, is reversible. Anyone can experience alopecia regardless of age, gender, or ethnicity.

Some Causes of Alopecia

• genetics
• aging
• allergies
• health
• diet
• stress levels
• habits
• hormones

Common Forms of Alopecia

Alopecia Areata

• very common and easily identified by the presence of round or oval patches of baldness
• it is an autoimmune condition that in many cases recovers on its own without any treatment, but in some cases, the hair does not grow back

Cicatricial Alopecia (CA)

• “scarring” type of alopecia, where destroyed hair follicles get replaced by scar tissue
• can be caused by the excessive tension of wigs, weaves, chemically straightening the hair for years, and extremely tight-tugging hairstyles over the years, which causes inflammation and damages the hair follicle

Androgenetic Alopecia

• male- or female-pattern baldness due to an increase in the androgenetic hormone known as Dihydrotestosterone (DHT)
• typically, women experience extreme thinning, whereas men will experience balding

Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia (FFA)

• this can affect postmenopausal women and is usually accompanied by hyperpigmentation due to the excess production of keratin around the hairline

Traction Alopecia

• occurs when the hair is pulled back too tightly, too often, (i.e., in a tight ponytail, buns, dreadlocks, hair extensions, weaves, or braids) causing the crown and hairline to weaken and recede

Natural Solutions to Help Treat Alopecia

The easiest and quickest way to start is by eliminating any habits or behaviors that may be causing alopecia to begin with. If it’s stress, try to meditate or find other stress management techniques that work for you; if it’s dietary, eliminate refined sugars, fried and processed foods and replace them with healthy and nutritious ingredients; if you’re used to pulling your hair back in straining hairstyles, find alternative protective styles that work for your routine, lifestyle and preferences.

Once you’ve taken the time to alleviate some of the potential causes, the next step is seeking treatments that are gentle and natural to help soothe and regain some of the hair loss.

Our recommend natural treatments

Found throughout Kreyòl Essence’s natural hair & skin care products:

Lavender Oil

• Will soothe and calm your hair follicles because of its anti-inflammatory properties that can also strengthen the hair and promote new growth.
• A great option for those who think stress is a causing factor in their hair loss, due to its calming properties.
• Check out: Haitian Black Castor Oil: Organic Lavender Hibiscus (2oz)

Hibiscus

• Rich in vitamin c, which is great for our immune system as it reduces inflammation
• Can naturally stimulate hair growth and prevent hair loss through its naturally occurring amino acids which is responsible for producing keratin, our hair strengthening protein.
• Check out: Haitian Black Castor Oil: Organic Lavender Hibiscus (2oz)

Rosemary Oil

• Proven to be as effective at treating alopecia as the pharmaceutical prescribed minoxidil. True story.
• Check out: Haitian Black Castor Oil: Organic Rosemary Peppermint (2oz)

Coconut Oil

• A common solution for hair loss because of its nutritious, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial properties
• Check out: Body Care

Moringa

• Infused with vitamins and minerals, like vitamin A, C, and E, zinc, iron, protein, and omega-3 that protect the cells from damage, and repairs damaged hair follicles
• Through its rich body of nutrients, moringa helps balance out hormones, which is extremely beneficial for those with androgenetic alopecia, or alopecia caused by pregnancy or menopause.
• Check out: Moringa Benefits

Black Castor Oil

• The ricin oleic acid, omega-6 fatty acid, and protein strengthen the hair follicle and promote new growth. Haitian black castor oil also has the power to repair damaged hair and hair follicles for stronger hair that won't break.

Check out: Haitian Black Castor Oil | Hair & Scalp Care Collection

Final Thoughts

Or scalp and hair is susceptible to so many traumas, resulting from a myriad of actions or mishaps, both in and out of our control. Therefore, being mindful of our habits and our health (amongst other contributing factors), will give us insight into seeking the best ways to care for ourselves, form the inside out.  In tandem with professional guidance, if you want to go full-force on regrowing hair and preventing hair loss, we recommend grabbing our Haitian Black Castor Oil + Moringa - Vitamin & Hair Loss 5-Piece Kit Treatment, because yes, it’s as serious and nourishing as it sounds!

This 5-piece kit includes:

• Scalp Care HBCO + Peppermint Shampoo
• Scalp Care HBCO + Peppermint Conditioner
• Haitian Black Castor Oil - Original (our most popular Castor Oil)
• Scalp Care HBCO + Charcoal + Herb Pomade (Scalp Balm/Hair Grease)
• Haitian Moringa + Biotin + Collagen Vitamin Supplement (Pineapple Flavor or Original)

This kit is a great first-step to providing a 360-degree, comprehensive approach. It was formulated with healthful ingredients like castor oil, rosemary, peppermint, and charcoal to stimulate your scalp, creating the best environment to promote fuller, thicker, healthy hair and reduce shedding in the sink, shower, and comb. Then, add a boost with the nutrients your body needs to promote healthy hair internally with our Haitian Moringa vitamins infused with 92 nutrients including biotin, collagen, and zinc to boost strand strength and vitality.  Once you have this starter kit, be sure to follow-up with our nourishing products to maintain your hair’s health – from caring to styling.