“My hair does not grow” 😭

This hair growth journey can be a frustrating one, especially if you have tried everything under the sun and your hair won’t grow anything more than a few cm from your scalp. Or your hair seems to break off no matter how gentle you are when handling it.

In a previous blog post we discussed how Afro hair is so fragile by nature. 

But did you know that this can be worsened through the use of chemical relaxers? The effects of relaxers can be seen for many years even after you stop using one…

So if you are one of those people who take good care of your hair and even the act of laying your head on a pillowcase (not our Silk Sleep Companion of course!) causes your hair to break off...then this is a post just for you.

Acquired Proximal Trichorrhexis Nodosa

“Acquired Proximal Trichorrhexis Nodosa”  or “APTN”- I know this sounds like an intergalactic star in another universe. To make things simple this is a disease that is associated with a family history of “hair that does not grow”.

This looks like even the act of gentle finger detangling causes hair breakage in unforgiving amounts.

What is APTN caused by?

APTN is commonly acquired from some form of physical or chemical trauma. It's important to understand that its onset can occur many years after the use of chemicals or heat devices for straightening the hair. 

Chemical Trauma:

The continuous use and uninterrupted use of chemical relaxers that contain harmful chemicals weakens the hair shaft by causing loss of protein material and serious damage to the cuticle. Even a change in the choice of chemical relaxer may result in mixing of chemicals that are incompatible and lead to total breakage of the hair shaft.

Physical Trauma:

In other cases APTN can be caused by excessive combing or brushing of Afro hair with a very stiff brush and narrow tooth plastic combs. 

APTN can be an early indicator of Alopecia (hair loss) so to save your hair, early diagnosis is imperative.

If this is you, then my recommendations are:

1. AVOID relaxers altogether
2. Avoid hair straightening techniques such as hair straightening, and in some extreme cases blow-drying.
3. Avoid excessive over-manipulation of your hair. Always finger detangle first, then if you need to use a comb look for a wide-tooth comb/brush.
4. Avoid scratching your scalp
5. Avoid tight hair styles - speak to your hair stylist to not pull at your edges, or switch your stylist all-together.
6. Apply our Hair Growth Potion to nourish your scalp and strengthen your hair.
7. Apply our Hair Strengthening Oil to penetrate your hair shaft and make it stronger.

Do you suffer from breakage? Comment below your haircare issues and we will answer!

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References:

Black women's hair: the main scalp dermatoses and aesthetic practices in women of African ethnicity