It’s no secret that black women take great pride in our hair. We want it to look fabulous at all times! Since the road to ‘fabulous’ can involves flatirons, curling irons, blowdryers, pressing combs, relaxers, texturizers, haircolor, weaves, and too-tight cornrows, the truth is that our tresses can end up suffering, big time—ie, it can start thinning around the hairline, breaking off, or actually falling out. In fact, 40% of hair loss sufferers in the United States are women. The good news is that hair care brands are finally creating products that address the hair loss epidemic.
One of the best product systems is the Biolustre Intense Repair Kit ($49.95), revolutionary new 4-step-kit that aims to restore hair to its virgin condition in one hour (all the rage in Europe, it’s quickly becoming a must-have among celebs like Eva Longoria Parker and Selita Ebanks). The set includes a Release Cleansing Shampoo, Revive Repair Treatment, Restore Maintenance Treatment Shampoo and Renew Daily Conditioning Sealant—all of which contain a synthetic polymer that binds to the hair and rebuilds it to its glossy, natural state.
Frederic Fekkai MORE Nighttime Follicle-Boosting Treatment ($35) targets hair loss before and after it starts with a therapeutic dose of marine glycogen and caffeine—which helps nourish the scalp and improve follicle health.
SoftSheen-Carson’s Roots of Nature Remedies (at CVS, Walgreens and Drugstore.com) was formulated to repair damage, eliminate breakage, strengthen and moisturize hair—all of which is key in encouraging hair regrowth. The line includes a Reconstructing Deep Treatment, Stimulating Scalp Oil, Triple Repair Hairdress and Strengthening Oil Moisturizer.
Toppik Hair Building Fibers Dark Brown ($28) is a unique, topical hair-builder made of pure organic keratin proteins (the same protein hair is made out of). Toppik’s fibers are charged with static electricity so they bond with your own hair and stay in place all day! To use: Hold the container a few inches away from the bald or thinning area (hair must be dry), and then shake liberally to dispense the product throughout the area.
If you’re suffering hair loss (due to changes in diet, or post-partum hormonal changes, etc.), try taking a multi-vitamin targeted towards shedding strands. Calcium and Magnesium work together to prevent hair loss and promote healthy, strong regrowth. Meanwhile, Zinc helps keep hair healthy and moisturized. Try Vitamin Shoppe Calcium Magnesium & Zinc ($11.99).
GroWorks Grow It Strengthening Root & Scalp Serum ($5.99) is already a cult favorite in the hair industry. Formulated specifically for African American hair, this powerful (and affordable!) serum helps protect fine hair from breaking and splitting while promoting natural growth.
Not only is Ted Gibson Hair Sheet ($17.50) a fabulous, on-the-go way to add gloss and luster to your hair, it’s also blended with two powerful hair growth ingredients: Wild Orchid Extract, which tones and conditions the scalp; and Lavender Oil, which encourages hair growth and prevents moisture loss.
Bosley Professional Strength for Women ($399 for a 6 month supply) is pricey, but for good reason The five step kit includes the star product, the Hair Regrowth Formula Treatment—a 2% Minoxidil formula approved by the FDA to stop hair loss and re-grow hair.
Originally formulated to treat the harsh effects of relaxers, Dr. Miracle’s “Feel It” Formula Temple & Nape Gro Balm ($7.50) helps stimulate blood flow from the scalp to the temple and nape areas which, ultimately, promotes hair growth within thirty days.
Korres Magnesium & Amino Acid Anti-Hair Loss Lotion ($30) is blended with vitamins, amino acids and vegetable extracts to stimulate new hair growth and increases the hair’s life cycle.
Roux 07 Fermodyl leave-in treatment vials helps fine, over-processed hair achieve strength and hydration it desperately needs.
$9.29, available at sallybeauty.com.
