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Home arrow Beauty arrow Hair arrow How to Grow Edges Back: 8 Ways to Revive Your Baby Hairs

How to Grow Edges Back: 8 Ways to Revive Your Baby Hairs

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Written by Edibel Quintero, RD
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Fact checked by Rosmy Barrios, MD
Last update: August 4, 2023
6 min read 1263 Views 0 Comments
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Edges are very fragile pieces of hair that can damage easily if you don’t follow the right haircare routine. Growing them back may be difficult, but there are ways to revive your baby hairs. Discover 8 tips for restoring your hair edges and the main causes for thinning edges.

How to grow edges back

Edges are the little baby hairs you see around your hairline. These short hairs are an indication that you have a healthy scalp and hair wash routine. But for some people, thinning hair can be very hard to grow back. 

Growing baby hairs takes time and consistency. Using nourishing products, avoiding tight hairstyles, and limiting heat tools are all great tips to start with. You need to look after your scalp, too, not just your hair. 

If you want to revive your hair edges, it’s important to follow the right steps. Discover 8 ways you can grow back baby hairs and improve overall hair health. 

How to Grow Edges Back? 8 Tips That Really Work

Growing back those stubborn baby hairs will take time, but it’s entirely possible. Certain hair treatments, styling tools, pillowcases, and edge control products can help. Learning more about treating damaged edges can help you revive your luscious locks. 

Here are 8 ways you can grow your edges back: 

#1 Wear protective styles

Protective hairstyles can prevent your hair from getting knotted. Wearing braids, cornrows, a loose bun, or a low ponytail may stop the roots from stretching.  

It’s especially important for people with curly hair to tie back their locks before sleeping. This is because your head tends to rub against the pillow as you toss and turn, which causes a tangled mess. 

A tight hairstyle, like pulling your hair into a sleek bun, will encourage damaged hair and limit the blood circulation around your scalp. You should avoid these styles as much as possible if you want to regrow your edges.

#2 Moisturize your edges

Hair breakage is a common sign of dryness. If your baby hairs don’t have enough moisture, they are more likely to snap off during styling.

Jamaican black castor oil is a popular choice for fragile edges. Put some of the oil onto your fingertips and gently massage that into your scalp and hairline. Wash it off with gentle shampoo after a few hours or in the morning.

It is said that onion oil is also very powerful when it comes to hair growth, as it improves blood flow to the scalp. However, this option is not for everyone.

#3 Deep condition your hair once a week

A deep conditioner can do wonders for fragile and thinning hair. You should find a nourishing treatment that contains moisturizing and replenishing ingredients, such as avocado oil, shea butter, keratin, and protein. 

Some people make their own conditioner at home. All you need is raw shea butter, coconut oil, castor oil, and tea tree essential oil. Combine those ingredients to create a soft texture, and then apply it to your hair at least once a week. Leave it for at least 30 minutes, and then wash it off.

#4 Avoid heat styling

Common heat tools, like curling wands and straighteners, can really damage your hair. The heat dehydrates hair strands and impacts their elasticity. Over time, dry hair will eventually break and cause split ends. 

To avoid breakage, always use heat protectant sprays and try to avoid using these tools as much as possible. You should also dry your hair properly with a microfiber towel or a clean cotton T-shirt. 

#5 Use a silk or satin bonnet or pillowcase

A silk bonnet or pillowcase can help retain moisture in your hair. These gentle materials also prevent your hair from becoming tangled during the night. You could also wrap a satin or silk scarf around some loose braids or any protective style to further reduce friction. 

#6 Use gentle hair products

Gentle hair products that contain natural oils and are free from chemicals will strengthen hair edges. You want to use shampoos and conditioners that protect your hair shaft rather than clog or irritate your roots. 

Bad ingredients to look out for include sulfates, mineral oil, parabens, silicons, and synthetic fragrances. If you see any of these in your current haircare products, bin them and choose products that have oils like argan, castor, tea tree, coconut, rosemary, and olive.

#7 Massage your scalp

There’s nothing better than a relaxing scalp massage. Press your fingers against your scalp and gently rub with light pressure. Make sure to do this all over your head to increase blood circulation. 

You can also invest in a scalp massaging brush. This is a small tool that has silicone bristles for gentle exfoliation. Research suggests that using these tools can stimulate hair growth because more blood is circulating through your hair roots.

#8 Be gentle when brushing your hair

Always be gentle and slow when brushing your hair. You don’t want to accidentally rip out your edges by being too rough. Boar bristle brushes are a popular option because they detangle hair without pulling on your roots. 

What Are the Main Causes of Thinning Edges?

There are a few reasons why you experience more hair breakage compared to others. Genetics plays a huge role, but certain medical problems or hormones can also encourage a thinning hairline. 

Below are the main causes of thin edges: 

#1 Genetics

Some people naturally have thin hair that is more vulnerable to damage. Hereditary hair loss is another big factor that causes those thinning edges you see around your hairline. Not much can be done about fragile baby hairs, but it is important to follow a sustainable haircare routine to prevent further hair loss.

#2 Medical conditions

There are specific medical conditions that promote thinning hair. A few examples include lupus, thyroid disorders, anemia, seborrheic dermatitis, and alopecia. Doctors may be able to prescribe treatment for hair loss, depending on your personal health and current scalp condition. 

#3 Hormonal changes

Believe it or not, hormone changes can cause thin edges. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a potent hormone, can shrink your hair follicles and limit hair growth. Because of this increased hormone in the body, it’s easy for healthy edges to become thin and more fragile over time. 

Sudden drops in estrogen may also thin out your natural hair. Women going through menstruation or pregnancy will experience some form of hair loss. 

#4 Constant hair tension

Hair tension means you’re constantly putting your hair up into a tight hairstyle. This can cause your wispy baby hairs to weaken and fall out. You should always be aware of your hair styling by wearing your hair down more often or making sure the ponytail is loose rather than tight against your head.

FAQs

Can you really grow your edges back?

Yes, you can grow your edges back, but it may take some time. You need to take good care of your scalp by using nourishing and replenishing hair products. A deep-conditioning hair mask could help stimulate hair growth.

Can edges be permanently damaged?

Too much damage can permanently ruin your baby hairs. Tight hairstyles and chemical treatments promote hair loss, which will contribute to a thinning hairline. Instead, make sure your ponytails are loose, and always use products that contain natural ingredients.

Why are edges so hard to grow back?

Hair edges are hard to grow back because certain heat tools, tight hairstyles, and treatments prevent them from exceeding the anagen phase. This is the growing stage in which your hair follicle forms and creates a new hair shaft.

A Word From MD

Growing your hair edges back is not impossible. All you need to do is find the right treatment and protective style that works for your hair. Remember that everyone’s hair is unique, so it might take a while to build a sustainable routine.

Aside from the tips above, you can make healthy lifestyle changes, too. Following a balanced diet and washing your hair once a week will make a huge difference in hair growth. Reducing stress may also prevent dreaded hair loss.

Consider trying a hair-friendly diet to see how your edges transform. Eat foods like avocados, berries, eggs, almonds, and seeds, as they contain vitamins A, D, C, and B. Research suggests that a high vitamin intake slows down hair loss as you age.

Conclusion

You can regrow your edges by wearing protective hairstyles, using deep conditioning treatments, and investing in some nourishing hair products. It’s important to look after your scalp to ensure the hair follicles aren’t damaged or clogged. 

For more tips, drink plenty of water and follow a balanced diet. A healthy body can replenish hair quickly and reduce inflammation on the scalp. 

Written by Edibel Quintero, RD
Edibel Quintero is a medical doctor who graduated in 2013 from the University of Zulia and has been working in her profession since then. She specializes in obesity and nutrition, physical rehabilitation, sports massage and post-operative rehabilitation. Edibel’s goal is to help people live healthier lives by educating them about food, exercise, mental wellness and other lifestyle choices that can improve their quality of life.
The article was fact checked by Rosmy Barrios, MD
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HR_author_photo_Edibel
Written by Edibel Quintero, RD
HR_author_photo_Rosmy
Fact checked by Rosmy Barrios, MD
Last update: August 4, 2023
6 min read 1263 Views 0 Comments
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