Welcome back! As you all know, this blog is part of a three-part series called "Haircare Tips for Hijabis. To recap, the first part discussed hair conditions that hijabis face along with their symptoms and treatments and the second part discussed the sunnah of hair oiling and along with some natural hair oils and their benefits. In this last part, I will focus on a few tips to prevent hair loss for hijabis including vitamins and minerals that are essential for hair health. The purpose to educate others on the importance of haircare and to help others identify any symptoms they may be experiencing and the steps they can take to improve their hair health. Let's jump in!
Wearing French braids, Dutch braids, or other tight braids for an EXTENDED period of time under the hijab, can weaken your hair follicles. These tight braids look stylish and are pretty; however, they are not meant to be worn overnight or even for a long period of time under the hijab. Tight braids can lead to hair pulling and even weaken the hair strands, which can cause traction alopecia.
Traction Alopecia is a hair condition that was discussed in the first part of this blog series. Traction Alopecia occurs due to persistent friction and pulling hair strands, which can cause patches of hair loss to occur along the hairline.
Buns are a popular hairstyle and one of the most frequent hairstyles chosen by hijabis. Buns are convenient especially when we are on the go - preparing for work, getting ready for school, etc. While this hairstyle is the most efficient, it isn’t the healthiest for your hair.
High or low buns both can lead to excessive hair pulling and hair loss. This tight hairstyle not only can weaken the hair follicles but it can cause headaches / migraines as well!
This may seem pretty obvious but the overuse of hair products can also damage your overall hair health! Whether it’s using styling products like a curling iron, hair mousse, etc. these products may seem like a great solution at the moment, but in the long-term, they can cause hair to become brittle, develop split-ends, and weaken hair follicles. Using hair products for an extended period of time should be avoided, and using these products so frequently and wearing these products under the hijab can ultimately lead to hair loss.
Biotin is an essential form of Vitamin B that is recommended to be taken to improve hair, skin, and nail health. Biotin is also naturally produced by bacteria in the large intestine but can also be taken orally as a supplement. According to the FDA, a recommended dosage of 30 mcg should be taken for biotin.
Vitamin D3 is one of the few vitamins that is directly correlated with hair health! Vitamin D3 is very important to take and can also be obtained through fish, eggs, etc. Vitamin D3 is not just important for hair health but also to strengthen your bones and maintain your immune system. During the winter, Vitamin D3 levels tend to decline due to the decreased exposure of the sun and so it is important to take Vitamin D3 orally to maintain your levels.
Just like Vitamin D3, iron is also important for hair health! Iron can be obtained through beans, spinach, whole grains, etc. Iron is important for carrying oxygen to your scalp so that your hair follicles can grow! Iron is also important for preventing anemia and improving cognitive and critical thinking skills. Just like Vitamin D3, iron levels tend to be lower during the winter time so it is especially important to take these supplements during that time to improve your hair health!
1 comment
Allahummabarik sister
I’m going thru severe hair loss, since I’m full time studying and full time working so I’m out for over 15hours some days, with a hijab and niqab on. Alhamdulillah I didn’t have any acne or skin problems yet, but alot of hair loss. I ordered the supplements you mentioned (with my own research too ofc) and inshaAllah will start taking them when they come. I’ll come back here and let you know if there’s any noticeable improvement(s).