Question:
To all the ladies, Will braids or extensions help with the hair loss issue?

I'm an african american and My hair is falling out and I want to know if I put braids (extensions) would this help??? I'm so afraid that if I put them in they'll just come right back out because my hair is so weak. You see, if I braided my hair, I can put biotin on my scalp and promote growth. but if my hair keeps falling out I'll end up having a big bald spot in the middle of my head. HELP!!!!!    — [Anonymous] (posted on January 23, 2002)

January 23, 2002
My suggestion to you is to leave any extra weight off your hair. Your hair is so fragile right now. I have seen many people who have had major surgery and quite often their hair thins our. I would just get a nice whig to wear in public. Your hair will eventually be restore after the shock to your body wears off. I have been a hairdresser for 36 years.
   — Sheri C.

January 23, 2002
I would not recommend putting braids in your hair because they while probably put extra stress on your already thinning hair I have braids now and i'm pre-op and they are a killer on my scalp after surgery my cousin who is a hair dresser told me that I would probably be better off with putting either a weave in my hair to cover any bald spot if I have any my hair is pretty thick. Wearing a fall or wearing a wig. I hope this helps.
   — Samitra D J.

January 30, 2002
I don't think you want to get hair extensions. I talked to my stylist about them. They are added to the end of your existing hair. If your hair falls out, so will the extensions. As you probably know, extensions are very expensive so to get them when you are losing hair would just be money (as well as hair) down the drain. I am thinking about getting them when my hair loss ends, though.
   — Kathy M.

January 30, 2002
Hello, I am a hairstylist and I would strongly advise you not to put them in..people who dont have thinning hair have a ton of problems with breakage....I would say your best bet is to buy some Nioxin shampoo...but most importantly the Scalp Treatment that goes with it. After you shampoo just saturate your scalp and hair in it and let it set like five minutes...not only is is great on your scalp it feels wonderful...also for people with thinning hair...try going once a week to your local beauty school and getting scalp treatments...its like a body massage on your scalp but they use a great moisturizer...plus they are real cheap if you go to the beauty schoool..( Its not like they can screw up your hair with one of those..and it gives them great practice!!) believe me they are the best!!!! ok..I am done rattling I hope that helps someone!!!
   — Jessica L.