It has been a very long time since we brought you an edition of Trichology corner. We are working on resuming this column full time on the blog.
Many of us are familiar with several scalp disorders, such as all forms of hair loss, itchy scalp, scaly scalp, and many more. But when it comes to hair shaft disorder, our knowledge is almost nil. Sometimes, it is this lack of knowledge that makes us to carry out some harmful practices on our hair strands.
Crochet hairstyles have been the rave of the moment for about four years now, and it’s no more a moment, more like a season. It has been largely accepted because it is a convenient alternative to weaves and box braids for a lot of people. If my guess serves me right, I think crochet hair styles will not be going away any time soon, and this is where we need to be careful.
Crocheting our hair requires us to pass needles through our hair strands over and over and over again. Many times, these needles pierce through our hair shaft (hair shaft is the appropriate term for what we generally call hair strands).
So the analysis of this is very straight forward. Take a new piece of handkerchief, and try to rip it off with your both hands. Almost impossible. Right? Now, take that piece and pierce it with a nail once. You will see the damage a big hole has caused to it. Now, keep piercing it over and over and over again. I’m sure you can imagine how weak, worn and torn the piece of handkerchief is now. Imagine if you try to rip it off. Very easy. Right? This is because the handkerchief has been weakened in its internal structure. It is therefore not difficult for it to be torn.
In the same vein, constant piercing of our hair shaft by the crotchet needle will weaken the structure of your hair, and damage your hair shaft, making it more prone to split ends, weak shafts, and breakage, and many cases eventually leading to faster breakage. In fact, the hair shaft scenario is much more serious than the case of the handkerchief because the handkerchief is just a flat piece, while the hair shaft is a cylindrical piece, consisting of three layers when cross sectioned i.e. the cuticle, medulla, and cortex, and the crochet needle will pierce through the three layers, in most cases, while in some cases damage the hair cuticle alone.
Unfortunately, holes in your hair shaft are not what you can see with your physical eyes. You will require the aid of a trichoscope, and it will usually be discovered by a hair specialist, not by your regular stylist
What can you do to prevent this from happening, especially if you love crocheting your hair? Join us in the next edition of trichology corner, where we would talk about this.
Is there any scalp disorders, hair shaft disorders, or any hair science topic you would like us to trash out on Trichology corner? Please, let us know in the comment section.
N.B: Remember that when it comes to hair care, there's a lot of fact, fiction, myth and reality on the internet. In the event of any confusion, it is advised you see a professional hair care expert.
Atilola Moronfolu (HPT) is a certfied hair care expert and a holistic practitioner of trichology certified and accredited by the American Association of Drugless Practitioners and Mahogany Hair Revolution, Los Angeles, California. To book a hair clinical appointment with Atilola in Lagos Nigeria, send a mail to hairconsult@africanaturalistas.com or call 07061141501.
