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'I had a receding hairline and in 2019 I finally did something about it, and you can too'

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Photo by Edward Berthelot/Getty Images
Photo by Edward Berthelot/Getty Images

Don't let the image fool you - not a single braid has been planted on my scalp since I started my journey to hairline restoration. I simply miss having braids, especially in summer.

Anyway, I've always known that I would one day see a medical professional for my hairline woes.

Not because of any chronic conditions, but because I'm often governed by vanity, and if there's a solution for any minor cosmetic inconvenience, I'll sign up for it. 

Laser hair removal for underarms? Been there.

Microblading my eyebrows in order to be more economic with the time I spend doing my makeup? Done that

Chemical peels to treat blackheads on my nose? Got the good skin

READ MORE: Why not peel away a layer of your skin to reverse winter's harmful effects on your skin?

And this non-invasive cosmetic procedure is most probably the one I'm most invested in as someone who's incredibly insecure about their hairline... until recently. 

See, "snatch my edges!" doesn't quite have the same ring to it when your edges are literally receding so fast it could give Caster Semenya a run for her money on the track. 

A previous W24 article shed light on how disproportionately alopecia affects black women as compared to women of any other race, where it was implied that the cause of this can be attributed largely to the types of hairstyles we've been doing since our fledgling years - relaxers, braids, cornrows, and now wigs. 

In this same article celebrating Professor Ncoza Dlova's breakthrough study for hair loss, the following was also explained;

"Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia (CCCA) is a condition that largely affects  women of African descent. CCCA has been reported since the late 1960s and was previously referred to as ‘hot comb alopecia’ because it was thought to be related to the use of hot combs for straightening hair."

It was further highlighted that "CCCA is known to be aggravated by trauma-causing treatments that are unhealthy for the hair. This includes chemical treatments and excessive tugging and pulling of the hair that is seen in people who have very tight braids, weaves, extensions and chemically processed hair.

“When we pull the hair (with or without braids) or attach weaves, we cause mechanical trauma which leads to hair inflammation which, after repeated episodes, leads to permanent hair loss." 

READ MORE: KZN professor Ncoza Dlova involved in breakthrough study for hair loss among black women to offer key alopecia transplant procedure 

When I found out about the hair loss restoration treatments that Dr Reza and Dr Mia of Anti-Aging Art offer, I didn't hesitate to book my first appointment about four months ago. I also didn't care how painful the procedure would be - I was just happy to finally have access to a treatment with guaranteed results. 

Read about how my journey started here.

Yes, many black women have heralded the topical use of castor oil, Jamaican Black Castor Oil, and even Vicks VapoRub as solutions to injibhabha - and I'm not dismissing these affordable fixes as ones that have indeed worked - but none have worked to my personal satisfaction. 

And it would appear I'm not alone.

When I posted videos of my second appointment last month on Instagram stories, I received an influx of responses from my black women followers asking an array of questions either for themselves or another woman close to them. 

So here are all the details you need to know about my hairline restoration treatments, as described on the Anti-Aging Art website

My first treatment was the injectable hair filler procedure. 

On a scale of 1 - 10, how painful is it? A solid 8

How long does it take? You can use your lunch hour. 

What does it do? 

These injections promote increased blood circulation to the scalp and hair follicles. Additionally, they do the following:

- Revitalises hair follicles and helps with Hair stem cell proliferation.

- Induces hair growth by increasing the size of the hair follicle.

- Prevents hair loss.

- Maintains hair growth.

Use of the hair filler does not rely on the scalp’s skin needing to absorb the product to be effective. By injecting this innovative sustained release complex of peptides into the dermis of the scalp, where the hair follicles lie, it places the necessary active ingredients directly into the area of concern, thus increasing efficacy. 

How do they do it? 

First, a numbing cream is applied on the are of concern, allowing about 20 minutes for it to kick in. You then recline in the hot seat with a stress ball in hand, and the hair filler is injected all along your hairline. You can then swing your wig back on a few minutes after the quick procedure is complete. 

Dr Reza instructed me to not have a hot shower that evening, but I could do so the next day and even wash my hair. 

Exactly a month later, I visited Anti-Aging Art for my second procedure - PRP Hair Restoration Treatment. 

On a scale of 1 - 10, how painful is it? Definitely 10 

How long does it take? Another lunch hour.

How does it work? 

PRP Platelet Rich Plasma is the use of a person’s own blood platelets to enhance hair growth. Yes, this means that you will have blood drawn from before you start. 

Dr. Mia uses PRP treatment for hair loss or to improve the recovery and results of hair transplant surgery. In the field of tissue regeneration, research is continuing to progress regarding the use of PRP’s ability to stimulate stem cells, improve wound healing, and rejuvenate skin and hair follicles.

Are all PRP treatments the same? 

No, Dr. Mia uses the FDA approved Celluvance PRP process to separate and activate Platelet Rich Plasma for use as a stand-alone therapy or in conjunction with hair transplantation.

Does the treatment need to be repeated? 

Initially, patients would return for three treatments over three months. It typically takes another three months to measure the improvements.

Over time, the course of treatment may need to be repeated depending on the patient’s response to therapy, hair loss condition and goals. Additional treatments with PRP may be necessary in order to maintain the desired results.

I have now completeed a total of five treatments - with one more due in January 2020. The pain has now become bearable as Dr Reza found a way to inject the hair filler using a dermapen instead of a needle at my most recent appointment. 

What about the results? 

Although not completely visible, my hair is growing in the parts where I was practically bald. It looks like baby hairs for now, but Dr Reza is confident there should be restored hair growth about two or so months after my January appointment. 

For a visual aid; you may notice that there are fine hairs along the top of my forehead - those are new. 

View this post on Instagram

The most knackered hun in Southy. ??????

A post shared by Afika Jadezweni (@lulo_acups) on

What are the costs?

A consultation will cost you R650 and an appointment for either the PRP treatment or the hairline filler injection costs R4700.

Do you have a hair loss story? You can share it with me here

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