Hair No: Are Tattoo Edges The Answer For Thinning Ones? 

Corbis

In the quest to have the most laid of ‘dos temporarily, many of us wear hairstyles that pull at our hair and cause our edges to thin out. For others, pregnancy comes for our edges, as does stress, lupus, alopecia, iron deficiency, and hypothyroidism. It can even be hereditary. But what is one to do when that hair runs for the hills? Whatever you do, I wouldn’t recommend going to a tattoo artist and having them create edges for you with ink. Like this woman:

This could be clever, and kudos to the tattoo artist for his good work. However, I can’t imagine what that tattooed edge is going to look like once it goes through the healing process, which usually includes dryness, peeling and itching. And what if this woman wants to color her hair later in life? What then?

While it seemed like a reasonable idea on paper, getting your edges tattooed on is not your next best bet. Experts and stylists say if you’re not trying to help your edges grow back, you need to leave that hair alone. So what should you do when you notice that your edges are thinning out? It may not be too late.

Rubbing your thinning hair with essential oils can do your edges good. Black castor oil is always lauded, as is Vitamin E, protein treatments, rosemary oil and temple balms from brands like Eden, Dr. Miracles and Organic Root Stimulator.

It’s a given that you might want to ease up on the weaves and extensions that pull on the hair, but the same goes for ponytails that pull excessively, tight braids,  super secure knots and restrictive headbands.

And ditch the bonnets that are too tight around your hairline, as well as the ones that aren’t made with satin edges. Your best bet if you know your edges are thinning is to opt for a satin pillowcase or use a covering that is all-satin everything.

Also, be careful with products that could be hurting your hairline. From your makeup to your acne medication, your edges will thank you later.

Thinning edges are disappointing, but there are ways to get them together–without putting an ink needle to your scalp.

But what say you? Is this woman’s tattooed hairline a crazy idea or clever?