Dealing with my own hair loss, kinda

As a natural hair culturist, I've worked with women with a variety of hair thinning and loss issues.  I fully understand the process of hair loss, the cause of many forms of hair loss and the emotional toll it can have on the self-esteem.  I must say that there's nothing like experiencing it yourself.

Over the past year and a half, I've been slowly losing hair in the crown and on the sides of my head.  My hair loss is medication related.  I take Lisinopril to control my hypertension, and I must add it really controls my blood pressure very well (116/68).  The horrible down side, my hair looks a hot and thin mess.  Each time I run my fingers through my hair, its an ugly reminder of what I used to have.  Praise God my hair is nappy and I can cover the thinning spots with my afro, nappy hair gives the illusion of thick hair, so for the most part no one notices.  But I do.  It took me years to find the right medication to control my blood pressure without making my heart race or making me feel tired or that was really expensive.  Lisinopril is only $4 at most pharmacies and I only have to take one tablet daily.  But my hair!

Sunday morning I found myself crying in my husbands arms murmuring "I don't want to loose my hair".  Kevin is such an awesome husband and could truly care less if I have a head full of hair, a weave, braids, locs, whatever, I've done it all.  He reminded me that my hair wasn't what was important, but my health is of vital importance, and he agreed we will work with my doctor to find a new medication to curtail the hair loss while still maintaining a healthy blood pressure.

The irony here is that I truly understand and am committed to the fact that my ministry is to women who are going through hair thinning and loss.  The Lord reminded me that you can only minister to someone effectively when you've had similar experiences.  No one wants to hear, "girl just trust and pray", a sister wants to know "how did you get through it"?  Here's how: 

Put your health first and get to the root of the problem;
Research, research, research;
Surround yourself with a good support system;
Don't stress out, it prevents you from making sound decisions;
Seek holistic help as well as medical help (nature and science should work together);
Don't let your hair define you;
Take good care of your scalp and use great product with great ingredients;
A good wig or weave can be a girls best friend while finding the solution (if any) to your hair thinning/loss.

Be encouraged and know that I am.

What gives?

I just have to ask.  What makes a person want to go natural and use the best products on their hair and scalp, yet never drink more than 24 oz of water, rarely eat a balanced meal or get enough sleep, haven't taken a vitamin in years, eat junk on a regular basis and live in stress mode?   

It's more than a notion to attempt to live a healthly lifestyle.  Everything needs to be done in moderation and in a balanced way.  I love that so many women are living chemical free, but let's take that to another level.  This year make every effort to detox all the way around, that includes mind, body and spirit.  You don't have to completely give up donuts or throw away every hair product you bought last year.  Just use good judgement and don't get caught up in the marketing schemes that scare you into buying items you really don't need and before you saw the ads, didn't want.  Here are a few easy, economical things you can do to start living a healthy lifestyle:

Love yourself right where you are, but recognize what needs to change and change it;

Love others right where they are, but you don't have to tolerate ugly behavior or take on others issues, especially when they don't want to take on their issues themselves;

If going natural is important to you, lose the relaxer and get good professional transition hair care;

Schedule a physical;

Go through a good, holistic body detox 3 times annually; 

Eat 5 small meals a day to help metabolism work more effeciently;

Drink at least 64oz water daily;

Exercise at least 3 times a week for 30 minutes each session;

Make quiet time for yourself;

Try to get 8 hours of sleep each night (set a regular bedtime and stick to it);

Turn the cellphone off at a certain time each evening;

Honestly evaluate your relationships, friendships, etc.  (anyone toxic?);

Honestly evaluate yourself (you may be the toxic one) make corrections;

Be the friend you want;

Stop letting life live you..............don't stress (this to will pass)

Know that prayer changes things.

Don't just go natural...............go Byond Natural.