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.