Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all the lovely ladies here!

First and foremost: I’m from the Caribbean. From the Dominican Republic to be exact. I feel like I should disclose this since it’s a sub for Black women. I really hope it’s OK to post here. I checked other subs and I honestly couldn’t identify with a lot of what’s posted.

I have a mix of 4a-4b curls and I love wearing my natural hair. I haven’t straightened my hair in over a decade, but lately my hairline has been suffering. I’m aware that it’s partly due to age, I’m in my 30s, and genetics but at the same time I cant help but feel the constant washing/styling/tugging is also weakening it.

What can I do to protect my hairline. Wear scarves? Headbands? Braid my hair loosely? I am also very aware of culture appropriation and want to avoid anything that make it seem as if I’m doing this. This also isnt a post to get a stamp of approval for xyz. I’d love advice on low maintenance hair styles I can do at home. Nothing fancy.

Thanks in advance. I appreciate it.

  • Hey op as a fellow Dominican we are often mixed with black and mixed people are welcome.

    That aside avoid braids scarves, anything that will cause tension. I would also see a dermatologist it could be a vitamin deficiency or health issue.

    Saw a derm and was told it’s genetic, iron a bit low and same with vitamin b-12 but nothing too alarming. Lately, I’ve been wearing my hair in low buns and I dont feel any tugging/tension on my hairline but it’s probably contributing to it in some way.

    Thank you for the advice!

    What are braid scarves if you don’t mind my asking?

  • Aren’t Dominicans black?

    Most consider mixed but by American standards would be considered black especially with type 4 hair.

    Yeah but a lot of them don’t want to be.

  • Do you leave out some hair for edges? I’m a guy and the second I started a front taper and cut down the length on my hairline I regrew hair on my corners insanely quickly. I don’t know if that’s a solution for you if you are wanting to have curls up to your hairline though.

    I think I’m going to have to go back to separating my baby hairs/edges and being gentler with this section of hair. Thank you for the suggestion, I appreciate it!

  • I am Dominican and actually just posted here asking for advice lol. But, I'm not having any trouble with my edges and I usually do wash and goes and twist/braid outs. I am noticing that I need to change to my part, though, as I may be thinning there. Feel free to PM me, as I have 4a/b hair too!