What If I Stop Using Chemicals and Grow Out My Afro?

Hi, I’m a 17-year-old african male who’s experiencing hair thinning at both the left and right frontal areas of my head. I’m sure it isn’t hereditary as my older brother of 19-years still has a head full of healthy hair. I think this may be due to the numerous products I’ve used in recent years to maintain a wavy texture in my short hair. Now that I wish to grow an afro, the thinning is more visible than if I have short hair. I was wondering if growing an afro could disguise the thinning or if it could allow the thinning hair to strengthen again?

Thanks

Let your hair grow out and you should see that it will take on its natural appearance. The new hair that grows out from the scalp never had product or chemicals on it, so this hair will curl/kink if that is your normal character. I am assuming that the chemicals you used did not damage the hair below the skin.

That being said, you might have a maturing hairline or early genetic loss. Unless you used excessive chemicals in just the hairline, it sounds like it could be genetic (which could skip generations). You might not necessarily follow the exact timetable as your older brother if there is hair loss in your family history. I wouldn’t be able to make that determination without an examination, so you should talk to a doctor if you’re concerned.