One of my most nagging, irrational fears is waking up one day to realize the decline of my hairline has begun.
While I’ve always had healthy tresses, strong, full edges just weren’t in the genetic cards for me. Since I was a young girl, I’ve kept my hair in some sort of protective style. From box braids to kinky twists and intricately designed cornrows — I couldn't get away from high-tension styles if I tried.
After growing out my perm and starting my loc journey in high school, I soon realized that frequent retwist and tightly wound styles would be the demise of my loc journey if I didn’t make an adjustment. I began to see my edges thinning between each retwist and knew something had to change, so by year five, I decided to limit my retwists from every 3 weeks to every 2 months and only wear hairstyles that required little to no manipulation.
The pivot paid off as I began to see my edges slowly but surely recover from irreversible damage.
But as most Black women would understand, when it comes to our hair, we’re going to change our minds as many times as our hearts desire. And after nine years, I chopped off my locs and restarted my loose natural journey once again.
It wasn’t long before I realized that me and the awkward TWA phase weren’t going to mesh, and as soon as my hair was long enough to grip, I got my first set of box braids in over a decade and never looked back.
Since then, my knotless braids and I have been locked in, and it’s become a signature style that I’ve grown to love for its look, low tension, and convenience. Still, I’ve had my fair share of concerns about what that could mean for the longevity of my edges, hairline, and maturing baby hairs.
Fortunately, there’s a hair tool that could be the solution to soothing my fears of hair loss and stimulating the growth I (desperately) desire.
“Scalp dermarollers are clinically proven to accelerate hair growth,” Helen Reavey, founder of Act+Acre, tells xoNecole. “They typically utilize needles to create micro-channels on the scalp that stimulate blood flow and collagen production to the affected area and hair follicle to stimulate hair growth while increasing topical product absorption.”
Dermarolling is a practice/tool best for larger areas of hair loss, typically around the hairline, due to traction alopecia, postnatal hair loss, alopecia areata, and androgenic alopecia.
The trichologist shares that the science behind the accelerated hair growth is based on the dermaroller’s ability to help stimulate hair growth on its own. That, coupled with applying Act+Acre’s Stem Cell Serum — which promotes and extends the growth phase of those hairs that just won’t grow — “allows for the best possible absorption of the product.”
According to Helen, the process of seeing results from dermarolling takes consistency and patience, as results won’t come overnight. “When used 1-2 times a week, you will typically see a shift in growth within 6-8 weeks, including less visible thinning and hair shedding,” she says. “After 12 weeks, you should expect to see stronger, fuller, and visibility thicker-looking hair growth at the roots.”
But to help us truly get to the root of hair loss and prevention, Helen Reavey is shedding light on the types of hair loss that commonly affect Black women, ways to reserve shedding, tips to maintain healthy regrowth, and more.
Q: What types of hair loss are reversible, and what are the most effective treatments for them?
A: Some of the most common types of reversible hair loss include:
Alopecia Areata: A form of patchy hair loss due to an autoimmune disease. Outbreaks can occur when the immune system is lowered by illness, poor nutrition, anxiety, and stress.
Solutions include:
- Finding balance through breathwork, meditation, exercise, or anything to keep stress levels down.
- Incorporating regular scalp massages into your haircare routine to increase blood flow to the scalp.
- Maintain a healthy gut to keep the microbiome balanced.
- Regularly use scalp treatments, such as our Scalp Detox, to stimulate blood flow to the scalp and promote hair growth.
Traction Alopecia: A type of hair loss caused by repeated trauma to the hair follicle or by pulling your hair back into tight hairstyles such as ponytails, braids, hair extensions, and even chemical relaxers.
Solutions include:
- Use a weekly scalp treatment, such as our Scalp Renew, to stimulate the hair follicle and promote growth.
- Use our Scalp Dermaroller combined with our Stem Cell Serum to stimulate product absorption and help increase the growth hormones.
- Ensure you’re receiving your necessary dose of nutrients, such as biotin, zinc, selenium, and iron, that are needed for your hair to grow back.
- Avoiding tight hairstyles.
Diffuse Hair Loss: A form of hair loss in which the hair falls out, causing the hair to take on a thin, low-density appearance. This is caused by factors such as nutrient deficiency, illness, hormonal changes, stress, and lifestyle and environmental changes.
Solutions include:
- Make sure to cleanse the hair regularly and wash correctly.
- Aim to improve nutrient intake, as most diets lack essentials such as biotin and selenium.
Q: Can dermarolling be used on other areas of the body, such as the eyebrows or beard, for hair regrowth?
A: Absolutely! The dermaroller can be used anywhere you’d like to encourage more hair growth – eyebrows, beard, mustache, etc. With that said, it’s important to note that dermarolling should be used with extreme caution on areas with thinner skin, such as the neck.
Q: How can I maintain my hair regrowth results in the long-term?
A: Consistency is truly key for hair growth treatments to work effectively, especially since there is no one-and-done solution when it comes to hair growth. In addition to dermarolling and adding a restorative hair growth serum to your hair care routine, you can achieve long-term results by:
- Maintaining a well-balanced diet + staying hydrated.
- Taking care of your scalp by incorporating weekly exfoliating treatments to remove buildup and stimulate blood circulation.
- Taking supplements that are rich in Vitamin C, Biotin, and Amino Acids to promote hair follicle health.
- Lessening the use of heat/hot tools on the hair to avoid damage + breakage.
- Avoiding products with silicones and sulfates since these tend to build up on the scalp + weigh the hair down.
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The show is exactly what you’d expect when you put a media pro and a sports legend together—a mix of real talk, unfiltered moments, and guest interviews that feel like family kickbacks. As the duo wraps up their first season, Rocsi sat down with xoNecole to talk about teaming up with Deion, the wildest moments on set, and why streaming platforms like Tubi are shaking up the talk show world.
Scoring the Gig & Clicking Instantly with Deion
Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for Essence
Deion Sanders had been dreaming of hosting a talk show, and when Tubi came calling, it was only right he made it happen. But before he found the perfect co-host, he held auditions with different women for the spot.
Lucky for us, Rocsi threw her hat in the ring, and the connection was instant. “You just can’t buy chemistry like we have,” she tells us. “We are legit like big brother, little sister—fighting, cracking jokes, telling each other off. When you watch the show, it’s like watching family.”
Mixing News, Culture & Sports—Minus the Snooze
With We Got Time Today, Rocsi and Deion cover everything from the latest headlines to celebrity tea and, of course, sports. But instead of stiff, rehearsed segments, the show keeps it loose and unpredictable.
“We’re not breaking the mold—it’s not rocket science,” Rocsi jokes. “We just bring our own flair, our authenticity, and our personalities to it. Deion has firsthand experience in sports, so when we talk about athletes, he brings a different perspective.”
And the best part? Unlike traditional talk shows that rush through quick interviews, We Got Time Today actually takes its time. “A lot of shows might give you one or two segments with a guest,” Rocsi says. “With us, we actually sit down and have real-life conversations.”
Her Top Guests (So Far!)
From music icons to relationship experts, the show has already had some unforgettable guests—but a few stand out for Rocsi.
“Ice Cube was our first guest, and he’s just legendary,” she says. “Kirk Franklin had us cracking up when he broke into a full choir freestyle for our Christmas special. And anytime we get Dr. Bryant on to put Deion in the hot seat? That’s my favorite!”
And of course, there’s Nick Cannon. “Nick was amazing,” she adds. “You already know he’s going to bring the energy and say something wild.”
Tag-Team Hosting with Deion: The Inside Scoop
While Deion Sanders is best known for his football greatness, Rocsi says he’s also one of the funniest people she’s ever worked with.
“He’s goofy—like, really goofy,” she laughs. “A lot of people didn’t know that side of him, but now they do. He can crack a joke, and if you’re too sensitive, good luck, because he will go in. But the best part? I throw it right back at him! Sometimes we just look at each other like, ‘Okay, that was a good one.’”
But beyond the laughs, she admires his insane work ethic. “Watching him juggle everything he does is just super admirable,” she says.
How "We Got Time Today" Brings That "106 & Park" Energy
Photo by David Livingston/Getty Images
For those wondering if We Got Time Today feels like 106 & Park 2.0, Rocsi says it’s a whole different vibe.
“The only comparison I’d make is that it’s a destination for the culture,” she explains. “It’s a platform where our people can come, feel safe, and have real conversations. But other than that, this is Deion’s world—we’re just having fun in it.”
The Talk Show Shake-Up: Why This Show Hits Different
Unlike traditional networks, We Got Time Today lives exclusively on Tubi, proving that streaming platforms are changing how we watch talk shows.
“Tubi is giving more people opportunities and making content more accessible,” Rocsi says. “Deion is a huge Tubi fan—he literally loves Black cinema—so it just made sense for him. And honestly? He’s got me watching it too!”
Real Ones Only: Women Holding Each Other Down
Rocsi credits her best friend, Chantelle, for always keeping her grounded. “She kept pouring into me, reminding me of who I am,” she shares. Even Deion Sanders makes sure to give her flowers, often calling her “the hostess with the most.”
In the industry, she’s built lasting bonds with women like Julissa Bermundez, Angie Martinez, and Angela Yee. “Julissa and I still kick it—her house is basically Sephora, so I just shop there,” she jokes. She also cherishes her friendships with Melyssa Ford and Robin Roberts, who have offered unwavering support. “Robin has always been there for me,” Rocsi says, reflecting on the wisdom she’s gained from the legendary journalist.
With the show’s first season wrapping up, Rocsi is grateful for the experience and excited for what’s next. “We’re having a good time, and the audience can feel that,” she says.
And if you haven’t tuned in yet? Well, Rocsi and Deion got time—so you might as well make some too.
Catch We Got Time Today now streaming on Tubi!
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