Is it true that dreads damage your scalp and can lead to thinning hair?
Not quite.
In fact, dreads will likely have the opposite effect.
Natural dreads are better for your scalp than other hairstyles that require chemical perms or straightening methods. Dreadlocks formed naturally do not require chemical processes, making them a better alternative for your scalp.
Use Residue-Free Shampoo For Dreadlocks
The residue-free shampoo and soap bars that are recommended for washing dreadlocks increase hair growth. The lack of residue on hair follicles causes them to grow thicker and faster. Most people who make the switch to residue free shampoos notice that their hair is considerably thicker within a few months.
Thicker Dreads At The Root Prevent Thinning
The weight of the dread is felt most at the root. If your dreads are thin at the root, they cannot hold the weight of a dread and tend to break. Starting dreadlocks with very little hair in each dread will lead to thinning problems as the locs grow longer and heavier. A professional will be able to assess the size of each dread section to avoid this problem as your dreads mature.
Other Reasons For Thinning Dreads
If your hair is thinning, the cause could be one of several reasons:
Genetics: 95% of hair loss in men is due to the genetic condition of male pattern hair loss.
- Aging: Most men and women notice their hair starting to get thinner in their thirties.
- Health Conditions: Apart from stress, internal medical conditions like thyroid disease and iron deficiency anemia can cause hair loss.
With proper care and maintenance, dreads are a very healthy hairstyle. So, before you cut off your dreadlocks, explore the other causes for hair thinning and find the real reason behind it.