Dreads Thinning at Crown: 10 Common Causes and Solutions!

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Dreads Thinning at Crown 10 Common Causes and Solutions!

Dreadlocks, also called “locs” or “dreads,” are a gorgeous hairstyle that both women and men, especially African Americans, like. Locs need consistency and commitment to grow and stay healthy. If you take care of your dreads, you’ll have thick and shiny locs that will last for years.

But it’s not rare for dreads to thin out and fall. If you’ve lost one loc hair in a year, you probably won’t be too worried about it. But shedding, thinning, receding hairlines, and even baldness that happens over and over again are serious problems.

If your dreadlocks are getting thinner at Crown or falling out, you should see a dermatologist as soon as possible. Or you can try the following solutions to prevent thinning of dreads at the crown.

Dreads Thinning at Crown

Read on to learn about ten causes and solutions for thinning of dreads.

Best Products To Use For Draed Thining

ImageProductFeaturesPrice
Lion Locs Hair Loc Growth Oil

Lion Locs Hair Loc Growth Oil

  • INCREASES HAIR LOC GROWTH: Made with all natural ingredients, this specific blend of carrier and essential oils penetrates into your hair and scalp with the proper nutrient benefits for enhanced dreadlocks growth.
  • MOISTURIZING LOCK STYLING OIL: Perfect lightweight oil for loc styles. Replenish your locks and curls, prevents further breakage and make hair healthier and shinier.
  • FOR ALL LOC and HAIR TYPES: Specifically made to help with any hairstyle or type. Whether microlocs, interlocks, dreadlocks, braidlocks, braids, faux locs, crochet locs, boho locs, twistlocks, or sisterlocks, this product will work for you.
  • LIGHTWEIGHT & HEALTHY: Unlike heavy oils, hair loc growth moisturizer has multiple purposes. Prevents dreads from damaging and drying out, stimulates your scalp for faster growth, and great for styling.
  • ORGANIC: Made using handpicked natural ingredients imported directed from India to ensure a premium, high quality oil. These loc products for hair are free of harmful sulfate and other hard to pronounce chemical ingredients.
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Lion Locs Rosewater Spray for Dreads

Lion Locs Rosewater Spray for Dreads

  • FOR ALL HAIR TYPES: Specifically made to help with any hair style or type. Whether microlocks, interlocks, dreadlocks, locks, braidlocks, braids, fauxlocs, twistlocks, or sisterlocks, this product will work for you.
  • HEAT PROTECTANT: Rosewater and glycerin helps in strengthening the hair, leading to less formation of split ends and damage. Glycerin is more effective with oils which is already masterfully blended.
  • LIGHTWEIGHT & HEALTHY: Unlike basic pure rosewater, this rosewater is blended with specific skin and hair conditioning oils for multi-purpose benefits. Refresh dry hairs, soothe dry itchy scalp, and encourage healthier loc growth and shine.
  • 100% PURE ORGANIC: Made using superior all natural carrier and essential oils imported from India with no dilution. All of Lion Locs hair care products are free of harmful sulfate and other chemicals.
  • CONTROLS FRIZZ: Manufactured in USA from, this wonderful scented blend tames stray flyaway hairs and penetrates into locs to seals open hair cuticles and control messy frizz.
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ImageProductFeaturesPrice
Locsanity Dreadlock Hair Scalp Detox

Locsanity Dreadlock Hair Scalp Detox

  • Deep Clean Locs and Scalp - This hair buildup remover strips away impurities, deep-seated contaminants, excess oils, and residue from hair. No more heavy, gunky feeling in your locs after detoxing.
  • Gentle, Relaxing Loc Clarifying Treatment - Enjoy a soothing and deep, cleansing soak of your dreadlocks in the comfort of your own home. Give your hair an amazing spa day treatment with this non-irritating clarifying rinse. Recommended for all types of locs, as well as kinky, curly and straight hair.
  • High-Quality, Plant-Based Ingredients - Our detoxifying dreadlock powder is made of baking soda, citric acid, himalayan salt, coconut and almond oils, and a blend of essential oils. No parabens, mineral oil, or phthalates – just honest, natural hair care for your dreadlocks.
  • Great Value for Money - Contains 8 oz loc detox powder that can last for 3–6 months. For best results, deep clean every 2–4 months using our inflatable basin, then wash with Locsanity shampoo and conditioner. Ditch that stinky vinegar smell, skip the measuring, and just get clean locs!
  • Brand You Can Trust - Loc is 100% Black-owned and woman-owned. Our hair and scalp detox products are made by a team that is passionate about locs. We use premium ingredients in all of our products so that you never have to worry about a substandard outcome.
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Locsanity BOLD Locs Natural Hair Deep Clean Detox

Locsanity BOLD Locs Natural Hair Deep Clean Detox

  • Bring Your Locs Back to Life - This amazing mixture will detox your locs and leave them light.
  • Great Value, Healthy Locks For All Season - Comes large 8oz bag that will last for months. Get consistently healthy locs all year round. Feel the difference after only 1 use.
  • Ideal for All Hair Styles and Types - Gentle and safe to use for all hair styles and skin types. Works on microlocks, interlocks, dreadlocks, braidlocks, twistlocks, and sisterlocks. Also works for protective styles like braids and twist.
  • No stinky vinegar smell - Detox every 2-3 month to maintain amazing locs.
  • Rejuvenate Dull Hair Naturally - Made from Baking Soda, Citric Acid (Apple Cider Vinegar Alternative), Himalayan Salt, as well as Coconut, Almond and Essential Oils.. Many of Locsanity dreadlock hair products are vegan, free of sulphate, and other harmful chemicals. Plant-based and cruelty-free.
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Dollylocks Dreadlock Detox Tea Tree Spearmint

Dollylocks Dreadlock Detox Tea Tree Spearmint

  • CLEANSING & CLARIFYING | Removes impurities, buildup, and debris.
  • pH BALANCED | Gentle on your hair and scalp.
  • RESIDUE FREE | Made with organic ingredients.
  • VEGAN | Cruelty free. Never tested on animals.
  • SOOTHING | Relaxing and detoxifying
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Dreadlock Detox Bundle

Dreadlock Detox Bundle

  • HOW TO USE : In a small bowl, add 4 table spoon of this dreadlock powder, add 3/4 cup of warm water (depending on hair length and density, add twice or three times the amount directed. Mix well until you have a paste like consistency.
  • On wet or dry hair, use your hands to add paste directly to scalp and locs. Use fingers and begin moving fingers in circular motion to help lift up any buildup and dry skin. Allow paste to sit on scalp for 10 minutes. Rinse in shower or in hair tup with warm water.
  • HOW TO USE - DEEP CLEANING: In a hair tub, add warm water until filled. Add 6 tablespoon of this dreadlock powder. Add 2 tablespoon of Lemon juice (optional), add 1/2 cup of PrideandBeauty ACV dreadlock rinse. Soak Dreadlocks in mixture for 15 minutes, rinse and repeat in new batch. Should repeat once every 3 months.
  • BENEFIT OF DETOXIFYING SCALP: helps get rid of unwanted buildup in hair by helping to exfoliate your scalp. Gets rid of buildup caused from everyday hair products, dirt from the environment and overactive oil glands.
  • PRO TIP: If you're going to try baking soda shampoo, be sure to finish with an apple cider vinegar hair rinse. Apple cider vinegar will help seal the hair cuticle to defrizz hair and give it shine. Try PrideandBeauty Herbal ACV dreadlock rinse.
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OGX Purifying + Charcoal Detox Shampoo

OGX Purifying + Charcoal Detox Shampoo

  • PURIFYING SHAMPOO: Hooked on hairspray or dragged down by dry shampoo. Give your hair a deep clean detox with our Charcoal Detox Shampoo. This purifying shampoo nourishes hair for a balanced glow.
  • DEEP DETOX: This clarifying line, infused with coconut charcoal and kaolin clay, busts through buildup, leaving even the hair of a daily dry shampoo user looking shiny, without stripping or overdrying.
  • BEAUTY PURE AND SIMPLE: OGX products are inspired by nature. We don’t try to make hair look “perfect” because we’d rather make hair look fuller, smoother, curlier, or bouncier and smell irresistible.
  • WHAT HAIR WANTS: Whether you need quenching moisture for curly hair, protection for color treated hair, blowout cream or matte pomade, OGX hair care products are designed to bring out your best.
  • REAL QUALITY, REAL BEAUTY: Unattainable looks don't inspire us but originality does. OGX hair and skin care product collections are here to help you look your best! We’re beauty, pure and simple.
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MAJESTIC PURE Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo and Avocado Coconut Conditioner Set

MAJESTIC PURE Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo and Avocado Coconut Conditioner Set

  • Majestic Pure Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo and Virgin Coconut Avocado Conditioner Set; for healthy hydrated hair and scalp; sulfate free; made in USA
  • Perfect daily dry scalp shampoo and conditioner combo to remove buildups while nourish and hydrate hair and scalp
  • Gentle enough for daily use and for all hair types, color safe shampoo and conditioner set; restores shine; reduces itchy scalp, dandruff and frizz
  • Safety Warning Intended for External Use Only: Rub a very small amount on the inside of your elbow area to test for any allergic reaction before use. Avoid contact with eyes, keep out of the reach of children. If pregnant, consult with your health care provider before use.
  • Cruelty-Free, Made in USA - At Majestic Pure Cosmeceuticals, we are proud to provide you with all-natural and naturally-based cruelty-free products made right here in the United States of America
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PURA D'OR Apple Cider Vinegar ACV Shampoo & Conditioner

PURA D'OR Apple Cider Vinegar ACV Shampoo & Conditioner

  • HYDRATION FOR FULLER HAIR: Both of our Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo and Conditioner are made with awesome moisturizing properties to deliver superior hydration to your hair and scalp while encouraging hair to grow out fuller and thicker.
  • CLARIFYING FOR DAMAGED HAIR: The potent blend of vitamins and nutrients found in our Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo and Conditioner promotes repair to damaged hair while restoring your hair back to its vibrant, voluminous shine.
  • DEEP CLEANSING FOR HEALTHY SCALP: Apple Cider Vinegar balances the pH levels of your scalp by cleansing, locking in moisture, and reducing itching, flaking, and dandruff - all the while improving hair manageability and reduced frizz.
  • WHOLESOME BOTANICAL INGREDIENTS: Our potent blend of 15 Key Active Ingredients is packed with natural goodness to help promote thicker, fuller, and healthier hair without the use of sulfates, parabens, or any other artificial additives.
  • SATISFACTION GUARANTEE: Healthy hair for happy customers. We offer a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. If you are unsatisfied with our Apple Cider Shampoo and Conditioner Set, please let us know and we will give you a FULL refund.
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Ten Most Common Cause Of Dreads Thinning At Crown

There are the following reasons for dreads thinning at the crown.

Common Cause Of Dreads Thinning At Crown

1. Heavy Products

Products that don’t dissolve in water don’t work well with locs because they build up and need harsh products and shampoos to get them out of the locs completely. And, if you use waxes, honey, butter, and creams on locs and don’t wash them out right away, they will build up and suffocate the locs from the inside out, causing them to thin and break.

2. Central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia

 This is a rare form of Alopecia that is more prevalent in older black women. However, other races and genders may also suffer from it. It is a chronic disorder with unknown causes. With CCCA, hair follicles are badly harmed and incapable of producing new hair.

3. Medications

Regrettably, certain prescription drugs and medical procedures might cause thinning of locs and/or hair loss on occasion. Without removing the medicine from your system, you and your hair care specialist have little to no influence over the amount of hair loss.

However, it is crucial that you inform your hair care professional of any drugs you are currently taking to ensure that there are no adverse interactions with any products they may use on your hair that could result in additional hair loss.

4. Hair Tension

Traction alopecia is the common term for hair loss or thinning caused by tension. If you continuously pull your locs into the same style or use too-tight hair accessories, you will quickly damage your hair follicles and trigger thinning. Also, severe stress at the roots, especially when intensive interlocking care is undertaken, will cause locs to thin.

5. Scalp infections

Infections like psoriasis, dermatitis, and folliculitis can cause hair to thin. Most of the time, these conditions cause the scalp to itch, hurt, turn red, and become inflamed.

6. Heredity

Most of the time, our genes determine how thick our hair is. This means that if hair loss and/or balding are common in your family, you may also be prone to these traits. You can take steps to lessen the effects, but there’s not much you can do about your genes. Sorry.

7. Waiting Too Long Between Maintenance

Not all hair textures and loc types can endure prolonged periods without maintenance. In particular, persons with fine hair, Microlocs, or Sisterlocks should not go too long between maintenance appointments, since this will cause locs to thin or fall out.

How so? Well, as your hair naturally falls, the free hairs from the scalp should wrap within the loc, adding to its strength. However, once too much time has passed, the shedding hairs begin to fall and/or grow away from the locs, and the roots become thinner.

8. Removing lint

There are numerous ways to remove lint from locs; however, repeatedly picking at the locs with your hands or cutting into the locs with scissors to remove lint will develop weak areas that are susceptible to breakage and thinning.

9. Diet

Diet is essential for overall health. A diet deficient in iron and folic acid can specifically cause hair loss. It can also cause other issues such as brittleness and dryness of hair.

10. Mental Stress

 Stress is harmful to the body and can cause issues such as headaches and weight gain. Additionally, it can cause hair loss. A recent traumatic or stressful incident may result in temporary hair thinning.

Solutions For Dreads Thinning At Crown

You can try following home solutions to prevent thinning of dreads at the crown.

Solutions for Dreads Thinning At Crown

1. Treat Any Infections Of The Scalp

If you have an infection on your scalp, you will have a lot of problems. Not only will it thin your hair at the root, but it may also make you feel uncomfortable and itch a lot. Do yourself and your dreadlocks a favor and see a doctor about the infection on your scalp. After the treatment, you should feel better and see new hair growth at the crown.

2. Don’t Make A Tight Hairstyle

It is important to get your dreadlocks up and out of the way, especially if they are really long. But pulling them back into tight hairstyles like ponytails and buns can cause tension, which can lead to thinning at the crown. Choose hairstyles that are looser. For bedtime, you can also put them in a shower cap.

3. Avoid Harsh Products

Chemically processing and coloring your dreadlocks is a terrific method to add personality and style to your appearance, but it should not be done frequently. These harsh products will damage your hair from root to tip.

Additionally, you should avoid products that are overly thick, such as oil creams and oil-based products, which can induce residue and buildup. This can prevent new hair from growing, resulting in thinning hair at the crown.

4. Change Your Diet

Assess your diet. Do you consume a diet that is generally nutritious, nutrient-dense, and well-balanced? If not, you might want to consider changing your diet. Choose a “hair growth-friendly” diet.  Your diet should contain a lot of folic acids Iron and vitamins E, D, and B12.

5. Reduce Tension

Whether a tragic event caused your stress or you have an ongoing stress issue, it is imperative that you take action. Stress can lead to hair loss and also causes health issues such as hypertension. Find stress-relieving activities, such as spending more time with family, listening to music, meditating, and walking. Find out what works and stick with it.

6. Get Short and Thicker Hair

If you are experiencing crown thinning, you may need to reconsider your dreadlocks. If you currently have longer dreads, thinner dreads, or a combination of the two, you may want to consider thicker and shorter dreads. This cut will not generate as much stress, which can reverse thinning of the crown.

7. Decrease Your Exposure To The Sun

Extreme summer heat can cause dryness, breakage, and damage to hair follicles. The constant UV radiation will inhibit hair growth and lead to hair loss. Keep your hair covered when you are outside for extended periods.

8. Wash Your Locs

A frequent misunderstanding is that you don’t need to wash your dreadlocks.   Unfortunately, this is poor advice that you must immediately forget. While it is not necessary to wash hair daily or every other day, you should not go months without washing it.

The shampoo should be used at least once or twice every month to clean your dreadlocks. A mild shampoo will prevent excessive buildup and residue, which can inhibit new hair growth. A clean scalp will also promote new growth, which is crucial for dreadlocks.

When washing your hair, you should be gentle. Remember that stress is the enemy of a healthy scalp and strong, glossy hair.

9. Use Essential Oils

It is correct that you should avoid using oil-based products on your dreadlocks. These are overly thick and cause undesired residue to accumulate. However, this is not the case for essential oils. Essential oils are thinner and stimulate hair growth by interacting with hair follicles.

There are numerous varieties of essential oils available on the market. Certain oils, such as tea tree, peppermint, and Jamaican black castor oil, can maintain healthy hair without blocking hair follicles.

Apply essential oils to your hair after washing. For optimal absorption, massage them into your scalp. Bonus: scalp massages might stimulate fresh hair growth. Combining essential oils with a relaxing scalp massage is a surefire approach to reducing hair loss and stimulating hair growth.

10. Try Herbal Supplements

Try Ashwagandha and Saw Palmetto supplements. Ashwagandha can reduce inflammation and block the stress chemicals responsible for hair loss. It is an excellent treatment for telogen effluvium.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why Are My Dreads Thinning Out?

Many things can cause dreads to thin, such as health problems, medications, stress, using too many hair products, medications, tension, over-manipulation, or neglect.

What To Do When Locs Are Thinning?

You may prevent your hair from thinning at the crown and make it healthier and thicker by treating infections, avoiding tight hairstyles and accessories, eating well, and routinely washing your hair.

Why Are My Locs Thin At The Root?

If you continuously pull your locs into the same style or use too-tight hair accessories, you will quickly damage your hair follicles and cause thinning. Also, severe stress at the roots, especially when intensive interlocking care is undertaken, will cause locs to thin.

Now it is Your turn

Thinning of hair at the dreadlocks is a common concern for many dreadlocks users. It eventually leads to baldness if not treated.  Fortunately, you can stop your hair from getting thinner at the crown and make it healthier and thicker by getting rid of infections, avoiding tight hairstyles and accessories, eating better, and washing your hair regularly.

We hope this article has helped you. Do share your experience, after trying these solutions.

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AUTHOR
Sedi here...Fascinated by the interplay between people, lifestyle, relationships, and communication dedicated to empowering women and spreading positive messages about black people. When she's not writing, Sedi is busy advocating for plastic-free earth with her local NGO. Got questions? Just hit the comments" Her socials: @SediDjentuh

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