Help for thinning locs

Q:My dreadlocks were nice and thick when I began my lock journey but years later they have become thin. Some of the longer ones are also breaking near the ends. Please help!

Your locks could be thinning for any of these reasons:

• Over- processing, especially with colours and dyes.
• Excessive build-up when we fail to thoroughly rinse out chemicals or hair products.
• Uneven twisting, excessive pulling and rubbing or constantly twisting in the same spot.
• Twisting and styling done too tightly.
• Dehydrated scalp and locks
• Using rubber bands.
• Poor maintenance – going for too long without retwisting can result in thinning hair especially if you tend to keep your locks tightly pulled back, brushed or covered with a band.
• Physiological conditions such as thyroid disease, seborrhoeic dermatitis, alopecia, change in diet, medication or birth control and excessive stress.

Once you identify the cause, here are some practical solutions:

• If the issue is dietary or medical, seek professional advice.
• Moisturise the entire length of your lock (not just the scalp), preferably while damp, for maximum absorption. Include a scalp massage for circulation.
• Give your locks a break. Keep them loose to avoid stressing the hairline or consider protective styling.
• Switch to natural colour alternatives: Henna, cassia, or indigo.
• Periodically clarify your locks (use either apple cider vinegar rinse or bicarbonate of soda rinse.)
• Adopt aggressive deep conditioning. Use heat to help the treatment penetrate the locks.
• Constantly change your style to distribute pressure on the scalp.
• If a lock is too thin at the base your stylist might be able to combine two thin ones. Ask him to reattach broken locks to save them.
• Trim your locks at a 45 degree angle to release pressure from the crown.