Dreadlocks are a hairstyle where sections of hair are twisted and locked together into rope-like strands. This hairstyle has been around for centuries and has been worn by many cultures. Despite its long history and popularity, there are still many questions around whether dreadlocks cause damage to the hair.
Do dreadlocks damage hair?
The short answer is that dreadlocks can potentially cause some hair damage, but they don’t inherently damage hair. How much damage dreadlocks cause depends on how they are started and maintained.
When dreadlocks are properly started and cared for, most people do not experience significant hair damage. However, certain starting and maintenance practices can put stress on the hair and scalp and increase the chances of breakage.
How dreadlocks can damage hair
Here are some of the main ways that dreadlocks can potentially lead to hair damage:
- Harsh chemical treatments – Some people use harsh chemicals like bleach or permanent dyes when starting dreadlocks. These chemicals weaken the hair strands.
- Backcombing – Aggressively backcombing and ripping through hair with a comb can cause breakage, especially for fine or brittle hair.
- Tight hairstyles – Pulling hair too tightly when starting or maintaining dreadlocks puts strain on the follicles and can lead to traction alopecia over time.
- Lack of moisture – Dreadlocks need regular maintenance to keep hair from drying out. Lack of proper moisturizing can make hair brittle.
- Buildup – Dirt, oil, and product buildup in mature dreadlocks can weigh hair down and cause matting and breakage.
Factors that minimize damage
On the other hand, there are many factors that can help minimize or prevent potential damage when having dreadlocks:
- No harsh chemicals – Avoiding chemical treatments minimizes processing damage.
- Gentle backcombing – Carefully sectioning hair and backcombing minimally reduces stress on the follicles.
- Loose styling – Wearing dreadlocks loose instead of pulling hair too tightly prevents traction alopecia.
- Regular washing – Keeping dreadlocks clean prevents buildup and matting.
- Moisturizing – Applying oils or creams keeps hair conditioned and less prone to brittle breakage.
Does hair grow back after dreadlocks?
In most cases, hair will grow back normally after dreadlocks. Any hair damage caused by dreadlocks is generally reversible once the dreadlocks are removed and the hair goes back to a natural condition.
However, in some instances where severe damage occurred, the hair may not fully return to normal:
- Traction alopecia – Pulling hair too tightly over long periods can permanently damage follicles and lead to bald spots that do not regrow hair.
- Chemical damage – Harsh chemical processing can permanently alter the structure of hair and prevent full regrowth.
- Neglect – Allowing dreadlocks to become severely matted can permanently distort follicles and prevent proper regrowth.
As long as care is taken to minimize traction, chemical damage, and matting, most people see their hair return to a relatively normal and healthy condition after removing dreadlocks.
What to expect when hair grows back
Here’s a general timeline of what to expect as your hair starts growing back after dreadlocks:
| Timeframe | What Happens |
|---|---|
| 1-2 weeks | Hair starts to regrow at normal rate but may appear sparse or thin. |
| 1-2 months | About 1/2 inch of visible regrowth but ends may still feel damaged. |
| 3-4 months | Hair has 1-2 inches of growth and feels smoother as damaged ends shed. |
| 5-12 months | Hair is back to a manageable length and regrowth is complete. |
Be patient through the first few months as your hair regenerates. Focus on gentle hair care, moisture, and treatments to help your hair return to its full thickness.
Does hair texture change after dreadlocks?
Hair texture can temporarily change after removing dreadlocks, but it typically returns to normal eventually. Here’s why:
- Texture may feel rougher and drier at first as hair repairs from any damage sustained.
- Curl pattern may appear looser at first since hair was straightened from being locked together.
- Through proper care and hydration, cuticle damage can repair itself and texture rebalances.
- As regrowth occurs, new hair comes in with your natural texture from the follicle.
In a few rare cases, texture changes could be permanent if there was extensive damage to the actual structure or shape of the hair follicle. But for most, any texture changes from dreadlocks are temporary.
Caring for texture after dreadlocks
Here are some tips for getting your hair’s natural texture back after removing dreadlocks:
- Do a series of hydrating hair masks every 1-2 weeks.
- Use a leave-in conditioner after every wash.
- Apply oils like coconut, argan, or jojoba oil to add moisture.
- Avoid heat styling tools until hair’s moisture balance returns.
- Get regular trims to remove any remaining damaged ends.
- Be patient – texture will normalize with time as your hair regenerates.
Conclusion
While dreadlocks can potentially cause some hair damage, the damage is rarely permanent or irreversible. With proper care taken during the locking process and over the lifespan of the dreadlocks, it is possible to prevent excessive damage and retain relatively healthy hair.
In most cases, after dreadlocks are removed, hair will regrow and hair texture will rebalance back to normal within several months. A little extra patience and TLC for your hair after taking dreads out will help your locks return to their former glory.