Why do Dreadlocks Grow Longer & Thicker Than Loose Natural Hair?

21/2/2013

I'm sure this question has crossed your mind before.

The answer is actually very simple:

1) Strands that are bunched up together in a loc have a lower tendency to break.

Hair is naturally better protected if it's together. It's easier to break a lone strand than strands of hair that are wrapped around each other. Hair in plaits or twists enjoys the same protection.

However, lower breakage is only half the reason.

2) Shed hair's aren't released.

Shedding is a natural process in hair growth. At any given point in time, 11% of the hairs on your head are in the telogen or shedding phase.

Normally shedding hairs fall out as you comb and style your hair. However, if you have dreadlocks shed hairs remain stuck to the loc. This can help to give the head a much fuller look.

In summary, locking your hair allows it to get on with the business of growing undisturbed by combs, brushes, blow dryers, flat irons and other styling. This allows better length retention . In addition, by not releasing shed hairs you add to the length and optical thickness of hair.

Get your FREE ebook on How To Grow Long, Healthy Natural Kinky or Curly Hair.

jan hackney

20/2/2013 05:25:21 am

My locs at the scalp r getting thin after 5 yrs...I. have to join 2-3 sections for fullness and not to see my scalp.also what is a good oil for the hair...

Heather @ Neno Natural

21/2/2013 07:25:03 pm

Hi Jan,

Sorry about that! :(

To nourish the scalp avocado oil and argan oil are the best. They are very rich in Vitamin E, both have much higher concentration of vitamin E than olive oil. Both are included in the 6 best oils pack: http://nenonatural.webstorepowered.com/Neno-Naturals-Best-Oils-Hair/dp/B00AFE2EP0

My best,
Heather

Mpha

6/3/2013 04:07:54 pm

Great article, explains alot...I have dreadlocks and they grow so fast.

6/3/2013 06:31:54 pm

I am warming to the idea of locs on me more and more everyday!

Natalie L. Harris

12/6/2013 08:01:46 pm

I'm looking to dread my hair next(got to grows some hair to lock it). I'm wearing a close cut for the Summer months. This will be the very last thing I'll do to my hair. I have been researching on the dos/not to dos, products to maintain, etc...Thanks for this info, will print and keep for reference. Peace.

Catherine Bellamy

13/8/2013 04:42:47 am

That explains it all...I had dreds for 2 yrs...(washed n retwisted once a month). I combed them out my hair ed down my back. Then I went from perms to braids n sew ins and bonded weaves...(hair fell out) now I'm natural and it seems like its talking forever for my hair to grow. Thank God for patience

jeanette wright

13/8/2013 04:44:16 am

I'm not that fond of dreads as of yet, however i do have natural hair and I enjoy the likes of the twist and the twist out because they do not look so dry. I like some styles when they are in the dreads, others are so dry looking sometimes dead hair..

Drucella C. Thomas

14/8/2013 01:25:34 am

I have short thin hair and I need growth stimulus.

Ada

23/8/2013 01:26:14 pm

Biotin will grow the hair but it doesn't happen over night. Taking it everyday and keep the hair moisturized might speed up the process. I use to have issues with perm, hair dryness and breakage. I cut my hair about to about 2 inches in feb. I began taking biotin 2 to 4 a day as well as wearing my hair in a twisted out fro. I twist my hair with a curl activator at night and simply untwist in the morning. It August and my hair have grown 6 inches, it's is thick, full, and soft.

Laverne Fearrington

9/7/2015 11:58:03 am

Is this a pill that you are taking ?

Candace

25/8/2014 04:50:01 am

I just began my locs on 08/20/2014 and I am obsessing over how quickly my hair will grow and when I will have the long beautiful locs I see so many people with... I guess I will keep my fingers crossed. I bid chopped 05/10/2014 and wore it natual/curly and it did grow fast but I kept snipping for the summer. I look forwatd to this journey!

Laverne fearrington

9/7/2015 12:02:54 pm

Do coloring break your hair , Cause I was coloring my hair a lot and some of my dreads fell out , So I'm not coloring anymore

Unique

25/5/2015 01:28:30 pm

What is a good shampoo and conditioner to use for your locks?

9/7/2015 12:04:31 pm

I want to know too !!

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Why do Dreadlocks Grow Longer & Thicker Than Loose Natural Hair?

By Heather Katsonga-Woodward

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