Every single day, multiple times a day, I get the same message: "What product should I use for thinning at the roots?" I understand why you're asking. You love your locs, you're worried, and you want something you can do right now.

So I'm going to be honest with you, the same way I would be if you were sitting in my chair. Imagine I'm holding your hand as I tell you this: if your locs are thinning or breaking at the root, a product will not solve this. Thinning at the root means something is going on with you internally, and that's where the answer is.

Trust me, I would be a billionaire if I just told you to buy my products and promised they would solve your issue. But I consider myself a holistic loctician, so I have to be honest with you in a way that other brands won't: a product will not fix this. You must go internally first. Then, I've got you on the aftercare. Everything I'm sharing here comes from more than 20 years of data from thousands of clients.

Thinning at the Root vs. Thinning Further Down the Loc

Where the thinning shows up tells a story, so the first thing I want you to do is look closely at where it's happening.

If your locs are thinning at the root, the hair that's growing in right now is coming in weak. That points to something happening in your life and your body now, or in the last several months.

If your locs are thinning further away from the scalp or toward the ends, that's something different. That weak spot usually comes from the past, such as:

• Color that went wrong. This is especially common if your hair was lifted to blonde or another light color and the damage was never treated.
• Weaves, extensions, or tight styles from years ago. Constant pulling and tension weaken a loc over time.
• A stressful season you've already overcome. Your hair may have grown back strong afterward, but that time still left an indent in the loc. Because locs hold their history, that weak point moves further down as your hair grows.

These are all signs of breakage away from your scalp. Thinning at the root is a different conversation, and it's the one I want to have with you today.

Locs Don't Lie

In my 20 years as a loctician, I've seen this pattern over and over: one section of someone's hair starts thinning at the root, often in the back, on the right-hand side, or in another awkward spot. When only one section is thinning, that is a big red flag that the person is going through stress.

Stress is sneaky. It won't announce what it's doing. It shows up quietly, and many times you don't even realize how stressed you are. With locs, though, it's very easy to see. Locs will not lie. Whatever is happening inside will show up, and it will be more noticeable because you have locs.

I've Been Through This, Too

Two years ago, I lost my sister to cancer. Although I don't wear locs anymore, I experienced my hair getting shorter and thinner because of the stress and grief I was carrying. I didn't fully realize how much my body was holding until my hair showed me. So please know that I'm not speaking from a textbook. I'm speaking from my chair and from my own life.

Step 1: Figure Out How Long This Has Been Happening

Start by observing. Look at your roots, look at old photos, and think back. When did you first notice the thinning? Has it been three months? Six months? A year? Your own observation is one of your best tools here.

Step 2: Look Back Further Than You Think

Once you know roughly when it started, think about what was going on with you personally and internally around that time, and then go back even further. Your hair often takes time to reflect what your body has been through.

For example:

• If you've noticed thinning for the past three months, reflect on what has happened over the past five months.
• If it's been going on for the past six months, reflect on the past eight months.

As you reflect, ask yourself these three questions. In my experience, they are the most common reasons someone experiences thinning locs at the root:

1. Has there been stress? Grief, a breakup, a move, work pressure, caring for a loved one, financial worries, or anything else that's been weighing on you.
2. Has there been a shift in eating? A new diet, skipped meals, eating less, or a change in what your body is getting.
3. Has there been a change in medication? Starting something new, stopping something, or changing a dose. If this applies to you, talk with your doctor about it, and never stop or change a medication on your own.

Step 3: Talk to a Doctor

I highly recommend that anyone experiencing thinning locs at the root see a holistic doctor, and keep your primary care doctor in the loop, especially if you're managing a health condition or taking medication. Share with them what you discovered when you reflected on the timeline. That information can help them get to the root of what's going on (pun intended).

Your hair, skin, and nails are a reflection of what's happening inside your body. This is much bigger than applying oil or any external product on top of your hair. It's internal.

Where Dr Locs Comes In

Once you've figured out what's going on and your hair is growing back healthy, that's when Dr Locs comes in. This is the aftercare I promised you, and I've got you. Our products are made to support the moisture and health of your locs, and I'll always recommend my Founder's Favorite system: Jinan Moisture Mix or Island Breeze Moisture Mix, Imani Locking Spray, Amla Extract Conditioner, Yasin Shampoo, and Yaya Oil.

But I'd be doing you a disservice if I told you to start there. Find out what's going on with you first. Take care of you, and your locs will follow.

The Bottom Line

• Thinning at the root is an internal issue. A product will not fix it.
• Thinning further down the loc usually comes from something in the past, like color damage, tight styles, or a stressful season you've already moved through.
• Figure out how long it's been happening, then look back even further and ask yourself about stress, eating, and medication.
• See a holistic doctor and keep your primary care doctor informed.
• Once your hair is growing back healthy, Dr Locs is here to support moisture and strength.

You are not alone in this, and your locs are not failing you. They're talking to you. Listen to them.

Chimere Faulk Founder, Dr Locs

This post is based on my 20 years of experience as a loctician and is for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider about hair loss or any health concerns.