3 Reasons Your Edges Aren’t Growing (And How to Fix It!)
When it comes to Type 4 natural hair, regrowing thinning edges takes more than just products—it requires understanding why your edges are naturally more fragile than the rest of your hair. With fewer cuticle layers and less sebum, your edges are more prone to dryness, buildup, and breakage, making them harder to grow back once damaged.
Let’s explore three key reasons your edges aren’t growing and the science-backed solutions to help restore them.
1. Lack of Proper Scalp Circulation
Why It Prevents Growth: Hair follicles need oxygen and nutrients to thrive. But since your edges have fewer sebaceous glands, they naturally receive less moisture, making them weaker and more prone to thinning. Tight hairstyles, lack of scalp stimulation, and even low iron or vitamin D levels can further slow growth.
What to Do Instead: Massage your edges daily with pumpkin seed or black cumin seed oil to increase circulation.
Check your iron and vitamin D levels, as deficiencies can cause shedding.
Avoid excessive tension from tight ponytails, braids, and wigs.
Curly Chemistry Tip: Scalp massages boost blood flow and wake up dormant follicles. Taking just one to two minutes daily can help support regrowth.
2. Product Buildup is Blocking Growth
Why It Prevents Growth:
Product buildup—especially from edge controls, heavy gels, and styling creams—can clog hair follicles, blocking oxygen and nutrient flow to your scalp. If your scalp isn’t cleansed regularly, this can create layers of buildup that suffocate follicles over time leading to inflammation, slow growth, and even follicle miniaturization (thinning edges).
What to Do Instead:
✔ Wash your hair and scalp weekly or at least every two weeks with a hydrating shampoo to remove buildup without stripping moisture.
✔ Incorporate a clarifying shampoo once a month to break down stubborn residue from edge controls and gels.
✔ Use hydrating serums with niacinamide or ceramides to nourish and protect your edges instead of relying on heavy styling products daily.
Curly Chemistry Tip: When using edge control, apply it sparingly and cleanse your hairline thoroughly during wash day to prevent buildup from stunting your growth.
Looking for a gentle yet effective herbal rinse to support a clean, healthy scalp? Try my Herbal Hair Tea Rinse—formulated to detox the scalp while promoting healthy follicles and stronger edges.
3. Not Protecting Your Edges at Night
Why It Prevents Growth:
Friction from cotton pillowcases, bonnets with rough elastic, or sleeping with uncovered hair can weaken your edges over time. This causes breakage before the hair even has a chance to grow in fully.
What to Do Instead:
- Switch to a silk or satin pillowcase to reduce friction and retain moisture.
- Wear a silk-lined bonnet or scarf to prevent your edges from drying out overnight.
Curly Chemistry Tip: Avoid tight scarves or bonnets that can rub against your hairline and cause unnecessary thinning.
The Bottom Line:
Your edges are naturally more delicate due to fewer cuticle layers and lower sebum production, making them vulnerable to buildup, friction, and breakage. To support healthy regrowth, focus on:
- Avoiding tight hairstyles that pull on your edges, as they are the leading cause of edge thinning in the natural hair community.
- Keeping your scalp clean and free of buildup.
- Stimulating blood circulation with daily massages.
- Hydrating and protecting your edges from dryness and friction.
With consistent care, your edges can and will grow back stronger.
🔗 Ready to take your hair growth journey to the next level?
Check out Curly Chemistry’s resources for eBooks, Herbal Hair Tea Rinse, and expert-backed guides designed to support healthy natural hair.