How to Grow Your Edges Back: A Hair Growth Guide For Thinning Edges

Have your edges been snatched? Dealing with thinning edges? We can sympathize. Keep reading for a guide on how to grow those edges back.

Thinning edges can be a frustrating and deeply upsetting experience. Our hair is intimately linked to our identity. It’s linked to our masculinity and our femininity. When your hair is heavily impacted by breakage, hair loss, or excessive shedding -- it can really shake your confidence. 

But, know that you might be able to grow your edges back (!) and with time your hair may return to its former glory. 

Keep reading for details and tips on how to grow your edges back. 

What causes thinning edges?

Thinning edges are generally caused by breakage. This is not severe ‘hair loss’ per se, but it can be pretty traumatic. Thinning edges can look like sparseness along the very front of the hairline, with small ‘baby hairs’ sticking out in a few directions. This type of thinning might be hair loss-related but this pattern is more indicative of breakage -- not hair loss.  

Everyone can go through hair breakage but those of us with curly, dry, or porous hair have a higher risk of breakage. 

Here are some common reasons for thinning edges:

• Tension styles: Those who use tension styles like braid or locks very often might deal with thinning edges. Put weak, breakable hair under pressure and it can snap. 
  

• Damage from heat tools or chemical treatments:  Heat and chemical damage weaken the hair shaft and can easily lead to breakage. 
  

• Genetics: Some of our hair is just more susceptible to breakage than others. This comes down to ethnicity and genetics. This is why taking special care according to your hair type is a game-changer. 
  

• Medical issues: Thinning edges might be caused by hormonal imbalances or stress. 

Will your edges grow back?

Yes! You can grow your edges back. 

Since thinning edges are often caused by breakage (not a follicle issue), you just need a little bit of patience, and a gentle hand, and your edges may come back. 

How long does it take to grow your edges back?

Assuming damage is kept at bay, hair growth is steady -- albeit slow. On average, hair grows around a 1/2 inch every month, which works out to about 6 inches per year. But, there are some ways to support that growth. 

Here are 7 tips for growing back your edges 

Keep reading for details on how to grow your edges back. 

#1 Try to find the root of the issue

As you now know, thinning edges are often caused by breakage. So, try to pinpoint the root of your breakage. Is it repeated tension styles, heat, or chemical damage, or may it be caused by undernourished and under-moisturized hair?

Try to pinpoint the cause and head in the other direction. It may be a mixture of all of these, so changes may take some getting used to. 

#2 Only use trusted hair growth solutions 

Ignore those hair growth “hacks” and fast tracks you see online. There is no magic product or DIY hack that is going to grow your edges back overnight. I’m terribly sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but growing edges back is going to take some time and/or evidence-based solutions. 

If you want to try a product to help grow your edges back, minoxidil is an FDA-approved hair growth solution that might help. Minoxidil helps to stimulate hair follicles into high gear. 

Our pharmacist blended hair growth formula might help restore your edges. Our minoxidil blend may help stimulate hair growth wherever it is applied. 

#3 Consider the possibility of traction alopecia

Favorite no-fuss hairstyles like slicked-back high buns, braids, and locks have some drawbacks. While they look beautiful, any protective style can put a lot of tension on the scalp which can cause thinning of the hairline. 

Put weak brittle hair under pressure and it might break at the tension point. 

#4 Step away from the heat tools and chemical relaxers 

I know, having baby hairs blowing in the breeze might make you want to take out every straight iron or relaxer you own -- but don’t. 

Let those baby hairs be and give your hair time to grow uninterrupted by the damage of direct heat or chemicals. 

If baby hairs are really getting on your last nerve, try a loose updo with a scarf around your hairline. It’s cute, it can be dressed up and you won’t sabotage your edge growth. 

#5 Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize 

Breaking hair needs a little TLC to help nourish, protect and restore the hair shaft. If your hair is breaking, consider using deep conditioners enriched with Jamaican castor oil. Not to mention, hair looks a bit thicker, and the baby hairs are gently weighed down when they are oiled and moisturized.

#6 Try scalp massages for follicle stimulation

Studies have shown that regular scalp massages, done with the pads of your fingertips, for a few minutes a day, can encourage hair growth. After a few weeks of self-massages, the study participant’s hair was slightly thicker than before. 

#7 Wear a silk head wrap to bed to decrease friction

Try to keep friction to a minimum and wrap your head with a scarf or silk bonnet while you sleep. This will keep you from causing friction between your growing-in edges and your cotton pillowcase. 

#8 Skip the edge control 

While a nice slicked-down edge might seem like it can solve your edge problem -- it might make it worse. Slicking down edges with a hard brush and control gel might keep your hair from growing freely. Try unlaid edges to support edge regrowth. 

Strut Health treats hair loss online

Worried about your edges?

Simply complete a questionnaire-based online doctor's consultation to see if our treatments are right for you. 

If our doctors find this is a good fit for you, we’ll ship your prescription to your doorstep with free shipping.