Our hair color is determined by the amount and type of melanin that is produced in the hair follicles. The two primary types of melanin include pheomelanin and eumelanin.
Pheomelanin gives our hair tones of yellow and red colors, while eumelanin gives us tones of brown and black. The combination and ratio of these types of melanin are unique to our genetic makeup and are what determine the different colors of hair we see in people.
There are several factors that can influence the melanin production in our hair to change various shades
As people age, their hair may naturally lighten or gray due to a reduction in melanin production. Environmental factors and lifestyle choices can also affect the appearance of hair color.
Experiencing a change of hair color is not uncommon but there are several underlying issues that could contribute to it as well.
In this article, I’ll highlight 13 reasons why the original color of your dreads may be changing as well as 12 tips for preserving your natural hair color.
What is causing your locs to lose color?
1. The sun
Sunlight can naturally bleach the melanin in your hair, leading to a subtle lightening effect, particularly in people with lighter hair colors.
The sun’s powerful UVA and UVB rays cause discoloration to the hair strands by destroying the melanin. This causes a permanent change, not just in the color but also in the hair texture.
Sun bleaching is not unique to dreads but is definitely more noticeable since the same hairs are always facing the sun.
Let me illustrate. Imagine that each loc is a rope. If the outer fibers of the rope are constantly exposed to the sun, you can expect them to become discolored over time. The inner part of the rope will never see the light of day, so the color of those fibers will remain intact because they are protected.
The same goes for our dreads. The sun will only touch the hair on the outside of the loc and the hair on the inside is always covered. Therefore, the hair that is exposed to the sun will constantly be getting lighter and lighter.
The reason we don’t see such obvious changes in people with loose hair is that parts of their hair are exposed to the sun at different times.
The ends of the hair will always be the lightest since that part has experienced more sun exposure than the new hair growth at the roots. It’s a natural ombre! At the same time, the tips of your hair will show the most damage, in terms of split ends and frizziness.
The time of year or moving to a warmer climate can also influence your hair to take on a lighter shade because warmer climates often have more sunshine, and as I’ve just discussed, prolonged exposure to the sun can lighten hair.
2. Heat
Exposing the hair cuticle (the outermost layer of the hair strand) to high degrees of heat, such as with a hair dryer or iron, can cause bubbles to form on the hair shaft.
Any damage done to the hair is irreversible, that’s why it’s crucial that you protect it. Too much heat can lead to future breakage and dullness as the natural luster is destroyed.
3. Water
Water that is heavy with minerals like magnesium, calcium, and copper (i.e. hard water) can be a major contributor the the color difference you may be experiencing. Hard water causes brittle and dry hair as well as a dull appearance.
4. Chemical changes
Going for a swim in the public pool can cause your locs to change color because most pools are treated with harsh chemicals like chlorine. Chlorine is considerably stronger than the bleach you use at home.
The main ingredient in bleach hair dye is hydrogen peroxide, which is extremely harmful to your hair.
Hydrogen peroxide is also present in Sun-In, an over-the-counter product that will lighten your hair with the heat of the sun or a hair dryer. I do not recommend it.
5. Nature’s ingredients
Honey, citrus juice, rhubarb, salt, baking soda, cinnamon, and chamomile all have properties that can lighten hair. You may notice some changes if you use any of these excessively.
P.S. Several of these, like honey, are on the “no-no” list for dreadlocks. Find the complete list here!
6. Malnutrition
Malnutrition refers to a poor or unbalanced diet. Your skin, hair, and nails will generally reflect your health, and whether you’re lacking essential nutrients and vitamins as a result of bad eating habits, sudden diet changes, and/or pre-existing health conditions.
If you have a vitamin deficiency, your hair may begin to lose color and luster. For instance, inadequate levels of biotin, vitamins B-6 and B-12, vitamin D, and vitamin E can cause premature grey hair.
7. Hygiene
8. Dry hair
Touch your hair right now. If it feels rough and crunchy, you need to start moisturizing your locs! Dry locs can lead to thinning and breakage so keeping them hydrated is very important.
9. Hormonal changes
Hormonal imbalances are not limited to the time of puberty. The high levels of estrogen and progesterone produced during pregnancy are known to cause a color change in hair, typically a darker shade.
If you’re worried about an imbalance, talk to your doctor for professional advice.
10. Stress
Stress causes a negative reaction in your body which contributes to many health problems. Under extreme stress, your body goes into a sort of shock. It’s common for hair to stop growing entirely, or possibly begin graying until the body returns to a balanced state.
11. Medication
Many drugs have been found to alter hair color.
Chemotherapy and thyroid medications are known for inducing color changes. The anti-malaria drug is known to bleach hair.
If you’ve recently started taking medications and noticed the natural pigment of your hair changing at a similar time, talk to your doctor to see if there’s a correlation between the two.
12. Health-related issues
13. Age
Grey hair doesn’t always come with age but it oftentimes does. The older we get, the
Melanocytes are the pigment-producing cells present in our hair follicles. As we begin to lose production of melanin, our hair begins to get lighter and eventually becomes grey, then white.
12 Ways to preserve the natural color of your locs
If you’re not happy about the new color of your locs, there are a few things you can do.
1. Dying your hair
Dye is indeed the quick fix to modifying your loc hair color.
However, it is not something I personally recommend for dreadlocks. The reason is that the product seeps into the inner parts of the loc. Regardless of who does the dye job, whether that’s you or a professional colorist, it will take a very long time or become impossible to wash it off completely.
As a result, the chemicals in permanent dye can cause dryness and irreversible hair breakage which can lead to weak spots, thinning locs, and other long-term problems.
If hair health is your priority, then keep reading for tips on how to preserve your natural hair color.
If your heart is set on lightening or darkening your dreads no matter what, then I recommend you do so in the most natural way possible. Opt for a natural hair dye like henna powder instead of commercial hair coloring kits.
2. Cover your locs
If you’re used to spending a lot of time outdoors, wrap your hair in a scarf, beanie, or durag to prevent the sun from bleaching it.
3. Air dry your locs or use lower heat settings on a blow dryer
Having wet locs for too long can cause mold growth due to water staying trapped in your dreads for too long.
To prevent this, I recommend washing your hair early in the morning and letting your dreads air dry during the remainder of the day. By evening, they should be dry but in case they’re not, you can blow dry them on the lower heat settings to prevent damage to the hair shaft.
4. Reverse mineral buildup
If your hair is losing color and luster because of hard water, you can try a couple of things.
First, wash your hair with a clarifying shampoo. This will remove any mineral buildup in your hair.
Secondly, rinse with an apple cider vinegar rinse. Lastly, while your hair is still damp, gently coat your locs with a few drops of argan oil. Don’t use too much or else your hair will become too greasy.
An alternative to this would be to get a mineral filter for your showerhead. If you go with this option, make sure the filter is appropriate for the minerals present in your water.
5. Use a swimming cap in the pool
Chemicals don’t just strip your hair color but they permanently ruin the structure of your hair. And for strong dreads, you need to have healthy hair.
If you go swimming often, make it a priority to protect your hair with a cap.
I’ve used XL swim caps that fit my dreads but water always creeps inside around the lower part of my neck. If you’re in a similar situation, you can try lining the outer rim of the cap with a thin layer of petroleum jelly to repel any water that wants to get inside. But whatever you do, make sure the petroleum jelly does not get in your locs!
6. Limit the use of natural products
Before you get too excited about putting a bunch of natural products in your hair, consider how they may alter your hair’s composition.
While natural products are generally safe, they need to be used in moderation to prevent adverse effects.
It’s always a good idea to read hair product labels (like shampoos and moisturizers). You may be surprised to find that some contain ingredients known for modifying hair color (i.e. vinegar or lemon juice).
7. Improve your nutrition
As you begin to make healthy changes to your diet, you will start to feel and see the positive effects rather quickly.
Make sure you’re eating enough vegetables, leafy greens, fruits, and protein. Drink plenty of water daily. Here’s a list of vital nutrients that contribute to healthy hair growth.
Talk to your doctor about which natural supplements you should be taking so you get all the vitamins your body needs.
8. Moisturize your locs
If your locs are dry and brittle, you need to moisturize them! Keep in mind that some seasons are dryer than others, so adjust your moisturizing routine accordingly.
You don’t need to get fancy with your moisturizing spray. Distilled water is all you need, plus essential oils if you want to add a nice scent. Click here for a list of my favorite DIY moisturizing recipes.
Healthy hair starts at the root, so give your scalp a boost of hydration by massaging a carrier oil (i.e. coconut oil) on it- a pea-sized amount for your entire head should be plenty!
Fresh aloe vera is amazing for hydrating your scalp too.
9. Do a deep cleanse
Every six months you should be doing a deep dreadlock cleanse. This is vital in removing any extra buildup and residue that your hair collects naturally. You will be surprised how dirty your locs really are after doing one of these cleanses!
If you have ever used wax on your dreads, check out this blog where I discuss a couple of tips on removing buildup left by wax.
10. Meditate and exercise
Relaxing and getting enough sleep each night will help your body recover from all the trauma it experienced during the episode of stress and anxiety.
11. Request a change of meds
12. Embrace your gray hairs
At first, I would pluck them but they would return with a vengeance, lol… so I’ve reached the point where I stopped fighting it and am happily embracing them.
Your hair is the most beautiful in its natural state, whatever that looks like! So if you’re sporting a few gray ones, embrace it. 🙂
There are natural ways to darken and lighten your hair. Before you choose to go with a chemical treatment, check what natural options are available.
While natural ingredients may not give you the exact results you’re craving, your hair will not suffer as much as with unnatural dye.
Dreadlocks are a long-term hairstyle for many people. One of the greatest things about having locs is learning to care for and protect the hair.
As your dreads get older, you have to make sure that they’re not thinning out or breaking because of years of bad treatment.
Your dreadlocks are your crowning glory!
4 comments
I have had dreads before but she really fuckec em up badly so I cut em out well my hair has finally grown 3 inches is that long enough to get get natural hair dreads put in
It depends, what’s your hair type?
I like your hair tips. I want to dye my hair. I’ll have to dye it pink.
Thank you! 🙂