I have a dear friend, young, beautiful girl (caucasian) who has come to believe that her really long dreadlocks – which she has been growing for 7 years…is causing perhaps permanent bald spots on her scalp. She is really beside herself about it, and wondered what she could do to be sure, and if so – to cure the problem.
Dreadlocks can produce traction alopecia (hair loss from constant pulling). The best thing for her to do is to get rid of them and then wait for recovery of the hair. After 7 years, the hair loss may be permanent, but until the pulling stops, you will not know one way or the other. Recovery from traction alopecia may take up to a year.
I have the same problem, I’m also a white female and I’ve been growing my locks for 11 years now. It really kills me to have to cut them but I’ve come to realize that it must be done. They become such a part of you and even your personality, I’m really devastated that I have to cut them. We should start a support group!