Edges on the Edge? Here’s What’s Really Happening — and How to Help Them Bounce Back
If your edges are thinning or straight-up missing, you are not alone.
Whether it’s from years of snatched ponytails, wigs, weaves, or the hormonal shifts that come with perimenopause and beyond — your edges are trying to tell you something. And guess what? You can listen, respond, and help restore them. Here's the science and the strategy.
Why Are Edges So Fragile?
Your edges (aka your hairline) are part of a zone called the temporal region — and the hair follicles here are smaller, finer, and more vulnerable to damage than those on other parts of your scalp¹. Here’s what’s putting them at risk:
- Tension & Traction: Styles that pull (tight braids, sleek buns, glued or sewn-in wigs) can cause traction alopecia, a gradual loss of hair due to tension on the scalp².
- Chemical Overload: Frequent relaxers, edge control gels with drying alcohols, or dye jobs can weaken the follicle over time.
- Hormonal Shifts: Perimenopause and postpartum changes can lead to thinning hair due to a dip in estrogen and a rise in androgens³.
- Poor Scalp Circulation: Thin edges often come with low blood flow to the hairline — and hair follicles need oxygen and nutrients to thrive.
So... Can Edges Grow Back?
In many cases they can — but it takes patience, consistency, and a gentle touch. Here’s your plan:
1. Break Up with Tight Styles (For Now)
Give your edges a break — literally. Loose styles like twist-outs, soft buns, or wigs with non-adhesive bands let your scalp breathe and recover.
2. Nourish Your Roots — Consistently
Feed those follicles with ingredients that support scalp circulation and follicle stimulation. Our Rooted Crown Edge & Recovery Crème is formulated with biotinoyl tripeptide-1, castor oil, and peppermint oil — designed to support fragile edges and crown thinning, with no harsh fillers. This is how these ingredients nourish your roots:
- Biotinoyl Tripeptide-1: A peptide that helps anchor the hair follicle, shown to reduce shedding and support hair density⁴.
- Peppermint Oil: Stimulates blood flow to the scalp and wakes up sluggish follicles⁵.
- Olive Oil & Castor Oil: Full of fatty acids to strengthen fragile strands. Great for sealing in moisture.
3. Massage that Hairline
Daily gentle scalp massages (especially with a targeted oil) can boost circulation to the area. Use the pads of your fingers, not your nails, and aim for 3–5 minutes daily.
Try this: Use our Rooted Crown Stimulating Recovery Oil to glide easily and add bonus nutrients while you massage.
4. Eat Like You Love Your Hair
Hair is made of protein, so load up on quality sources (fish, eggs, and beans). Zinc, iron, and omega-3s are also key to keeping follicles strong and edges thriving⁶.
Bottom line:
Your edges may be fragile — but with the right care, they may not gone for good. Think of your scalp like soil: when you nurture it, growth follows. Be gentle, stay consistent, and don’t forget — a thriving crown starts with a healthy foundation.
Sources:
- Messenger AG, et al. “Hair follicle biology and topical minoxidil.” Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 1990.
- Khumalo NP, et al. “Traction alopecia: pulling at the roots of African hair culture.” BMJ, 2007.
- Birch MP, et al. “Female pattern hair loss.” Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, 2002.
- Bhogal RK, et al. “The role of biotinylated peptides in hair regrowth.” International Journal of Trichology, 2013.
- Oh J, et al. “Peppermint oil promotes hair growth.” Toxicological Research, 2014.
- Almohanna HM, et al. “The Role of Vitamins and Minerals in Hair Loss.” Dermatology and Therapy, 2019.