Can edges grow back after years of traction alopecia from twists?

It depends on whether scarring has occurred. Early traction alopecia, where the follicle is stressed but not scarred, has a much better chance of recovery with proper care and tension removal. If the area has been thinning for many years and the skin looks smooth or shiny, see a dermatologist to assess whether scarring is involved. Scarred follicles cannot regenerate hair through topical care alone.

How often should I get Senegalese twists if I want to protect my edges?

Most dermatologists who specialize in traction alopecia suggest waiting at least four to six weeks between protective styles to give the follicle time to recover. Keeping twists in for no longer than six weeks, asking your braider to install the hairline loosely, and avoiding pulling the twists into updo styles during wear all reduce cumulative tension.

Does castor oil actually help edges grow back?

Castor oil is very popular for edges, and many women swear by it. The research on castor oil specifically for hair regrowth is limited, but it's a thick emollient that conditions the scalp and existing hair. One concern is that very thick oils can clog the follicle opening if not washed off regularly. Lighter oils like jojoba and argan tend to absorb more easily, which may make them better suited for daily use on the hairline.

My baby hairs are there but very thin. Is that a good sign?

Yes, that's actually a good sign. Vellus hairs, the fine baby hairs you can see, mean the follicle is still active. They haven't fully converted back to terminal hairs yet, but they're not gone. Consistent massage, reduced tension, and scalp care can support the follicle in producing stronger, thicker strands over time.

Is it normal to lose more edges right after taking down Senegalese twists?

Some shedding immediately after takedown is normal. Hair that was ready to shed couldn't fall out while it was wrapped in the style, so it all comes out at once when the twists are removed. If the shedding is heavy and continues past two to three weeks after takedown, or if patches of the scalp are visible, that warrants a closer look from a dermatologist.

Can I put a new protective style in while my edges are trying to grow back?

You can, but choose wisely. A loose, low-tension style like large knotless braids with no extensions at the hairline, or a wig on a proper wig cap that doesn't lay directly on the edges, can let you protect your length while giving the hairline a rest. Avoid any style that pulls directly on the thinning area.

Your Twists Didn't Kill Your Edges. Tension Did.

June 13, 2026

By the Edge Naturale Editorial Team · Medically reviewed by Shelia Davis, Edge Naturale Medical Team · Last updated June 2026

Quick answer: Senegalese twists don't damage edges on their own. The tension from installation, the weight of the hair, and neglecting your hairline during the style are what cause thinning. With the right care routine, many women see improvement in six to twelve weeks once tension is removed and the scalp gets consistent attention.

Wait, Is It Really the Twists Themselves Causing the Damage?

No. The twists are not the villain here. The American Academy of Dermatology recognizes traction alopecia as hair loss caused by repeated or sustained pulling on the hair follicle, not by a specific style category. Senegalese twists sit heavy, especially when they're long, and that weight pulls constantly on the hairline.

Add a tight install, edges laid down with gel and a scarf every night, and styles worn for eight or ten weeks straight, and you have a recipe for follicle stress, not because of the twists themselves but because of how they're worn.

Myth vs. Fact: What People Get Wrong About Edge Regrowth

Myth	Fact
The follicle is dead if you can't see hair	Follicles can stay dormant for months without dying. Early traction alopecia is often reversible if caught before scarring begins.
You need to grease your scalp every day	Heavy petrolatum products can clog the follicle opening and sit on the scalp without absorbing. Lightweight plant-based oils penetrate better and won't build up.
Edges grow back faster if you leave them alone	Gentle stimulation through massage actually increases blood flow to the dermal papilla, the structure at the base of the follicle that feeds hair growth.
Biotin supplements alone will fix it	Biotin helps if you have a deficiency, which most people in the U.S. don't. A deficiency is rare on a normal diet, per the National Institutes of Health. Topical care and tension removal matter more.
One bad install ruined your edges for good	One tight install can start the process. But chronic tension over months and years is what pushes traction alopecia into scarring territory. Catching it early changes the outcome.

Why Do Senegalese Twists Specifically Put Edges at Risk?

A few things make this style harder on the hairline than people expect.

Weight: Long Senegalese twists can add significant weight to each attachment point. The edges and the nape carry most of that pull.
Installation tension: Braiders sometimes pull the hairline tighter to make the part look cleaner. That initial tension compounds with the ongoing weight.
Wear time: Many women leave protective styles in for six to ten weeks. The longer the tension stays, the more fatigue builds in the follicle.
Post-style styling: Putting your twists into a high bun or pulling them back adds another layer of tension directly at the hairline.

How Long Does It Actually Take for Edges to Grow Back?

Hair grows roughly half an inch per month on average, though scalp health, genetics, and age all affect that rate. For many women dealing with tension-related thinning, you can start seeing new baby hairs in the first four to eight weeks once the source of tension is gone and the scalp routine is consistent.

If the hair loss has been happening for years or the area feels tender, smooth, or shiny, see a board-certified dermatologist before starting a home routine. Scarring alopecia needs medical attention, and a dermatologist can tell the difference.

Step-by-Step: How to Regrow Your Edges After Senegalese Twists

Step 1: Take down the style and give your edges a break

Seriously, give them a rest. After taking down your twists, don't immediately reach for another tight style. At least two to four weeks with low manipulation and zero tension on the hairline lets the follicles decompress. Loose wash-and-gos, silk-wrapped braid-outs, or just your own hair in a loose style all work here.

Step 2: Wash your scalp properly

Product buildup and scalp congestion slow things down. Use a sulfate-free clarifying shampoo once a week to clear the follicle opening. Focus the shampoo on your scalp, not your lengths. A clean scalp is a functioning scalp.

Step 3: Massage the hairline daily

This is where the science matters. A small 2016 study published in ePlasty found that standardized scalp massage increased hair thickness in participants over 24 weeks. The mechanism is mechanical stimulation of the dermal papilla cells. Two to three minutes of gentle pressure with your fingertips along the edges each day costs nothing and has real biological backing.

If you want to add a lightweight oil during your massage, look for ingredients that absorb without clogging. Peppermint oil has shown some early promise in a 2014 study in Toxicological Research for supporting circulation at the scalp. Argan and jojoba are both non-comedogenic and help condition the scalp barrier. The Follicle Enhancer combines those four ingredients, peppermint, argan, jojoba, and coconut, into a cream made specifically for daily edge massage.

Step 4: Protect your edges at night

Cotton pillowcases create friction and pull moisture out of fragile baby hairs overnight. A satin or silk bonnet, or a silk pillowcase, makes a real difference. This is a small habit that protects the progress you're building.

Step 5: Check what you're styling with

Edge control products with high alcohol content dry out the hairline. If you're using gel or edge control daily, make sure it's alcohol-free and you're washing it off before bed. Leaving product buildup sitting on the scalp for days at a time works against regrowth.

Step 6: Look at what you're eating

Hair is made of keratin, a protein. If your diet is low in protein, iron, or zinc, growth can stall. You don't need a supplement stack. You need a plate that has enough protein, leafy greens, and healthy fats. If you've recently had a baby or been through a major health event, it's worth asking your doctor to check your ferritin level, since low iron is one of the most common and most overlooked causes of hair shedding in women.

When Should You See a Doctor Instead of DIY-ing?

See a dermatologist if the hairline has been thinning for more than a year without improvement, if the skin at the hairline looks shiny, smooth, or scarred, if there's itching, burning, or pain at the scalp, or if you've tried a solid routine for three months and nothing is moving. Scarring alopecia and androgenetic alopecia need prescription-level treatment, and no topical product replaces that care.

Frequently Asked Questions

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This article is for education and is not medical advice. If you are worried about hair loss, see a board-certified dermatologist. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Edge Naturale products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.