Thinning locks is not normal, and it really doesn't matter if you have sisterlocks or dreadlocks. Below I will explain in detail what is normal, and what is not normal when losing locks, since I have both healthy locks and unhealthy locks due to health issue.

Snapping or Breaking Locks = Normal

When locks snap off, it could be due to many reasons. One main reason is stress on the locks itself. Dreadlocks and Sisterlocks are not immune to breakages, so don't think just because your hair is locked, it won't ever break. If you put extreme pressure on your locks, you will cause damage, which will cause breakages. I know we like to be creative when we do the cornrow style, color jobs, etc., but remember after a while, you too will cause damage to your locks, especially if you do them constantly (especially for sisterlocks). There are no guarantees with locks, unless you are extremely careful, and don't do any type of styling what so ever. You will always have at least one lock or two snap at some point, and that is just how life is when you are locked.

Note: I had one of my lock snapped off at the end, while being caught on my purse strap. So I was really upset about it, but that episode brought to my attention that my sisterlocks are indeed getting longer, and I need to pay more attention now.

Thinning Hair & Thinning Locks = Not Normal

If you hair is breaking or thinning at the scalp, that it NOT normal. I don't care if it's at the temple, the back, or the middle. You hair should not be thinning out at the scalp. Of course, if your hair is thinning at the scalp, it will cause your lock to start thinning out, which will cause it to become unstable and hence the breakage. The cause of the thinning can vary from person to person, but the most common reason are age related, alopecia, and postpartum. Those three reason are usually the main reason why lock wearer start to notice their lock are starting to thin, which lead to breakage.

So thinning vs. snapping (breaking) are completely two different things. Snapping or breaking locks can be a normal occurrence, if you are rough with your locks. Thinning on the other hand, is not normal and usually happens at the root or scalp, while the snapping or breaking can happen at any point on the lock itself (example at the end or middle of the lock).

If your hair is thinning at the scalp, I suggest getting some help. I for one struggle with thinning hair, and I'm glad I was able to get some help and the knowledge to combat my issue, and you will be happy to get some solution to yours. Once you find out what causing your hair thinning, do some research to see what you can do the ease the problem. If you happen to just have a baby, know that thinning may just be a temporary thing, and eventually it will stop, and your hair will grow back. Below are an example of thinning hair at the scalp/root.

Thinning Locks = Not Normal
Below is an example of hair thinning which is not normal. The first picture is how the lock started off which was thicker, and healthier.

Hair was thicker here, and very healthy when I got my sisterlocks install.

Hair started to thin, which cause the lock to start to thin. Now the thinning of my hair only happens in one area which is the middle of my scalp going forward. You can read detail of my struggles in these posts.

Now the hair got very thin here and my consultant had to merge with another lock to thicken the roots, but here is a a perfect example of what is not healthy or normal. Lock started of nice and thick, and end up being very thin due to Alopecia.

Healthy with No Thinning = Normal
The lock in this area has not thin or snap off, but I imagine when it does, it mostly likely due to neglect from my end.