Weather changes can greatly affect the condition of dreadlocks. The harsh cold, rain, snow and even dry heat from forced air heating systems can cause damage and make it challenging to keep locks looking healthy.
Wash Dreads Less Often in the Winter
Dreads take quite a while to dry. Even in the summer washing and drying locks can be a time consuming process. In the winter dreads can take what seems forever to dry. Therefore, just for practical purposes alone, it is wise to wash locks less often in the winter. Additionally, because dreads can be much drier in the colder months, it’s best to shampoo less in order to keep in moisture.
Conditioning/Moisturizing Dreadlocks in the Winter
Although most dread wearers do not traditionally condition their locks, because of the harshness of colder weather, conditioning may be necessary in the winter months. This is especially true for those who may use hair dryers. To ensure against over conditioning, condition hair before washing and be sure to rinse thoroughly. Other methods for moisturizing dreads include moisturizing shampoos, hot oil treatments, conditioning sprays and use of natural/organic moisturizers such as carrot or jojoba oil.
Wearing Winter Hats With Dreadlocks
When wearing dreads in the winter time, one needs to be concerned about more than just "hat hair". Fibers from hats can easily become lodged in locks, and wool material can loosen lock strands (especially true with younger locks). One solution is to choose hats made of softer and tighter fibers like cotton. Or one can opt to wear a headband or earmuffs in lieu of a hat. If really concerned with warmth, consider purchasing a rasta or tam style cap as looser hats are gentler on the hair. For those loyal to traditional wool caps, a kerchief or sleep cap underneath may provide needed protection.
Winter scarves can also pose problems, especially for longer dreads. If wearing a wool scarf, put up hair in a pony tail or tie it up securely with a long silk scarf. Locks can also be bundled together and tucked into a loose cap such as a tam.
Other tips for caring for locks in the winter months include:
- Covering dreads with a sleep cap/scarf at night, or sleeping on a silk or satin pillowcase.
- Massaging scalp during shampoos and hot oil treatments.
- Using a humidifier in really dry homes or rooms.
- Limiting use of hair accessories such as rubberbands, barrettes, etc. as they can lead to breakage.
