As mentioned on the page about Washing, you should only wash your locks 1 – 2x per week. If you’re someone who is really active, it can be really challenging to limit yourself to so relatively little when you are sweaty and feeling a bit gross!
The first thing you’ll want to invest in is a good, WIDE head band to wear while you work out. We’ve heard very good things about Bondi Bands (which are available for purchase HERE). Bondi bands in particular are made of a moisture-wicking material that will help wick sweat away from your neck, hairline, and scalp (where it is covered) to help prevent your locks from absorbing the sweat in the first place. Bondi bands come in all different colors and are suitable for men and women!
Secondly, you’ll need to invest in some alcohol-free witch hazel. Your local health food or supplement store may carry this. Alternatively, you can always purchase it online. Alcohol can be extremely drying to the hair and scalp so getting the alcohol-free kind is very important! (The witch hazel most pharmacies sell is NOT alcohol-free.)
In a bottle (any bottle will work, but you may find a small spray bottle the easiest to use for this purpose) mix your witch hazel with 10 or so drops of either peppermint OR tea tree essential oil. Both of these essential oils are anti-bacterial and anti-septic so they will help to break down your sweat and eliminate the wet-dog scent that is most commonly associated with sweaty dreads. Tea tree oil is also anti-fungal which may help additionally prevent mold growth associated with frequent and prolonged periods of moistness. Peppermint has a bit of a tingling effect on the scalp and may be a big gentler than tea tree oil for sensitive scalps.
Simply apply the solution topically to your scalp all over and massage it in. It will feel great and keep your dreads looking and feeling super fresh!
Still feeling a little damp and uncomfortable? Attack those dreads with a blow dryer on the COOL setting to help dry them out and cool you off.
Much thanks to Heather of Vital Goods (she makes AMAZING dreadlock products!) who gave us these suggestions!
