Why you shouldn't always wet your dreadlocks in the shower

Dreadlocks are much more than just a hairstyle. They tell a story, a personal, cultural, and sometimes even spiritual journey. But beyond their beauty, they require special attention on a daily basis , especially when showering. If you're a beginner or wondering about your hair care routine, you've probably already asked yourself: "Can I wet my dreadlocks every time I shower?"

The answer is: not necessarily. And here's why.

Wetting your dreadlocks every time you shower: what are the impacts? 💧

The risk of odors: an often overlooked side effect

When dreadlocks are regularly wet, whether in the shower, rain, or after exercise, they absorb water like a sponge. And if this water isn't properly drained, it ends up stagnating inside. This phenomenon is even more pronounced in people with thick, long, or very dense dreadlocks: the more compact the structure, the harder it is for moisture to escape quickly.

This persistent humidity creates a warm, moist environment, ideal for the growth of bacteria and microorganisms invisible to the naked eye. As a result, an unpleasant odor can develop over time—a mixture of dampness, sebum, and sometimes mold—which builds up unnoticed. This is often noticeable when dreadlocks are tied up too frequently without being properly dried, or when sleeping with damp hair under a cap.

It's not a question of hygiene, or even cleanliness, but rather of moisture management. Even with clean hair, improperly drying dreadlocks can be enough to create that persistent odor, which lingers despite shampooing, because it becomes trapped inside the strand itself.

To avoid this unpleasantness, simply patting your hair dry after showering isn't enough. You really need to make sure your dreadlocks are completely dry before tying them up, covering your head, or doing anything else. Because once it takes hold, this odor is not only unpleasant for you, but also difficult to eliminate completely without specific treatments.

Prolonged humidity weakens the health of the scalp.

Over time, excessive exposure to humidity can disrupt the scalp's natural functions. It becomes more sensitive, prone to irritation, redness, or an imbalance in sebum production. This imbalance can lead to dandruff, tightness, or even a persistent feeling of discomfort. This itching, sometimes benign at first, can lead to repeated scratching, which weakens the base of the dreadlocks.

Furthermore, when moisture is trapped inside the dreadlocks for extended periods, it also impacts the hair fiber itself. Subjected to constant variations between wet and dry, without proper care, it gradually loses strength. The hair can then become brittle.

So it's not just a question of smell or immediate comfort. It's also a question of long-term hair health .

What if you take a shower every day? 🚿

Showering daily is often a necessity, a habit. And it's perfectly compatible with dreadlocks! You just need to adapt your routine to avoid unnecessarily exposing your hair to moisture.

✅ Use a shower cap or a waterproof cap

It might seem basic, but it's the first line of defense . A good, tight-fitting shower cap prevents moisture from getting in, especially if you take long or hot showers.

💡 Tip: choose a model made of plastic lined with satin to protect your hair even better.

✅ Separates washing, moisturizing, and resting days

You don't need to wet your dreadlocks every day to keep them healthy. On the contrary. Ideally, you should:

• Wash your locks every 2 to 4 weeks depending on your activity, environment and the condition of your scalp.

• Moisturize your dreadlocks with a light spray every 2-3 days

• Leave your locks alone the other days, covering them at night with a satin bonnet.

✅ If your locks are wet, dry them properly

This is crucial! Never go out or sleep with your locks still damp , or you risk trapping the moisture for hours.

• Use a microfiber towel (which absorbs without being harsh).

• Finish by air drying or using a hairdryer on a warm setting , without pressing the device against your scalp.

The right products to adopt in your routine

To maintain your dreadlocks without wetting them every day, rely on a simple and effective routine:

• A moisturizing shampoo 🫧 , which cleanses without drying (1 to 4 times/month depending on your needs)

• A moisturizing spray 💧 , to prevent dryness and keep locks supple (1 to 4 times/week depending on your needs)

• A light oil 🌿 (discover our collection now) to apply sparingly to seal in moisture

You can find ready-made routines in our shop, designed specifically for locks of all ages.

Conclusion: Prevention is better than cure.

In short, wetting your dreadlocks every time you shower isn't without consequences . Even if water seems harmless, it can disrupt the balance of your scalp, weaken the hair fiber, and slow down the formation or growth of your dreadlocks if it's not managed properly. This doesn't mean you should avoid water altogether, but rather learn to work with it: know when and how to wet your dreadlocks, dry them thoroughly, space out washes, and above all, listen to your hair's needs.

Are you new to dreadlocks or looking to improve your routine? Find our tips, products, and kits specially designed to guide you, step by step. And if you want to discuss it with the community, join us on Instagram to ask questions and share your experience!