In winter, your dreadlocks don't just get cold. They take a beating: dry air from the heating, wind, rain, friction from scarves, and especially much longer drying times. The result: rougher dreadlocks, a tight scalp, frizz, breakage, and sometimes that feeling of dampness that never goes away (along with the accompanying odors).
The good news is that with a few adjustments, you can get through the winter with soft, clean, hydrated locks, without overloading and without using 12 different products.
Preparing your dreadlocks for winter: what really changes
In summer, your locks dry quickly, the air is more humid, and you can afford to be more relaxed. In winter, it's the opposite: the air is dry, the fiber dehydrates faster, and everything trapped in the locks (water, sweat, products) takes longer to evaporate.
The goal of your winter routine isn't to do "more." It's to do better: cleanse regularly, hydrate with a fine mist, nourish and seal, then protect.
1. Do a gentle detox to start fresh with a healthy diet
Before you smother your dreadlocks with hydration and nutrition, start by removing what's blocking them: residue, pollution, accumulated products, and sweat. A gentle detox helps your dreadlocks better absorb subsequent treatments and prevents the buildup of layers that can eventually suffocate them.
In our winter collection, you can opt for a clarifying shampoo if you feel your locks are heavy or your scalp is saturated, such as the Taliah Waajid Clarifying Shampoo , or a gentler routine if you are already clean.
Tip: If you're doing a detox, think "scalp massage" and a long rinse. That's often where everything happens.
2. Nourish your locks with a targeted oil bath
In winter, nutrition becomes your safety net. But we're talking about smart nutrition: no need to saturate your locks with oil. The idea is primarily to nourish the scalp and lightly coat the lengths.
In the winter collection, you have, for example , the Fortifying Carapate and Peppermint Care Oil , perfect as a pre-shampoo oil treatment.
And if you want a more “daily” option, an oil like African Healing Oil can be used in micro doses on the lengths, especially on the ends.
3. Cleanse gently with a shampoo suitable for winter
The classic winter trap is washing less… even though you're wearing more layers, sweating under hats, and your dreadlocks dry more slowly. The result: an unbalanced scalp and feelings of discomfort 😣
The best compromise is a gentle shampoo, used regularly and rinsed thoroughly. In the winter collection, you have, for example, the Wash n' Care Gentle Shampoo that Nourishes and Strengthens (In Haircare) or the Total Body Earth Gentle Shampoo (Taliah Waajid).
Tip: Do two light shampoos rather than one heavy one. The first one loosens the hair, the second one really cleans.
4. Moisturize often, but intelligently (without soaking your locks every day)
In winter, the real trap is confusing "hydration" with "wetting." Yes, your dreadlocks need more hydration... but no, rinsing them under water every day isn't the best idea.
Why? Because in winter, your dreadlocks take much longer to dry. And moisture trapped inside can create a feeling of "heavy" dreadlocks, an itchy scalp, and sometimes unpleasant odors.
The goal is therefore a fine, controlled hydration that provides water… In concrete terms, we will favour light sprays, mists and leave-in products that lightly dampen the fiber and refresh the locks without “soaking” them.
How to stay properly hydrated in winter without overloading your system?
The right move
Spray from 20-30 cm away, using a light mist, focusing on the lengths and ends. Then, gently squeeze your locks between your hands to distribute the product, without rubbing.
If your locks feel damp to the touch for a long time, that's too much. You should feel a "soft" and "refreshed" effect, not "wet".
Which spray should you choose depending on your needs?
➡️ If your locks are dry and you want a real hydration boost
Purepousse Moisturizing Hair Spray or As I Am Jamaican Castor Oil Moisturizing Spray are perfect when you feel your locks are absorbing everything and becoming dry again quickly. They help restore suppleness and reduce the rough texture.
➡️ If you just want to refresh without adding bulk
The Taliah Waajid Refreshing Spray or the Roz VTL Locks Rose Water Moisturizing Spray are great for a quick refresh. Rose water is fantastic when you want light hydration, to soothe a slightly sensitive scalp, and avoid a greasy feel.
5. Seals in moisture to prevent the straw-like effect
Hydration means adding water. Sealing means preventing that water from evaporating. And in winter, the dry air means that hydration evaporates quickly if you don't "lock it in."
That's exactly why you might have that impression: "I moisturize, and two hours later it's dry." It's not that your product isn't working. It's just that you haven't sealed it properly.
How to properly seal dreadlocks
The sealant should remain ultra-light . We're not trying to grease the locks or make them shine at all costs. We just want a thin protective barrier.
How to use it? Take a tiny amount, warm it between your hands, then smooth it through the lengths, ends, and roots if needed. Don't use too much, or you risk suffocating your scalp and causing buildup.
6. Protect your dreadlocks from friction day and night
Winter is scarf season. And scarves mean constant friction on the hair. The result: pilling, frizz, thinning dreadlocks, and breakage.
It's not necessarily your routine that's bad. It's just that your locks are getting "sanded" every day.
During the day: your anti-chafing strategy!
➡️ Secure your dreadlocks (low bun, low ponytail, protective braids)
➡️ Avoid having the lengths rub against the coat collar
➡️ Tuck your dreadlocks into a beanie or a satin hood if you have one
In the winter collection, the Locks Jumbo 40cm Beanie is perfect if you want to protect without flattening, especially if you have volume or length.
Taking care of your dreadlocks in winter: what you need to know
Winter isn't an "enemy" season for dreadlocks, provided you slightly adapt your routine. It's not the time to overdo it or pile on the products, but rather to better understand what your dreadlocks truly need when the cold weather sets in.
During this period, maintaining balance is key. Cleansing remains essential, but always gently to avoid weakening the hair fiber or scalp. Moisturizing becomes more frequent, but with a lighter touch, to provide hydration without trapping moisture inside the locks. Nourishment plays a crucial role in keeping locks supple and strong, provided it's properly measured and, above all, sealed in to prevent the hair from drying out too quickly. Finally, protection is paramount, as repeated friction, dry air, and winter clothing are often responsible for breakage, frizz, and thinning of the lengths.
Adopting an effective winter routine is primarily about learning to observe your dreadlocks, adjusting your care routine to your lifestyle, and respecting drying times. Occasional detox treatments when there's buildup, regular oil treatments, appropriate washes, and gentle refreshers are more than enough to get through winter smoothly, without overloading or suffocating the hair fibers.
And if you prefer a simple, consistent, and ready-to-use solution, opting for a complete routine like the Taliah Waajid Locks Routine can really make a difference. All the products are designed to work together, saving you time, preventing combination errors, and keeping your locks healthy, soft, and comfortable all winter long.
The key takeaway: in winter, less stress, more regularity, and above all a routine that respects the natural rhythm of your locks.