Summer is a sunny, hot, salty time of year... and your locks feel it as much as you do. The sun, the wind, the seawater, all of these things naturally dry out the hair fiber. But the good news is: with the right habits and a suitable routine, your dreadlocks can survive the summer in style, moisturized, toned... and even strengthened!

In this article, I share my professional advice based on the age of your locks, as well as my product tips and essential actions to fully enjoy the summer season without compromising the health of your hair.

In summer, locks also have the right to their vacation

Whether you have new or mature locks, summer is a key time to readjust your routine. And remember: your locks deserve a break, some care, and a little sunshine too!

Young locks (between 3 and 12 months): between protection and freedom

If your dreadlocks are still young, they are in the structuring phase. They must be respected but not overprotected.

️️ Swimming? Yes, mindfully!

Going on a beach vacation? Make the most of it! Swimming in the sea is beneficial for young locks: the salt tightens the strands and helps them hold.

➡️ No need to shampoo every night after every bath. Just make sure your locks are completely dry before going to bed.

➡️ The next day, you can go back to the beach without worry!

 

Recommended skincare routine:

  • After swimming: Apply a little Rescue Tonic to the scalp to soothe, purify and moisturize.
  • Once your locks are dry, you can add a little aloe vera gel to the lengths to restore suppleness and hydration.

Tip: Remember to pack these two products in your beach bag! The combination of sea salt, Rescue Tonic, and aloe vera gel is ideal for helping to structure young locks.

 

What to avoid:

  • Too many aggressive washes: 1 good shampoo at the end of the vacation is enough if you have rinsed well in the meantime.
  • Using oils or butters that are too rich: they coat the locks without really moisturizing them.
  • And above all: don't let the locks merge together. Separate them regularly to ensure they grow well individually.

Mature locks (12 months and over): loose, but not loose

Mature locks are stronger, more compact… and ready to fully enjoy summer.

️Let go (in moderation)

  • Daily swimming in the sea? No contraindications!
  • Shampooing can last for several days if you rinse your locks well with clean water and dry them properly.

Products to favor:

  • Rescue Tonic for after-the-beach: purifies, refreshes and hydrates the scalp.
  • Aloe vera gel: perfect for maintaining elasticity and suppleness.
  • RawRoots Moisturizing Oil (pre-shampoo to be applied 2 hours before washing if the scalp is very dry).

And the BOHEMIAN tips?

The famous “brush” tips need targeted care:

  • Apply the Fructis Banana/Papaya range mask once every 2 weeks to the ends only.
  • To intensify the effect: wrap them in plastic wrap for 10-15 minutes.
  • After rinsing: apply a little tightening spray to the dreaded area to strengthen the hold.

The correct washing protocol in summer

The right move:

  1. Wet your locks completely.
  2. Prepare a 50/50 mixture of liquid shampoo (Herbal Cleanser or Hydrating Shampoo) + water in a “plant” type spray bottle.
  3. Spray onto scalp. Massage gently. Don't be surprised if it doesn't lather the first time; this is normal.
  4. Rinse. Then repeat a second application. It is during this second shampoo that the lather will appear properly.
  5. Dry your locks thoroughly, either in the open air or with a hairdryer on a low heat setting.

Using a spray bottle allows for precise, economical application and good control of the product dose.

To remember

  • The sea is an ally… especially if you moisturize well afterward.
  • ☀️ The sun is good, as long as you don't let your locks dry out.
  • The right products = Rescue Tonic + Aloe Vera + gentle shampoos.
  • Remember to regularly check that each lock is growing in place and is not merging with its neighbor.
  • BOHÈME tips need special attention (but never brushing!)

And after summer?

At the end of summer, consider planning a complete maintenance to restore tone to your locks, separate any that may have merged, and restart good basic hydration.

This article was written by Lisah Sandström, a natural dreadlocks specialist and founder of Dreads Expert.

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