If you love to swim and surf in the ocean you might be concerned about the damage salt water can have on your dreads.
While it is commonly thought that salt water does help your locs, water itself can have an adverse effect too.
Will your Hair be Damaged when Swimming or Surfing in the Sea?
This is a difficult question because the answer is yes and no.
Salt water can benefit your locs in some ways, but it can also damage them.
The following is general advice, and you may have to take into account your hair type, and the style of your dreads.
Salt Water Will Help Tighten Your Dreads
It is true that salt water will tighten your locs and help them knot better.
As you may be aware, salt has a drying effect on most things and your hair is no exception.
And, while salt water does help your locs it is bad for your scalp.
Water Can Damage Your Locs
Whether you are swimming in the sea or in a fresh water river, the act of swimming will cause any loose hair strands to loosen further.
This may result in your dreads loosing shape and looking messy.
This is especially true for new dreads as the hair hasn’t had a chance to lock properly. The water simply pulls the hair free.
Should You Swim or Surf in the Ocean?
Of course you should swim or surf in the ocean.
Both are a great sport and good exercise.
If you are swimming everyday make sure you have the right tools to tighten your locs, and also rinse your scalp with fresh water.
Maintaining great looking locs does take time and perseverance, but they should add to your lifestyle, not stop you doing the things you love.