How to Blow Dry Your Dreadlocks (The Right Way)

If you have dreadlocks, drying them properly is just as important as washing them. Maybe more. Clean hair that stays damp inside a dread for too long can start to smell, and in the worst case, mould can begin to grow deep inside it, where you can't see it.

My name is Ann-Marie Christell, and I have been making and caring for dreadlocks for 26 years. In this post I share the gentle routine I teach my clients, so your dreads stay fresh, smooth and healthy after every wash. Take your time. It is simpler than it sounds.

There is also a step-by-step video in this post where you can see the whole routine in action.

Why drying matters so much

Loose hair dries quickly because air can move through it. A dreadlock is different. It is a dense rope of hair that holds water deep inside, a bit like a sponge. The outside can feel dry while the core is still wet.

If that moisture stays trapped, it can lead to:

• a musty or sour smell
• build-up inside the dreads
• in the worst case, mould

The good news is that all of this is easy to prevent. It just takes a little patience after each wash. You can read more in Can Dreadlocks Mold? A Loctician's Honest Answer and Care Guide.

Before you start: plan your wash

A few small habits make drying much easier:

• Wash when you have time. Wash in the morning or early in the day, so your dreads have time to dry completely before bed.
• Never go to bed with damp dreads. A pillow keeps moisture trapped against your head all night.
• Squeeze, don't wring. After rinsing, gently squeeze the water out of each dread from root to tip. Twisting and wringing can stress the hair.

If you want to read more about washing itself, read When and how you wash your dreadlocks – at a calm pace.

Step 1: Start with towel drying

After washing, don't go straight to the blow dryer.

Wrap your hair in a towel to absorb the excess water. Gently bundle your dreadlocks inside the towel and leave it on for about 20 to 30 minutes. A microfibre towel or an old cotton T-shirt is extra kind to the hair.

This step:

• speeds up the drying process
• means less heat on your hair
• helps prevent unnecessary frizz

Step 2: Apply a tightening gel (optional)

After towel drying, your dreadlocks may look a little frizzy. This is completely normal. Water lifts the small loose hairs on the surface.

If you like, you can smooth them with a small amount of tightening gel:

1. Squeeze a small amount into your hands.
2. Rub your palms together to spread it evenly.
3. Gently smooth it over your dreadlocks.

This helps reduce frizz, tighten the surface of your dreads and leave them looking neat and polished.

Use only a little. Your dreads don't need products to lock, and too much of anything can build up inside them over time. Choosing a gel with a fresh, natural scent can turn this moment into a small, calming ritual.

Step 3: Blow dry with the right technique

Now it is time to blow dry.

• Use medium heat. Very hot air can dry out and weaken your hair. Medium heat and a little patience give a better result.
• Start at the scalp. The roots and the scalp are where moisture likes to hide, and where it matters most.
• Work in sections. Take your dreadlocks to one side, then the other. Use your fingers to separate and guide each dread.
• Follow the hair. Move the blow dryer downwards along the length of each dread, from root to tip.
• Keep the dryer moving. Hold it a little away from your hair and don't let it rest in one spot.

Think of it as guiding the airflow with the direction of the hair, not against it. This helps dry the inside of the dread more effectively, reduces frizz and keeps the surface smooth.

Step 4: Palm roll while you dry

While you blow dry, you can combine it with palm rolling.

1. Take one dreadlock between your palms.
2. Roll it gently from root to tip.
3. Repeat a few times.

Palm rolling helps straighten the dreadlock, reduces lumps and bulkiness, and encourages a more even shape.

After washing, dreadlocks tend to tighten, shrink and sometimes become a little uneven. Palm rolling while they dry helps restore their flow and structure. Roll gently. It is a soothing motion, not a hard twist.

Step 5: Dry completely

This is the most important step: make sure your dreadlocks are completely dry.

How long it takes depends on:

• how mature your dreadlocks are, as older dreads are often denser and hold more water
• how thick and long they are
• your hair type
• how many dreads you have

A simple check: squeeze a few dreads, especially thick ones and the ones at the back of your neck. If they feel cool or slightly damp inside, they need more time. Smell them too. Fresh dreads smell like clean hair.

Take your time with this. Never leave your dreadlocks even slightly damp.

Can you let your dreads air dry?

Yes, on a warm, dry day, outside in the sun and fresh air, dreads can dry beautifully on their own. Just be honest with yourself about whether they really are dry all the way through. Indoors, in cold or humid weather, or with thick, mature dreads, air drying alone often isn't enough, and a blow dryer is the safer choice.

Can you blow dry every time you wash?

Yes. You can blow dry your dreadlocks every time you wash them, as long as you use medium heat and keep the dryer moving. In fact, it is one of the best ways to make sure they stay clean, fresh and healthy.

When to ask for help

If your dreads smell even after careful drying, if they feel heavy or damp days after washing, or if you notice something that worries you, get in touch with a professional loctician. It is much easier to help early.

You can read more about everyday care in How Do You Maintain Dreadlocks at Home? And if you have just got your dreads, my four-part series starts with Welcome to a whole new world of dreadlocks.

In summary

Drying your dreadlocks doesn't have to be complicated. It just needs to be done properly. By combining towel drying, a little smoothing product if you like, gentle blow drying with medium heat and palm rolling, and by always making sure they are dry all the way through, you'll keep your dreadlocks fresh, smooth and beautifully cared for.

Want to know more?

If you are new to dreadlocks, you may like to read What are dreads? A complete guide to dreadlocks.

My salon is in Stockholm, I also work in Provence, France, and I travel to other cities in Europe. You can find everything about my work and services here: Seienstyle dreadlock artist.

Do you have questions about caring for your dreads? Send me an email at [email protected]. I will answer honestly and help you find what works for you and your hair.

With love,
Ann-Marie