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Dreadlocks are a common natural hairstyle, particularly popular with those with thick and curly hair. A wave cap is good for dreads and can help you maintain them even if you work outdoors in direct sunlight or turn and toss as you sleep.
Is a Wave Cap Good for Dreads?
Yes, a wave cap is good for dreads as it helps lay your roots properly as they grow, ensuring that the dreadlocks remain neat and less frizzy, minimizing the number of times you need to go to the salon. The wave cap is more comfortable than a bonnet, allowing you to wear it throughout the night or for longer as you run errands.
Usually, you will need to apply gel or hair oil on your locks to help promote healthy hair growth and keep your scalp in good condition. A wave cap comes in handy as it holds the dreads in place and locks the moisture, offering you the following benefits.
Keeps Your Dreads Intact
Wind or rain can spoil your dread style, especially when working outdoors or going for outings with friends on windy evenings. Although dreads are one of the most popular hairstyles, having the dreadlocks scattered over your head might make people question your sanity.
Fortunately, wave caps are made of stretchy materials such as a polyester-spandex blend. They also feature an elastic band around the circumference, which holds tightly around your head. As a result, they hold the dreadlocks in place, forcing them to lie down in the style when sleeping or working.
Protects the Dreads From Direct Sunlight
Taking sunbathes or working outdoors for longer periods may expose your dreadlocks to dust, dirt, and direct sunlight, making them look dull. Wave caps and durag help reduce the harmful effect of UV rays from the sunlight by covering your scalp and the roots.
It’s advisable to wear light-colored wave caps as they help reflect the light away. Dark-colored caps, on the other hand, absorb more heat, leading to sweating and discomfort. The excessive heat might even break down the hair oils, making it susceptible to breakage.
Improves the Texture of the Dreads
It’s common to experience issues of rough and dry dreadlocks even several hours after applying oils. In most cases, this results from moisture evaporation. Loss of moisture can cause dreadlocks breakage and irritations.
Scratching your head might cause flakes or even undo your dreadlocks. Wave caps help to lock the moisture, ensuring the oils stay for longer without evaporation. This reduces the irritations and the urge to scratch.
The oils and creams staying for longer also help to improve the texture of your dreadlocks and keep them shiny, smooth, and healthy.
Makes You Feel Comfortable During Sports and Exercises
Dreadlocks are becoming popular among the athletic community. Although these types of dreadlocks may appear appealing as the athletes run around in the field, they can cause discomfort due to sweating.
Additionally, long dreadlocks may cause poor performance as they blow on your face when running, leading to poor vision. Fortunately, the cap can help to solve some of these issues and improve your overall performance in the following ways:
- Keep your dreads in place, preventing them from interfering with your vision as you run or perform.
- Most of these caps are made of moisture-wicking polyester. This fabric allows the sweat to pass from the inside of the cap to the outside for evaporation, cooling you down and enhancing your performance.
- The elastic band prevents sweat from dripping down from the forehead into your eyes, reducing the chances of sweat getting into your eyes and causing irritation.
Reasons Why a Wave Cap Is Good for Dreads
| Reasons | A wave cap is good for dreads because it: |
|---|---|
| Reason 1 | Keeps your dreads intact |
| Reason 2 | Protects the dreads from direct sunlight |
| Reason 3 | Improves the dreads texture |
| Reason 4 | Enhance comfort during exercises |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use a Wave Cap to Straighten My Dreadlocks?
Yes, you can use the cap to keep your dreadlocks straight. The cap minimizes the number of perms you need, leaving your hair in good condition for longer.
Keep in mind that regular perms can damage your dreadlocks as the high temperatures denature the keratin protein that helps keep your dreads healthy.
How Can I Wear a Wave Cap Without Getting Lines?
You can wear your cap without getting lines by folding your silk scarf horizontally until you achieve a width of one inch.
Tie your scarf around your forehead over the region the caps band sits. Wear your cap normally with the scarf covering the forehead to prevent lines from forming.
Which Wave Cap Material Is Best for Dreadlocks?
The best wave cap material best for dreadlocks is polyester and nylon. Nylon has a softer feel and is breathable, ensuring that you remain comfortable even when wearing the cap during intense exercises.
Polyester has moisture-wicking properties and can keep you cool when running errands outdoors in summer.
Conclusion
A wave cap is good for dreads as it helps lay your dreads roots in place, reducing the chances of hair breakage or the dreads scattering over your head. It protects your dreads from weather elements and UV light that can make them rough and dry.