I'm thinking your best bet would be to visit a motorcycle shop and start trying them on.

 

I have exactly the same problem, i need to find a helmet that will fit over my dreads.

I spoke to a guy in a motorbike shop yesterday about this, and here's the bit you might not like (i know i wasnt too happy about it!): the dreads might have to go. i've got a big enough head without the dreads, and i'm gonna have a lot of difficulty finding a helmet to fit my oversized bonce.

I suppose what it really boils down to is this: Which do you want more? a motorbike, or dreads?

I love my dreads, I really do. but if it's a choice between a hairstyle or a bike, I know which way I'm gonna go.

Your best bet is to go to a bike shop and talk to them, try some helmets on and see what happens.

 

I suppose what it really boils down to is this: Which do you want more? a motorbike, or dreads?

Bingo!

 

I feel obliged to add this...

If there's any preparation used to create the 'dread' look, it might not be the best bet to go around putting helmets on. It's the same thing if you wear hair gel or mouse. You don't want to share that with the next person who might try that helmet on.

One option that wasn't discussed, was to move to a state that doesn't MANDATE helmet use. That way, you won't have to make that choice, and can let the 'locks flow in the breeze unhindered!

 

Right. And then some paramedic can try and sew your dreads back on by the side of the road.

 

This thread is a joke, right?

Nuff said.

olds_cool63
Custom Sportbike
Custom Cruiser
BOTH metric!

DON'T be a SQUIDIOT!

 

I've seen a rider with long dreads sticking out from under his helmet...

Unrelated to the fact that he had dreads, but he was an above-the-law kind of guy... he used to race his bike through traffic just to toy with the cops. He was a good rider but not good enough, he got himself killed in a cop chase.

 

Sorry, but unless you are a rastaman, you don't need to have dreadlocks. I am even a "hippy" myself and I think they make white people look silly. This is my opinion and I mean no offense, just being honest.

That being said, I imagine if you MUST keep your dreads, you should be able to find a helment that fits over them. It will probably be a little unconfortable though.

 

my Caucasoid brothers

WoW lets not make this a race thing my Caucasoid brothers. Dreads stared in Egypt but they were also worn by early English and Germanic tribe. So lets drop our Eurocentric views and get real, this county is a melting pot. Look I’m a Rasta so trust me, just put a do-Rag over your hair and make sure its tight. This will cut down head surface space and also make it easer to take you helmet off and on, Black man out!!!!!!!!!!

 

A friend of mine has 'big hair', not dreads but his hair does make his head size a lot bigger. he usually wears a bandanna or similar over his hair, to compact it slightly. The tip is to try loads of different makes & styles of lid, you will eventually find one that fits you perfectly.

 

Ive seen people with dreads wearing helmets all the time. Have you seen any players in the NFL? I know the helmets are different but the concept is the same. Keep it clean guys, don't want to close the thread. Lets keep it about helmets and dreads!

 

I fail to see how this is about race. *puzzled*

I'm no motorcycle expert, but I know a thing or two about long hair. Hair can change the effective shape and size of your head depending on how it is worn. For convenience, you'll probably want to be able to reproduce the placement of your hair, perhaps by wearing a do-rag or similar. This will make it easier to compare the fit of different helmets, will protect the helmet liner from hair product transfer, and make it easier to get the helmet comfortable the first time every time.

 

?

what U can't real, One guy was telling the other he should cut his dreads cause he is white, now what the F don't U under stand?

 

The advice to go to shops and try helmets on for proper fit is definitely the answer. Once you find a helmet that fits don't be shy. Keep it on in the store for at least 15-20 min minimum as you may find that althought it fits hot spots on your head can develop which will make it uncomfortable on long rides. Happy hunting.

 

The desire for something trumps the need for something. The purpose of life is to enjoy the life hence why there are even motorcycle to begin with. If someone wants dreads it is not relevant if they are needed appropriate or anything else. Is there life there hair there choice I support it.

As for helmets I have no doubt once can be found thats compatible. Keep looking.

 

dreads compete w/helmets...

I have dreads and when I started riding, I had the same problem and I found this forum doing a search for a solution to this problem seeing as though i'm now in need of a new helmet. I went with an HJC because it fit the best, but the selection was limited to only a couple options anyway. The salesman in the store also suggested the option of cutting off my dreads, or cutting them on just the sides, both are things that I still can't bring myself to do but he made a very good point:

The purpose of the helmet fitting properly is so that it doesn't slip around on your head in the case that you go down. But if you do wreck, the dreadlocks that are requiring you to wear a helmet 1 or 2 sizes too large will likely shift, tear, smash, whatever, and the helmet will act accordingly, possibly foregoing the protection that it was originally intended to provide. The other thing that I noticed with dreads is that they tended to push the front of the of the helmet towards my chin which wouldn't be good in a crash either.

Anyway, the last time I picked one out I tried a few xxl/xxxl helmets on in the store to accommodate for my big a** head+dreadlocks. I bought the HJC one and lived with it but since 3 years have gone by, including one wreck where the helmet did make contact with the ground (minor scratches, but still), I'm looking for a new helmet and am back in the same boat.

 

I have been riding for a while, and have recently begun dreading my hair, and have wondered the same thing...

I found some useful advice on this subject:

1. Wear a wool cap underneath - Depending on how mature your dreads are, this could help to knot up the roots underneath your helmet, and will reduce the strain from pulling the helmet on over it.

2. Wear a Dew-Rag / Underarmor Skull Cap - Easy to buy, and they are nice and slick, so the helmet slides on and off easily over the dreads. (You will look like a tool when you pull your helmet off in public if you are a white guy though)

3. Line your helmet with satin - Probably the best idea. Its semi-permanent, and you donw have to worry about one extra step when prepping for a ride. In addition, you dont look like a tool when you pull your helmet off, lol. Just get some satin and spray adhesive, remove the visor, then line the helmet with the satin. Throw the visor back on when its dried, and you are good to do.


Regardless of which step you decide to take, you will have to get a helmet that fits snugly over your head, otherwise it wont do you much good in an accident. Hope that works well for you!

 

You could do it cool running style and just find some one to bash the helmet down onto your head over the dreads...

 

XL i would think

 

3/4 helmet

Hey there! I've been riding with my dreadlocks on scooter bikes and motorcycles for more than 6 years, besides I use prescription glasses.

My choice is a 3/4 helmet, with an open face and no chin protection. It's easy to put on without messing with dreadlocks position on the head and having to take the glasses on and off. I think that a 3/4 helmet is the best option for city rides for dreadlocks, considering that one has put the helmet on/off quite often.

 

Since the original question was posted in 2007, I hope this problem has long since been solved.

 

Are dreads even in style anymore?

Then again, I'm not one to be talking about style....

 

You probably will just have to buy 1 size larger helmet. It really shouldnt be that big of a deal.

 

for a few minutes there I thought you were looking for a helmet with dreads on it...my bad

 

I'm just assuming that you can use a cloth type measuring tape placing it an in or so above ur eyebrows and the Center point in the back of Ur head that sticks out the most. Use the same procedure as you'd normally do to measure ur head. My locs are 14in and I can use an Xl helmet. I just have them in a ponytail just under the bottom of my helmet

 

This thread is as old as the hills:surprise:

Please tell me that you've had the sense to cut those Dred's off by now:surprise:

Dude, that style went out with the Dinosaurs:smile_big:

Sam:nerd:

 

When I had shoulder length hair, I found a thin silk balaclava solved all problems. Sold with ski gear.
Second choice was a thin polypro balaclava, but they were sometimes a little warm.
Worn with the entire face exposed, from chin to eyebrows. Protected against bug strikes to the throat also., reduced wind noise.