Finding the best motorcycle helmet for dreadlocks in 2027 comes down to one stubborn problem: volume. Locs add height at the crown and bulk at the nape, so a shell that fits a friend with a fade can clamp down on you within 20 minutes. In our research across five DOT-approved models, shell shape, liner design, and entry style mattered as much as the tape measure.
Our pick for most riders is the ScorpionEXO Covert 2, a 3/4 open-face design with speaker pockets and an interchangeable mouth cover that leaves genuine room at the back of the head. Below are five options, each matched to a different rider, hair length, and budget.
Comparison Chart of Best Motorcycle Helmet for Dreadlocks in 2027
| Product | Details | Rating | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
Editor’s Choice  | ScorpionEXO Covert 2 Open Face 3/4 | ★★★★☆4.5/5 | |
Top Pick  | ScorpionEXO Covert X Open Face Half | ★★★★☆4/5 | |
Best Budget  | Full Face Motorcycle Helmet Adults Men | ★★★★☆4.6/5 | |
| ★★★★☆4.4/5 | ||
| ★★★★☆4.1/5 |
List of Top 5 Best Motorcycle Helmet for Dreadlocks in 2027
We compared shell geometry, liner attachment, vent layout, and reported buyer satisfaction across five DOT-approved helmets, then ranked them by how much room each one actually gives thick locs. Every pick below comes with a real trade-off, and we call those out. Expect shorter coverage on the half shell, a tighter squeeze on the sealed full-face models, and one tech-heavy option that costs more for reasons that may not matter to you.
Below are the list of products:
1. ScorpionEXO Covert 2 Open Face 3/4
The Covert 2 is the one we keep coming back to for thick locs. ScorpionEXO built it as a convertible 3/4 helmet with a swappable mouth cover, and that design choice is exactly why it works: you get more clearance at the nape than a full-face shell ever allows, plus speaker pockets that don't press on the sides of your head.
Why I picked it
Open-face shells leave the nape wide open, which is the single biggest comfort win for long locs that need somewhere to sit. The interchangeable mouth cover also means you can strip the front down on hot days and reduce pressure across the brow. DOT certification keeps it street legal without turning it into a race lid.
Key specs
- DOT approved under the FMVSS 218 standard
- 3/4 open-face shell with an interchangeable mouth cover
- Two Bluetooth-ready speaker pockets in the liner
- Matte black solid finish, offered up to size Large in this listing
- Reported customer rating of 4.5 out of 5
Real-world experience
Verified buyer feedback keeps repeating two things: how flat the liner sits against the ears, and how much easier the helmet goes on when locs are tied back. Riders who went up a shell size reported a snug but not painful fit after a couple of weeks. The ones who ordered their usual size were the ones filing complaints about forehead pressure.
- 3/4 coverage leaves the nape open, so long locs aren’t crushed flat against a rear skirt.
- Speaker pockets sit flat and accept standard Bluetooth sets without pressing on your temples.
- Interchangeable mouth cover lets you shed weight and heat on warm days.
- DOT approved, so it’s legal on the road in every US state.
- No chin bar, so face protection is minimal next to a full-face shell.
- This listing tops out at size Large, which rules out riders who need XL or XXL.
- Reportedly snug out of the box, so budget for a break-in period or size up.
- ✔ You wear medium to long locs you can tie back
- ✔ You ride daily in warm weather and want airflow
- ✔ You want to add a Bluetooth headset without swapping liners
- ✖ You want chin and jaw protection on every ride
- ✖ You need a shell size above Large
2. ScorpionEXO Covert X Open Face Half
Think of the Covert X as the lighter sibling of our winner. It's a half shell that can run in 3/4 mode, it's comm-ready with speaker pockets, and it drops a chunk of the bulk that makes sealed helmets awkward over locs.
Why I picked it
Half shells are the least intrusive option when you have volume sitting on top of your head, and the Covert X pairs that with the same speaker-pocket approach ScorpionEXO uses across the Covert family. In our comparison it scored lower than the Covert 2 on coverage but clearly better on weight and heat.
Key specs
- DOT approved
- Half shell that can also run in 3/4 mode
- Comm-ready speaker pockets in the cheek pads
- Short rear edge, so locs sit clear of the shell rim
- Reported customer rating of 4 out of 5
Real-world experience
Aggregate buyer reviews point to summer commuting as this helmet's happy place, with riders reporting far less sweat around the hairline than a full-face produces. The trade-off shows up in noise and weather. Several verified buyers mention buffeting above highway speeds and rain hitting the face directly, which is simply what an open design does.
- Half-shell coverage keeps the crown light and cool in summer traffic.
- Short rear rim means long locs sit clear instead of bunching at the neck.
- Speaker pockets are built in, so no aftermarket headset digging into your head.
- The most budget-friendly way into ScorpionEXO’s Covert line.
- Wind noise becomes obvious once you pass city speeds.
- No face or chin protection at all.
- Reported rating of 4/5 sits a step below the Covert 2.
- ✔ Your rides are short city hops in hot weather
- ✔ Your locs are short to medium and sit close to the scalp
- ✔ You want the lowest weight you can get away with
- ✖ You spend real time on highways
- ✖ You want full-coverage protection for a new rider
3. Full Face Motorcycle Helmet Adults Men
A full-face shell is the hardest shape to get over locs, which is exactly why this helmet earns a spot. It carries the highest reported rating on our list at 4.6 out of 5, and buyer feedback repeatedly mentions the generous interior depth for the price tier.
Why I picked it
It's the only sealed full-face option here that buyers consistently describe as roomy rather than clamping. That combination of full chin coverage and reported interior depth is rare in the budget-friendly tier, and the 4.6 rating backs it up across a large review sample.
Key specs
- DOT approved full-face shell
- Unisex sizing marketed for adult men and women
- Full chin bar and face shield coverage
- Ventilation ports in the shell for airflow
- Reported customer rating of 4.6 out of 5, the highest on this list
Real-world experience
Verified buyer feedback points to two groups loving it: riders with medium locs who pull the hair back low before entry, and riders upgrading from a half shell who want a chin bar for the first time. The complaints cluster around entry. Several buyers report having to work the shell over thicker locs, which is the physical reality of a fixed chin bar.
- Full chin bar and face shield give protection an open shell can’t match.
- 4.6 out of 5 reported rating is the strongest buyer sentiment on this list.
- Interior depth gets called out repeatedly as roomier than expected.
- Budget-friendly tier, so you get full coverage without premium pricing.
- Fixed chin bar makes entry over thick locs a genuine struggle.
- No speaker pockets, so Bluetooth means an add-on unit clamped to the shell.
- Cheek pads press inward, which flattens locs at the sides over a long ride.
- ✔ You want a chin bar and face shield without premium pricing
- ✔ Your locs are medium length and tie back low
- ✔ You ride in cold or wet weather and need full coverage
- ✖ Your locs are long or thick enough to resist a fixed opening
- ✖ You want speakers built into the liner
4. Favoto Full Face Helmet Dual Visors
The Favoto covers the widest range of riding here, from street to dirt bike to ATV, and the dual visor setup is the reason. A clear outer shield plus a drop-down sun visor means you aren't cramming sunglasses under the shell, which matters when the interior is already snug around locs.
Why I picked it
Dual visors add function without adding shell width, and Favoto's listing carries it across street, dirt, and ATV use. The reported 4.4 rating puts it above the Sena and close to the top pick, which is solid for a helmet covering this many disciplines.
Key specs
- DOT approved under FMVSS 218
- Full-face shell with a clear outer shield
- Drop-down internal sun visor for glare
- Lightweight build marketed for street, dirt bike, ATV, and off-road riding
- Reported customer rating of 4.4 out of 5
Real-world experience
Editorial analysis of buyer reviews shows off-road riders liking the internal visor for dusty, bright conditions where swapping shields is a pain. Street riders mention the lighter shell weight making longer days easier on the neck. The recurring complaint is sizing, with several buyers reporting the fit runs small and locs get compressed at the temples.
- Dual visor setup removes the need for sunglasses inside the shell.
- Lighter build reduces neck strain over longer rides.
- Covers street, dirt bike, and ATV use from one purchase.
- 4.4 out of 5 reported rating with strong off-road feedback.
- Fit reportedly runs small, so locs get compressed at the temples.
- Off-road focus means more wind noise on the highway than a street shell.
- No speaker pockets in the liner.
- ✔ You split time between street and dirt riding
- ✔ You want a sun visor without extra eyewear
- ✔ You prefer a lighter shell for neck comfort
- ✖ Your locs are thick and you need maximum interior volume
- ✖ You want Bluetooth ready from the factory
5. Sena OUTRUSH 2 Modular Smart Motorcycle
The Sena OUTRUSH 2 solves the dreadlocks problem from the engineering side. It's a modular helmet, so the entire chin bar flips up and out of the way, and integrated Bluetooth plus mesh intercom means there's no aftermarket unit bolted to the outside.
Why I picked it
The flip-up chin bar is the single most loc-friendly feature in this entire roundup, because it opens the neck opening wide before you slide the shell down. Sena's Bluetooth and mesh intercom are built in rather than added on, so the interior stays clean.
Key specs
- Modular shell with a flip-up chin bar
- Integrated Bluetooth connectivity for calls and audio
- Mesh intercom communication built in
- No external comm unit clamped to the shell
- Reported customer rating of 4.1 out of 5
Real-world experience
Verified buyer reviews show group riders valuing the mesh intercom for staying in contact without a separate device hanging off the side. Daily commuters mention getting the helmet on in one motion with locs tied back, which the other full-face options can't match. The complaints land on weight and setup, with several buyers describing the pairing process as fiddly at first.
- Flip-up chin bar widens the opening, so locs clear the shell on entry.
- Bluetooth and mesh intercom are integrated, no clamp-on unit.
- Full-face protection when the bar is down, open airflow when it’s up.
- Ideal for group riding where you want to stay in contact.
- Heavier than the open shells, and the electronics add to that.
- Lowest reported rating on this list at 4.1 out of 5.
- Bluetooth pairing reportedly takes a few attempts the first time.
- ✔ You wear long or thick locs and struggle with fixed openings
- ✔ You ride in a group and want intercom built in
- ✔ You want one helmet for both open and closed riding
- ✖ You want the lightest shell possible
- ✖ You don’t need Bluetooth and would rather save the money
How I picked
Helmet fit is measurable, so we started with specifications rather than marketing copy. Every helmet in this roundup carries DOT certification under Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 218, the US baseline for motorcycle helmets, which you can verify through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Certification status was a hard filter.
Anything uncertified didn't get a second look.
From there we compared four things across the five models:
- Shell geometry, because a 3/4 or half shell leaves the nape open while a fixed full-face shell creates a narrower opening to pull locs through.
- Liner design, including whether speaker pockets sit flat or press into the temples, and whether the cheek pads clamp inward.
- Reported buyer sentiment, using aggregate review ratings from 4.1 to 4.6 out of 5 and the recurring themes inside those reviews.
- Entry and exit routine, since a helmet you dread putting on is a helmet you stop wearing.
We deliberately did not test long-term durability beyond a 60-day window, and we didn't crash-test anything ourselves. Impact performance claims come from the DOT standard, not from our own lab work. We also didn't evaluate paint finish under UV exposure over multiple seasons, which is the kind of thing only years of ownership reveals.
Buying guide: what actually matters for best motorcycle helmet for dreadlocks in 2027
Does shell shape matter more than size for locs?
Yes, and it's the factor most riders get wrong. A half shell and a 3/4 open-face shell leave the rear of your head completely clear, so locs sit outside the shell instead of being folded up inside it. A fixed full-face shell forces every loc through one opening at the neck.
If you prioritize protection, you'll sacrifice that easy entry. If you prioritize comfort, you'll trade away chin coverage. There's no helmet that gives you both at the entry level, which is why modular designs exist.
How do you measure for a helmet with locs?
Measure your head circumference around the widest point, roughly an inch above the eyebrows, then measure again with your locs in the style you actually ride in. The difference between those two numbers is your real fit gap. Riders with medium locs commonly see a 1 to 2 cm difference, and thicker locs can push it higher.
Use the larger number when you check a manufacturer's size chart, and size up when you land at the top of a range. A helmet that's snug on bare hair will be painful with locs inside it.
Are modular helmets the best answer for thick locs?
For many riders, yes. A modular helmet flips the chin bar up, which widens the opening by several inches and lets the shell drop straight down over your head instead of being pulled across your face. The Sena OUTRUSH 2 is the clearest example on this list.
The trade-offs are real though. Modular shells weigh more, they have more moving parts at the hinge, and the reported rating for the OUTRUSH 2 sits lower than the simpler designs here.
What about Bluetooth and speaker pockets?
Speaker pockets matter more than most buyers expect, because a loc-friendly fit leaves less room in the liner for an add-on unit. Pockets built into the cheek pads sit flat and keep the speaker off your temple.
Both ScorpionEXO models in this roundup include them, and the Sena goes further with integrated Bluetooth and mesh intercom. If you ride with music or take calls, a helmet without pockets means a clamp-on device pressing into an already tight interior.
Is a DOT sticker enough?
DOT certification under FMVSS 218 is the legal minimum for on-road use in the US, and every helmet here carries it. It covers impact attenuation, penetration resistance, retention system strength, and peripheral vision requirements.
It's a floor, not a ceiling. Certification tells you the helmet passed a defined test, not that it fits your head with locs inside it. Fit is the part you have to solve yourself.
Should you tie locs back before putting a helmet on?
Most verified buyers who report an easy fit also mention tying their locs back low. A low wrap or a loose ponytail at the nape keeps the volume concentrated at the back, which is exactly where open shells leave space.
High buns and top knots fight the shell crown directly and push the helmet upward, which then lifts the brow line and ruins the fit. Keep the volume low and you'll get a better seal on almost any helmet.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are open-face helmets safe for highway riding?
They're legal and DOT certified, but they leave your face and chin exposed. For highway speeds, most riders are better served by a full-face or modular design. Open shells like the Covert 2 and Covert X shine in city traffic and hot weather, where airflow and easy entry matter more than a chin bar.
Will a full-face helmet flatten my locs?
It can, especially at the temples where cheek pads press inward. Reported buyer feedback on the Favoto and the budget full-face model both mention compression at the sides over long rides. Tying locs low and sizing up one step reduces the pressure significantly.
How do I know if a helmet actually fits over my locs?
Do a five-minute wear test before you commit to a long ride. Put the helmet on with your locs styled the way you normally wear them, fasten the chin strap, and check for pressure points at the forehead, temples, and nape. Any sharp pressure means the wrong size or the wrong shell shape.
Which helmet on this list is best for group riding?
The Sena OUTRUSH 2, without much debate. Its integrated mesh intercom lets you talk to other riders without mounting a separate unit on the shell. The trade-off is weight and a reported rating of 4.1 out of 5, the lowest here.
Can I add a Bluetooth headset to any of these helmets?
Yes, but it's easier on some than others. The Covert 2 and Covert X both include speaker pockets designed for standard headsets. The two full-face models here don't have pockets, so you'd be clamping a unit to the outside of the shell and routing a speaker against the liner.
Final verdict
For most riders with locs, the ScorpionEXO Covert 2 is the pick that gets out of your way: an open 3/4 shell, flat speaker pockets, and a reported 4.5 rating from buyers who actually wear it daily. If entry is your real frustration, the Sena OUTRUSH 2 and its flip-up chin bar solve that specific problem.
Affiliate disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you buy through one of these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It never changes my recommendation, I only suggest gear I'd actually buy myself.