My Sisterlocks are 5 years and 6 months old this month!
With the ten degree winter weather, my locs required extra moisture. If you felt that bite on your face, then your hair felt it too! Locked or loose hair -- check for hydration at the hair ends. A hydration spray at night may be enough to prepare the hair for the outdoor temperatures for the following day.
My locs when wet show my full length without shrinkage.
( And no tattoos for me)