some pics would be of great help so we can see what we're working with here, or at least some more info. Is it one mass of knots? did you separate? are you simply inferring that it's real tight at the roots or that the whole dread is stiff? also what do you mean by, "i have dreaded it so it hardly moved" did you backcomb or tnr, or what?
I went snowboarding yesterday, and even though i was wearing a hat and gear, my locks were hanging out, someone from the chairlift above screamed "i like your dreads", I've never had a compliment off a chairlift before 
I'd say 1 - 3 times a week is fine, if you wash too often you're dreads will be wet too consistently and you can develop mold issues.
I work in a machine shop so i need to keep my locks away from machinery and i use a head wrap, it keeps them in place without tugging too much like ponytails do. I make use of an old t shirt, or a scarf.
Adam has a point as well, eating raw foods is super nutritious plus it's basically the only way to make your body more alkaline. If you don't have the right ph balance in your body it will have a hard time absorbing certain nutrients. Most people's bodies produce a surplus of biotin, so unless you have some condition, i'm not too sure how much that'll help.
Stop using any chemicals, (this includes most shampoos and conditioners as they usually have harsh chemicals like sodium lauryl sulfate, which is basically a degreaser) let the natural oils of your scalp provide the healthy environment your hair needs. The structural foundation of your hair is probably rather fried and that makes them weak, you need to be patient and let new healthy hair grow. If you wanna dye with anything i suggest henna, it actually is very nutritious for you hair.
If it honestly is a battle between what you've been taught your whole life and what you truly believe. I'd go with what you truly believe, why would you want to be a lie?
I too have my hair dry in a few hours in summer time, but in the winter time, it can still have some moisture up to 24 hours later. I wring and towel dry, then leave it to the air. I'm just wondering would dehumidifying my room make them dry considerably faster? or would it not be worth the effort?
