Locs are a beautiful style that can be worn for years, but the best shampoo for locs is still essential to keep them looking their best.
While the thick twisty hair may look untameable, it's actually easily manageable and controllable if you have the right products. That means using a good conditioner and regular deep conditioning treatments too. Plus, locs need some extra love when it comes to washing and styling so that they don't dry out or become tangled.
We searched for the best dreadlock shampoos available and are excited to share them with you! Let's get started!
The Top 5 Picks
How We Choose
We looked at a variety of factors when choosing the best shampoo for locs, including ingredients, performance, and price. We only included shampoos that contained gentle ingredients and were effective at hydrating and nourishing hair without causing buildup or irritation.
We also made sure to find options within a range of prices so you can find one that fits your budget. Finally, we considered customer reviews to get an idea of overall satisfaction levels so you can be confident in your purchase decision.
Jamaican Mango & Lime Tingle Shampoo & Protein Conditioner
Why We Love It
Welcome to paradise! Jamaican Mango & Lime Tingle Shampoo & Protein Conditioner is the perfect way to give your hair a tropical escape every time you shampoo and condition it.
Their unique combination of tea tree extracts in the tingle shampoo will stimulate your scalp, provide relief from any itching and easily remove product build-up. Plus, you’ll love the added protein conditioner that’s designed to strengthen each strand of hair, help protect it from ever-dreaded breakage, and provide maximum moisture for that soft touch of feminine elegance. So let Jamaican Mango & Lime be your ticket to paradise and experience this wonderful two-step process today!
Things You Want To Know
- 8 fl. oz. (pack of 2)
- For all hair types
- Color safe
- No Sulfates
Bronner Brothers Tropical Roots Clarifying Shampoo
Why We Love It
Bronner Bros Tropical Roots Clarifying Shampoo is a great shampoo for anyone who wants to clear up their hair from unwanted buildup and residue. This clarifying shampoo is formulated with ingredients that soothe itchy, dry scalps while gently stimulating the scalp with a relaxing tingling sensation.
This shampoo contains extracts from peppermint and other plants that work well at removing product build-up and excess oils or residue. It also works as an anti-fungal treatment to prevent future problems with dandruff or fungal infections such as athlete's foot.
This clarifying shampoo lathers up nicely, leaving your hair feeling clean without any squeaky brushes after using it regularly. It comes in an easy-to-use plastic bottle instead of a traditional glass bottle.
Things You Want To Know
- 8 fl oz (Pack of 1)
- For Dry Hair Types
- Safe for color-treated hair
- Scent: Peppermint
Taliah Waajid Stimulating Herbal Cleanse
Why We Love It
It's time to give your hair and skin some TLC with Taliah Waajid Stimulating Herbal Cleanser! This clarifying shampoo is the perfect way to deeply clean your hair and scalp while preventing moisture loss.
The product features sage and green tea extracts, which are said to stimulate the scalp while removing dirt and debris. The refreshing cool minty feel and scent will invigorate your senses while restoring balance to your scalp. It replaces essential oils that have been stripped away, leaving your scalp feeling refreshed and free of itching and other minor irritations.
Plus, your hair will be squeaky clean, and shiny after using Taliah Waajid Stimulating Herbal Cleanser.
Things You Want To Know
- 8 fl. oz.
- For Dry Hair Types
- Scent: Green Tea
- Safe for color-treated hair
- Small Business Brand
Dollylocks Professional Organic Dreadlock Liquid Clarifying Shampoo
Why We Love It
If you want to start your journey into the world of dreadlocks, then look no further than this high-quality shampoo. Dollylocks is a small business that creates all its products in-house and uses only the best natural ingredients.
This dreadlock clarifying shampoo is made with organic aloe vera and tea tree oil, which help to cleanse your locks without stripping them of their natural oils. The light herbal aroma is a perfect match for the clean scent of freshly washed hair, especially if you like a more invigorating shower gel or body wash.
It has plenty of other beneficial ingredients too including castor oil, coconut milk powder, olive oil, and shea butter for nourishing your scalp and hair - ideal for keeping it healthy as it grows longer naturally. It's also free from parabens, sulfates, and synthetic fragrances so you don't have to worry about any unnecessary nasties getting on board during your transition into dreadlocks.
And while we're on benefits - how much healthier are they? The product is a highly effective shampoo that gets rid of build-up and excess oils leaving your locks feeling cleaner than ever before.
Things You Want To Know
- 8 fl. oz.
- Comes in 6 different scents: Nag Champa, Coconut Lime Grapefruit, Dreadshop, Lavender Sky, Rosemary Peppermint, Tea Tree Spearmint
- Sulphate-free
- Lightweight & residue-free
- Handcrafted in small batches
- Small Business Brand
- Cruelty-free & vegan friendly
Lion Locs Shampoo and Conditioner, 2-in-1 Co-Wash
Why We Love It
Welcome to the world of Lion Locs - the natural way to keep your locs looking and feeling healthy and beautiful! This 2-in-2 co-wash is specifically designed for anyone who loves their Dreadlocks, Sisterlocks, Faux Locs, Braids, or any kind of loc hairstyle.
Using an extensive list of handpicked natural ingredients and a friendly personalized approach, their products have been specifically crafted to cleanse, hydrate, and nourish your locks without causing any damage or drying out.
Lion Locs is perfect for removing all chemicals, residue, debris, and build-up from the scalp so you can confidently rock your style with ease. Their specially formulated Leave-In Conditioner adds softness and moisture to your locs while also taming itchiness and dryness so you feel comfortable wearing them day after day.
The end all cleanses as well as conditions in one easy formula that also helps reduce breakage and split ends by deeply penetrating each strand. No matter what hairstyle you have - micro locs, interlocks, braidlocks crochet locs, or more - Lion Loc has you covered!
Things You Want To Know
- 8 fl. oz
- Scent: Natural
- Organic & Vegan
- Leave-in or Rinse
- For All Hair Types
- No parabens, phthalates, sulfates, silcones, dyes, mineral oils
- Small Business Brand
Best Shampoo For Locs FAQs
You've got questions, we've got answers.
There's a lot to consider when shopping for the perfect dreadlocks shampoo for your locs. You don't want to end up with duds that dry out your hair's natural oils or leave it feeling greasy and weighed down. We have compiled a list of frequently asked questions to help you navigate through finding the best shampoo for your locs!
How often should I shampoo my locs?
When it comes to shampooing locs, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. How often you should shampoo depends on several factors, such as your lifestyle and the climate you live in. That said, most people with locs find that shampooing every 2 weeks is a good starting point for maintaining healthy locs.
It’s important to note that natural oils play an essential role in keeping your scalp and hair moisturized and healthy. For this reason, some people don't need to wash their locs as frequently or at all — depending on what works best for them! It's also worth mentioning that some individuals have dryer scalps than others due to their genetics or other factors like age or health issues; so if your scalp tends to be dryer, then try washing less often (or not at all) with a light product specifically designed for nourishing & detangling locs instead of using traditional shampoos with harsh chemicals which can strip away the natural oils too quickly.
Another thing worth considering is the climate around where you live — if it’s a hot & humid environment due to high temperatures or humidity levels outside then washing more regularly might be necessary to prevent things like sweat build-up from becoming trapped inside of the locks creating bacteria growth & leading towards scalp irritation/itchiness eventually; so it’d be wise for someone living in those conditions more frequently than just once every two weeks!
Should I moisturize my locs after washing?
Absolutely! Moisturizing your locs after you have washed them is essential for their health and longevity. Keeping your locs moisturized helps to protect their strands from becoming dry, brittle, and more prone to breakage; it also helps to maintain the elasticity of the loc itself, reducing any risk of frizz or split ends.
When moisturizing your locs you want to ensure that they are thoroughly saturated with the product all throughout the entire length, so make sure that whatever product you use is distributed throughout. You can also add a few drops of water into the mixture if needed as this helps dilution and creates a more even distribution.
Can you use regular shampoo on locs?
Regular shampoos are generally formulated with harsher detergents and chemicals that can strip your scalp and hair of their natural oils. This can lead to dryness, breakage, brittle strands, and even dandruff-like flakes! Regular shampoos also have a higher pH level than what is recommended for healthy locs; this too can harm your locs if used consistently over time.
Instead, opt for residue-free shampoos and moisturizing dreadlock shampoos specifically designed for dreadlocks such as knotty boy dreadlock shampoo. These special formulas tend to contain gentle cleansers which deeply cleanse the scalp without stripping away moisture from the strands themselves. They also usually contain essential oils such as jojoba oil or castor oil which help nourish your locks at an ideal pH level of 4-5 indicating optimal hydration levels for healthy retaining of moisture within the locks.
Additionally certain botanical extracts such as rosemary or thyme can be beneficial since they stimulate circulation and promote growth while helping relax tight lock formation patterns so they become more even throughout head shape overall which leads towards healthier-looking bouncy-shaped dreadlocks upon completion of a wash cycle using these specialized products!
How do I shampoo my locs?
When shampooing your locs, it is important to use a gentle touch to avoid damaging the delicate strands of hair. Start by wetting your hair with lukewarm water, then apply a small amount of shampoo bar to your scalp and massage it in using your fingertips tips or a soft bristle brush. Rinse the shampoo out thoroughly and follow up with a conditioner if desired.
Are there any special considerations I need to take when shampooing my locs?
If you have a sensitive scalp or skin, you may want to avoid shampoos that contain harsh chemicals or fragrances. You may also want to avoid shampoos that contain sulfates, as these can strip the oils from your natural hair and cause dryness and irritation.
What are some common mistakes people make when shampooing their locs?
One of the most common mistakes people make when shampooing their locs is using too much product. When using any kind of hair care product, it is important to start with a small amount and only use more if needed. Another common mistake is scrubbing the scalp too vigorously, which can cause irritation and breakage. Finally, people often forget to rinse their hair thoroughly after shampooing, which can leave behind residue that can build up over time and lead to dull-looking locks.
What are some tips for preventing buildup in my locs?
Buildup can occur when products or dirt accumulate on the scalp or strands of oily hair over time. To prevent buildup in your locs, it is important to clean them regularly with a gentle clarifying shampoo and conditioner combo designed specifically for dreadlocks. You should also avoid using products that contain alcohol, as this can dry out the hair and lead to buildup over time.
What happens if you wash locs too often?
Washing locs too often can be detrimental to your hair health, as it strips the natural oils that are essential for keeping your locs moisturized and healthy. Too much washing will also lead to locs becoming frizzy, dry, and brittle - not a good look!
That being said, you don't have to avoid washing them entirely. Every 1-2 weeks is sufficient for cleansing the scalp while still maintaining moisture in the long run. Using a shampoo specifically formulated for dreadlocks is essential since they have special properties such as pH balance and additional nutrients that nourish locs better.
It's also important to take extra preventive measures when washing your locks: make sure you use warm (not hot) water to prevent drying out the hair; always condition after shampooing; never brush or comb newly washed locks as this can cause unnecessary breakage; apply oil treatments regularly (coconut oil works wonders); opt for protective styles like scarves/bonnets over hats; lastly avoid using any harsh chemicals - chemical relaxers are a no-no!
Which Shampoo for Locs Is Best For You?
The best shampoo for dreadlocks should be gentle, sulfate-free, and free of any harsh ingredients or additives that could irritate the scalp or cause further damage to the hair. Look for an option with a nourishing formula that will hydrate your locks while also giving them a healthy shine.
Thanks for reading our blog post – we hope this helps you find a shampoo that works best for your needs! Click on the link below to check out the one you liked most!
Happy Shopping!
The Prolific Picks Team
