What’s a good product for dreadlocks?

Depending on the length and style of your locs, your care routine could consist of anything from a simple shampoo and conditioning product to a variety of products designed to moisturize, hydrate, and help protect hair.

Should you put products in dreads?

Everyone’s locs journey is different, as are their individual hair needs. While it’s important to properly care for your hair, the products you use depend entirely on what you require. If you're not sure how to best keep your locs hydrated or your scalp clean, consider visiting a loctician.

How do you maintain locs for beginners?

Loc maintenance will depend greatly on where you are in your dreadlock journey . Expect to put in the most work during the first year, during which your hair is most likely to come undone. By the time you reach the two-year mark, however, you'll be able to streamline things. Consider visiting a pro loctician, who can help you come up with your own specific routine.

The 13 Best Products for Dreadlocks and Locs of 2023

Whether you’re years into your loc journey or just getting started, there are so many different methods for maintaining a crown full of healthy locs (or dreadlocks, depending on your preference). Even if you love a low-maintenance routine, the right products can have a major impact on the look, softness, and manageability of your hair. And at the end of the day, the best-looking locs are the healthy ones.

A quick search through the hashtag #locjourney will lead you to an entire community of natural beauty gurus sharing their best tips for thriving locs. Even though you’ll find a flurry of product recommendations, the good news is that nowadays, there is a bumper crop of options spanning the price spectrum. Thinking about getting locs (perhaps sisterlocks) or looking to improve your routine?

We conducted hours of research on the best products for locs and dreadlocks, evaluating each on formula type, concerns targeted, and results delivered. For each product we gathered insights from people in the loc and dreadlock community who regularly use the product in question to get a sense of how it holds up in real life.

Read on for the best products for locs and dreadlocks.

Our Top Picks

Best Shampoo:

Taliah Waajid Black Earth Shampoo at Amazon

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Best Conditioner:

Sisterlocks Reconstructor Conditioner at Locspiration.com

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Best Refreshing Spray:

Locsanity Daily Moisturizing Spray at Amazon

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Best Oil Blend:

Dr. Locs Yaya Oil at Drlocs.com

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Best Leave-In:

It’s Natural Coconut Milk Leave-In Conditioner at Influancehaircare.com

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Best Cream:

Taliah Waajid Lock It Up at Walmart

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Best Lotion:

Design Essentials Moisturizing Lotion at Amazon

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Best Essential Oil:

Maple Holistics Rosemary Essential Oil at Amazon

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Best Multipurpose:

Dr. Bronner’s Liquid Soap in Peppermint at Bed Bath & Beyond

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Best Gel:

Fruit of the Earth Aloe Vera Gel at Amazon

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Taliah Waajid Total Body Black Earth Shampoo

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Naturalhair.org

What We Like

A little goes a long way
Softening and clarifying

What We Don't Like

Contains dyes which may be off-putting to some

We love this nourishing formula for its ability to repair damaged hair. It even doubles nicely as a hydrating body wash. "It’s common for locs to hold dirt in them, but this clarifying shampoo helps to keep everything clean,” says Chigozie Ezirike, who uses this product regularly.

Price at time of publish: $10

Product Type: Shampoo| Cruelty Free: Yes

Sisterlocks

View On Locspiration.com

What We Like

Moisturizing
Uses high quality food grade proteins to nourish hair shaft

What We Don't Like

Ingredients not listed

The topic of conditioners is often up for debate in the loc community since most formulas are made to defrizz and detangle your hair (which is the opposite of what you want, especially for new locs). However, a conditioner like this one can be a great choice for settled or color-treated locs. Use it periodically as a deep treatment to restore moisture under a hooded dry or heat cap.

Price at time of publish: $14

Product Type: Conditioner | Cruelty Free: Not listed

Locsanity Rosewater and Peppermint Daily Moisturizing Spray

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Etsy

What We Like

Amazing botanical scent
Does not leave product residue or build-up

What We Don't Like

Spray bottle might be hard to pump, according to some reviewers

A lightweight spray like this formula is ideal for daily use. This one works wonders when it comes to adding softness without causing build-up. Tasia Hawkins, who uses this product regularly, claims that this spray has been a huge help throughout each stage of her locs. “When I first got my locs, I wanted to find a lightweight, nice-smelling product to refresh them on a regular basis, especially after workouts," says Hawkins. "I knew if I washed them too much it would slow down the process. This one is is a winner because it smells great, makes my hair feel clean, and can be used daily.”

Price at time of publish: $20

Product Type: Refreshing spray | Cruelty Free: Yes

Dr. Locs

View On Drlocs.com

What We Like

Invigorating, natural scent
Nourishing formula moisturizes hair

What We Don't Like

Too much product can weigh hair down

This restorative oil promotes shine and deeply conditions locs with the power of grapeseed oil, avocado oil, and jojoba oil, to name a few. Bree Brown, a locs and spirituality blogger who uses this product regularly, says that this is her go-to oil to maintain her crown. “The all-natural oil blend smells amazing and keeps my locs loose, hydrated, and moisturized! It can also be applied from root to tip, so it's protecting my scalp from over-drying between washes."

Price at time of publish: $40

Product Type: Oil | Cruelty Free: Yes

Itâs Natural

View On Influancehaircare.com

What We Like

Doesn't leave residue or build-up
Softens and moisturizes hair

What We Don't Like

Scent can be sweet for some

Hope Frazier, also known as The Melanated Homemaker regularly uses this product, although is new to her loc journey. She has found a sweet spot with this reliable leave-in. She says, “I love this product because it has natural elements such as honey and coconut milk and it holds me over between retwists," says Frazier. She adds, "I also love that it keeps my hair nice and soft, plus there's no buildup so I can use it daily. I feel like it's protecting my hair from the inside and out."

Price at time of publish: $18

Product Type: Leave-in conditioner| Cruelty Free: Yes

Walmart

View On Walmart View On Walgreens

What We Like

Nourishing formula
Adds softness to hair

What We Don't Like

Some reviewers note flaking

This creamy styling product has become a go-to for both starter locs and for retwisting. It delivers the hold, moisture, and shine that you want without the buildup that is often associated with holding creams and gels. The alcohol-free formula is also a favorite amongst stylists for its natural ingredients and long-lasting results.

Price at time of publish: $9

Product Type: Holding cream | Cruelty Free: Yes

Amazon

View On Amazon

What We Like

Moisturizing
Amazing floral scent
Repairs shaft damage

What We Don't Like

Can weigh some hair textures down

Briana G, who regularly uses this product, began her loc journey in January of 2020 and begins her routine with homemade rose water and oil to hydrate her hair. To seal in moisture, she trusts this heritage moisturizing lotion, adding, “I used this product even before I had locs because I had bleached hair. I really trust it to put moisture back in my hair."

Price at time of publish: $19

Product Type: Holding lotion | Cruelty Free: Yes

Amazon

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What We Like

Moisturizing
Calming scent
Adds shine

What We Don't Like

May weigh down some hair textures

D Bella, who regularly uses this product, had a hard time finding the perfect products for locs, so she decided to create her own line. She always comes back to essential oils and especially loves rosemary oil. Of this particular formula, she says, “I love rosemary oil for growth and sweet almond oil for reducing dryness.”

Price at time of publish: $12

Product Type: Oil | Cruelty Free: Yes

Dr. Bronnerâs Pure Castille Liquid Soap in Peppermint

Bed Bath and Beyond

View On Bed Bath & Beyond View On Davidjones.com View On Swansonvitamins.com

What We Like

Natural formula is gentle on hair
Clarifies build-up

What We Don't Like

Scent may be too strong for some

When it comes to cleaning your locs, you might find that you need more than your average hydrating shampoo. This soap is typically associated with body cleansing, but it truly does it all. Linda Elaine, who regularly uses this product, says that it’s a great solution for squeaky clean locs. She swears by it, saying, “This is my favorite product because it's all-natural but it still really cleanses my scalp and clarifies my locs.”

Price at time of publish: $9

Product Type: Cleanser | Cruelty Free: Yes

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Walmart View On IHerb

What We Like

Lightweight formula
Natural scent
Nourishing to hair

What We Don't Like

Some reviewers note the hold isn't strong enough

Aloe vera is a popular option for textured hair, locked or not, for its super-hydrating, yet lightweight, consistency. Ninalocs, who regularly uses this product says, “My favorite product is this aloe vera gel. I’ve been using it for more than six years, and it gives my retwists enough hold without leaving my locs gunky." She adds, "It’s so important to retwist with products that wash out clean.”

Price at time of publish: $9

Product Type: Gel | Cruelty Free: Yes

Sea Breeze

View On Sallybeauty.com

What We Like

Cleanses the scalp
Cooling sensation
Great value

What We Don't Like

May irritate sensitive scalps

All healthy hair begins with a healthy scalp, and an astringent can be a great option for clarifying product buildup. Miesh B, known as the Sisterloc’d Storyteller who regularly uses this product recommends this century-old astringent for a clean and clear scalp. She says, “I have a dry scalp and dandruff, so I prefer diluted peppermint shampoos to keep dandruff at bay. But I also use Sea Breeze via a spray bottle to help my scalp.”

Price at time of publish: $9

Product Type: Scalp astringent | Cruelty Free: Yes

Walmart

View On Target View On Walmart View On Ecosmetics.com

What We Like

Do not crease hair
Ideal for locs

What We Don't Like

May be too thick for some

Tying up long, thick hair is always a bit of a hassle, and the last thing you want is your hair tie to pop mid-action. Miesh B., who regularly uses this product, recommends these extra-large hair ties as a solution for keeping thick hair in place. They’re longer and wider than your average elastic, so they can handle the weight of your hair, plus they’re free of metal clasps and won’t snag.

Price at time of publish: $3

Product Type: Hair elastic | Cruelty Free: N/A

GoldiLocs Jamaican Black Castor Oil, Lavender

View On Etsy

JBCO has a reputation for accelerating the growth of thinning hair, making it a prime option for locs. Latori Wilder, who regularly uses this product, recommends this lavender-scented oil as her current favorite. She says, “You know exactly what you’re putting on your hair and you can also use it on your skin and nails. The oil is thick and a little goes a long way.”

Product Type: Oil | Cruelty Free: Yes

Final Verdict

When it comes to the best shampoo for dreadlocks, we love Taliah Waajid Total Body Black Earth Shampoo, which is moisturizing and clarifying. When it comes to styling lotions, we recommend the top-rated Design Essentials Daily Hair Moisturizing Lotion, which contains a natural blend of oils to provide lightweight hair hydration.

What To Look For in Best Products for Locs

Consider Your Individual Needs

No matter where you are on your loc journey, your hair still has its own unique needs, from being color-treated to sustaining days of high heat and humidity. So when shopping for products—especially those designed to condition or repair—look at what your hair truly needs before choosing.

Natural Oils

Natural oils can pack a powerful punch when it comes to the health of your hair or scalp. (And a healthy scalp is the foundation for healthy hair; more on that in a bit.) Lavender oil, rosemary oil, and olive oil have all been shown to be powerful allies in the fight for stronger strands, so be on the lookout for products that include these ingredients.

Don’t Forget About Your Scalp

While your locs end up getting most of the attention, it’s also important to give your scalp plenty of TLC to prevent dryness and dandruff. Nowadays, many hair care products come with built-in scalp benefits, but if yours needs extra consideration, try an astringent-based product to keep this sensitive area in tip-top condition.

FAQ

What’s a good product for dreadlocks?

Depending on the length and style of your locs, your care routine could consist of anything from a simple shampoo and conditioning product to a variety of products designed to moisturize, hydrate, and help protect hair.
Should you put products in dreads?

Everyone’s locs journey is different, as are their individual hair needs. While it’s important to properly care for your hair, the products you use depend entirely on what you require. If you're not sure how to best keep your locs hydrated or your scalp clean, consider visiting a loctician.
How do you maintain locs for beginners?

Loc maintenance will depend greatly on where you are in your dreadlock journey. Expect to put in the most work during the first year, during which your hair is most likely to come undone. By the time you reach the two-year mark, however, you'll be able to streamline things. Consider visiting a pro loctician, who can help you come up with your own specific routine.

The 13 Best 4C Hair Products that Will Make Your Curls Pop

Updated by Jill DiDonato

Article Sources

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