9 Best Oils For Dreadlocks Of 2024, As Per A Hairstylist

Give your dreadlocks the care and attention they deserve with these effective oils.

Reviewed by Laura Dale, Licensed Cosmetologist
Written by Shiboli Chakraborti, MA (English Literature), Certified Skin Care Coach
Edited by Aditi Naskar, MA (English Literature), Diploma In Health & Wellness
Fact-checked by Ramona Sinha, MA (English Literature), Certified Skin Care Coach  • 
All products recommended on StyleCraze are independently selected by our editorial team. If you make a purchase through any of these links, we may receive a commission. Learn more about our product selection process here.

Laura Dale, a licensed cosmetologist, a hair expert, and a master stylist with over 20 years of industry experience, says, “The most important thing for dreadlocks is keeping your hair and scalp moisturized. Deadlocks can get damaged by dryness and become brittle. They need a bit of extra care to keep them strong and healthy.” Dreadlocks can easily become prone to damage if you do not take care of them properly. An easy way to restore normal hair texture and health is by finding the best oil for dreadlocks that will penetrate them to the core and moisturize and nourish them deeply. These oils can also be used during the locking process. This way, the hair texture will remain soft and flexible and keep looking gorgeously bold (and not untidy), even in case of mature dreadlocks. Make sure the oil is a blend of multiple ingredients so that the locks get balanced nutrition and stay strong and healthy. Our team of hair care experts has done the research for you so that you can choose from a list of the bests-only. This listicle contains 9 best oils for dreadlocks. Check it out!

Top PicksCHECK PRICE
Best Preservative-Free Formula:Jamaican Mango  & Lime Island Scalp OilPrice on Amazon
Best Vegan Formula:Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor OilPrice on Amazon
Best Lightweight Formula:Lion Locs Hair Loc Growth Oil And Scalp RelaxerPrice on Amazon
Best Non-Greasy Formula:Alikay Naturals Nat Unique Loc OilPrice on Amazon
Best Non-Comedogenic Formula:Dollylocks Vanilla Twist Dreadlock Conditioning OilPrice on Amazon
Best For Dandruff:Knatty Dread Crown & Root OilPrice on Amazon
Best Fragrance-Free Formula:SNO Dreadlock Oil SprayPrice on Amazon
Best Organic Option:Lavish Ocean Dreadlock Growth & Strength OilPrice on Amazon
Best Long-Lasting Oil:Locsanity Dreadlock Rolling And Conditioning OilPrice on Amazon

9 Best Oils For Dreadlocks

1. Best Preservative-Free Formula:Jamaican Mango  & Lime Island Scalp Oil

4.6
Jamaican Mango  & Lime Island Scalp Oil Image: Jamaican Mango & Lime

The Jamaican Mango and Lime Island Oil help nourish the scalp and the roots. The oil ensures strong, radiant, shiny, and healthy dreadlocks. The potent blend provides proper nutrition to the roots and the scalp and contributes to internal hair health. The oil comes with nourishing ingredients like manuka honey and moringa seed oil. They improve hair texture and help moisturize the scalp. The formula reverses and protects hair from damage. The oil also prevents hair breakage and strengthens the hair follicles to make your hair smooth and soft. Watch this video review to see the reviewer’s experience and gain a better understanding of the product.

Key Ingredients: Mango extract, lime extract, moringa seed oil, and manuka honey

Pros

  • Suits all hair types
  • Pleasant scent
  • Sulfate-free
  • Paraben-free
  • Drug-free ingredients
  • DHT-free
  • Petrolatum-free

Cons

  • None

protip_icon Quick Tip
Before applying the oil, heat it gently. Massage the lukewarm oil from your scalp to the tips.

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

This product has received 2,554 reviews from customers on Amazon, indicating its popularity and reliability.

2. Best Vegan Formula:Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil

This Jamaican Black Castor Oil is rich with reparative omegas, which effectively repair locks and curls. The oil prevents further hair breakage and makes it healthier and shinier.

Also, the oil seals the open hair cuticles to give the hair frizz control with some extra moisture. It contains peppermint that nourishes the hair and scalp. It also adds strength and hair elasticity to the straightened and damaged hair.

The oil is 100% vegan and contains certified organic raw shea butter that nourishes and moisturizes hair. The apple cider vinegar in the oil treats the dry and irritated scalp effectively. Watch this video to see the tester’s experience and get more insights into the product.

Key Ingredients: Jamaican Black Castor oil, peppermint oil, apple cider vinegar, and organic raw shea butter

Pros

  • Vegan
  • Organic
  • Ethically traded
  • Sulfate-free
  • Cruelty-free
  • Chemical-free

Cons

  • Expensive

protip_icon Pro Tip
After applying the oil, put your dreadlocks in an updo and cover your head with a shower cap. Let the oil get absorbed in your locs before shampooing it out.

3. Best Lightweight Formula:Lion Locs Hair Loc Growth Oil And Scalp Relaxer

4.5
Lion Locs Hair Loc Growth Oil and Scalp Relaxer Image: Lionlocs

The nourishing ingredients of Lion Locs Hair Loc Growth Oil have soothing properties that calm scalp dryness, itching, and dandruff, and promote healthy hair growth. It includes natural ingredients like jojoba oil, brahmi oil, argan oil, bringraj oil, tea oil, amla oil, lavender oil, thyme oil, and cedarwood oil helps in shine enhancement of the locks and make them look healthier.. The oil also includes spikenard oil and essential oil blends that add a pleasant natural fragrance. The blended oil rebuilds and replenishes the roots and dry scalp to treat damaged strands and prevent dry hair. Reviewers on Amazon have noted that it also offers adequate nourishment to split ends and helps prevent breakage. Need more information? Watch this video to make an informed decision about the product.

Key Ingredients: Jojoba oil, brahmi oil, argan oil, bhringraj oil, amla oil, thyme oil, and essential oil blend

Pros

  • 100% vegan
  • Lightweight
  • Paraben-free
  • Dye-free
  • Mineral oil-free
  • Wax-free
  • Sulfate-free
  • Phthalate-free
  • PEG-free
  • Silicone-free

Cons

  • May make the hair frizzy
protip_icon Quick Tip
Do not over apply this product on dry hair. Spread the oil evenly on your scalp and massage with your fingertips using circular motion to facilitate blood circulation and soothe capillaries and nerves.
Jamaican Mango & Lime Island Scalp Oil
Best Preservative-Free Formula
Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil
Best Vegan Formula
Lion Locs Hair Loc Growth Oil And Scalp Relaxer
Best Lightweight Formula
Hair Type All, Color Treated Damaged Dry
Dimensions 1.03 x 0.71 x 8.8 inches 2.8 x 2.8 x 3 inches 3.5 x 2 x 4 inches
Weight 8.08 Ounces 8 Ounces 8.01 Ounces.
Rating
Reviews2,5541,318842
Price$5.23$14.07$24.49
Buy NowBuy NowBuy Now

4. Best Non-Greasy Formula:Alikay Naturals Nat Unique Loc Oil

4.3
 Alikay Naturals Nat Unique Loc Oil Image: Alikay Naturals

The Alikay Naturals Nat Oil is specially designed to moisturize dreadlocks. The oil keeps your hair free from dryness. It is made with a blend of natural oils like hemp seed oil, vitamin E oil, and ylang-ylang to provide proper hydration to the locks. It also prevents itchiness and flaking of the scalp. The lightweight formula has an anti-inflammatory properties that calms itchiness without making your hair feel greasy.

Key Ingredients: Hemp seed oil, ylang-ylang, vitamin E, and essential oils

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Non-greasy
  • Pleasant smell

Cons

  • May make the scalp flaky

5. Best Non-Comedogenic Formula:Dollylocks Vanilla Twist Dreadlock Conditioning Oil

Dollylocks Vanilla Twist Oil nourishes the scalp and improves your scalp health without leaving any greasy feeling. The oil is made with plant-based nourishing ingredients that hydrate the scalp and prevent dandruff and itchiness. They get absorbed into the scalp and hair follicles. The formula acts as a deep conditioner helps maintain your hair’s natural moisture. The natural ingredients of the oil revitalize and repair the health of the dry hair in dreadlocks.

Key Ingredients: Coconut oil, avocado oil, hemp seed oil, jojoba oil, avocado oil, and plant extracts

Pros

  • Non-greasy
  • Non-comedogenic
  • Cruelty-free
  • Phthalate-free

Cons

  • None

6. Best For Dandruff:Knatty Dread Crown & Root Oil

4.2
Knatty Dread Crown & Root Oil Image: Knatty Dread

The Knatty Dread Crown & Root Oil is a potent formula designed to keep your dreadlocks healthy and moisturized. The oil is made with natural ingredients that revitalize the damaged hair follicles and enhance scalp health.

This oil helps the scalp fight dandruff. It also helps treat dry and flaky scalp and other forms of skin irritation. It is made of complete vegan ingredients. The oil also adds the softness to dreadlocks and makes them manageable.

Key Ingredients:  Natural essential oils

Pros

  • 100% vegan
  • Non-greasy
  • Prevents irritation

Cons

  • Overpowering smell

7. Best Fragrance-Free Formula:SNO Dreadlock Oil Spray

The SNO Dreadlock Oil Spray helps retain the luster and strength of your hair. The oil comes with a blend of ultra-glossy natural oils that penetrate the hair shaft to provide extra moisture and nourishment from within. The oil helps restore shine in the dreadlocks and makes them healthy, strong, and soft. The natural ingredients in the oil smoothen and repair split ends. The oil also protects the hair from further breakage. It comes in a spray bottle and is easy to apply. It promotes the natural and healthy hair growth of your hair.

Key Ingredients: Avocado oils, apricots, grapeseed, rosemary, tea tree, cedarwood, jojoba, ylang-ylang, fennel, eucalyptus, and cyclomethicone

Pros

  • Vegan
  • Artificial fragrance-free
  • Cruelty-free

Cons

  • Contains preservatives

8. Best Organic Option:Lavish Ocean Dreadlock Growth & Strength Oil

The Lavish Ocean Dreadlock Oil repairs dreadlocks and adds strength to the hair follicles while improving hair texture. This organic hair oil is suitable for all hair types. The formula is enriched with cold-pressed hemp seed oil, 100% pure therapeutic-grade Jamaican black castor oil, and other natural ingredients like jojoba oil and rosemary oil that work in tandem to keep your hair soft and healthy. The cannabis oil infused in this potent blend helps moisturize hair. The omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9 fatty acids, on the other hand, promote hair growth and strength.

Key Ingredients: 100% therapeutic-grade Jamaican black castor oil, cannabis oil, hemp seed oil, and pumpkin seed oil

Pros

  • 100% organic
  • Cruelty-free
  • Lightweight

Cons

  • None

9. Best Long-Lasting Oil:Locsanity Dreadlock Rolling And Conditioning Oil

4.4
Locsanity Dreadlock Rolling And Conditioning Oil Image: Locsanity

The Locsanity Natural Oil is made from essential oils to reinvigorate the healthy nutrients in your dreadlocks and make your hair soft and manageable. The oil is a unique blend of plant extracts and oils, which penetrate your locks to retain their growth. The natural oils get easily absorbed into the scalp and maintain balance while improving scalp health. This lightweight oil keeps your hair free from dryness, dandruff, and flakes. This oil is made of 99% naturally derived ingredients that make it perfect for daily dreadlock care.

Key Ingredients: Jojoba oil, avocado oil, ceteareth-25, castor oil, coconut oil, aloe vera oil, caprylyl glycol, and polyquaternium-69

Pros

  • 99% natural ingredients
  • Cruelty-free
  • No buildup
  • Paraben-free
  • Phthalate-free
  • Mineral oil-free
  • DEA-free
  • Petroleum-free
  • Formaldehyde-free

Cons

  • None
*The prices provided in this article are based on the latest available information. However, they may vary due to changes in pricing by the seller and/or promotional offers.

Infographic: How To Choose An Oil For Dreadlocks And Tips For Caring For Them

Dreadlock maintenance demands persistence, patience, and the right products. This is the only way you can keep your dreads healthy and strong, and your scalp moisturized and non-flaky. The infographic below will help you understand what to look for when choosing an oil for your dreadlocks and how to take care of them. Take a look!

How To Choose An Oil For Dreadlocks (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Get the high-quality PDF version of this infographic.

Download Infographic in PDF version

The Bottom Line

Your hair needs additional nourishment and care when you have dreadlocks and more so in case of mature dreadlocks. So all you need to have is the best dreadlock oils to shine the hair, nourish it, and moisturize the hair strands. The Jamaican Mango & Lime Island Scalp Oil is perfect for all hair types, while the Lion Locs Hair Loc Growth Oil And Scalp Relaxer is 100% vegan and effectively repairs and replenishes locks and curls. However, if you experience excess sebum production and prefer a lightweight and non-greasy option, the Alikay Naturals Nat Unique Loc Oil is the ideal choice for you. Oils specially formulated for dreadlocks prevent hair damage and make hair follicles soft and smooth. These oils make the hair frizz-free and strengthen the roots while helping in hair detangling. Oiling also improves blood circulation on the scalp. Some oils provided in the list also prevent flakes and itchiness. In addition, these oils make the hair manageable and repair the split ends. Further, if you have a sensitive scalp, it’s advisable to look for a product that is clinically tested or at least expert-recommended to ensure the best for your hair. Avoid oils with parabens or other harmful chemicals as they might harm your hair.

Why Trust Stylecraze?

The author, Shiboli Chakraborti, is a hair care enthusiast. She understands how difficult it is to maintain dreadlocks. After hours of research, she has come up with this list of the best oils to make life easier for those who enjoy sporting dreadlocks. These products penetrate deeply and moisturize and nourish your tresses from the roots. They are also endorsed by a large number of users through their online reviews.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I oil my locs every day?

No. Oil your locs whenever you feel that your hair is becoming dry and brittle. Excessive oiling can weigh down your hair.

Is castor oil good for dreadlocks?

Yes. Castor oil moisturizes and nourishes each strand of your dreadlocks. Plus, its antibacterial, antimicrobial, or antifungal properties protect your scalp from infections and scalp stimulation helps in hair growth.

Should you use olive oil on your dreadlocks?

Yes. Olive oil can be a great natural moisturizer for your dreadlocks. It acts as a deep conditioner for your strands and helps retain shine.

Is coconut oil good for dreadlocks?

Yes. Coconut oil is healthy and can be used to condition dreadlocks. But, applying too much of it can cause product buildup that is difficult to wash off from the deadlocks. The accumulation of product buildup can cause dry hair.

How often should you put oil in your dreadlocks?

Oil your dreadlocks every one or two weeks. This is enough to condition your tresses and maintain their healthy glow.

How do I moisturize dreadlocks?

Follow these steps to moisturize the dreadlocks naturally:
• Drink a lot of water. This will hydrate your scalp naturally and reduce itchiness.
• Oil your scalp and locs with a nourishing formula preferably with olive or castor oil. It may also help with hair loss.
• Do not use a shower cap while bathing. Let the water seep into your locs.
• Wash your hair once a week with a clarifying shampoo to get rid of all dandruff and product buildup.
• Cover your hair when sleeping. Constant friction against the pillowcase can strip away the natural moisture of your hair. So, cover your hair with a satin head scarf.
• Use a scarf to cover your hair when you are outdoors for too long. This way you can prevent the environmental aggressors from stripping your hair moisture.

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