15 Best Products For Dreadlocks And Locs (2023 Update)
With these carefully formulated products, maintaing dreadlocks is a breezy task.
Lina BukMakeup Artist & Hair Expert
Expertise: Hair & Makeup
Experience: 10 years
Lina Buk is a makeup artist and hair expert and has been in the beauty and cosmetic industry for the last 10 years. She is the founder of the Nailartgear blog and her beauty tips have been featured in magazines across the globe. In her free... more
Expertise: Product Reviews
Experience: 5 years
Sakshi Bahal has a Masters degree in English Literature from Calcutta University. She was a part of the editorial team of her school magazine. Her love for writing inspired her to take up literature a... more
Image: StyleCraze Design Team
Dreadlocks, also known as locs or dreads are rope-like hair set by braiding or interlocking your hair strands. While there are many ways to make and flaunt these string-like hair braids, these need some extra TLC to maintain the shape without straining the hair too much. Polina Bukovza, US based hair and makeup artist says, “Use the right products. When you have dreads, it’s important to use hair products that won’t weigh them down or cause build-up. Look for light-weight gels or mousses that will help to define your curls without being too heavy.” If you are doing dreadlocks care for the first time, or even if you are a pro at it, you can choose any of the 15 best products for dreadlocks to make them look even better.
In This Article
Top 15 Products For Dreadlocks
Best Natural Formula:African Pride Black Castor Miracle Extra Hold Braid, Loc & Twist Gel
This Braid, Loc & Twist Gel from African Pride is a holy grail product for maintaining dreadlocks. It is perfect for keeping your braids and locks under control and looking neat. It smooths flyaways and calms frizz to make your style last longer. It also boosts shine to make your hair look as gorgeous as if you have just stepped out of a salon. The formula contains hair-nourishing ingredients like coconut oil and black castor oil. Coconut oil provides intense hydration and conditioning and helps repair damaged hair. Black castor oil nourishes the scalp and encourages healthy hair growth.
Pros- Contains natural ingredients
- Conditions and repairs damaged hair
- Promotes the growth of healthy hair
- Non-sticky
- Paraben-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Sulfate-free
- Petrolatum-free
Cons
None
Quick TipBest For Dry Hair:Jamaican Mango & Lime Island Oil
The Jamaican Mango & Lime Island Oil is a non-greasy, nourishing blend of essential oils formulated to care for your roots and scalp. For those with dreads, this oil also helps strengthen your locks, making them appear radiant and healthy. The formula contains an innovative combination of traditional Jamaican recipes with nutritious natural ingredients. It enables you to get started with and maintain your locks, keeping them healthy and well-groomed. Watch this video to understand more about this product.
Pros- Nourishes hair roots
- Strengthens locks
- Inbuilt applicator tip
- Provides hydration to dry hair
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Non-greasy
- Pleasant fragrance
Cons
None
Best Moisturizing Formula:Taliah Waajid Black Earth Products Lock It Up
Taliah Waajid Black Earth Products Lock It Up is an excellent styling product for dreadlocks. It maintains and holds the locks without flaking or causing build-up. The product adds moisture and shine and defines the natural curl pattern of the locks. It also helps to control frizz and hold styles longer. This moisturizing formula is infused with the good of yarrow root extract, rosemary extracts, nettle extract, and Indian hemp, giving strength and shine to the hair.
Pros- Moisturizes hair
- Adds shine
- Keeps hair healthy
- Natural ingredients
- Hold dreads tightly
Cons
None
Best For Sensitive Scalp:Dread Head Dread Soap
The Dread Head Dread Soap cleans your hair thoroughly, without leaving behind any residue. Conventional soaps and shampoos contain several ingredients that can slow down the dreading process. The Dread Soap contains none of that. It is formulated without oily perfumes or conditioners or any other irritant. All of this helps make your dreads tighter. It cleans your hair so well and removes oil and dirt so thoroughly that the hair is able to dread and tighten quicker than it usually would. If you are still unsure, check out this honest unboxing review.
Pros- Gentle on sensitive scalp
- Residue-free
- Non-irritating formula
- No oily perfumes
- Tightens dreads
- Lasts a long while
- Lathers well
- Soothes itchy scalp
Cons
- Contains SLS
Best For Curl Definition:Cantu Shea Butter For Natural Hair
The Cantu Shea Butter For Natural Hair has a moisturizing twist and lock gel formula. It helps make natural hair, braids, and dreads more manageable. It provides a silky smooth hold and controls frizziness. The result is soft and shiny twists and locks that look great and fetch compliments wherever you go. The gel is formulated, keeping your hair health in mind and contains no harmful or stripping ingredients like parabens, sulfates, silicones, or phthalates.
Pros- Suitable for all curl types
- Gives a silky smooth hold
- Pleasant fragrance
- Sulfate-free
- Silicone-free
- Paraben-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Affordable
Cons
- May irritate sensitive skin.
Best Cruelty-Free Formula:Locsanity Rosewater & Peppermint Daily Moisturizing Spray
The Locsanity Rosewater & Peppermint Daily Moisturizing Spray is a perfect solution for everyday care for your locks. It balances moisture in the hair and provides soothing relief from dryness and irritation. The all-natural formula has a light floral scent and provides a cooling, tingling sensation upon application. The spray contains a blend of several nourishing oils and vitamins, along with peppermint, rosewater, and plant extracts. In addition to keeping your locks hydrated, it also improves scalp health and prevents dandruff.
Pros- Suitable for all dreadlocks types
- Soothes itchy scalp
- Lightweight formula
- Pleasant fragrance
- Cruelty-free
- Organic ingredients
- Vegan
- Made in the USA
Cons
- May leave some buildup.
Quick TipBest Non-Flaky Formula:ORS Lock and Twist Gel
The ORS Lock and Twist Gel is available in a pre-mixed creme formula that is an effective combination of moisture and hold. It does not leave behind any flaky residue, nor does it cause buildup that may ruin your locks. The lightweight gel quickly provides a fabulous shine while helping control frizz. It is free of alcohol and sodium, which helps minimize hair damage. The Lock and Twist Gel is exceptionally moisturizing and easy to wash out of your hair.
Pros- Suitable for natural hair
- Moisturizes hair well
- Non-greasy formula
- Smooth texture
- Pleasant fragrance
- No flaky residue
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Not enough hold.
Best For Straight Hair:Dread Head Lock Peppa Mega Tightener
The Lock Peppa Mega Tightener from Dread Head is one of the best products for dreadlocks, no matter what stage of your lock journey you are on. It is easy to create knots from straight hair using this product. Whether you are starting new dreads or trying to knot up new growth, the Lock Peppa makes palm rolling and twisting very convenient.
Pros- Speeds up the locking process
- Non-sticky
- Chemical-free
- Easy to apply
- A little goes a long way
- Non-irritating
Cons
- Not value for money.
Best For Long-Lasting Hold:Jamaican Mango & Lime Rasta Locks & Twist Locking Creme Wax
The Jamaican Mango & Lime Rasta Locks & Twist Locking Creme Wax helps maintain the health and freshness of natural locks. It provides a soft and gentle hold while conditioning your hair with creme and Jamaican beeswax. What you get is soft, hydrated locks without any flakes, buildup, or greasy residue.
Pros- Helps maintain healthy locks
- Pleasant fragrance
- No greasy residue
- No flaky buildup
- Provides good hold
- Non-irritating
Cons
- Contains petrolatum
Best For Hair Growth:Bronner Brothers Tropical Roots Firm Locking Gel
The Bronner Brothers Tropical Roots Firm Locking Gel is made using natural tropical ingredients. It helps you begin and maintain your braids, twists, and locks without a fuss, keeping them lightweight and healthy. The gel works to calm frizz and leave your locks with a natural shine. The formula contains several ingredients that boost healthy hair growth. It is gentle on your hair as it is made without synthetic dyes or artificial colors. The gel also contains a potent hair vitamin that gives it a reddish hue.
Pros- Provides extra firm hold
- Pleasant fragrance
- No greasy buildup
- No synthetic dyes
- No artificial colors
- Promotes healthy hair growth
Cons
- May cause flaking.
Best Lightweight Formula:It's Natural- Coconut Milk Leave In Conditioner
The It’s Natural Coconut milk leave-in conditioner is a lightweight formula of nourishing coconut milk and biotin. This gentle mist of hair growth nutrients thicken the hair, preventing split ends and damage from brushing and combing. The lightweight formula does not weigh your hair down and keeps your dreadlocks voluminous. Try this godsend hair product for immediate detangling, intense hydration, and shine.
Pros- Smoothens the hair
- All-natural ingredients
- Lightweight
- Affordable
Cons
None
Best For Hair BreakageLion Locs Hair Loc Growth Oil and Scalp Relaxer
The Lion Locs Hair Loc Growth Oil and Scalp Relaxer is a lightweight styling oil to help you better manage dreadlocks. It is formulated using organic, all-natural ingredients sourced from India. The nourishing blend of essential oils and carrier oils provides your hair and scalp with adequate nutrients to encourage the healthy growth of dreadlocks. It revitalizes curls and locks, adds shine, and prevents hair breakage by making hair healthier. It also soothes itchiness in the scalp and removes dandruff and dry flakes.
Pros- All-natural ingredients
- Lightweight
- Organic
- No harsh chemicals
- Non-drying
- Promotes healthy growth
Cons
- Not enough hold for retwists.
- Expensive
Best Damage Control:Murrays Unlock Spray Quick Release Braid Spray
The Murrays Unlock Spray soothes your dry scalp and curly tresses effortlessly. The nourishing formula contains special herbs and oil blends that help rejuvenate and hydrate dry and itchy scalp and promote hair growth. It is also suitable for natural and synthetic hair. Try out this nourishing spray for quickly detangling your braids and weaves without causing hair damage.
Pros- Detangles the hair
- Deep conditioning treatment
- Protects fragile or damaged hair
- Medicated formula
- Conditions and softens the hair
Cons
- Contains alcohol
- Contains synthetic fragrance
Best Locs Colorizer:Jamaican Mango & Lime Blax Black Wax
The Jamaican Mango & Lime Blax Black Wax lends your locks a natural black temporary color while giving them long-lasting hold. The hair-nourishing formula is enriched with real Jamaican ebony root, moringa seed oil, manuka, and blue mountain honey. This natural black temporary hair colorizer can be used for covering grays as well. It is formulated without harsh hair damaging ingredients like parabens, sulfates, and mineral oil.
Pros- Non-sticky
- Pleasant fragrance
- Paraben-free
- Alcohol-free
- Sulfate-free
Cons
- Contains petrolatum
- Expensive
Best For Detangling:Dread Head Dread Zasta Dreadlock Removal System
Okay, so all the products for dreadlocks that we have covered so far are meant to help you style them, clean them, and care for them. But what if you are considering removing your dreadlocks? No matter the reason behind your decision, the Dread Head Dread Zasta Dreadlock Removal System has got you covered. It works for all hair types and helps you to remove your dreadlocks without cutting or damaging them. It even repairs and restores your locked hair to health.
Pros- Helps remove dreadlocks
- Does not damage hair
- No need to cut hair
- Leaves hair smooth
- Detangles neglected hair
Cons
- Takes time and effort.
- Not value for money.
Dreadlocks are a long-term commitment and should be treated with care and patience. There are many different products, treatments, and techniques which can be used when growing dreadlocks. Choosing the right one can be tricky, so it is important to know what to look out for. The following are some important things to consider when purchasing a new product for dreadlocks and locs.
What To Consider When Buying The Best Products For Dreadlocks And Locs
1. Long-Lasting Results: Buy a product that helps your dreadlocks stay for a long time. If a product is not going to last for the long haul, then it is not worth wasting your time and money on. Avoid anything that claims to detangle since you do not want it.
2. Sulfate-Free: It is important to note that most shampoos, conditioners, and other hair products are loaded with sulfates, which are very harsh ingredients that strip the hair of its natural oils. It also leads to dryness and brittle hair.
3. Organic: It is important to use natural ingredients for your hair care rather than synthetic ingredients. Look out for products with natural oils such as coconut oil and jojoba oil that hydrate the scalp and hair shaft to provide intense nourishment. Organic products are also safer for your hair and skin as they do not contain harsh chemicals or additives and have a lighter consistency. However, make sure that the formula you are choosing does not contain organic ingredients that you are personally allergic to.
4. Moisturizing: It is also important to hydrate your dreadlocks regularly. Many hair products such as shampoos, conditioners, pomades, and sprays that claim to offer dry and squeaky-clean hair are loaded with dyes and other chemicals that can dry the dreadlocks out and make them appear damaged. So choose a product that provides intense hydration to your locs.
5. Non-Flaky: It is important to choose a product that does not leave any flaky residue on the hair. A common issue with certain products is that they leave a white, flaky residue behind on your scalp after applying them. If you do want additional volume in your dreadlocks, then you should opt for a product that contains volume enhancers.
6. Ease of Application: Make sure that the product you buy is easy to apply. The last thing you want is a product that takes hours to put in or is messy and hard to work with.
Infographic: Tips To Choose The Right Products For Dreadlocks
Maintaining dreadlocks can be challenging if you are not aware of the right products to use. There are many creams, scalp relaxers, and gels that work to offer healthy locs. However, you need to be aware of certain important tips that can come in handy while choosing the best products to maintain your perfect dreadlocks.
The infographic below explains how to choose the right product and keep flakes, itch, and residues away. Check it out! Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
Save the high-quality PDF version on your device now.
Download Infographic
Dreadlocks are rope-like hairs that are formed by the interlocking of hair strands. To flaunt those deadlocks, you need some extra care to maintain them. Deadlock products control frizz and make them shine and stand longer. Their formulae contain several ingredients that help you remove your dirt and dust from dreadlocks and boost healthy hair growth. The dreadlock products on our list have a pleasant fragrance and are lightweight and paraben-free. However, some products might not suit sensitive skin. So, read the review well and choose products suitable for your needs.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author of this article, Sakshi Bahal, is a hair care enthusiast. She has browsed through several online forums for user feedback and put together the list of the best products for dreadlocks to keep your hair manageable. These products can help you care for and maintain your dreadlocks easily. They are lightweight, non-sticky, and suitable for all hair types.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to use products for dreadlocks?
Yes, it is absolutely safe to use appropriate products for dreadlocks.
What’s a good product for dreadlocks?
The Taliah Waajid Black Earth Products Lock It Up is a good product for dreadlocks for its moisturizing properties.
How do you keep dreads moisturized?
Use moisturizing sprays and creams like the Locsanity Rosewater & Peppermint Daily Moisturizing Spray and the Cantu Shea Butter For Natural Hair to keep your dreads hydrated.
Should I spray my locs with water daily?
Yes, spray your locs with water once a day to keep your dreadlocks moisturized.
What is the best oil for dreadlocks?
The Lion Locs Hair Loc Growth Oil and Scalp Relaxer is one of the best oils for dreadlocks.
How do I make my dreads thicker?
Use the right products to clarify and moisturize your dreads properly and keep them thicker and healthy. Also, avoid retwisting your dreads too often to avoid hair loss and breakage.
How do you keep dreads healthy and growing?
• Maintain a clean scalp.
• Use hydrating oils that strengthen from the roots.
• Avoid multiple retwisting.
• Avoid dying the dreads.
• Sleep on a stained pillowcase.
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