Best Shampoos, Conditioners, Oils for Locs in 2024 | Locks Caring Guide
Maintaining clean, moisturized dreadlocks is essential for their health and luster. Regular washing removes dirt, buildup, and dandruff, which can otherwise damage the locks. Diluting shampoo with filtered water ensures it penetrates every part of the dreadlocks effectively. Proper moisturization is equally important to prevent dryness that can cause brittleness and scalp irritation. Natural oils like olive or lightweight argan oil serums are perfect for keeping the locks hydrated without adding heaviness or residue. Moisturizing right after washing helps lock in moisture, keeping the scalp supple and the locks shiny and soft. This effective hair care approach not only promotes healthier locks but also simplifies the maintenance routine.
For those seeking the best products, we've reviewed the top 20 shampoos, conditioners, and oils for dreadlocks in 2024 to help you make an informed choice in this crowded market!
1. Best Shampoos for Locs in 2024
Locs are unique and require specific care to prevent buildup and maintain overall scalp health. It is crucial to select a shampoo that penetrates deeply into the locs rather than just coating the surface. This ensures that any buildup inside the locs is effectively removed.
What to Look for & Avoid in a Shampoo for Locs?
When selecting a shampoo for your locs, aim for products that are clarifying or purifying. These types of shampoos are designed to deep clean, removing oils, dirt, and residue without leaving deposits. Here are a few tips:
Look for Clarifying Properties: Look for shampoos that mention 'clarifying' or 'purifying' on the labels. These are formulated to cleanse thoroughly.
Look for Tea Tree Oil: While not necessary, shampoos containing tea tree oil are beneficial due to their antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. They also provide a refreshing tingling sensation that many find pleasant during the wash.
Avoid Herbal Essences Tea Tree Shampoo: Known for its misleading label and lack of effective tea tree oil concentration.
Avoid Red Pure Tea Tree Oil Shampoo: Reported for inadequate lathering and not living up to its claims.
Avoid Avalon Organics Peppermint Shampoo: Lacks effective clarifying properties and does not thoroughly cleanse locs.
Top 10 Best Locs Shampoos 2024
Here we gather insights from various users to help you choose the right shampoo for your locs.
Best Clarifying Shampoos for Locs
1. Suave Essentials Daily Clarifying Shampoo
Why It's Recommended: Suave Daily Clarifying Shampoo is highly praised for its effectiveness in removing excess oil and residue without over-stripping. It's considered a staple in many loc care routines, particularly useful in the early stages of loc development. Its ability to be customized with essential oils like tea tree or peppermint makes it even more appealing for those seeking a fresh, clean feel.
2. Neutrogena Anti-Residue Clarifying Shampoo
Why It's Recommended: Particularly useful during the initial weeks of forming locs, Neutrogena’s shampoo focuses on removing residue without adding moisture, which is crucial in preventing premature unraveling of locs.
3. Dr. Bronner's Baby-Mild Castile Soap
Why It's Recommended: Known for its gentle formula, Dr. Bronner's Castile Soap cleans locs effectively while providing a mild amount of moisture. It's especially favored for its natural ingredients and versatility.
4. Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
Why It's Recommended: Particularly effective for those struggling with dandruff, Nizoral helps to reset the scalp environment, reducing flakiness and irritation. It’s recommended for occasional use to maintain scalp health.
Best Moisturizing Shampoos for Locs
5. Carol’s Daughter Wash Day Delight Shampoo
Why It's Recommended: This shampoo is liked for its unique nozzle that aids direct application to the scalp, promoting ease of use. It’s a great second-step shampoo after a clarifying wash, providing moderate moisture without heavy residues.
6. Shea Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Shampoo
Why It's Recommended: While it offers more moisture, making it suitable for more mature locs, this shampoo also clarifies. It’s recommended for occasional use to maintain the balance of moisture in fully locked hair.
7. Shea Amla Oil Bond Repair Shampoo
Why It's Recommended: Known for its restorative properties, this shampoo is sulfate-free, making it safe for colored hair. It also helps strengthen hair due to its
Best Specialty Shampoos for Locs
8. CHI Tea Tree Oil Shampoo
Why It's Recommended: Known for its invigorating tea tree oil content, this shampoo is appreciated for the refreshing sensation and deep cleansing properties. It’s effective for both natural locs and loc extensions.
9. Taliah Waajid Stimulating Herbal Cleanser
Why It's Recommended: Offers a deep clean with a tingling sensation, thanks to its herbal ingredients. While the texture might be unusual, it's effective in penetrating the locs to remove build-up.
10. Ogx Teatree Mint Shampoo
Why It's Recommended: This shampoo is notable for its accessibility and the benefits of tea tree oil, providing an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory cleanse.
2. Best Conditioners for Locs in 2024
Now after cleaning, you should do some maintenance to keep your locks healthy longer. So now conditioners play a vital role in keeping locs healthy by providing moisture, strength, and luster. However, the type of conditioner you use and how you apply it can significantly affect the health and appearance of your locs.
What to Look for and Avoid in a Conditioner for Locs?
For New Locs: Avoid rinse-out and heavy treatment conditioners. Opt for light, water-based products.
For Mature Locs: Regular conditioning is beneficial. Consider using treatment conditioners occasionally but ensure thorough rinsing.
Rinse-Out Conditioners: Generally not recommended for new locs due to their detangling properties, which can cause slippage.
Treatment or Repair Conditioners: These can be beneficial but must be thoroughly rinsed out to avoid buildup and potential damage. They are often thicker and creamier.
Leave-In Conditioners: Ideal for locs as they are lightweight and do not need to be rinsed out, minimizing the risk of residue. It's important to choose water-based leave-in conditioners to prevent buildup.
Top 5 Locs Conditioner 2024
Now we will sort out the best practices for conditioning locs at different stages (early stages of locs and mature locs) of maturity and recommend some of the best products for optimum loc care:
1. Inflúance Coconut Milk LeaveIn Conditioner
Type: Water-based leave-in conditioner
Key Ingredients: Coconut milk
Benefits: This conditioner leverages the natural moisturizing properties of coconut milk to hydrate hair effectively. Being water-based, it ensures hydration without leaving any residue behind, making it ideal for locs where buildup can be a concern.
Usage: Suitable for daily use, it can be sprayed onto locs to refresh and moisturize throughout the day. Its lightweight nature makes it perfect for regular use without weighing down the hair.
Ideal For: Those looking for a hydrating product that maintains the lightness and breathability of locs.
2. Onesta Quench Leave-In Conditioner
Type: Plant-based leave-in conditioner
Key Ingredients: Aloe vera
Benefits: Aloe vera is renowned for its soothing and healing properties, making this conditioner excellent for calming scalp irritations and hydrating both the scalp and hair. The plant-based formula is gentle, reducing the risk of irritation and providing essential nutrients to the hair.
Usage: Can be applied after washing or between washes as needed to soothe the scalp and add moisture to the hair.
Ideal For: Individuals with sensitive scalps or those looking to add natural, soothing ingredients into their hair care routine.
3. Curl Definition Daily Hair and Scalp Conditioning Mist
Type: Lightweight conditioning mist
Key Ingredients: Not specified in detail, but likely includes natural moisturizers and conditioners.
Benefits: This mist is designed to soften and hydrate locs without heavy oils or ingredients that could cause build-up. It's perfect for daily use to keep locs manageable and soft.
Usage: Spray directly onto hair and scalp daily or as needed to maintain moisture levels and manageability.
Ideal For: Those who need a go-to daily conditioner that keeps locs soft and hydrated without any fuss.
4. Uncle Funky's Daughter Midnite Train Leave-In Conditioner
Type: Nourishing mist
Key Ingredients: Not detailed, but typically includes essential oils and light moisturizers.
Benefits: This product conditions the hair by providing essential nutrients and moisture without the heaviness associated with traditional oils. It’s particularly useful for those who need a light product that still delivers on nourishment.
Usage: Ideal for use after washing or when locs feel dry. It can be used as a part of a daily routine to keep locs refreshed and nourished.
Ideal For: Users looking for a lightweight yet effective moisturizing and conditioning solution.
5. NOVEX Hair Care SuperFood Cacao & Almond Leave In
Type: New leave-in conditioner
Key Ingredients: Cocoa and almond
Benefits: Combines the moisturizing benefits of almond oil with the nourishing properties of cocoa. This product is designed to strengthen and moisturize locs without causing heaviness or buildup, making it suitable for regular use.
Usage: Apply to locs as needed to add moisture and strength. Its formulation is likely suitable for both fresh and mature locs.
Ideal For: Those seeking a product that not only moisturizes but also helps strengthen the hair fiber, making it a good choice for locs that are prone to brittleness or dryness.
3. Best Oils for Locs in 2024
Then should you use oil on locks? Depends! Now we generally suggest you don't put oils or sebums directly on your scalp, as this can disrupt the natural oil (sebum) production of your sebaceous glands over time. However, using a small amount of light oil on the lengths of your locs, especially if they are very long or tightly coiled, can help lubricate and protect the older strands that are further from your scalp.
What to Look for and Avoid in an Oil for Locs?
Hydrate First: Always moisten your locs with water before applying oils. This ensures the oil can seal in the moisture rather than just sit on the surface.
Consistency Matters: Choose the oil consistency based on your needs (e.g., thicker oils for retwisting, lighter oils for daily moisture).
Avoid Buildup: Regularly cleanse your locs to prevent buildup from heavier oils, especially if using them frequently for styling or scalp treatments.
Top 5 Locks Oils 2024
With that being said, we have the following top oil options for locs that you can try now:
1. Ditch The Itch Bamboo, Basil and Peppermint Anti Itch Serum
As someone who frequently styles their hair in protective styles, dealing with an itchy and dry scalp has often been an unavoidable nuisance. That's why discovering the Ditch The Itch™ Bamboo, Basil and Peppermint Anti Itch Serum was a game changer for me. This product not only promises to soothe an itchy scalp but also conditions and restores the scalp's natural oils, making it a standout in the realm of hair care products.
2. Taliah Waajid African Healing Oyl
This oil is a favorite among many due to its perfect consistency - not too heavy, not too runny. It's excellent for making locs feel soft and moisturized without being overly greasy. Available on Amazon or at local beauty supplies, it's accessible and versatile, suitable for both hair and skin. Ideal for regular use and retwisting, it provides moisture and softness with a mild scent.
3. Jamaican Mango and Lime Jamaican Black Castor Oil
This thick oil is great for deep moisturization and is particularly effective as a hot oil treatment or for retwisting locs. The extra dark variant is believed to offer more intense benefits, though the exact difference from the regular variant isn't clear. It has a natural scent and is ideal for those looking for a heavier oil that provides a bit of hold.
4. Difeel 99% Premium Natural Hair Oil
These affordable and easily accessible oils, available in varieties like Tea Tree and Argan, offer basic moisture and are great for everyday use. They are lighter, making them unsuitable for retwisting but perfect for daily moisturization.
5. African Pride Black Castor Miracle Hair & Scalp Sealing Oil
This blend includes black castor oil, tea tree, and soybean oil, offering a lighter consistency ideal for regular moisture without heaviness. It's effective in keeping locs soft and is well-suited for use after washing.
That's all of our Loc caring guide, hope that will help you make the right choice when buying the shampoos, conditioners, and oils for your dreadlocks! And if you are looking for the best hair extensions for locs, our kinky curly hair bundles can help you achieve the long-term natural and beautiful hairstyle easily. The Kinky Curly hair bundles from Honest Hair Factory are ideal for locs extensions due to their tight, coiled texture which closely mimics the natural hair type that forms locs effectively. These bundles are crafted from premium raw Brazilian virgin hair, ensuring durability, a natural appearance with intact luster and curl pattern, and ease of interlocking with natural hair. Additionally, their softness and flexibility minimize the risk of breakage during maintenance, while their lightweight nature prevents scalp strain. These qualities make them an excellent choice for creating and sustaining locs that look seamless and are easy to manage.