Keeping your dreadlocks clean and healthy requires extra care and attention.
Choosing the right shampoo and conditioner that is specially formulated for locks is needed to ensure it doesn’t look dull, dry, and untidy as the cleaning power of some regular shampoo may not be enough.
More so, regular washing is important as this promotes a healthy scalp, helps mature dreads faster, and prevents hair’s natural oils from building up which may cause locked hair to loosen. Besides, who doesn’t want to have hair smelling fresh and clean right?
So, whether you’ve just started or you’ve been on your loc journey for a long time, let me share with you our top picks for the best shampoo and conditioner to help you maintain healthy, beautiful, and manageable dreadlocks.
Interested to know further? Keep reading to find out!
Best Shampoo and Conditioner for Dreadlocks
1. Jamaican Mango & Lime Tingle Shampoo and Protein Conditioner
Product Description
One common problem experienced by people with dreadlocks is getting itchy and dry scalp. But worry not! This dreadlocks shampoo and conditioner are to the rescue!
Jamaican Mango & Lime Tingle Shampoo and Conditioner is formulated with natural extracts from manuka honey and moringa seed oil that deeply moisturizes and nourishes hair from roots to tips, keeping your scalp healthy and hair feeling soft.
These natural botanical blends are rich in antibacterial and antioxidants that target the root of the problem, preventing hair breakage and repairs damage.
You’ll get to experience the tingling sensation on your scalp with every use, as it contains menthol extract which helps relieve itch and gives you a fresh shower feeling after.
Formulated without the harmful chemical paraben, it cleanses hair gently while sealing in moisture to hair strands, keeping it hydrated and well-nourished!
For the best results, massage it to your hair and scalp and ensure all hair is covered.
Pros
- Revitalizes and rejuvenates the scalp
- Free from paraben
- Helps remove product build-up
- Smells amazing
- Treat itchy scalp
- Does not leave residue on hair
Cons
- Contains sulfate
- Not made from all-natural ingredients
Interested? Here’s the link to purchase it!
2. Dollylocks 12oz Tea Tree Oil Spearmint Liquid Dreadlock Shampoo
Product Description
If you are someone who loves to use shampoos made from pure and organic plant-based extracts, then Dollylocks Tea Tree Oil Spearmint Liquid Dreadlock Shampoo would be a perfect choice.
This hypoallergenic liquid shampoo is formulated with coconut oil that works great for both hair and scalp.
It gently removes dirt and impurities, keeping your dreads clean without stripping its natural oils, preventing them from getting dry and damaged.
With Tea tree oil and spearmint extract that soothes the itchy and flaky scalp. Leaving it feeling fresh and revitalized.
It’s free from harsh chemicals which makes it ideal for people with sensitive skin.
Pros
- Balances pH level on hair and scalp
- Safe for color-treated hair
- Made from organic and botanical based ingredients
- Smells amazing
- Leaves no residue on hair
Cons
- A little pricey
- Does not lather well
Interested? Here’s the link to purchase it!
3. Design Essentials Oat Protein and Henna Deep Cleansing Shampoo, 8 Ounces
Product Description
With over 30 years in creating salon-quality products, Designer essentials always believe that everyone deserves to feel beautiful and confident.
They have been committed to creating hair care products that will help you achieve your hair at its best.
Just like this Design Essentials Oat Protein and Henna Deep Cleansing Shampoo that contains hydrolyzed oat protein and henna that conditions and strengthens each hair follicles, making it less prone to damage.
Its deep cleansing property does not only leave your dreadlocks smelling fresh and clean but also promotes healthy hair and scalp. It is cruelty-free and free from alcohol, mineral oil, and silicone!
Pros
- Suitable for all hair types
- Promotes thicker, fuller, and stronger hair — which makes it ideal for thinning hair
- Safe for color-treated and chemically treated hair
- Deeply cleanses locks and other natural hair styles, promoting a healthier scalp
- Adds volume
- Smells amazing
- Leaves no residue on hair
[You can also read: Pura D’or Review]
Cons
- Contains sulfate
Interested? Here’s the link to purchase it!
4. Shea Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner | Strengthen, Grow & Restore
Product Description
This clarifying shampoo plus conditioner from Shea Moisture helps remove build-up while nourishing hair with some hair-loving vitamins and minerals.
It contains 100% pure Jamaican black castor oil, organic shea butter, peppermint and apple cider vinegar that intensely moisturize locs which helps reduce split ends and repairs damaged hair.
Jamaican Black castor oil is rich in Omega 3 fatty acids and vitamin E that restores moisture back to the hair preventing it from getting brittle and dry promotes hair growth as well as keeps hair soft and full of life.
The organic shea butter allows you to get that deep conditioning treatment experience, gives you that soft, shiny dread.
Additionally, peppermint oil stimulates the hair shaft for a more invigorating experience.
Pros
- Balanced pH level
- Sulfate-free
- Has not been tested on animals
- Safe for color-treated hair
- Uses certified organic ingredients
- Leaves no residue on hair
- Best for all hair types
- Decreases breakage and shedding
Cons
- Does not lather well
Interested? Here’s the link to purchase!
5. Knotty Boy Dreadlock Shampoo
Product Description
Knotty Boy Dreadlock Shampoo is the first-ever all-natural shampoo specially made for dreadlocks.
It contains moisturizing saponified oils which include olive oil, castor oil, hemp seed oil, and essential oils like tea tree oil, peppermint, and rosemary oil that help soothe itchy scalp and imparts that cool minty clean feeling after wash.
If you have natural or synthetic dreadlocks, this shampoo is excellent for you. It is residue-free and does not hinder your locking process.
Pros
- Consistency is thick and concentrated so you don’t need much of the product
- Smells great
- World’s first-ever all-natural shampoo for dreadlocks
- It soothes dryness and itchiness on the scalp
- Available in bar form
- Residue-free
[You might also like: Faux Locs with Kanekalon Hair vs Marley Hair]
Cons
- A little pricey
Interested? Here’s the link to purchase!
5. WOW Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo – Reduce Dandruff, Frizz, Split Ends, For Hair Loss – Clean Scalp & Boost Gloss, Shine – Paraben, Sulfate-Free
Product Description
As the name suggests, Wow Apple cider vinegar shampoo uses 100% pure and raw Himalayan apple cider vinegar that is known to be effective in cleansing and detoxifying dirt build-ups to scalp and hair without damaging or drying tresses.
It does not contain sulfates, parabens, or silicones which makes it a great option for dreadlocks.
With its main component, it also balances the pH level in your hair, so your hair is protected from unwanted breakage and hair loss while promoting shine and moisture.
The normal pH balance helps close hair cuticles so dirt, toxins, oil, and dandruff cannot clog your hair scalp. In addition, together with its Nettle Leaf and Saw Palmetto Extract, it delivers nutrients to the hair follicles and scalp for hair to regenerate and grow healthier.
To prevent dryness and achieve an enhanced effect, use it twice a week.
Pros
- Suitable for all hair types
- Made from 100% natural and raw Himalayan apple cider vinegar
- Detoxifies and removes buildup on hair
- Has two DHT blockers to prevent hair fall and hair loss
- Free of parabens, sulfates, and silicones
- Balances pH level
- Helps soothe itchiness caused by dandruff
- Safe for the sensitive scalp; hypoallergenic
- Dermatology Tested
- Smells great
Cons
- Not enough lather
Interested? Here’s the link to purchase!
6. Dollylocks Nag Champa Dreadlock Conditioning Oil
Product Description
Looking for a great conditioning oil for your dry hair and scalp? Look no further, this conditioning oil from Dollylocks Nag Champa Dreadlock is the perfect option! Especially recommended if you have mature dreadlocks.
Formulated with plant extracts and natural oils such as Coconut Oil, Avocado Oil, Jojoba Oil, and Hemp seed oil. This powerful blend helps hydrate the hair, repair and maintain healthy scalp and dreadlocks.
It’s non-greasy and non-comedogenic, which means you don’t have to worry about the oil clogging in your pores.
Pros
- High-quality, free from phthalate
- Formulated with organic oils and plant extracts
- Does not clog hair cuticles
- Revitalizes and nourishes hair scalp and dreadlocks
- Non-greasy
- Great for traditional and loc extensions
- Wonderful scent; smells like incense
Cons
- Others don’t prefer the scent
Interested? Here’s the link to purchase!
7. Taliah Waajid Total Body Black Earth Shampoo
Product Description
Taliah Waajid Total Body Black Earth Shampoo is made of natural ingredients to treat dry, damaged, and treated hair.
With the twisting and tangling of hair to create locs, it can break or damage the hair. Fortunately, this Total Body Black Earth Shampoo can help you restore and prevent further damage as you maintain your dreadlocks.
This shampoo softens your hair with its natural ingredients such as Rosemary, Olive Oil, Vitamin E, Yarrow Root, Blackberry Extract. In addition, it took care of the hair scalp well to prevent itchiness and dryness.
For best results, also use Taliah Waajid Enhancing Herbal Conditioner.
Pros
- Cleans and softens dreadlocks
- Treats hair scalp for healthier hair growth
- Minimizes dandruff on hair
- Has a pleasant scent
- Best for dry, damaged hair
Cons
- Contains sulfate
Interested? Here’s the link to purchase!
8. Maple Holistics Argan Oil Conditioner for Dry Hair – Nourishing Deep Conditioner
Product Description
Argan Oil is one of the best deep conditioning agents on any hair type.
Maple Holistics Argan Oil Conditioner soothes and smoothens curls and locs and protects them against heat.
This conditioner is sulfate-free, which hair experts prefer so that you won’t strip away the natural oils from your hair. The oil is essential to keep dreadlocks hydrated and soft. In addition, sulfate-free conditioners also keep your hair color vibrant.
Aside from Argan Oil, Maple Holistics Conditioner is also rich in Jojoba Oil, Aloe Vera, Shea Butter, Keratin, and Hibiscus, which are great moisturizing agents for healthy hair growth.
Pros
- Made from 100% pure argan oil
- Prevents dandruff and flakes on hair
- Fragrance-free conditioner; hypoallergenic
- Free from sulfate, paraben, phthalates
- Contains great rejuvenating and hydrating botanical oils that repairs damaged locs
Cons
- A little pricey for its size
Interested? Here’s the link to purchase!
What To Look For When Buying Dreadlocks Shampoos 
1. Residue Free Shampoo
The residue-free shampoo helps keep your dreadlocks feel lighter and prevents an excess build-up unto your hair. A tip? Avoid shampoos that contain beeswax as it leaves a lot of residues. What’s great about all the products mentioned above is that all of them leave no residue on the hair.
2. Contains Natural Oils and Natural Ingredients
One factor to consider in choosing the right shampoo for your dreadlocks is that it would be best if it contains natural essential oils such as peppermint, rosemary, and tea tree to help relieve dandruff and itchy scalp as its one of the most common hair issues they have.
3. Sulfate-Free
Sulfate-free shampoo and conditioners help maintain natural oils on hair so your locs will stay hydrated and intact. Aside from that, Shampoos with sulfate may dry out and damage your locs, so it is best to choose something without these harsh chemicals.
FAQ
1. Is it safe to use any shampoo for my locs?
Dreadlocks can be a little tricky to maintain. Twisting, tangling knots, and backcombing are some of the tricks to create perfect locs. To maintain such, it needs special care, hence, special shampoo and conditioner.
Dreadlocks are also prone to dirt and product buildup, so you would want to avoid products that leave buildup on hair.
With the list of products we reviewed, feel free to choose the product that best suits your hair.
2. How often should I moisturize it?
While you may think that you need to condition your hair every day to keep it soft and luscious, too much conditioner may create more oil on hair than necessary. As a result, it can weigh your hair down, leaving it limp and lifeless.
Too much of any is not good. It will cause buildup and irritate your scalp.
You can do a deep conditioning treatment once a week. However, if your hair is too dry and brittle, you can adjust your routine to suit your hair requirement.
For perfectly strong, moisturized, and healthy hair, a once-a-month treatment may also be best for your hair.
Hair grows differently so, the treatment and routine can be personalized to your own interest and need.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
Our top pick? Shea Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner!
What we love about this shampoo is that it’s rich with organic botanical extracts that cleanse and nourishes hair and scalp keeping it healthy and clean.
If you have dry and damaged hair that is prone to shedding and breakage, Its nutrient-rich formula strengthens, grows, and restores the vitality of your hair strand, recommended no matter what types of hair you have!
Its conditioner infuses much-needed moisture in your dreadlocks, making them soft, manageable, and tangle-free!
You can easily rinse it off too! Lastly, the peppermint oil gives you that cooling sensation after shower which calms and relieves dry and flaky scalp.
All these benefits you get at a very reasonable price! Plus it’s free from sulfates too!
If you like this article, make sure to check out our other articles at HairsAffairs.com.