Looking for the Best Shampoo for Dreadlocks?

Maintaining natural hair is difficult enough, but locs need even more TLC. If your locs have a musty odor, are dry, or if you have an itchy scalp, it’s probably because you are using the wrong products for your hairstyle.

Cleaning your dreadlocks is the most essential maintenance task you have to do. But, first, you need to be sure that you are using the correct product for your hair type. 

How to Choose the Best Shampoo for Locks

You already know that your locs act differently from natural hair. Therefore, your tightly wrapped and matted hair needs special attention, particularly with the products you choose. Any old shampoo won’t do in this situation. Instead, here’s how you go about picking the best shampoo for your dreadlocks.

Look for Residue-Free Shampoos

One of the biggest problems with using ‘regular’ shampoo on locs is the residue they leave behind. Matted hair is very good at absorbing ingredients like fragrance and oil. It doesn’t even matter how thoroughly you rinse your locs. There’s a good chance that some residue from hair care products will be left behind. This residue coats the hair shaft and slows down the drying process.

The result is likely dread rot, a condition that causes mold to grow in your locs. You may notice a musty, mildew smell, especially when your hair is wet. For this reason, look for residue-free shampoos. Some of the ingredients that are likely to cause buildup in your locs include:

• Added fragrance
• Moisturizer
• Lubricants 
• Emollients

Notoriously, stay away from any products listing PEG or PPG ingredients. Usually, you’ll see the ingredient name starting with PEG or PPG. For example, you may see PEG-80 sorbitan laureate in the list of shampoo ingredients.

Lastly, watch out for shampoos claiming to soften, moisturize, or otherwise make your hair easy to manage. These labels are dead giveaways that the shampoo may contain ingredients likely to leave residue in your locs. 

Be Careful With Sulfates 

Most shampoos use sulfates as a detergent. The word sulfate is short for a surface-acting agent. Without it, shampoos wouldn’t have cleansing power. Surfactants, another word for sulfates, change the surface water tension, removing oil and washing hair.

As such, not all sulfates are harmful. There are three main types of sulfates used in shampoos. Without getting too technical, these include Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES), and Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate (ALS). 

You want to choose shampoos that use Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate (ALS) as the primary surfactant for our purposes. This ingredient is derived from natural plants like palm kernel and coconut. ALS is far more water-soluble than other sulfates, making it easier to rinse off your dreads. 

Of course, you could avoid sulfates altogether and choose sulfate-free shampoos. This route is highly recommended if you have particularly dry or brittle hair, sensitive scalp, eczema, or colored dreadlocks. But, if you must use a sulfate shampoo, go for ALS.

Watch Out for Organic Shampoos 

The first instinct for most people is to choose a natural or organic shampoo for their dreads. But, many of the shampoos claiming to be made from all-natural ingredients are just clever marketing gimmicks.

This industry isn’t as regulated as you’d think. In many cases, organic means whatever the manufacturer thinks it means. Furthermore, not all organic ingredients are suitable for your locs. For example, beeswax can leave residue in your hair and attract lint, dirt, and other debris.

Instead, look for shampoos that contain natural oils such as argan oil, jojoba oil, tea tree oil, peppermint oil, rosemary oil, or coconut oil. These natural oils are great for reducing itchiness and dandruff, among other benefits. 

Choose Shampoos Made for Dreadlocks 

This tip may sound like a no-brainer. But, check that your shampoo is specifically formulated for dreadlocks. Ideally, the brand should have a good track record of catering to this market. 

Be sure to read product reviews from real users to ensure that the product delivers on its promises. Also, just because a shampoo is designed for natural hair doesn’t mean that it addresses the specific needs of dreadlocks. 

7 Best Shampoos for Locs 

Now you know what goes into a great shampoo. But, choosing the best shampoo for locs isn’t always so straightforward. Each person has their own unique hair needs that the shampoo should address.

So, a personalized approach to picking your shampoo is your best bet. Below are our top recommendations for the best shampoos for locs based on different dreadlock needs.

Our Top Picks

1. Best Locs for Removing Buildup – Jamaican Mango and Lime Tingle Dreadlock Shampoo
2. Most Versatile Dreadlock Shampoo – Knotty Boy Dreadlock Shampoo
3. Best No-Residue Locs Shampoo – Dreaded Head HQ Dread Soap
4. Best Locs Shampoo & Conditioner Combo – Taliah Waajid Total Body Black Earth Shampoo & Conditioner
5. Best Locs Shampoo for Baby Locs – Knotty Boy Dreadlocks Shampoo Bar
6. Best Shampoo for Colored Loks – Dollylocks Nag Champa Dreadlock Shampoo
7. Best Locs Shampoo for Brittle Hair – PURA D’OR Original Gold Labe