Dreadlocks require specific care. Residue is a common issue for all hair types, but it's an even bigger concern for locs because it can easily get trapped and build up deep within the hair if not properly addressed. While many brands catering to coily and kinky hair offer products suitable for locs, this article will highlight those specifically formulated for dreadlock maintenance...
Why do locks require special care?
When you create new dreadlocks, your hair is fragile for the first six months. It needs time to get used to the lock formation process. Small hairs can detach from the dreads during this period. Good products specifically developed for dreadlocks help maintain their condition and promote their development.
Contrary to popular belief, dreadlocks are not dirty. On the contrary, it is essential to wash them regularly to keep them in good condition. Locked hair needs to tangle to maintain itself, and a healthy scalp is crucial for their overall health.
It is important to regularly moisturize the scalp around each dreadlock. Using a scalp serum can help soothe and nourish it.
Dreads retain moisture, which can lead to odor and mold problems; using a hairdryer can be beneficial.
Although dreadlocks are an easy-to-live-with hairstyle, they still require some care. Regularly rolling your dreads between your palms after installation can help maintain their shape and strength.
What types of products should you have to maintain your dreadlocks?
Here are the products you need to properly support your locks as they evolve.
- A dreadlock shampoo: Use a shampoo specifically designed for locks. Look for residue-free products that deep clean while preserving the integrity of your dreads.
- A moisturizing scalp treatment: Keep your scalp hydrated to prevent itching and irritation.
- A moisturizing spray: A light moisturizing spray can be used to refresh your dreads between washes.
- Oil for the ends: To maintain the strength of your dreads, apply a light oil to the ends. Jojoba oil or argan oil are good choices.
- Dreadlock wax (use with caution): Some people like to use wax to keep their dreads in shape. Opt for a wax specifically formulated for locks.
- Drying accessories: After washing, make sure your dreads dry completely. Use a hairdryer on a low setting or let them air dry.
- Regular maintenance: Roll your dreads between your palms to maintain their shape and compactness. You can also use a crochet hook to tighten the roots. (Caution! Don't do it too often, as it risks thinning your locks)
Everyone has different hair needs, so it's important to find the products that work best for you and your dreadlocks.
Here is a list of 10 hair brands for locks
1 - Love locks
Love Locks is a brand that offers natural and vegan products for dreadlocks. They focus on residue-free, scalp-balancing, and plant-infused products, made in Australia. Their mission is to care for locks naturally, by offering products that keep the scalp healthy and the locks beautiful.
Among their popular products are:
- Tea tree calming and anti-dandruff shampoo
- Softening oil for locks – Avocado Castor
- Rosewater moisturizing spray for locks
They also offer an Apple Cider Vinegar Dreadlock Detox Bath for a deep detoxification of locks, using apple cider vinegar and baking soda, infused with papaya extracts for fresher, cleaner dreads.
2 - Crazy Pouss Locks
The Crazy Pouss brand offers a range of hair products dedicated to curly, coily, relaxed, or locked hair. It is particularly known for its products that promote hair growth and are suitable for preventing dry, damaged, and brittle hair.
Crazy Pouss's Afro Naturel Crazy Locks range includes products such as oil baths, mango and cactus butters, as well as detangling and styling brushes. A flagship product is the Anti-Itch Moisturizing Spray for Locks, enriched with 100% natural vegetable oil, which refreshes locks and hydrates roots. It is ideal for locks, twists, and vanilles, and its components strengthen the hair, making it shinier and more supple.
3 - Locks Lovers
Locks Lovers is a brand dedicated to the care of locked hair, founded by Johane Tchatoun in 2010. The brand stands out for its holistic and natural approach, offering products designed with natural and non-toxic ingredients for hair and overall health. Locks Lovers products are designed to meet the specific needs of locked hair, focusing on the health and vitality of the hair and scalp.
The Locks Lovers product range includes shampoos, treatments, and styling products that are sold internationally. The founder, Johane Tchatoun, has enriched her range over the years through her hairdressing services and hair diagnostics, thus meeting the most specific needs of people with locks.
4 - Kairly Paris
KAIRLY Paris's KARIGINS range offers a hair routine specially designed for locked hair.
KAIRLY Paris is an expert in hair care for coily, curly, wavy, and frizzy hair. With over 30 years of expertise, the brand symbolizes French excellence and know-how in the design, manufacturing, and distribution of hair products.
Whether your hair is wavy, curly, coily, or frizzy, KAIRLY Paris offers solutions to wash, detangle, style, and care for your hair, thus revealing its natural beauty. Their products are designed from natural ingredients, without controversial ingredients, and are made in France.
5 - Taliah Waajid
Taliah Waajid is a recognized brand in the natural hair community, offering products for over 20 years. It is appreciated for its innovation and commitment to education on natural hair care. The brand offers a range of products free of alcohol, synthetic dyes or fragrances, and chemical preservatives, with scents derived from plant extracts.
The flagship product for locks is the Lock It Up Gel from the Black Earth collection, which is a strong hold gel specially formulated to start and maintain locks. It contains stinging nettle and rosemary extracts to care for the scalp and prevent flaking. This gel leaves no residue and ensures a flawless hold for locks, vanilles, or twists.
6 -Aloe Locks
Aloe Locks is a product range from the Shandrani Paris brand, specially designed for protective hairstyles such as locks, braids, and twists. After 18 months of research, this range was created in their own laboratory, Cosméo Terre, located in the Paris region.
Aloe Locks products are formulated from rare and exotic natural ingredients, such as baobab, peppermint, tea tree, organic guava, mango, and hemp. They offer a variety of products such as nourishing and fixing jellies, purifying shampoos, moisturizing masks, refreshing mists, and enriched oils.
7 - Dolly Locks
Dolly Locks is a brand specializing in the maintenance of locks, whether natural or synthetic. Dolly Locks products are 100% vegan, sulfate-free, and residue-free, making them particularly suitable for people concerned with using products that respect the environment and hair health.
The brand was developed by Alin Leslie, an American hairstylist specializing in dreadlocks for over 25 years. She created a complete range of products, formulated with plant extracts, vegetable oils, essential oils, and sea salts. These professional formulas are designed to be used both in salons and at home.
Dolly Locks offers various products such as lock tightening sprays, detox kits, clarifying shampoos, lock oils, and styling gels. All these products aim to maintain locks at all stages, from starting to washing and maintenance, while leaving a pleasant scent.
Feel free to share in the comments the product lines you use for your locks.
