Maintaining clean, healthy dreadlocks is an essential part of any loc journey. Whether you're new to dreadlocks or have worn them for years, understanding how to properly wash, dry, and care for your hair and scalp ensures a healthy journey that is free from residue and buildup. At Dollylocks, we're proud to offer professional dreadlock care products that are plant-based, vegan, and specifically designed for dreadlock maintenance and longevity.
Here’s a professional breakdown of how to wash your dreadlocks, how often to do it, and what products we recommend to keep your scalp and locs in optimal condition.
🧴 Choosing the Right Dreadlock Shampoo
Traditional shampoos are often too heavy, leave residue, or contain ingredients that are synthetic and not loc-friendly. Look for:
- Residue-Free Formulas
- Sulfate-Free and Plant-Based Ingredients
- pH-Balanced for Scalp Care
- Lightweight and Easy to Rinse
All Dollylocks Shampoos are expertly and specifically formulated for dreadlocks using all natural ingredients. Available in several uplifting scents like Tea Tree Spearmint (Mintea), Nag Champa, and Rosemary Peppermint (Pepe Le Rosemary), however all of our shampoos cleanse deeply without buildup.
💧 How to Wash Dreadlocks
Washing dreadlocks can be easy and simple with proper technique. Here’s Dollylocks recommended method:
-
Wet the Hair Thoroughly
Begin by saturating your dreadlocks with warm water to open the cuticle and loosen any buildup. -
Apply Shampoo into your palm or directly to the Scalp
Using a residue-free dreadlock shampoo like Dollylocks Liquid Dreadlock Shampoo. After applying directly to the scalp, use your fingertips (never your nails - this may cause irritation) gently massage in circular motions. Allow the lather to rinse through the length of the locs naturally—no scrubbing necessary. - Rinse Thoroughly. Rinse until the water runs completely clear. Incomplete rinsing is a common cause of residue buildup.
- Repeat as Needed. If your hair has not been washed in a while, or has been exposed to heavy oils, products, or sweat, a second or third cleanse may be needed.
Pro tip: If your locs feel waxy or heavy after washing, this is not residue from the Dollylocks Liquid Shampoo, that’s a sign it's time for a deep cleanse detox treatment. Our clarifying shampoos will purge buildup from the compression of your locs.
🗓️ How Often Should You Wash Dreadlocks?
Frequency depends on your scalp type, lifestyle, and how mature your dreadlocks are:
- Active Lifestyles - frequent sweating: Every 7 days; while using Cleansing Spray in-between washing
- Dry Scalp or Cold Climates: Every 7–14 days
- New Dreadlocks: Every 7-10 days, allowing time for dreadlock compression without excessive disruption
Clean hair locks faster! Washing regularly supports the locking process and scalp health.
🧖 Should You Use Conditioner on Dreadlocks?
Many chemical based conditioners will contribute to buildup in dreadlocks. However, Dollylocks Conditioning Oil and our NEW Conditioner are specially crafted to hydrate, nourish, and soften without compromising the locking process. Lightweight and residue-free, providing moisture without disrupting your style.
🌬️ How to Properly Dry Dreadlocks
Drying is just as important as washing. Trapped moisture can lead to mildew or musty odors, commonly referred to as “dread rot.” Gross.
Follow these steps for proper drying:
- Gently squeeze out water using the Dollylocks microfiber towel.
- Use a blow dryer on cool/warm settings, or allow hair to air dry in a well-ventilated space - preferably outdoors.
- Shake and separate locs during drying to promote airflow
Never ever go to bed with wet dreadlocks.
🧼 Detoxing Your Dreadlocks
Even with regular washing, product residue (from improper washing or overuse) and environmental buildup can occurovertime. We recommend a deep cleanse every 3-6 months using the Dollylocks Detox.
This powerful soak removes embedded impurities, excess oil, and buildup while refreshing both your scalp and locs. Follow up with your favorite Dollylocks shampoo.
🥴 How to Wash Dreadlocks When Your Scalp Is Itchy
An itchy scalp is a common issue, but it’s absolutely manageable.
- Use Dollylocks Conditioning Oil as a pre-treatment, followed by the Dollylocks Shampoo to eliminate buildup or irritants.
- Opt for the Mintea or Pepe Le Rosemary; including Ingredients like Tea Tree, Peppermint, or Rosemary to naturally soothe the scalp.
- Apply Dollylocks Conditioning Oil directly to dry or irritated areas regularly to sooth and restore balance.
- Spray your scalp and dreadlocks with the Dollylocks Refreshening Spray daily.
Avoid excessive scratching, as it can damage the scalp and/ or hair follicles.
😬 What If My Dreadlocks Smell?
Odors are usually the result of moisture being trapped inside dreadlocks or a buildup of product or sweat. Here’s what to do:
- Perform a Dollylock Detox - deep detox soak.
- Follow up with Dollylocks Shampoo - residue-free shampoo.
- Ensure complete drying after every wash.
- Use Dollylocks Cleansing Spray between washes to keep your scalp clean,
- Use Dollylocks Refreshening Spray daily on locs to keep them smelling fresh.
🧽 Do Dreadlocks Need a Deep Cleanse?
Yes!! And especially if they:
- Feel heavy or greasy
- Smell musty
- Are difficult to dry
- Have visible residue or buildup
A 10-20 minute detox soak is a great way to reset your hair and scalp. Think of it as essential maintenance to keep your locs looking and feeling their best. After your first detox, we recommend every 3-6 months for maintenance.
Final Thoughts
At Dollylocks, we believe dreadlocks are more than a hairstyle! They’re a lifestyle.
Proper washing and care are key to maintaining healthy, lightweight, and vibrant locs. With Dollylocks products and a regular routine, dreadlock maintenance can be simple and stress-free.
Explore our complete line of residue-free, plant-based, vegan, and sulfate-free dreadlock haircare products formulated and designed by Alin Leslie, a licensed professional cosmetologist, multifaceted dreadlock educator, hair industry professional. She along with her extensive team of top notch brand conscious manufactures truly understand your dreadlock journey and the needs of a loc lifestyle.
🛒 Shop Dollylocks now or contact us for personalized product recommendations and support.
