1. Why am I seeing residue even after using a dreadlock shampoo?

Even after using dreadlocks shampoo, sometimes you can still see some residue in your hair. This can be because of saponified oils – they stick to the hair strands and trap dirt. Rinsing and washing well will help you to combat this problem. Next time, make sure to choose a product that doesn’t contain saponified oils.

2. Does natural dreadlock shampoo work on damaged hair?

This usually depends on ingredients present in the shampoo. Some high quality dreadlock shampoos that have natural oils as ingredients surely help to repair the damage.

3. What is a dread rot?

Dread rot is a nightmare for people having dreadlocks. If the locs are not cleaned and dried properly, it can lead to mold and mildew growth which is referred as dread rot. If you are dealing with a dread rot, never use scissors to deal with it. Using a high quality dreadlock shampoo, rinsing hair properly and dry it completely can be helpful in removing the mold and preventing dreads in future.

4. How often it is recommended to wash the dreads?

To maintain the health of your dreadlocks hair, we recommend to wash your hair at least once in a week. And also make sure to dry the locs completely.

5. How to dry the dreads?

Below is the step the step procedure… 1. Using fingers, squeeze each dreadlock. 2. Now use a microfiber towel to squeeze the locs again. 3. From roots to ends, palm roll the dreads. 4. If the locs are still wet, shake them by flipping your head. 5. If the weather is warm, then air dry them. 6. During winters, use hair dryer at lower temperature for 10 minutes to dry them.

6. Is it ok for white people to have dreadlocks?

Yes, people from all backgrounds, colors and enthicities can have dreadlocks.

7. How to tell if the shampoo is leaving any residue or not?

If there is any residue left on your hair, then… 1. You will feel like some heavy coating is weighing your hair down. 2. Hair will appear dull and dry even after washing 3. Hair will not hold the style like it has to – like curls will not last long, braid-outs will fall after just one or two days.

8. Is it ok to use conditioner on dreadlocks?

Never use conditioner on dreadlocks as it contains butters and oils which will get attached to your hair. They are tough to remove from your hair. If you want to deal with dryness or soften the locs, we recommend to use essential oils like lavender or orange. But dilute them in any carrier oil like olive oil or grapeseed oil. But don’t apply oil on the roots. For better results, warm up carrier oil. Apply it on the hair strands and wrap the hair in a plastic bag and cloth. You can wash the hair after an hour or you can leave it overnight before washing.

9. What are the best brands for dreadlock shampoo that don’t leave residue?

There are few high-quality dreadlock shampoos that stand out in the market. We have mentioned them below… Dollylocks This brand solely deals in providing dreadlock specific hair shampoos. Due to their organic products, they are often featured in popular magazines. They have a lot of positive reviews from customers who have been using their products for several years. Knotty Boy This brand was founded by people who have dreads. They have over 30 years of experience in making hair products specifically for dreadlock hairstyle. They are one of the popular dreadlock shampoo brands in the market. Design Essentials Since their inception in 1973, they have been dedicated in providing specially crafted products for natural hair care. From the year 1990, they have upgraded their product range and included shampoos for dreadlocks.

Facial Hair Care

The 10 Best Shampoos for Dreadlocks

AH Editors Team

March 6, 2023

2844

Be it for men or women, dreadlocks are the most trending and convenient hairstyle.

This hairstyle doesn’t require daily brushing but if they are properly maintained, you can experience itchy scalp, mold growth, and unpleasant smell.

Regular shampoos are not capable of providing clean finish as they leave residue. But dreadlock shampoos have special ingredients which ensure clean hair and scalp without leaving any residue behind.

To choose the best dreadlock shampoo for your hair, we recommend considering below factors…

Residue-Free – Check the ingredients list of the shampoo. If you observe any ingredients that start with PPG or PEG, then avoid purchasing it. Because they leave residue behind, leading hair damage.
Natural Ingredients – Natural oils like argan oil, coconut oil or jojoba oil are more effective for your locs. Also look out for ingredients that have anit-fungal and anti-microbial properties like neem oil, peppermit or tea tree extract. These properties help your scalp and hair stay fresh, clean and smelling nice.
Sulfate Free – Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulpahte (SLES) are commonly used surfactants in shampoos. These ingredients can strip out moisture from hair proteins and damage the hair cuticles as well. They are even more harmful for dreadlocks as they lead to scalp sensitivity and dehydrate the locs.

Other factors to consider while purchasing dreadlock shampoo are mentioned clearly in our BUYING GUIDE. Apart from that, we have also provided a list of Best-Selling Dreadlock Shampoos are mentioned below. They are chosen after careful analysis, testing and reviewing with people who have been using them for a long time.

Shampoos for Dreadlocks	Key Ingredients	Buy Now
Dollylocks Nag Champa Dreadlock Shampoo	Pure botanicals, Organic coconut	Check on Amazon
Knotty Boy Dreadlock Shampoo	Rosemary essential oil,Tea tree essential oil,Peppermint essential oil	Check on Amazon
Dread Head HQ Dreadlocks Shampoo	Organic coconut based surfactants Sodium Laureth Sulfate Water,Magnesium chloride and nitrate	Check on Amazon
Knatty Dread Dreadlocks Shampoo	Coconut surfactants	Check on Amazon
Bewild Dreadlock Shampoo	Organic coconut extracts Hemp seed oil	Check on Amazon
Trader Joe’s Shampoo	Certified organic botanicals Peppermint essential oil,Tea tree essential oil,Eucalyptus essential oil	Check on Amazon
Design Essentials Oat Protein Shampoo	Hydrolyzed Oat Protein Henna	Check on Amazon
Dollylocks Dreadlock Shampoo	Pure botanicals Organic coconut oil Tea tree essential oil,Spearmint essential oil,Grapefruit seed extract	Check on Amazon
Jamaican Shampoo	Tea tree extracts Deionized water (aqua),Coco Betaine,Camphor,Menthol	Check on Amazon
BUYWOW Apple Cider Shampoo	Shampoo: Pure Himalayan spring water infused with natural apple cider vinegar Conditioner: Coconut oil,Avocado oil,Olive oil,Argan oil,Vitamins E and B5	Check on Amazon

10 Best Shampoos for Dreadlocks

#1: Dolly locks tea tree spearmint liquid dreadlocks shampoo

About the product- This product is made up of natural ingredients. It is absolutely weightless and does not leave any residue after the wash. It maintains the ph. of the hair and prevents the scalp from any allergies. It prevents the hair from damage and makes them stronger. It also prevents them from falling and early aging.

Pros-

Maintains ph.
Completely Natural and organic.
Residue-free

Cons-

1. May cause dry scalp
Dry hair

Ratings- 4.5/5 stars

Buy Now at Amazon

#2: Trader Joe’s Tea Tree Tingle Shampoo

About the product- This product is a special one because it has essential ingredients like eucalyptus extract, Peppermint and Tea Tree which keeps the scalp fresh and clean. It is completely organic and hence is suitable for every hair type and for all hair textures. It keeps the scalp hydrated and provides them with the nutrients that are required by the hair for effective hair growth.

Pros-

Suitable for all hair type
Organic Ingredients
Keeps scalp fresh

Cons-

May make the scalp dry

Ratings- 4.0/ 5 stars

Buy Now at Amazon

#3: Ultrax Labs Hair Surge

About the product- It is made up of a special caffeine blend that helps in effective hair growth. It is suitable for both men and women. It helps in the stimulation of hair growth. It also improves the quality of hair and its texture. It makes the hair smooth and bouncy. It instantly adds volume to the hair and makes them look healthy.

Pros-

Caffeine components
Effective hair growth
Reduces hair fall

Cons-

Dry Scalp
Dandruff

Ratings- 4.0/5 stars

Buy Now at Amazon

#4: Dolly Locks Lavender Sky Dread Locks Shampoo

About the product- The best aspect of this product is that it has a good lavender smell that makes your bath soothing and relaxing. It is made up of organic Ingredients that does not harm the hair in any way. It has the essentials of coconut to nourish the scalp. It does not leave behind any residue after the wash. It fights the damage and makes the hair grow stronger and healthier.

Pros-

Keeps hair nourished.
Soothing scent.
Nourishing oils

Cons-

May cause rashes
Not for all hair types

Ratings- 4.0/5 stars

Buy Now at Amazon

#5: Brickell Men’s Daily Strengthening shampoo for men

About the product- This product increases the volume of the hair and makes it look fuller. It has special extracts like mint and tea tree essentials that keeps the hair fresh and odour free for more than 24 hours. It is made up of natural ingredients and prevents the hair from any kind of damage due to the chemicals. it also stimulates the hair growth.

Pros-

1. Natural ingredients
Tea Tree and Mint extracts
Stimulates Hair Growth

Cons-

It might make the scalp dry
May cause Hair Fall

Ratings- 4.0/5 stars

Buy Now at Amazon

#6: Herbal Essences Shampoo

About the product- This product has special ingredients like cucumber and mint which keeps your scalp fresh and clean all the time. It revives the hair within 21 days. It has a special blend of natural ingredients that has the potential of antioxidants and makes the hair soft and bouncy. It also prevents the hair colour and makes it last longer.

Pros

Cucumber and Mint essentials
No paraben and gluten
Prevents hair colour from wearing off.
Comes in a teen pack

Cons-

May cause dandruff
May make the hair dry and rough

Ratings- 4.0/5 stars

Buy Now at Amazon

#7: Dolly Locks Rosemary Peppermint Liquid Dread locks Shampoo

About the product- This product has special rosemary and peppermint essentials that keep the hair clean and dirt free. This also prevents the hair and the scalp to get rid of any odour. It maintains the ph. balance of the scalp and helps in the hair growth. It has the goodness of coconut which nourishes the hair. It is specially recommended for mature dread locks. It also prevents the scalp from any infections or bacterial accumulation on it.

Pros-

1. Recommended for dense and mature dread locks
Nourishes the hair
Residue free
Rosemary extracts

Cons-

May cause hair fall

Ratings- 5/5 stars

Buy Now at Amazon

#8: Ethique Eco Friendly Solid Shampoo Bar

About the product- This product is specially recommended for those who have an oily scalp. It has the goodness of lemon, orange, rosemary and all the other components that prevents the hair from dust and odour. It keeps the hair fresh and clean. Once used conditioner application is not required. It leaves the hair soft and bouncy.

Pros-

1. Lemon, rosemary, orange and basil extracts
Natural
Maintains the scalp ph.

Cons-

May cause hair fall
May make the hair dry

Ratings- 4.5/5 stars

Buy Now at Amazon

#9: Nudred Shampoo I.T. bottle

About the product- This is the perfect solution for dry hair. It nourishes the hair and makes it dense and black. It prevents them from falling and provides them with the goodness of essential nutrients. It makes the hair shinier. This is the perfect product for those who are looking for a perfect solution to manage their dread locks. It hydrates the hair and targets directly the root cause of the problem.

Pros

1. Nourishes