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These are the must-have products for keeping your locs clean, moisturized, and healthy.
My favorite shampoos for locs
To keep your locs clean, washing your hair thoroughly every wash day is important. Like most naturals, wash day is a process. With locs, it is no different. Start by “opening up” your roots, which involves gently spreading the roots of your locs that may be loosely twisted (not yet loc’d) to loosen any product buildup. Once your hair is fully saturated from root to tips, massage your shampoo into your scalp first, then through your hair.
I love the Jamaican Mango and Lime Tingle Shampoo. It has a minty smell and a gentle, tingly lather that refreshes your scalp and relieves itching. A little goes a long way with this product!
“Sulfate-free” does not always mean “all-natural.” Wash day products that include as few processed ingredients as possible means cleaning hair with less stripping of the natural oils that your hair needs. Here are some other great suggestions:
Shampoos:
- SheaMoisture Manuka Honey and Mafura Oil Intensive Hydration Shampoo
- Made For Locs Vegan Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo
- Lion Locs Shampoo and Conditioner for Dreads, Sisterlocks, Locks, & Dreadlocks
My favorite conditioners for locs
I usually lather my shampoo and rinse twice, then follow that with conditioner on my locs before a final rinse with lukewarm water. I like the Jamaican Mango protein conditioner, which spreads super smooth through my locs and washes out easily.
Here are a few of my other favorite loc conditioners.
Conditioners:
- EDEN Bodyworks Peppermint Tea Tree Conditioner
- Fairy Tales Rosemary Repel Conditioner
- LOC’D Conditioner
The best oils for a healthy scalp
Grapeseed, tea tree, and coconut, oh my! Essential oils are my favorites because they are light and easy to spread through your scalp and hair, which means little to no product buildup on wash day! It helps to know which oils are best for your scalp and any particular issues you may be dealing with.
The best products include natural ingredients that are easy for your scalp and hair to absorb. Massage a few drops into your scalp and locs for quick allover application, or apply to the areas that need it the most. You can make your mixtures at home or look for products that include essential oils as main ingredients that are lightweight and easy to rub in your hands to distribute through your locs as well. I like to apply my oils at night and let them marinate under my satin scarf or bonnet during my beauty sleep.
- Taliah Waajid Protective Styles Healthy Hair Under There Bamboo, Avocado And Peppermint Conditioning & Restoring Serum
- HPO Happy Scalp
- Loc Oil For Dreads, Peppermint Tea Tree Oil For Locs
The best leave-in conditioners for moisturized locs
No one likes dry, brittle hair. I dye my hair a few times a year, and sometimes the lightening and chemicals cause my locs to need moisture more often. If your locs look lackluster, give them a good squeeze. It is because they are thirsty if they sound crunchy or feel dry! While washing locs daily is not a great idea, you can prevent dry-feeling locs by adding some moisture daily with a good leave-in conditioner.
Rosewater spray is one of my favorite everyday leave-in conditioners. It is lightweight and multipurpose (spray on a clean face for quick hydration) and smells amazing!
Here are some recipes to make your own. Almond oil is also perfect for softening dry locs that need quick nourishment. Either works well for a quick spritz of moisture when I’m on the go or rocking a longer-term style like curls, twists, braids, or an updo. I also love the Taliah Waajid Shea-Coco Condition Daily Leave-in Conditioner Spray.
Retwisting products for locs
When twisting your roots, you want to avoid products that are too thick or creamy to ensure that the product holds your roots in place and does not leave any residue in your fresh styles (that means no wax products). I like to keep it simple with Ecoco EcoStyler Professional Gel. It is easy to find in most stores, lightweight, and super affordable.
- Jamaican Mango & Lime No More Itch Cool Scalp Braid, Twist, & Loc Gel
- Murray’s Gel Loc-Lock by Murray’s
- African Pride Black Castor Miracle Extra Hold Braid, Loc, Twist Gel, Tames Frizz & Edges
Hair ties to wear your locs up
When I finally reached ponytail status with my locs, I was so excited… until I popped my first hair elastic. During the summer, I love wearing my hair in high buns and ponytails without pulling too hard on my edges. I discovered the magic of these no-crease hair ties, and now they are all I use for ponytails, pineapples, buns, and more. Here are a few other ponytail holders that I would love to have on my wrist at all times.
Swirly Curly Snap Hair Ties
These are really cool ponytail holders that snap closed, and you can snap multiple bands together to make them longer- even long enough to be a headband!
Aztec Print Hair Ties
Sometimes the print on a hair tie adds the perfect amount of color or texture to a hairstyle. These are fun subtle prints that can work with many different looks.
Scrunchies
Scrunchies have made a comeback, and I embraced their resurgence with a luxurious splurge on 100% silk scrunchies that are amazingly soft and on-trend. I get compliments every time I wear one.
… and a bonus!
The best edge products for locs
Nothing works better than the Ecoco EcoStyler Professional Gel for laying those edges down!
Jamaican Black Castor Oil, or JBCO, is an amazing oil for thickening thinner spots and strengthening the hairline. Some parts of my hairline were a bit sparse, so I began massaging a few drops of JBCO into those spots every morning and night, and I noticed some amazing growth. The oil is thick, so a little goes a long way!
The oil’s smell can be a bit strong, so try some options that are mixed with other oils, like peppermint, coconut, or lavender.
Do you have more favorite loc products? Could you share them in the comments?
This article has been updated with new product links.
