Shampoo & Products Archives • Dreadlock Central https://dreadlockcentral.com/education/shampoo/ Professional Dreadlock Services and Information Fri, 26 Dec 2025 18:25:40 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://dreadlockcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/cropped-Dreadlock-Central-Site-Identity-Icon-Logo-32x32.png Shampoo & Products Archives • Dreadlock Central https://dreadlockcentral.com/education/shampoo/ 32 32 Dread Detox & Cleanse – Baking Soda and ACV Rinse to remove residue buildup https://dreadlockcentral.com/dread-cleanse-baking-soda-acv-rinse/ https://dreadlockcentral.com/dread-cleanse-baking-soda-acv-rinse/#respond Wed, 18 Jan 2023 13:54:24 +0000 http://ecbiz244.inmotionhosting.com/~dreadl6/?p=9046 The post Dread Detox & Cleanse – Baking Soda and ACV Rinse to remove residue buildup appeared first on Dreadlock Central.

]]>

TL;DR — How to Do a Proper Dread Detox (Dread Cleanse)

A Dread Detox using Baking Soda and Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) clears all that gunk out, leaving your locs feeling lighter, cleaner, and healthier.

Why it matters:

  • Products & shampoo will inevitably buildup
  • Detox prevents odor, mildew, & buildup
  • Baking soda removes deep buildup & dirt
  • ACV neutralizes baking soda, restores pH

Must-follow rules:

  • 🚫 No Baking Soda & ACV in same mixture!
  • ✔ Baking soda soak FIRST, ACV rinse SECOND
  • Only do a Dread Detox 1–4 times per year
  • Keep ACV exposure under 5 minutes

Quick Guide:

  1. Fill basin with water + ¼ box baking soda
  2. Soak dreadlocks for 15–20 mins w/ timer
  3. Dump out water and refill with new water
  4. Add 50% ACV to water (or use bottle)
  5. Soak with ACV 3–5 mins, rinse with water

🧼 Keep buildup low between detoxes with a shampoo from our recommended product list. It’ll keep your dreadlocks lighter and cleaner long term. Or, CLICK HERE to skip to the full guide!

LEARN THE INSTANT LOCS CROCHET METHOD!

Learn exactly how we use the Instant Locs Crochet Method to install, maintain, extend and repair dreadlocks for our clients of all hair textures.

START FOR FREE

In this post you’ll learn how to clean your dreadlocks with the magical Dread Detox aka Dread Cleanse. We’ll be using a Baking Soda Soak (aka Bicarbonate of Soda) with an Apple Cider Vinegar rinse (ACV) to get rid of buildup in your dreadlocks and trust me there’s a lot more than you think! I’ll be explaining the most important things you need to know about Deep Cleaning your Dreadlocks along with why you should do it and how to do it right!

Why a Dread Detox is crucial for healthy dreadlocks

 

No matter how clean you think your dreadlocks are I guarantee that there is plenty of residue buildup inside. Even the best shampoos that claim to be “residue free”, including shampoos designed for dreadlocks, often leave residue behind. In this section you’ll learn why doing a routine Dread Cleanse/Dread Detox is crucial to deep cleaning and removing buildup in dreadlocks!

 

1. Baking soda absorbs oil and residue

Residue buildup is mainly due to ingredients in shampoos that don’t wash out and the accumulation of sebum from your scalp. Sebum is an oily secretion of the glands on your scalp which may sound gross, however it is a very natural part of having a healthy scalp. Sebum production is only a problem when it builds up inside your dreadlocks.

Soaking in baking soda water will leave you with a fresh scalp and lighter, healthier dreadlocks by removing buildup!

 

2. ACV rinse balances the pH levels

Apple Cider Vinegar keeps your scalp at a healthy pH level, which contributes to a healthy amount of sebum production.

More on pH levels in the “MUST KNOW” section below!

 

3. Prevents mold, mildew, lice, etc.

Apple Cider Vinegar contains acetic acid which is a powerful antimicrobial that kills bacteria and fungus. I’m sure no one wants anything to do with these problems.. Do I have to explain more?

 

4. Even more benefits of using ACV!

There are many benefits of doing a Dread Detox with ACV rinse for your dreadlocks. Here are a few to boast:

  • Softens rough feeling dreadlocks
  • Tames frizzy and fuzzy hair
  • Stimulates hair growth
  • Can help prevent hair loss
  • Reduces split ends and breakage

Dread Detox guidelines you MUST follow

There are a few key details you must do correctly to avoid damaging your dreadlocks which I have outlined below. This is a MUST READ if you’re doing to do a deep cleanse!

 

1. You MUST follow up with ACV

Although baking soda is very effective at removing excess oil and shampoo residue, it is VERY harsh on your scalp! In this section I’ll explain some basic information about pH levels and how that applies to our dread cleanse.

The importance of following up with ACV mainly comes down to pH levels. According to Wikipedia, pH is a numeric scale used to specify the acidity or basicity of an aqueous solution. In layman’s terms it tells us how acidic or alkaline a water soluble substance is on a scale from 0-14.

A healthy scalp will range between 4.5 and 5.5 on the pH scale. Baking soda, on the other hand, has an extremely alkaline rating of 9. Apple cider vinegar has a pH rating of around 4. To put things simply, baking soda is very harsh because it creates an imbalance with the pH of your scalp. Following the Baking Soda soak with Apple Cider Vinegar will neutralize and dilute the Baking Soda and balance the pH of your hair and scalp back to the healthy level that it loves.

 

2. Only deep cleanse 3-4 times per year

Using too much baking soda and/or using it too frequently may contribute to stripping too much oil and sebum from your hair and scalp. This excessive stripping can lead to an overproduction of oils because your scalp is trying to balance and replace the oils that you strip with baking soda.

Using baking soda in place of shampoo is not recommended for this reason.

Alternatively, you can still ACV rinse locs after your normal washes on a regular basis. But I recommend only using baking soda for deep cleaning purposes a few times per year.

 

3. Be aware of Hard Water

I’ve recently moved to an area with very hard water and it has really been taking a toll on my scalp and my dreadlocks.

Instead of using water from the tap I use drinkable water from a large 5 gallon jug. This is recommended to avoid the minerals that are present in hard water that reduce the effectiveness of shampoos and this deep cleanse.

 

4. ACV Soaking vs. ACV Rinsing

If you’ve followed along with the information above it may have raised a question in your mind asking “will a simple rinse actually penetrate my dreadlocks deep enough to neutralize the effects of the baking soda???”

This question raises the debate of soaking with ACV versus simply rinsing with ACV.

I personally think that soaking in ACV water would be far more effective from a theoretical standpoint, however my personal experience has always given me better results doing a rinse.

Feel free to remove the water after your baking soda soak, replace it with new water and apple cider vinegar, and try a soak instead of a rinse. However, you do not want to soak for more than 3-5 minutes in ACV. It can loosen your knots which can lead to your ends coming open, or just general loosening. 3 minutes is perfect.

How to do a Dread Cleanse

STEP 1 – Gather your necessities

  • Wash Basin (get this inflatable Wash Basin here!)
  • 3 or more thick towels – the more the merrier – trust me
  • 1/4 a box of Baking Soda (aka Bicarbonate of Soda)
  • Approximately 1/2 cup of Apple Cider Vinegar (we recommend Bragg – who doesn’t?)
  • 1 squeezable water bottle, I use an empty dish detergent bottle
  • For areas with hard water – heat up a large pot of bottled water on your stove

Items necessary to clean your dreadlocks

STEP 2 – prepare your water bottle

  • Fill up your water bottle half way with Apple Cider Vinegar
  • Place it in your shower before the soak

ACV Rinse for Dreads

STEP 3 – Place your towels

  • Roll them up to use as a neck rest
  • Keep a towel within reach to grab later
  • Place your wash basin over the towels
  • Test out the comfort level before you commit to laying in the water
  • You may need more or less towels to get your head in the right position
  • Ideally you would have your head tilted back to get as much of your scalp under water as possible

Wash Basin for Washing Dreadlocks

STEP 4 – Fill your wash basin

  • Fill about halfway with comfortably hot water – remember to use bottled water instead of tap water if you live in an area with hard water
  • You’ll have to make a judgement call of how much water you need based on the size of your wash basin
  • Try to avoid overflow when you lay your head in the basin
  • Get our comfy Inflatable Wash Basin Here!

Filling the wash basin for deep conditioning locs

STEP 5 – Add baking soda

  • I tend to use around 15-20% of a standard box of baking soda when I soak my dreadlocks
  • Mix it with your hand – you might feel a slight change in the consistency of the water
  • There shouldn’t be any need to use more than a quarter of a box, baking soda is extremely powerful

Baking Soda for our Dreadlock Soak

STEP 6 – Soak for 15-20 minutes

  • Set a timer on your phone
  • Don’t guess, baking soda is harsh and shouldn’t be used for any longer than necessary

Necessary Items for your Dread Cleanse

STEP 7 – Squeeze your dreadlocks

  • When the timer goes off, carefully get up and wring your dreadlocks out into the wash basin
  • At this point your water should resemble a dirty water puddle
  • This is all the dirt and shampoo buildup that has been living inside of your dreadlocks!
  • Wring out enough water so you’re not dripping water anywhere and wrap your dreadlocks with a towel

Squeezing out Dreads after the Deep Soak

STEP 8 – ACV rinse your dreadlocks

  • Rinse once or twice with regular water to get more baking soda water out before you use ACV
  • Then, fill the remaining half of your bottle with water
  • Pour it over your scalp and work down your dreadlocks
  • Squeeze the ACV in as much as possible
  • Let it soak in for 3-5 minutes
  • Wash it out and you’re done!

Rinsing Dreadlocks with Apple Cider Vinegar

We hope your Dread Detox went well and hopefully your water wasn’t too dirty! We highly recommend using one of our top rated shampoos to keep that water a little clearer for your next Dread Cleanse.

SHARE AND HELP A FRIEND

The post Dread Detox & Cleanse – Baking Soda and ACV Rinse to remove residue buildup appeared first on Dreadlock Central.

]]> https://dreadlockcentral.com/dread-cleanse-baking-soda-acv-rinse/feed/ 0 9046 Castile Soap for Dreadlocks – Not as safe and effective as you think https://dreadlockcentral.com/castile-soap-for-dreads-unsafe/ https://dreadlockcentral.com/castile-soap-for-dreads-unsafe/#respond Fri, 07 Dec 2018 01:39:49 +0000 https://dreadlockcentral.com/?p=54194 Many people with Dreadlocks prefer the most natural route for their lifestyle, and soap is certainly one of them. Although Castile soaps such as Dr Bronner’s are considered natural and biodegradable they are often used as a common Soap for Dreads without understanding how they can damage your hair! This article will explain why Castile Soaps…

The post Castile Soap for Dreadlocks – Not as safe and effective as you think appeared first on Dreadlock Central.

]]> Many people with Dreadlocks prefer the most natural route for their lifestyle, and soap is certainly one of them. Although Castile soaps such as Dr Bronner’s are considered natural and biodegradable they are often used as a common Soap for Dreads without understanding how they can damage your hair! This article will explain why Castile Soaps and Saponified Oils are not a good replacement for a well formulated Dreadlock shampoo!

 

SHARE AND HELP A FRIEND

 

What you’ll learn in this article (nav links):

What are Castile Soaps & Saponified Oils?
Why use Castile Soap for Dreadlocks?
What are the issues with Castile Soaps?
Are Castile Soaps actually Shampoo?
What are the safer alternatives?

 

What are Castile Soaps and Saponified Oils?

Castile Soaps are made by combining vegetable oils and lye to achieve a chemical reaction called Saponification resulting in a soap.

Saponified Oils, or Saponification is the chemical reaction of turning fats or oils into soap using lye. The term is literally translates to”turning into soap” in Latin.

Therefore any “shampoo” which is created with Saponified Oils is actually a Castile Soap and NOT a shampoo. This is easily overlooked by consumers who do not understand or read ingredient lists.

Common “shampoos” and castile soaps that people use on their dreadlocks include:

  • Dr. Bronners
  • Knotty Boy
  • Dollylocks
  • The Vital Goods
  • Most Shampoo Bars
  • And many more…

 

Why do people use Castile Soap for Dreadlocks?

Many people with Dreadlocks strive to go the natural route and hold the assumption that Castile Soaps like Dr Bronners for Dreads are a better alternative to Commercial Shampoos. Although many Commercial Shampoos have a laundry list of terrible ingredients for your hair and other ingredients that lead to build up in your dreadlocks, that doesn’t mean that ALL Shampoos are bad. This is a typical case of “throwing the baby out with the bathwater”.

Before we get into the science and details that explain why these soaps are often a bad choice for Dreadlocks, here are the main reasons why people choose Castile Soaps over Shampoo for their Dreads:

  • Castile Soaps are made with as little as 3 ingredients
  • Recipes can be found online and made at home with ease
  • Castile Soaps are very biodegradable and wash away outdoors without harming the environment
  • They’re Vegan friendly – created with Vegetable Oils and Lye
  • Can be used for a very wide range of applications as a general cleaner

 

 How do Castile Soaps cause problems for Dreads?

 

PH IMBALANCES CAN CAUSE DAMAGE

The pH level of your hair and scalp is a very important aspect of Dreadlock Care. Surprisingly many products completely fail to take this crucial step of their product formulation into consideration.

Castile Soaps are typically registered around 8.9 on the pH scale. This level is far outside the range your scalp and hair should be. A high pH will open the cuticle of your hair leading to dry, brittle, and weaker hair causing damage over time.

A safe dreadlock shampoo will be formulated at a healthy pH range of 4.5-5.5 for your hair and scalp, resulting in much safer long term use.

 

NOT COLOR SAFE BECAUSE OF HIGH PH

The higher the pH level of the products you use (and the higher pH level of your water) will result in hair dye fading out quicker. Therefore, Castile Soaps high in pH should not be used if you want to preserve the color of your dyed hair.

 

LACK OF DILUTION BY THE USER

Most people using Castile Soaps such as Dr Bronner’s have no idea that they’re supposed to dilute Castile Soaps with water. Dr Bronner’s, for instance, is supposed to be diluted at a 1:10 ratio of soap to water before being used. And when it’s diluted it should be done so with purified water, since most tap water contains minerals resulting in hard water. Failing to dilute Castile Soaps properly will result in much higher pH levels. This is an extra step that is unnecessary with a properly formulated shampoo.

 

HARDWATER INCREASES PH LEVEL

In addition to the pH issues discussed above, water containing minerals (aka hard water) is typically higher in pH, which will exaggerate these issues even greater.

Generally speaking – the more minerals that are in your water the higher the pH will be. The cumulative effect of pH imbalance starts to become very clear when these factors are taken into account with already higher levels of pH in the products you use.

 

HARDWATER REDUCES CLEANSING PROPERTIES

Castile Soaps and many home-made “shampoo” recipes fall short of their ability to effectively clean hair in hard water. A good and true shampoo will contain a chelator which binds to minerals in hard water to reduce or prevent those minerals from interfering with the cleansing properties of the shampoo.

 

FILM AND DRYNESS

As a result of using Castile Soaps for Dreads many people are left with a film and dryness to their hair. Some people are aware of this, but many are not. We’ve experienced this on many of our clients who have no ideas it’s even happening. Lack of proper dilution will exaggerate this issue.

 

APPLE CIDER VINEGAR RINSE (or other acid) REQUIRED

The only solution for the pH issues listed above is to followup your Castile wash with an Acidic Rinse such as an Apple Cider Vinegar rinse. ACV can do wonders for your scalp and hair, but it’s an extra step that simply would not be needed if your shampoo was created at a healthy pH level to begin with.

 

LACK OF CONSISTENCY

Many of these problems are applicable for a lot of situations. However, some people seem to do just fine with Castile Soaps and Saponified Oils. If you dilute your soap, use water with low mineral levels and always followup with an ACV Rinse you may greatly reduce the issues listed above. However, most people fail to take the necessary precautions into consideration. Plus the water hardness levels vary greatly across regions. All of these points lead me to the recommendation of simply avoiding these Castile Soaps entirely. Just get a good shampoo and be done with it!

 

SUMMARY OF POINTS AND OUR OPINION

  • Castile Soaps are often too high in pH. High pH levels have been scientifically proven to open the cuticles of the hair. Open cuticles result in dryness, brittleness, damage, film on the hair, and fading hair dye.
  • Hard Water will exaggerate the pH imbalance. This will greatly reduce the cleansing properties and effectiveness of Castile Soaps
  • Proper dilution with purified water and an acidic rinse are all necessary steps to reduce the issues related to Castile Soaps and Hard Water

Why on earth would anyone want to go through all this work just to attempt to prevent or reduce these issues? Why not just use a real shampoo that has been formulated by professional and experienced cosmetic chemists instead? Synthetic Surfactants in real shampoos greatly reduce or even eliminate the problems listed above while being far more effective at cleaning and they also rinse out very clean without residue. The problems with most Commercial Shampoos are that they often contain additional fragrances, dyes, waxes, and other ingredients that build up and are unnecessary and even harmful to Dreadlocks. But there are a handful of shampoos without these harmful ingredients that will be very effective at cleaning your scalp.

 

 

By definition and function – Castile Soaps can hardly be considered Shampoo

When considering a shampoo for your dreadlocks your main concerns should be:

  • Can it clean my scalp and hair properly?
  • Does it contain ingredients that will cause damage or buildup in my dreads?
  • Will it close the cuticle on my hair?
  • Is it balanced for a healthy pH of the scalp and hair?

Once you understand the true science behind Castile Soaps for Dreads it becomes pretty clear that in most cases people will answer ‘NO’ to most or all of the above questions. Therefore, making Castile Soaps a bad choice for healthy Dreadlock care.
 
 
 

Bottom line – What are the safer and healthier alternatives?

 
In our opinion, Castile Soaps and “Dreadlock Shampoos” that are made with Saponified Oils should NOT be considered a healthy option for dreadlocks.

“Natural” Dreadlock Shampoos tend to use very easy homemade recipes which lack research and testing. Most of these types of shampoo makers simply do not take the negative points above into consideration. In my opinion it’s pure laziness and a terrible disservice to the Dreadlock Community who faithfully puts their trust in these companies.

Don’t blindly assume something is good for your dreadlocks just because it’s advertised as “NATRUAL”. Always do your research to fully weigh the benefits and drawbacks to understand both sides of the equation. “Natural” “Safe” “Organic” products do not necessarily correlate to being truly safe and healthy for your scalp.

OUR RECOMMENDATION:

We recommend a real shampoo that has been made professionally. One that has been formulated by an experienced Cosmetic Chemist and tested and reviewed by Dreadlock Professionals. Our highest recommendations are Trader Joes, Giovanni, or Free and Clear. You can find these shampoos and more info on Shampoo guidelines with our Shampoo Guide.

The post Castile Soap for Dreadlocks – Not as safe and effective as you think appeared first on Dreadlock Central.

]]> https://dreadlockcentral.com/castile-soap-for-dreads-unsafe/feed/ 0 54194 Top 3 Best Residue Free Shampoos For Dreads – Plus ingredients guide! https://dreadlockcentral.com/best-dreadlock-shampoo-guide/ https://dreadlockcentral.com/best-dreadlock-shampoo-guide/#respond Thu, 23 Aug 2018 14:34:47 +0000 http://ecbiz244.inmotionhosting.com/~dreadl6/?p=52372 The post Top 3 Best Residue Free Shampoos For Dreads – Plus ingredients guide! appeared first on Dreadlock Central.

]]>

Many “residue free” shampoos and many “Dreadlock Shampoos” leave residue behind which build up inside your dreadlocks. Don’t let this happen to you! Find the best residue free Shampoo for Dreads right here with our Dreadlock Shampoo guide and rating system.

SHARE AND HELP A FRIEND

The top 3 Best Residue Free Shampoos for Dreads

#1. Giovanni – Tea Tree Triple Treat

DreadlockCentral.com Review of Giovanni Tea Tree Shampoo

Although this shampoo is not designed specifically for dreadlocks it is truly residue free, washes out surprisingly clean, and it’s ultimately our top vote for the best Shampoo for Dreadlocks!

Get it on Amazon

After your first wash with this shampoo your dreadlocks will feel cleaner than they ever have! You’ll feel like you’ve just gone to a high-end salon to get your scalp massaged with a peppermint scrub that leaves you feeling completely refreshed!

  • No sulfates and residue free
  • Helps with mild dandruff
  • Washes out extremely clean
  • Great for all hair types
  • Suitable for soft and hard water
  • Smells amazing!

#2. Free & Clear – Shampoo

DreadlockCentral.com Review for Free and Clear Shampoo for Dreadlocks

For dreadlocks that are young, this is our top vote for the best shampoo. It is a very minimalist shampoo, without unnecessary additives including scent – so it has a light chemical smell which is what you would expect without added scents of any proper shampoo. It’s effective at cleaning yet rather gentle on the scalp.

Get it on Amazon

This shampoo is very effective at removing oil and sebum from the scalp and hair. It will leave your hair fairly dry, which is good for tightening. It is not recommended for dry or bleached hair without following up with Apple Cider Vinegar rinse or some type of safe moisturizer.

  • Washes out clean – residue free
  • No sulfates, dyes, parabens, fragrance
  • Removes residue from other products
  • pH balanced – most shampoos are not
  • Great for tightening young dreads
  • Easy to find locally at Walgreens!

#3. Trader Joe’s – Tea Tree Tingle

DreadlockCentral.com Review of Trader Joes Tea Tree Tingle for Dreadlocks

This product wasn’t actually designed to be a shampoo at all but washes out well, smells amazing, and is residue free! This is a great choice for one of the best shampoos for dreadlocks!

Get it on Amazon

You can find this great shampoo for dreadlocks at your local Trader Joe’s for only $4!

  • No sulfates – residue free
  • Helps with mild dandruff
  • Washes out extremely clean
  • Great for all hair types
  • Suitable for soft and hard water

Product and Shampoo Guidelines for Dreadlocks

  • Most commercial shampoos, and many dreadlocks shampoos, are not healthy for dreadlocks
  • Avoid ingredients such as sulfates, silicones, paraffins, dyes, and artificial fragrance – these ingredients can lead to residue build up
  • Avoid “shampoos” that are entirely comprised of oils – these are not actually shampoos at all
  • Understand that the hardness of your water can dramatically affect your washing experience (we’ll be writing about this topic soon)
  • Do not use a standard conditioner – opt for a moisturizer designed for dreadlocks instead
  • Do not use baking soda/apple cider vinegar as a replacement for shampoo – using baking soda too frequently is very harsh on your hair and scalp
  • Only use oils if you have dry hair and scalp – oils act as lubricants and allow knots to slip out which hinders the locking process
  • Wax is never necessary and is certainly not recommended

Switching Shampoo for Dreads

 

If you decide to switch your dreadlock shampoo we highly suggest doing a Dread Cleanse to maximize the benefits of this transition. A Dread Cleanse will help to remove any residue that may have built up inside of your dreadlocks as a result of using certain products. Learn everything you need to know with our Dread Cleanse Guide Here!

Individual Reviews and Recommendations

**HOW TO USE**

1. Select a star rating to filter products
2. Click on a product to read the review
3. Or Search by product name

5 Star

Giovanni – Shampoos
★★★★★

Giovanni Shampoo is our vote for the best shampoo for dreads!

Highly Recommended! ?

Although this shampoo is not designed specifically for dreadlocks it does wash out surprisingly clean.

I’ve had really good results with this shampoo and it may just be the best Shampoo for Dreadlocks! This product can sometimes be found at Walmart or Walgreens which makes it great for convenience!

Get it on Amazon

 

Vanicream Free & Clear – Shampoo
★★★★★

DreadlockCentral.com Review for Free and Clear Shampoo for Dreadlocks

Highly Recommended! ?

This is one of our top picks for the Best Shampoo for Dreads on the market right now!

This shampoo is very effective at removing oil and sebum from the scalp and hair. It will leave your hair fairly dry, which is good for tightening. It is not recommended for dry or bleached hair without following up with Apple Cider Vinegar rinse or some type of safe moisturizer.

• Washes out extremely clean with no residue
• No sulfates, dyes, parabens, gluten, fragrance
• Helps remove residue left over from other products
• pH balanced – something most shampoos cannot boast
• Great for tightening young dreadlocks
• Easy to find locally at Walgreens!

Get it on Amazon

 

Trader Joes – Tea Tree Tingle
★★★★★

DreadlockCentral.com Review of Trader Joes Tea Tree Tingle for Dreadlocks

Highly Recommended! ?

This product wasn’t actually designed to be a shampoo at all but washes out well, smells amazing, and doesn’t contain any sulfates!

This is one of the Best Shampoos for Dreads! If you want to save some money buy it at a local Trader Joe’s for much cheaper!

Get it on Amazon

 

4 Star

Vital Goods – Liquid Dreadlock Shampoo
★★★★☆

Vital Goods Liquid - The Best Shampoo for Dreads!

Highly Recommended for soft water. ?

Not recommended for hard water ?

The main ingredient in this Dreadlock Shampoo is black soap, which is healthy for dreadlocks and washes out very clean while the Shea Butter moisturizes your hair to keep it nice and healthy. There are additional oils added to help keep your scalp even healthier! Just be careful about using this Dreadlock Shampoo with hard water.

Get it on Online

 

Knotty Boy – Locking Gel
★★★★☆

DreadlockCentral.com Review of Knotty Boy Locksteady Dreadlock Gel

Somewhat Recommended. ?

This product isn’t something that is a necessity by any means, but it can really help to tame really frizzy hair. The great thing about this gel is that you need a very small amount of it to be effective and it washes out completely clean!

If you expect this product to be anything like Jamaican Mango and lime you’ll be disappointed. This is designed more to hold down frizzy hair instead of lubrication. If you use this product we recommend that you do so sparingly.

Get it on Amazon

 

3 Star

Knotty Boy – Dreadlock Shampoo Bar
★★★☆☆

DreadlockCentral.com Review of Knotty Boy Dreadlock Shampoo Bar

Recommended. ? But only for the first 6 months of your dreadlock journey.

This Dreadlock Shampoo bar is effective at tightening young dreadlocks and reducing dandruff. However, it leaves a residue behind. We recommend using this only for the first 6 months of having new dreadlocks, then do a deep cleanse and switch to a better product.

Get it on Amazon

 

Home Health – Antidandruff Shampoo
★★★☆☆

DreadlockCentral.com Review of Home Health Antidandruff Shampoo for Dreadlocks

Undecided/Neutral ?

This shampoo helps cut down on itching and scalp flaking associated with dandruff, psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis.

The only reason why we rated it at 3 stars, instead of 4 or 5, is because this product contains sulfates which are known to leave residue in dreadlocks.

If you’re dandruff is just killing you this shampoo might be worth trying!

Get it on Amazon

 

Coconut Oil Soap – Liquid Shampoo
★★★☆☆

DreadlockCentral.com Review of Coconut Oil Soap for Dreadlocks

Undecided/Neutral ?

Not recommended for hard water ?

This Shampoo for Dreads is mostly oils, which leaves me to question it’s cleaning capabilities.

Although this shampoo washes out clean, it is mostly just a mix of essential oils. This will not be good for hard water.

 

Dread Empire – Liquid Shampoo
★★★☆☆

DreadlockCentral.com Review of Dread Empire shampoo for Dreadlocks

Undecided/Neutral ?

Although this Dreadlocks Shampoo is trusted by some of our peers we are unsure of the effectiveness of this product.

We cannot confidently recommend this product at this time.

We will update this review in the future.

 

Shea Moisture – Shampoos
★★★☆☆

DreadlockCentral.com Review of Shea Moisture Shampoo for Dreadlocks

Undecided/Neutral ?

I’ve always been hesitant to give this Dreadlocks Shampoo the “OK” to my clients. It is typically used on re-twisted locs which are usually slathered with product.

Crocheted dreadlocks on the other hand sometimes do not do very well with oily and/or moisturizing products because the lubricant nature can allow loose hair and knots to slip out. This shampoo is also not good for hard water situations.

We do not completely condemn this Dreadlocks Shampoo line by any means, but we would recommend using a 4 or 5 star shampoo in this guide instead.

Get it on Amazon

 

Renpure – Shampoos
★★★☆☆

DreadlockCentral.com Review of Renpure Shampoo for Dreadlocks

Undecided/Neutral ?

Although we have not tested this Shampoo for Dreadlocks, and the reviews on Amazon are mixed, the ingredients look very good. We will be testing and updating this review soon.

• No sulfates, dyes, parabens, gluten
• Hydrates dreadlocks that are dry or mature
• Safe shampoo for dyed dreadlocks
• Available at some Target locations

 

 

2 Star

Dollylocks – Liquid Shampoo
★★☆☆☆

DreadlockCentral.com Review of Dolly Locks Dreadlock Shampoo

Not Recommended – especially for hard water ?

This Dreadlock Shampoo is almost entirely oil, which does not truly wash your dreadlocks.

Although Dolly Locks is better than most commercial brands, it tends to leave an oily residue which can inhibit locking. I’ve found it difficult to maintain my roots with this shampoo because the oiliness lubricates the knots I’m trying to make. For that reason we do not recommend it to our clients. I’ve also suggested to our clients to switch this shampoo with one of our top 3 shampoos and have received great feedback from them saying that it was a dramatic improvement when they stopped using this product.

 

Argan Oil – Generic
★★☆☆☆

Argan Oil for Dreadlocks

We only recommend this product for dry hair only if used sparingly.

Great things about Argan Oil:

  • Rich in Vitamin E and Fatty Acids
  • Very moisturizing for dry and damaged hair

 

This product is still an oil which can slow down the locking process. Please use sparingly.

My Tangled Knots – Liquid Shampoo
★★☆☆☆

DreadlockCentral.com Review of My Tangled Knots shampoo for Dreadlocks

Not Recommended, especially for hard water ?

This Dreadlock Shampoo is made by using saponified oils. Saponified oils are often terrible in hard water because the minerals in hard water greatly reduce the cleansing properties of the shampoo and also leave a film of soap scum on your hair.

We also expect the pH of this particular shampoo to be higher than what is recommended based on the ingredients and use of saponified oils.

Therefore, we do not recommend this shampoo for long term use.

 

 

Dr. Bronner’s – Castile Soap
★★☆☆☆

DreadlockCentral.com Review of Dr Bronners for Dreadlocks

Not Recommended. ? 

This product is NOT a good Shampoo for Dreadlocks!

Many people with dreadlocks claim that this soap is great for dreadlocks, and it may be great for many things, but dreadlocks is not one of them, especially if you have hard water.

Please avoid using this product. If you insist on using it make sure you dilute it properly and only use it if you run out of your normal Dread Shampoo.

 

Knotty Boy – Liquid Shampoo
★★☆☆☆

DreadlockCentral.com Review of Knotty Boy Liquid Dreadlock Shampoo

Not Recommended. ?

Although Knotty Boy’s Dreadlock Shampoo bar is pretty good, their liquid shampoo really fell short in my opinion.

This product just doesn’t do as good of a job at tightening, cleaning, and reducing dandruff as the Knotty Boy Shampoo Bar does. It also tends to leave some residue behind, therefore we don’t recommend using this product.

 

1 Star

Let’s Jam! – Locking Gel
★☆☆☆☆

Let's Jam! Locking Gel for Dreadlocks Review

Not Recommended. ?

This product is ONLY useful on African American hair textures with the twisting method. It is NOT useful for any other method or hair type.

For straight, non-kinky, and many mixed race hair types, this product will simply delay (or possibly even prevent) your dreadlocks from maturing. It acts as a lubricant which is the last thing you want when forming knots. I’ve had plenty of clients switch away from products similar to this and seeing almost immediate results of their dreadlocks tightening up.

Also, the label states “no build up” but the ingredients include “fragrance” and dyes which often build up inside of dreadlocks.

Dove – Shampoos and Conditioners
★☆☆☆☆

Dove Shampoo for Dreadlocks

Not Recommended. ?

Dove shampoos contain certain ingredients which leave residue inside your dreadlocks and any conditioner will lubricate dreadlocks which slow down or even prevent knot formation.

The main ingredient in most Dove products that leads to build up is Sodium Laureth Sulfate. It also contains “fragrance” which often builds up as well.

 

Beeswax – Generic
★☆☆☆☆

Beeswax for Dreadlocks

Not Recommended. ?

  • The wax may hold water inside of your dreadlocks leading to dreadrot
  • Wax will hold onto dirt and lint
  • Your dreadlocks will be heavier
  • It’s virtually impossible to remove

 

You DO NOT NEED WAX to start dreadlocks, and you especially don’t need wax after your dreadlocks have matured! If you insist on using wax only use it to lightly coat the outside of your dreadlocks, do not melt it into the body of your dreadlocks with a blow dryer.

Jamaican Mango and Lime – Locking Gel
★☆☆☆☆

Jamaican Mango and Lime Locking Gel for Dreadlocks Review

Not Recommended. ?

This product is ONLY useful on African American hair textures with the twisting method. It is NOT useful for any other method or hair type.

For straight, non-kinky, and many mixed race hair types, this product will simply delay (or possibly even prevent) your dreadlocks from maturing. It acts as a lubricant which is the last thing you want when forming knots. I’ve had plenty of clients switch away from this product seeing almost immediate results of their dreadlocks tightening up.

Also, the label states “no build up” but the ingredients include “fragrance” and dyes which often build up inside your dreadlocks.

Dreadlocks Shampoo – Bar
★☆☆☆☆

DreadlockCentral.com Review of Dreadlocks Shampoo Brand

Not Recommended. ?

Dreadlocks Shampoo bar is known to leave residue behind.

This brand boasts that their products are handmade, which may be something to be proud of, but in my opinion it shows a lack of research and testing. Homemade Dread Shampoos are rarely good for dreadlocks.

 

Dreadlocks Shampoo – Liquid Shampoo
★☆☆☆☆

DreadlockCentral.com Review of Dreadlocks Shampoo Brand

Not Recommended. ?

Dreadlocks Shampoo products are handmade, which may be a noble thing to do, but in my opinion it shows a lack of research and testing.

Other professionals and peers disapprove of this brand as well, and there are many better Shampoos for Dreads on the market.

 

Paul Mitchell – Shampoos and Conditioners
★☆☆☆☆

DreadlockCentral.com Review of Paul Mitchell Shampoo for Dreadlocks

Not Recommended. ?

Paul Mitchell shampoos contain ingredients that are not ideal for dreadlocks and all conditioners lubricate dreadlocks which hurts the locking process. This may be a great shampoo for normal hair but we do not recommend it as a Shampoo for Dreadlocks.

The main ingredient in most Paul Mitchell products are Sulfates are not good for dreadlocks. It also contains “fragrance” which often builds up as well.

 

Suave – Shampoos and Conditioners
★☆☆☆☆

DreadlockCentral.com Review of Suave Shampoo for Dreadlocks

Not Recommended. ?

Suave shampoos contain ingredients which build up inside of dreadlocks and commercial conditioners lubricate dreadlocks which inhibit knot formation. This is a terrible Shampoo for Dreads!

The main ingredient in most Suave products are Sulfates which are known to build up inside of dreadlocks. It also contains “fragrance” which often builds up as well.

 

TRESemmé – Shampoos and Conditioners
★☆☆☆☆

DreadlockCentral.com Review of Tresamme Shampoo for Dreadlocks

Not Recommended. ?

TRESemmé shampoos contain ingredients leave residue inside of dreadlocks and the conditioners lubricate dreadlocks which inhibit knot formation. We do not recommend this as a Shampoo for Dreads.

The main ingredient in most TRESemmé products are Sulfates which are known to leave residue inside of dreadlocks. It also contains “fragrance” which often builds up as well.

 

Neutrogena – Shampoos and Conditioners
★☆☆☆☆

DreadlockCentral.com Review of Neutrogena Shampoo for Dreadlocks

Not Recommended. ?

Neutrogena shampoos contain ingredients that are not good for your dreadlocks and commercial conditioners lubricate dreadlocks which prevents knots from forming. This is not a good choice as a Shampoo for Dreads.

Although the product in this picture says “anti-residue formula” the main ingredient is still a Sulfate which is known to leave residue inside dreadlocks. Just because it says “anti-residue” or “residue free” does not mean it is residue free for dreadlocks. These shampoos are designed to be residue free for normal hair.

 

Pantene – Shampoos and Conditioners
★☆☆☆☆

DreadlockCentral.com Review of Pantene Pro V for Dreadlocks

Not Recommended. ?

Pantene shampoos contain ingredients which leave residue behind in dreadlocks and conditioners lubricate dreadlocks which inhibit knot formation. We do not recommend this shampoo for dreads.

The worst ingredient in most Pantene products is Sodium Laureth Sulfate which is known to build up in your dreadlocks. It also contains “fragrance” which often leaves residue behind as well.

 

Garnier – Shampoos and Conditioners
★☆☆☆☆

DreadlockCentral.com Review of Garnier Shampoos for Dreadlocks

Not Recommended. ?

Garnier shampoos have ingredients which will build up inside of your dreads and commercial conditioners will lubricate dreadlocks which can prevent knots from forming. This is not a good shampoo for dreads.

The worst ingredient in most Garnier products is Sodium Laureth Sulfate which is known to build up inside of dreadlocks. It also contains “fragrance” which often builds up as well.

 

Herbal Essences – Shampoos and Conditioners
★☆☆☆☆

DreadlockCentral.com Review of Herbal Essences Shampoo for Dreadlocks

Not Recommended. ?

Herbal Essences shampoos contain ingredients that are not safe for dreadlocks and commercial conditioners will lubricate dreadlocks which inhibit knot formation.

Besides tons of artificial fragrances this shampoo has is Sodium Laureth Sulfate which is known to build up inside of dreadlocks. It also contains “fragrance” which often builds up as well.

 

SHARE AND HELP A FRIEND

The post Top 3 Best Residue Free Shampoos For Dreads – Plus ingredients guide! appeared first on Dreadlock Central.

]]> https://dreadlockcentral.com/best-dreadlock-shampoo-guide/feed/ 0 52372