Dreadlocks are a stylish and low-maintenance protective hairstyle loved by many. They’re easy to wear and don’t require daily styling, making them a great choice for people who want a natural, carefree look.
But there’s a common myth that dreadlocks don’t need to be washed. That’s not true! Just like any other hairstyle, dreadlocks collect dirt, sweat, and product buildup over time. Keeping them clean is important for a healthy scalp and fresh-looking locs.
Washing your dreadlocks the right way helps them last longer and prevents problems like itching, dandruff, and odor. In this guide, we’ll go over how often to wash your locs, the best products to use, and simple steps to keep them clean and healthy.
How Often Should You Wash Your Dreadlocks?
How often you wash your dreadlocks depends on a few things, like your hair type, daily activities, and how much product you use. Some people need to wash their locs more often, while others can go longer between washes. The key is finding the right balance to keep your scalp fresh without disrupting the locking process.
Factors That Affect Wash Frequency
- Hair Type: Oilier scalps may need more frequent washing, while drier scalps can go longer between washes.
- Lifestyle: If you sweat a lot from workouts or work in a dusty environment, you may need to wash more often.
- Product Buildup: If you use gels, waxes, or heavy creams, washing regularly helps prevent residue buildup.
General Recommendation
- Newly Formed Locs (0-3 months): Wash every 2-4 weeks to avoid unraveling while they’re still forming. Use a gentle, residue-free shampoo.
- Mature Locs (3+ months): Wash every 1-2 weeks to keep them fresh and free from buildup. Mature locs hold their shape better, so you can wash more often without worrying about them coming undone.
No matter how often you wash, always make sure your locs dry completely to prevent mildew or odor. Finding the right wash routine will keep your dreadlocks clean, healthy, and looking great!
Step-by-Step Guide to Washing Dreadlocks
Washing dreadlocks the right way keeps them clean, fresh, and long-lasting.
Preparing for a Wash: What You’ll Need
- Sulphate-free residue-free shampoo
- Apple cider vinegar
- Microfiber towel or cotton t-shirt
- Spray bottle (optional)
Follow these simple steps to make sure your locs stay healthy without getting damaged.
Step 1: Pre-Rinse Your Hair
Start by soaking your dreadlocks with warm water. This helps loosen any dirt, sweat, or product buildup, making it easier for the shampoo to do its job. Let the water run through your hair for about a minute before moving to the next step.
Step 2: Apply Shampoo
- Use a sulfate-free, residue-free shampoo designed for dreadlocks.
- Apply the shampoo directly to your scalp, focusing on massaging it in with your fingertips (not your nails) to remove buildup.
- Once your scalp is clean, work the lather down the length of your locs by gently squeezing the shampoo through them. Avoid rubbing or scrubbing, as this can cause frizz or weaken your locs.
Step 3: Rinse Thoroughly
- Rinse out all the shampoo completely using warm water. Any leftover residue can cause buildup and make your locs feel sticky.
- If needed, repeat the shampooing process once more for a deeper clean.
- For the final rinse, use cool water to help seal in moisture and leave your locs feeling refreshed.
Step 4: Drying Your Dreadlocks
Proper drying is just as important as washing to prevent mildew and bad odors.
- Towel-dry method: Use a microfiber towel or cotton T-shirt to gently squeeze out excess water. Avoid rubbing, as this can cause frizz.
- Air drying vs. blow-drying: If possible, let your dreadlocks air dry in the sun or a well-ventilated area. If you need to dry them faster, use a blow dryer on low heat, making sure your locs are completely dry before going to bed.
Following these steps will keep your dreadlocks clean, fresh, and healthy without causing unnecessary damage.
Deep Cleansing: The Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse
Over time, dreadlocks can collect product buildup, dirt, and oils that regular shampooing might not fully remove. That’s where an Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) rinse comes in. This deep-cleansing method helps detox your locs, leaving them fresh, lightweight, and buildup-free.
When and How to Do an ACV Rinse
You don’t need to do an ACV rinse every time you wash your locs. Instead, use it every 4-6 weeks or whenever your locs feel heavy, dull, or have buildup.
Steps to Do an ACV Rinse:
-
Mix the rinse: In a basin or large bowl, combine:
- 2-3 cups of warm water
- ½ cup of apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of baking soda (optional for extra deep cleansing)
- A few drops of essential oil (optional, for fragrance)
- Soak your locs: Lean over and dip your dreadlocks into the mixture, or pour it over your scalp and hair. Let it soak for 5-10 minutes, gently massaging your scalp to break up buildup.
- Rinse thoroughly: After soaking, rinse your locs with warm water to remove all the vinegar. Follow up with a light, residue-free shampoo if needed.
- Dry completely: Make sure your locs are fully dry to prevent mildew or unwanted smells.
Benefits of Detoxing Your Dreadlocks
- Removes buildup: Clears out product residue, sweat, and environmental debris.
- Balances scalp pH: Apple cider vinegar helps restore the natural balance of your scalp, reducing itchiness and dandruff.
- Keeps locs lightweight: Detoxing prevents locs from feeling heavy and clogged.
- Promotes healthy hair growth: A clean, buildup-free scalp encourages strong, healthy dreadlocks.
Doing an ACV rinse occasionally will refresh your dreadlocks and keep them looking and feeling their best!
Maintaining Fresh and Healthy Dreadlocks
Keeping your dreadlocks fresh and healthy isn’t just about washing them—it’s also about daily care and good habits. Here are some simple tips to keep your locs looking great between washes.
Avoid Product Buildup
- Stick to lightweight natural oils like coconut oil, jojoba oil, or argan oil to keep your locs and scalp moisturized without causing buildup.
- Avoid heavy creams, waxes, and gels—they can get trapped in your locs and make them feel sticky or heavy over time.
- If you use any styling products, make sure they are residue-free and water-soluble to prevent buildup.
Scalp Care
- A clean scalp is key to healthy locs! Between washes, you can use a spray bottle with diluted essential oils or rose water to keep your scalp refreshed.
- If your scalp feels itchy or dry, lightly apply a small amount of tea tree oil or peppermint oil mixed with carrier oil to soothe irritation.
- Massage your scalp regularly to promote blood flow and hair growth.
Sleep Protection
- Use a satin or silk bonnet, scarf, or pillowcase to protect your locs while you sleep. This prevents lint buildup, reduces friction, and helps retain moisture.
- If you have long locs, consider tying them up loosely or putting them in a soft fabric band to prevent tangling.
By following these simple tips, you can keep your dreadlocks fresh, lightweight, and healthy for the long run!
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Washing Dreadlocks
Taking care of dreadlocks is simple, but some mistakes can lead to buildup, breakage, or even unpleasant odors. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for and how to avoid them.
1. Over-Washing or Under-Washing
- Over-washing: Washing your locs too often (more than 2-3 times a week) can strip your scalp of its natural oils, leading to dryness and breakage.
- Under-washing: Waiting too long between washes can lead to dirt, sweat, and product buildup, making your locs feel heavy and itchy.
- ✅ Solution: Wash your locs every 1-2 weeks for mature locs and every 2-4 weeks for new locs. Adjust based on your scalp’s needs.
2. Using the Wrong Shampoo
- Regular shampoos often contain sulfates, silicones, or waxy ingredients that leave residue behind, causing buildup in your locs.
- Thick or creamy shampoos can coat the hair and make it harder to rinse out completely.
- ✅ Solution: Use a sulfate-free, residue-free shampoo designed for dreadlocks to keep your locs clean without buildup.
3. Not Drying Locs Properly
- Leaving your locs damp for too long can cause mildew, musty odors, or even mold inside the locs.
- Going to bed with wet locs or keeping them tied up while damp can trap moisture and lead to an unpleasant smell.
- ✅ Solution: Always air dry your locs in a well-ventilated area or use a blow dryer on low heat to ensure they are fully dry before styling or sleeping.
By avoiding these mistakes, your dreadlocks will stay fresh, clean, and strong for the long run!
Conclusion
Keeping your dreadlocks clean is essential for maintaining a healthy scalp and fresh-looking locs. Regular washing removes dirt, sweat, and buildup, while deep cleansing with an apple cider vinegar rinse helps detox your locs. Using the right shampoo, drying properly, and avoiding heavy products will keep your dreadlocks lightweight, strong, and long-lasting.
Consistency is key—stick to a wash routine that works for your hair type and lifestyle, and protect your locs at night with a satin or silk bonnet. By following these simple steps, you can keep your dreadlocks looking fresh and healthy for years to come.
Looking for a stylish, low-maintenance alternative to dreadlocks? Check out MyBraidedWig.com for high-quality hand-tied braided wigs and locs wig that give you the look of locs and braids without the commitment!
Related Articles:
Types of Locs: A Comprehensive Guide
Are Locs Braided Wigs Bad for Your Hair?
30 Butterfly Locs Hairstyles to Refresh Your Hair Game!
30 Stunning Crochet Locs Styles Ideas
