Dreadlocks, or “locs,” are a unique and beautiful hairstyle that requires a special approach to hair care. Moisturizing is key to maintaining healthy dreads, as they’re prone to dryness, frizz, and breakage. The right moisturizer keeps locs soft, hydrated, and vibrant. Here, we’ve reviewed five of the best moisturizers for dreads to help you keep your hair in top condition.
1. Locsanity – Rosewater and Peppermint Daily Moisturizing and Refreshing Spray
Key Ingredients: Rosewater, peppermint, and essential oils
Why It’s Great for Locs: Locsanity’s Rosewater and Peppermint Daily Moisturizing Spray is a fan-favorite among those with dreadlocks due to its unique blend of rosewater and peppermint. This refreshing spray provides a soothing, hydrating experience while also helping to control frizz. Rosewater is known for its hydrating and pH-balancing properties, which are essential for maintaining healthy locs. Peppermint oil offers a refreshing tingle, stimulates the scalp, and can help reduce dandruff or flakiness.
Benefits:
- Hydration and Balance: Rosewater helps restore the scalp’s natural pH, reducing dryness and itchiness.
- Refreshing and Cooling Sensation: Peppermint gives a light, invigorating feel and can help with scalp stimulation.
- Frizz Control: Helps tame frizz and keeps locs looking neat and well-kept.
- Light and Non-Greasy: Won’t leave residue, which is perfect for preventing buildup on locs.
Pros:
- Cooling and refreshing sensation.
- Lightweight formula suitable for daily use.
Cons:
- Scent may be strong for some users.
Best For: Anyone with dry, frizzy locs or those prone to scalp itchiness will find this spray particularly helpful. It’s also perfect for daily use, offering a boost of hydration without weighing down your dreads.
2. Lion Locs Hair Locking Dreads Moisturizer for Dreadlocks
Key Ingredients: Organic aloe vera, sunflower oil, avocado oil, and other natural ingredients
Why It’s Great for Locs: Lion Locs Hair Locking Dreads Moisturizer is designed with locs in mind. It’s rich in organic aloe vera, which is incredibly hydrating, and sunflower oil, which helps lock in moisture. The avocado oil adds extra shine, making it an excellent option for anyone looking to add a bit of sheen to their dreads. This product is free of artificial fragrances, making it gentle on sensitive scalps.
Benefits:
- Nourishing and Strengthening: Packed with vitamins and minerals that help strengthen each loc.
- Reduces Breakage: Helps prevent brittle locs and breakage, which is essential for long-lasting, healthy locs.
- Residue-Free: Formulated to leave no buildup or residue, which is crucial for those with dreadlocks.
- Softens and Adds Shine: Contains avocado oil for shine, keeping your dreads looking polished and fresh.
Pros:
- Rich and creamy formula for extra moisture.
- Helps strengthen locs and prevent breakage.
Cons:
- May feel slightly heavier than sprays.
Best For: Anyone looking for a natural, organic option that provides hydration and shine will love Lion Locs. It’s ideal for those who want a gentle, fragrance-free formula that offers intense moisture and protection.
3. Peculiar Roots Daily Moisturizing Refresher Spray with Rose Water for Locs
Key Ingredients: Rosewater, natural essential oils, and herbal extracts
Why It’s Great for Locs: Peculiar Roots has created a daily refresher spray specifically tailored for locs. Their Rose Water Refresher Spray is ideal for hydrating and revitalizing locs throughout the day. The rosewater is complemented by essential oils that nourish both the hair and scalp, providing a fresh, pleasant scent without being overpowering. This formula helps prevent scalp dryness, which is often a problem with locs.
Benefits:
- Instant Hydration: Keeps locs and scalp hydrated without weighing them down.
- Soothes Itchy Scalp: Rosewater has calming effects on the scalp, making it ideal for those who experience irritation.
- Light Fragrance: Fresh scent without the heaviness of artificial fragrances.
- Non-Greasy Formula: No residue or buildup, so it’s great for regular use.
Pros:
- Lightweight, buildup-free formula.
- Ideal for sensitive scalps.
Cons:
- Scent may be subtle for some.
Best For: Perfect for people who prefer a light, fresh spray they can use throughout the day. It’s also a good option for those who want an extra layer of moisture between washes without worrying about greasy buildup.
4. Lockology Loc Oil; Coconut Lemongrass Loc Moisturizer for Dreads
Key Ingredients: Coconut oil, lemongrass oil, and natural botanicals
Why It’s Great for Locs: Lockology Loc Oil is a rich blend of coconut and lemongrass oils, offering deep moisture while also promoting scalp health. Coconut oil is well-known for its ability to penetrate the hair shaft, providing hydration from within. Lemongrass oil offers a natural fragrance and has antimicrobial properties that can help keep the scalp clean and reduce dandruff. This moisturizer is specifically formulated to condition locs without causing buildup.
Benefits:
- Intense Moisture: Coconut oil provides long-lasting hydration, perfect for dry locs.
- Anti-Dandruff: Lemongrass oil helps reduce dandruff, making it ideal for people with scalp issues.
- Nourishing: Fortifies and conditions locs, reducing the risk of breakage.
- Pleasant Natural Scent: Lemongrass gives a fresh, earthy aroma without synthetic fragrances.
Pros:
- Long-lasting moisture and shine.
- Soothes itchy scalp.
Cons:
- May feel too heavy for locs that are naturally oily.
Best For: Best suited for individuals who need a more intensive moisturizer, especially if their dreads are prone to dryness. The oil formula is perfect for those who want a deeper, long-lasting hydration boost.
5. Locsanity Daily Moisturizing Loc Spray for Dreads
Key Ingredients: Aloe vera, tea tree oil, essential oils
Why It’s Great for Locs: Locsanity’s Daily Moisturizing Loc Spray is a versatile and reliable option for anyone with locs. Made with aloe vera and tea tree oil, it offers intense hydration while keeping the scalp balanced and clean. Aloe vera is known for its soothing properties, making it excellent for dry or irritated scalps. The tea tree oil in this product has antimicrobial properties, making it ideal for anyone dealing with scalp issues.
Benefits:
- Soothes Scalp: Aloe vera calms irritation and helps maintain the scalp’s natural moisture balance.
- Prevents Buildup: Designed to leave no sticky residue or buildup in locs.
- Refreshing Sensation: Tea tree oil offers a cooling, refreshing feeling while keeping the scalp fresh.
- Perfect for Daily Use: Lightweight enough for everyday application without weighing down the hair.
Pros:
- Easy to use, lightweight formula.
- Suitable for daily application.
Cons:
- Scent might be mild for some users.
Best For: Ideal for anyone looking for an all-in-one solution for daily hydration and scalp care. It’s especially useful for those who experience scalp irritation or want a lightweight moisturizer that won’t contribute to buildup.
Tips for Choosing the Best Moisturizer for Dreads
When selecting a moisturizer for dreadlocks, here are some important things to keep in mind:
- Avoid Heavy Oils and Waxes: These can lead to buildup and make locs feel greasy. Opt for lightweight, residue-free moisturizers.
- Look for Natural Ingredients: Natural ingredients like aloe vera, rosewater, and essential oils provide hydration without irritating the scalp.
- Consider Your Scalp Needs: If you have an itchy or sensitive scalp, look for ingredients like tea tree oil, peppermint, or lemongrass, which offer antimicrobial properties and a soothing sensation.
- Choose Hydrating and pH-Balanced Formulas: Hydration is essential for locs, so prioritize products with hydrating ingredients like aloe vera, rosewater, and glycerin.
Product Breakdown and Recommended Use
| Product | Best For | Key Benefits | Moisture Level |
| Locsanity – Rosewater and Peppermint | Daily refreshing and frizz control | Hydration, pH balance, soothing | Light |
| Lion Locs Hair Locking Moisturizer | Organic, no fragrance, intense moisture | Shine, strengthening, no buildup | Moderate |
| Peculiar Roots Daily Moisturizing Spray | Light hydration throughout the day | Non-greasy, calming for scalp | Light |
| Lockology Loc Oil, Coconut Lemongrass | Intense moisture, anti-dandruff | Deep moisture, pleasant scent | Rich |
| Locsanity Daily Moisturizing Loc Spray | Daily hydration and scalp soothing | Soothes, refreshes, buildup-free | Light |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How often should I moisturize my dreads?
Moisturizing frequency depends on your hair type and moisture needs. Generally, people with dry locs benefit from daily or every-other-day moisturizing, while those with oilier hair may only need to moisturize a few times a week. Daily sprays like Locsanity Rosewater and Peppermint Spray are ideal for frequent, light hydration.
Can I use regular hair oils on my dreadlocks?
Regular hair oils may be too heavy for locs and can lead to buildup. Opt for lightweight, loc-specific products that provide moisture without clogging the hair. Products with lighter oils like sunflower oil or aloe vera are ideal for maintaining hydration without adding excess weight.
How do I avoid buildup in my locs?
To avoid buildup, select residue-free and water-based moisturizers that don’t contain heavy waxes, synthetic ingredients, or thick creams. Also, avoid using too much product at once, and consider rinsing or lightly washing locs regularly to keep them clean and fresh.
Are natural products better for moisturizing dreadlocks?
Natural products are generally safer for locs as they tend to have fewer synthetic ingredients that can lead to buildup. Ingredients like aloe vera, rosewater, and essential oils are naturally moisturizing and gentle on the scalp.
Can I use these moisturizers on starter locs?
Yes, many of these moisturizers are suitable for starter locs, as they are lightweight and residue-free. Light sprays, such as Peculiar Roots Daily Moisturizing Spray, are especially beneficial for those just beginning their loc journey since they hydrate without disrupting the loc formation.
What’s the best way to apply moisturizer to my locs?
For sprays, simply spritz directly onto your locs and scalp, then gently massage to ensure even distribution. For oil-based moisturizers, use a small amount and focus on the ends of your locs and your scalp to avoid over-saturation.
How can I keep my scalp moisturized without overloading my locs?
Choose a light, refreshing product like Locsanity Daily Moisturizing Loc Spray that targets the scalp and provides moisture without causing buildup. Applying product sparingly and focusing on the scalp can help maintain balance.
Final Verdict
Each of these moisturizers offers unique benefits to meet various needs in loc care. For daily refreshment, Locsanity’s Rosewater and Peppermint Spray or Peculiar Roots Refresher Spray are excellent choices, offering hydration without weighing down locs. For deeper moisture, Lion Locs Hair Locking Moisturizeror Lockology Coconut Lemongrass Loc Oil work well, especially for dry locs or sensitive scalps.
Maintaining moisturized locs keeps them soft, manageable, and healthy, making your loc journey more enjoyable and stress-free. Choose the best moisturizer based on your loc type, dryness level, and personal preference to keep your locs looking their best.