Setting up dreads is one thing and maintaining them over some time is another. Both men and women with dreads may face a lot of challenges in cleaning them daily or as and when required. The ordinary shampoos don’t suffice the need at all as they fail to penetrate down to the level where it is needed. The idea behind using the best shampoo for dreads is to ensure that they don’t look dirty, dull, or frayed at all.
There is a good range of such specialized shampoos with specific formulas to take their utmost care for regular upkeep. A deep look at these formulas ensures that there is absolutely no residue left behind in the hair.
Moreover, they clean and treat your scalp and hair with no build-up at all. If you are looking to tighten up your dreads then some shampoos could also help in that case.
Gone are the days when you need a whole big collection of products to treat and maintain your dreadlocks just as you would have liked.
Today, a singular product is more than enough to upkeep your dreads perfectly and to ensure that both the scalp and hair are treated well with shampooing.
The best products in the range can be seen below:
Here is a quick preview of our top 10:
#1, Dollylocks Nag Champa Liquid Shampoo for Dreads
#2, Maple Holistics Sage Shampoo with Jojoba Argan and Tea Tree Oil
#3, Jamaican Mango and Lime Tingle Shampoo
#4, Knotty Boy Shampoo for Dreads
#5, TGIN Moisture Rice Shampoo for Dreads
#6, Design Essentials Oat Protein and Henna Deep Cleansing Shampoo
#7, Dollylocks Tea Tree Spearmint Liquid Shampoo for Dreadlocks
#8, Knitty Dread Shampoo for Dreadlocks
#9, Stylin Dredz Dreadlock Spray Shampoo
#10, Dread Head Shampoo for Dreadlocks
#1, Dollylocks Nag Champa Liquid Shampoo for Dreads
The formula of this highly productive shampoo is composed of all pure and organic ingredients. The shampoo does a great job of cleansing your scalp and hair to perfection and doesn’t leave any residue behind at all. It contains coconut oil as well that ideally nourishes your dreads without stripping off any sort of natural oils in it.
This emphatic formula is ideal for treating dyed hair and it works well in protecting the hairs from any sort of fading. The lightweight and the residue-free formula helps in giving healthy and shiny dreads. The after-wash feel would be quite refreshing. You will adore the Nag Champa floral scent of this shampoo.
- It contains the high quality pure and natural ingredients in its composition only.
- The formula is quite lightweight and residue-free as well.
- The product is free of phthalate.
- It comes with a very admirable Nag Champa fragrance.
- • The users of this shampoo have a complaint about a slightly greasy feeling.
#2, Maple Holistics Sage Shampoo with Jojoba Argan and Tea Tree Oil
The Maple Holistics shampoo is packed with a highly rich profile of ingredients that mainly includes organic tea tree oil and Argan. This shampoo is typically useful for those people who have color-treated dreads as it is free from sulfate. The antiseptic properties of this shampoo are good for providing an excellent therapeutic type of solution for dandruff. It would also help in enhancing the growth of your hair.
After consistent usage of this shampoo, issues like redness, dryness, flakes, and other such things would be a thing from history. Thanks to the excellent anti-septic formula of this shampoo that is suitable for all hair types.
- It is suitable for both genders and all types of hair.
- This anti-dandruff shampoo also contains conditioner.
- It is good to treat the dyed hairs.
- The shampoo is completely cruelty-free.
- The smell of this shampoo is not quite pleasing.
#3, Jamaican Mango and Lime Tingle Shampoo
The product ideally cleanses the hair, thoroughly massages the scalp, and perfectly eliminates build-up, if any. The gentle formula of this shampoo comes with excellent antioxidant and antibacterial ingredients, which are good for eliminating itching under the dreads. The formula is inspired by the tried and tested old Japanese recipes that make your dreads look good and healthy.
You will experience a refreshing smell after wash, which is all due to the mango and lime extracts in it. The shampoo is particularly formulated to be applied by females. It ensures risk-free to use and you will find it safe to use.
- The shampoo nourishes the hair quite well while cleansing it gently.
- It relieves the scalp from any itching and removes any build-up as well.
- It is formulated using all-natural ingredients.
- The shampoo after use offers an excellent fragrance that lasts for a long time.
- The lather does not lather well.
#4, Knotty Boy Shampoo for Dreads
Knotty Boy offers a powerful formula with all-natural ingredients, which is manufactured particularly for treating dreadlocks only. The shampoo offers an invigorating experience with a minty fresh feeling, which will keep your hair clean and with a highly pleasing smell that would last for the whole day.
Thanks to the moisturizing agents in the shampoo such as the castor oil, olive oil, and hemp seed oil for ensuring an excellent outlook of the dreads post-washing. It also comes packed with the essential oils of rosemary, tea tree, peppermint, and cannabis, etc.
You will experience a slight tingling sensation which would help in refreshing the locks and would thoroughly cleanse your scalp as well.
- The shampoo conditions and ideally softens the locks.
- It is biodegradable and free from any toxic chemicals.
- It helps in soothing the scalp.
- You will find it residue-free as well.
- The consistency of the shampoo not ideal and it struggles to get in between all the locks.
#5, TGIN Moisture Rice Shampoo for Dreads
This shampoo has got all the solutions for addressing the entire range of problems associated with dreads. It can treat dandruff quite well as well and manages to clean flaky scalp quite effectively as well. The manufacturer has induced this with Pro-Vitamin B5 which is a super solution for lessening any probable damage of the hair strands.
You will find it free of any lanolin, petrolatum, parabens, or artificial colors. It is also sulfate-free and this means that the treatment would not be harsh when dealing with the removal of any dirt or oily layers from the scalp. It is also not tested on animals and the formula is cruelty-free.
- It offers excellent tea tree spearmint fragrance.
- The formula of this shampoo is composed of all the natural ingredients.
- People with mature dreads would find it particularly useful in maintaining their hairs effectively.
- The product is hypoallergenic and cruelty-free as well.
- You may experience some itching on your scalp after using this shampoo.
#6, Design Essentials Oat Protein and Henna Deep Cleansing Shampoo
This unisex shampoo offers a fuller, stronger, thicker, and deep cleansing impact on hairs. It works well in eliminating any impurities without letting go of the natural oils. The product is enriched with natural botanicals that smoothen and condition the hair shaft most desirably.
The prime ingredient in this is henna and hydrolyzed oat protein. On top of that, it facilitates with added moisture as well, which is good for easing the detangling of dreads and also enhance their manageability.
This dread friendly shampoo is particularly good in treating dandruff as well. The 8 oz. bottle is good enough to give this potentially useful shampoo a go.
- The hydrolyzed oat proteins do well in strengthening the hair strands and avoiding damage.
- The henna ingredient is good for reclaiming lost shine and to add more volume to hair.
- The product provides an excellent and permanent solution for dandruff.
- It is suitable for both genders and contains natural ingredients.
#7, Dollylocks Tea Tree Spearmint Liquid Shampoo for Dreadlocks
The shampoo comes with a rich texture and it is induced with peppermint and tea tree extracts. The herbal extracts infused within makes it even more suitable for dreadlocks. The gentle formula of this shampoo not only makes your dreads super clean, but it also adds considerable volume to your hair.
You will feel a very nice and pleasant scent after every wash, which would linger on for the whole day. The shampoo is found to be anti-residue. This affordable product could be purchased in two different sizes. It is advised to go first with the smaller bottle and see how your dreads react to it.
- The shampoo is backed with powerful peppermint and tea tree extracts.
- All the ingredients used in this shampoo are organic, light, and with no chemicals at all.
- It comes with a very pleasant scent that lasts for the whole day.
- The product is pH balanced and hypoallergenic as well.
- It requires quite a bit of shampoo every time to make an impact.
#8, Knatty Dread Shampoo for Dreadlocks
If you are looking for a fragrance-free shampoo then this could be the best option for people with dreadlocks. It has the excellent quality of keeping your hair free from residue and also makes hair healthier and shinier.
Another great feat of this shampoo is that it is suitable for all types of hair. You will also get a good advantage with this shampoo that comes with the tightening of your hair. This tightening of the dreads is good for the mature ones and you will experience the locks starting to grow out.
The drying time of dreads would be quite quick and this would also make this shampoo ideal for those with long and mature dreads. The formula employs coconut for the nourishing effects and it is generally fragrance-free.
- The shampoo is ideal for long and mature dreads for easy styling.
- The presence of coconut extracts in the shampoo s god for the nourishment of hair.
- The shampoo is suitable for all types of hair.
- It is unscented and residue-free as well.
- It offers frizz effects which means that the hair gets a bit dried out with shampooing.
#9, Stylin Dredz Dreadlock Spray Shampoo
This ideal shampoo for dreadlocks comes with tea tree oil, which is good for cleansing hair quite gently. It doesn’t leave behind any build-up r residue. The manufacturer has formulated it specifically with the useful foaming agents that are excellent for the desired maintenance of the dreads. They form quite a thick lather that properly cleans your dreads by not causing detangling of the locks.
If there is any build-up, then it is seamlessly treated with this shampoo and you will find your hair shiny and soft. The formula of this shampoo is such that it conditions and moisturizes the scalp as well. If you entrust this product regularly for a few days then you will also witness a reduction in dandruff or itching, if any.
- It works well in eliminating any dandruff or itching of hair.
- The formula des well in the soothing scalp and detangling dreads.
- You will find a small portion of this shampoo lathering quite well.
- The shampoo is completely residue-free.
- Some issues escalated about the dryness of hair after washing.
#10, Dread Head Shampoo for Dreadlocks
Earth Locks Organic has offered this amazing Dread Head HQ shampoo for those having issues in maintaining their dreads. This is an all-natural formula that is capable of providing the desirable support that your dreadlocks need. It will ensure that your dreads are kept in their best possible condition every time.
The product is free from any ingredient which could brittle your hair in any possible manner. Your hair would also enjoy supplementary strength with the usage of this shampoo over time. It is also imperative to note here that the shampoo is free from any sort of fragrance.
- The formula of this shampoo is free from any sort of fragrance.
- It offers a highly productive non-greasy type of texture.
- The shampoo is capable enough of nourishing your dreads and scalp quite effectively.
- It comes in a big 64 oz. the bottle that is cost-effective and enough for use over some time.
- The bottle doesn’t come with any pump which makes this shampoo a bit hard to use.
Frequently Asked Questions about Shampoo for Dreads
The mature dreads are good to be shampooed about every other day. For the newer dreads, you can limit shampooing to once a week only until they get mature enough for more frequent washing.
Start by squeezing each dread using your fingers. Then do the same with a microfiber towel. Make sure that your dreads are palm rolled then from their roots to tips. Take advantage of warm weather if possible by air-drying them.
The best natural moisturizers to look for are coconut oil, shea butter, and olive oil, etc.
Yes, you must go for the best anti-residue shampoo which is easily available in the market.
Buying Guide for Best Shampoo for Dreads
If you have ever referred to different hairstylists about the best shampoo for dreads then you might have received contradictory replies. To make the buying process simple, just follow the below sections and you will soon have the perfect shampoo for dreads in hand:
Ingredients
Shampoos differentiate from each other based on their ingredients and this should be your starting point while hunting for the best shampoo for dreads. Any failure to choose the desirable ingredient could not only stop or slow down the maintenance process of dreads, but it could also damage your hair.
The synthetic beauty products are known for their quick performance but with a set of side effects as well. For a productive and risk-free experience, go for shampoos containing natural ingredients only.
The progress will be comparatively slower, but there wouldn’t be any side effects, and this is definitely what you should look for. Some excellent natural ingredients to look for in shampoos for dreads are tea tree, Aloe Vera and Papaya, etc.
Suitability
That is what we are exactly here for. We need to have a shampoo for dreads that perfectly suits them. The ideal shampoo match is to go with the nature or quality of your scalp. You will typically come across such shampoos for the normal scalp, dry scalp, or oily scalp.
Based on the necessity of your dreads and the need for their overall protection, you must look for the composition of the product. It must meet the basic requirement of treating dreads along with scalp, which would then help you to count on the desirable results.
Texture
The texture of a shampoo plays a pivotal role in determining the quality of your dreads. The potential buyers get confused with the formula whether to go for the liquid mixture or the gel-based type. Any good quality shampoo for dreads of ay texture should ensure desirable cleansing of the hair. They should ensure a glossier and shinier finish. You may consider using the shampoo twice sometimes to get the best results.
If you experience dryness of your hair and scalp after conventional shampooing then you must look for a shampoo with a lighter texture. It must also provide deep cleansing of your locks with a shinier finish.
Cleansing Property
The cleansing properties of good shampoo for dreads is based on the presence and deficiency of particular ingredients. The good shampoo offering excellent cleansing should come with all-natural ingredients and they should be free of any toxic chemicals as well. The better the naturalness of your shampoo, the more favorable will be the results. Therefore, you mustn’t take any chances.
Moisturizing Agents
It is an expected property of a quality shampoo for dreadlocks to provide them with the required moisture and lock it within. A shampoo with good moisturizing agents complements the cleansing property.
It is even more important for mature dreads, which are known for drying up pretty quickly. The natural oils in such a situation struggle to make their way through the rigid twists to reach the scalp and possibly result in damaging and dryness of hair. The best moisturizing agents to have are coconut oil, olive oil, and shea butter.
Usage
For best results, the majority of shampoo manufacturers for dreads advise to use it thrice a week. You must also give due importance to proper rinsing of the shampoo, which is also critical for avoiding any itchy or drying up the situation of the hair or scalp.
To use any shampoo to its maximum potential, make sure that you thoroughly read the product-specific “Instructions” given by the manufacturer. Make sure that these instructions are specific to the product and could vary significantly from the other products in the range.
Avoid Shampoos with Irritants and Allergens
Several manufacturers use parabens and other preservatives to enhance the shelf life of their products. Research has shown that this could cause various types of skin allergies and a range of other side effects. The most common parabens to avoid in these shampoos are methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, and benzyl paraben, etc.
On the irritants side, products with sulfates should always be restricted in usage. Producers use it as foaming and cleansing agents but they may cause eyes or skin irritation, along with probable damage to hair. Sulfates may also strip off color from the dyed hairs. Therefore, if you have colored hair then avoid sulfates at any cost.
Conclusion
The most advanced shampoos for dreads that suit them perfectly are known to be rich with oils that moisturize and nourish hair. They do not make them look oily or greasy at all, which is one challenge that people with dreads constantly face.
The majority of these shampoos come with oils of peppermint, tea tree, and rosemary. This helps a great deal in treating dandruff and also to relieve any itching which they usually face. The list of best products is shared above which fulfills all the criteria of suiting perfectly for dreadlocks.
You may prefer one over the other but the fact is that none of these would disappoint you as these contain what your dreadlocks need.
Their formula is expected to go a long way and can be entrusted by potential users on regular basis. All you need to do ahead of your purchase is that the potential product sits well with all the key points that are discussed in the Buying Guide section above.
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