Have you ever wanted to make dreadlocks? Maybe you already have them? Yes, we know, they look cool, especially on people who know how to wear a hairstyle like that. Despite the fact everyone can have them, they are definitely more popular amongst people with curly and thick hair.
Still, with dreads or not, you can’t avoid certain scalp or hair conditions most people deal with – dandruff is only one of them. Seemingly, it’s just a small problem, but whoever experienced it, knows how irritating it can sometimes become.
So, we’re here to help with all tips and tricks you need to know when the ”snow problem” shows up between your pretty locs.
So, we’re here to help with all tips and tricks you need to know when the ”snow problem” shows up between your pretty locs.
6 Shampoo for Dreads and Dandruff
- BEABODY - Editor's Pick
- DESIGN ESSENTIALS - Made in USA
- MAPLE HOLISTICS - For all hair types
- NEUTROGENA T/GEL - Non- drying
- THANK GOD IT'S NATURAL - Natural ingredients
- DOLLYLOCKS - Deep cleansing
Buyer's Guide: Shampoo for Dreads and Dandruff
You have probably noticed it after the first time trying to wash your ''new'' hair – regular shampoo simply doesn't work here now. It's not that something is wrong with your dreads, it only means you need to give your old shampoos to your mum or sister and go look for a new product that contains a formula suitable for your locs.
Which One is the Right One for You?
First of all, it's important to choose a shampoo that doesn't leave residue behind.
| What is a residue?
Picture it as a small substance that remains stuck in your locks even after washing it. That means you can't rinse it off properly. That way you are not able to remove all impurities out of your hair.
On the contrary, every time you wash it, there is a new layer of synthetic ''moisturizing'' residue being created on your hair and your scalp. When you have dreadlocks, this particular issue becomes even bigger because it gets impossible to wash your hair and feel like it's finally clean again.
That's exactly why you need a loc-friendly product that contains a proper formula suitable for dreadlocks. Choosing the right shampoo is going to allow you to wash out dirt and unnecessary oils out and rinse your hair off properly.
| No to SLS & SLES
While trying to decide which shampoo you should buy, here's another advice – try to avoid Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES).
Those and similar ingredients that end with 'sulfate' are pretty harsh cleansing agents. They effectively remove impurities, but, unfortunately, at the cost of taking the good oils off as well.
By removing sebum, a protective waxy layer, your scalp becomes too sensitive and exposed. That way, there is an increased chance of getting dandruff, micro-inflammations and other scalp problems.
It's also very important to check other ingredients as well. Keep in mind to always read their list on the product you are about to buy.
Some shampoos are labeled as natural or organic just to make people buy them. In reality, they may not be paraben-free, sulfate-free or natural. Above all, they may not be adequate for your dreadlocks at all.
Our Top 6 Best Shampoo for Dreads and Dandruff Reviewed
We realize there are a lot of different products and information you need to process to get an adequate shampoo. Sometimes it can be quite overwhelming because of this wide palette of possible choices, so we are here for you with our comprehensive list that will help you save some time and choose your best shampoo for dreadlocks.
1. Beabody – Ideal for All Hair Types
Tea tree oil is an important part of Beabody’s professional formula that helps you fight against dandruff. It also heals and calms your skin, which is why using this shampoo will bring your irritated scalp refreshing relief.
It’s a paraben-free product that gently cleans all impurities and flakes from your scalp and between your dreadlocks. It’s safe to use, effective and, most important, completely natural and safe for your locs.
2. Design Essentials – Oat Protein
This high-quality brand represents another dread friendly shampoo that is pretty useful against dandruff. It’s suitable for all hair types because of its natural ingredients that allow you to wash impurities without taking off some natural oils from your scalp.
The main ingredients are hydrolyzed oat protein and henna. The first ingredient strengthens your hair strands and makes it more resilient to damage. The second one brings back healthy shine and volume to your hair.
This product is great for strong and thick hair, which is usually a hair type of people who have dreadlocks. This gentle formula can be used on a daily basis.
3. Maple Holistics – Organic
Maple Holistics shampoo contains so many important ingredients that we have mentioned before: argan, organic tea tree oil… It’s also sulfate-free and completely safe for color-treated hair, as well as for your locs too.
With its antiseptic properties, it serves as a great therapeutic dandruff solution and a product that will improve your hair growth. Dry scalp, flakes, redness, and other problems are history with this professional anti-septic formula suitable for all hair types.
It’s also a great product for curly hair. Animals lovers will also be happy to see it’s labeled as a ”cruelty-free” product. In other words, it is not tested on animals.
4. Neutrogena - With Vitamin E
Neutrogena developed the best shampoo and conditioner for dreadlocks with vitamin E and Pyrithione Zinc. It brings fast relief for your red, itchy scalp, while it also successfully removes flakes and other impurities.
Pyrithione Zinc is an antifungal and antibacterial element that is quite important for regulating your scalp balance. It improves the work of sebaceous glands, which is very important for secreting a normal quantity of sebum.
On the other hand, Vitamin E is also often present in beauty products. You will find it labeled on different skin & hair care brands, since it moisturizes and strengthens your skin and hair, while also giving them a smooth and silky look.
They usually sell it in capsules if you want to buy it as a separated product which you can use orally.
5. Thank God It's Natural – Sulfate-Free
How to moisturize scalp with dreads properly? How to fight that embarrassing dandruff problem? One of the products we definitely recommend is this TGIN sulfate-free shampoo that effectively and gently cleans hair and flakey scalp.
It’s also enriched by Pro-Vitamin B5 which comes as a great solution for reducing the breakage of hair strands. This shampoo doesn’t contain parabens, lanolin, petrolatum or artificial colors.
It’s also sulfate-free which means it’s not harsh while removing oily layers and dirt from your scalp.
Good news for animal lovers again – not tested on them.
6. Dollylocks – Minty Scent
Are you looking for the best residue-free shampoo for dreadlocks? Search no more, because Dollylocks offers great fresh and minty herbal shampoo which is recommended for mature dreadlocks.
It’s pH-balanced and made of organic coconut and pure botanicals.
Some of the important ingredients are also olive oil, tea tree essential oil and almond oil. This beautiful texture and professional formula will definitely keep your dreadlocks and scalp clean, fresh and healthy.
You want to know what else? We heard it smells great!
Shampoo Ingredients that are Best for You Locs
Here's a list of natural ingredients that are important in everyday hair care and dandruff control for your locs. They are definitely going to keep your hair strong, healthy and smooth.
Argan Oil
Argan Oil is one of the main ingredients you have probably noticed labeled on many skin and hair care products before. Because of its rich, but smooth texture, it's excellent for moisturizing and keeping your hair and skin healthy.
Argan oil is enriched with vitamin E and fatty acids. Its formula allows all important substances to penetrate your skin and keep it hydrated.
Coconut Oil
Coconut Oil has been a great treatment for dry hair ever since old times. You can buy a shampoo that contains it or simply choose a jar of cold-pressed one for a DIY hair mask. It leaves your hair smooth and shiny, but be careful because sometimes it takes lots of time to rinse it off.
Peppermint oil
Peppermint Oil makes a good ingredient for moisturizing your dry scalp. It's also used for stimulating hair growth and giving your hair a nice and shiny look. This oil even has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, which is a very important part of any hair care treatment or situation when you are fighting against dandruff.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea Tree Oil also has antiseptic and antifungal properties. It's a great solution to recover your scalp if you suffer from hair loss or dandruff. Shampoo with this powerful ingredient has a mild dose of it, but you should still check it whether it bothers your skin or if you have any allergic reactions to it.
Jojoba Oil
Jojoba Oil is a melted wax material with a structure similar to sebum which makes it extremely suitable for our skin. Some oils, for example, have large molecules that are too big, so our skin can't absorb them.
That way the oil we put on our skin becomes an unnecessary layer that stays only on the surface. Not only that way our skin stays dehydrated, but the layer also prevents penetration of other relevant oils that might be much more helpful. Jojoba oil is also antibacterial and very beneficial in the fight against dandruff.
Chamomile
Chamomile is not only great as a tea – its oil also has antibacterial properties and comes as a great formula that strengthens your hair and relaxes irritated scalp. Chamomile is definitely helpful when it comes to dealing with dead skin cells and redness you are experiencing while fighting dandruff.
Avocado Oil
Avocado Oil is also known for having an excellent structure suitable for hair and skin care. It has a great texture which doesn't leave your hair greasy. That oil is also rich in vitamins A, B, D, and E and it prevents your scalp from drying and flaking.
How to Prevent Dandruff When Growing Dreads
| Less Stress
Dandruff is a problem that comes as a product of hormonal disbalance, stress, bad nutrition or other things related to your daily lifestyle and health in general. It also shows up as a result of external factors like aggressive hairstyling methods, usage of inadequate products, prolonged sun exposure, wearing a hat for too long, etc.
| Water Minerals
Researches from the US tell us that many states discovered they have hard water full of minerals like magnesium or calcium. That kind of water makes washing your hair much more difficult because it won't work along with your shampoo. Can you believe that's also one of the reasons you can get a ''snow problem''?
If you are dealing with dandruff, that doesn't necessarily mean you have done something wrong – as you can see, it can happen because of a bunch of different reasons, whether you have dreadlocks or ''normal'' hair.
So, dandruff in dreads is a normal and common occurrence, but you can still try to minimize the chances of getting it.
| Washing Your Hair
Make sure to wash your dreadlocks at least once a week. Although most people do that every three days, you can determine your rhythm according to your personal needs and habits. Try to keep your roots clean, because a healthy scalp implies your hair will be healthy as well.
| Recommended Shampoo
Above all, use an adequate shampoo suitable for your condition. Whether it's something we recommended or something you have found on your own, always make sure to check a list of ingredients to get what's best for you.
Conclusion
If you have come to the end of this article, we realize that there might be more questions you'd like to see answered. How to grow dreadlocks? How to properly moisturize scalp with dreads? Are there more dread friendly shampoos that are good? What else you should be paying attention to while trying to take good care of your locs?
| Hair Treatment
First of all, those are all just steps you discover on your exciting journey your hair goes through when you change it. Every hair, whether you have dreadlocks or not, needs a treatment based on its own needs and characteristics. Growing locs can sometimes feel like a demanding task, but after you catch up with all the important information, you won't feel like that's such a big obligation.
| Good Shampoo
Second of all, don't hesitate to invest in a good shampoo. Your irritated scalp and dreads deserve good care.
In the end, don't hesitate to ask your hairdresser for an opinion of the best natural products for dreadlocks as well. Check on some other people's reviews as well.
It always helps to see experiences others had with a product you are interested in. Make your hair care a fun journey where you sometimes have to deal with difficulties, but eventually end up enjoying it and being proud of your beautiful locs.
