The Best Shampoos for People With Dreadlocks Tested (And Loved) By Me

Dollylocks Liquid Shampoo Tea Tree Spearmint excels in providing a refreshing and invigorating scalp experience thanks to its unique blend of tea tree and spearmint oils that soothe and cleanse effectively. One thing you can’t do with dreadlocks is run your fingers through your hair.

This means you can’t very well scratch or otherwise exfoliate your scalp. When I was suffering with scalp irritation, I would reach for Dollylocks Liquid Shampoo in Tea Tree Spearmint.

The combination of active ingredients offered an immediate cooling sensation that left my scalp feeling soothed and invigorated. (If this sounds like you, you might also check out my colleague, Jenna’s, compilation of top shampoos for itchy scalp).

The Dollylocks brand is trusted by dreadlocks enthusiasts and comes in a variety of scents. I can see why Dollylocks is a favorite—it’s got a lot of essential oils and necessary additives that help restore dreads and keep them locked tight without stripping them of oils naturally produced by the scalp and hair.

If you’ve had your dreadlocks for a while and have noticed a buildup of residue and/or an unpleasant odor, you may have developed dread rot. I experienced this once, and I panicked. Don’t worry!

All hope is not lost. Before you cut them off, try out Knatty Dread Loc Shampoo.

Formulated specifically for use with dreads, the brand is renowned for its deep-cleansing capabilities. It works by penetrating tight knots to effectively eliminate dirt, oil and other debris that builds up over time.

I love not just the packaging of this cleanser but what it can do for dreads. Often, the goal of cleaning dreads is cleansing them, keeping them smelling fresh, and removing debris.

But it can be hard to find a shampoo that does all of the above while also keeping locks tight into the favored “locs” that many dreadheads prefer. This shampoo accomplishes just that, helping looser and fatter dreads tighten up and become more uniformly round for greater appeal and health.

Less flyaway hairs in your dread tips and roots mean healthier and stronger dreads that last.

Yes, it requires extra effort to maintain dreadlocks, but this doesn’t mean you can’t save time on a busy schedule. If you prefer a low-maintenance hair care routine, you might consider trying Lion Locs Co-Wash/Leave-in Conditioner.

It offers the versatility of cleansing and conditioning for healthy dreads without having to use two separate products. Basically, it’s a cleanser that washes hair by conditioning it, known as co-washing.

This is a common washing technique for people who have naturally wavy or curly hair, and this product is ideal for anyone with full or partial dreads who wants to keep them looking and feeling fresh. You can either rinse the product out when you’re done or use it as a leave-in conditioning agent if you want to give your dreads some relief and a few days of relaxation without getting them wet.

Did I mention it’s vegan? The co-wash treatment product contains no wax, parabens, dyes, sulfates, mineral oil.

When you have dreads, your scalp is pulled and manipulated as you twist them into shape from the root down. This can wreak havoc on your poor head, but the right shampoo can help make things right.

Introducing Aromatica’s Rosemary Scalp Scaling Shampoo, which allows its lead ingredient to soothe the scalp and gently slough off the scales and dead skin, a common concern among people with dreads. Not only does this shampoo help remove the plaque and scales on the scalp, but it also works to fortify and rebalance the pH of the scalp to prevent future damage.

Imagine having both healthy and gorgeous locks as well as a healthier scalp. What else does rosemary do?

Aside from offering an earthy aroma, rosemary aids in promoting hair growth and thickening hair as well. This is important when you have dreads you’re trying to get to lock up since hair can feel strained and pulled during this time.

The scalp cleansing and stimulating effects work their way down your dreads from root to tip, leaving your head and scalp healthier than ever.

A natural pH balance is critical in the maintenance of healthy hair, and this is especially true for those with dreadlocks. Apple cider vinegar is known for its ability to restore this balance, leading to a healthier scalp and more attractive dreads.

If you have never tried apple cider vinegar as a hair wash to rid your dreads of stale and stinky odors (even a simple half ACV, half tap water solution can do the trick), then you’re in for a treat! This powerful cleaner should definitely be part of your routine when choosing one of the best shampoos for dreadlocks.

And the other great part about this shampoo—you can use it on your hair, and the rest of your family can use it on theirs! You don’t have to have dreadlocks to enjoy this purifying and super-cleansing shampoo, but if you do have dreads, you can benefit even more every time you suds up.

Hydration and freshness can be a difficult combination of goals to achieve in a single dreadlock shampoo. The strategic combination of natural ingredients deliver strong antibacterial effects to keep the scalp clean and healthy while leaving it feeling tingly and revitalized.

I bought a bottle when I had my dreadlocks, and I can still remember how soft and manageable it left my hair. Not only is this product great on your dreads, but it’s also easy on the budget.

It’s gentle enough on dreads to not overwhelm them or leave residue behind, and it’s also great as an everyday cleanser if you want to give your scalp a break and really restore your tresses. All this in a shampoo that’s free of sulfate surfactants!

When using this shampoo, less is more. Pay attention to your scalp, and let the suds work their way down your dreads to prevent residue and debris from being left behind.

Especially when worn too tightly, dreadlocks can contribute to traction alopecia, a type of hair loss. Whether you’ve noticed thinning since you’ve had your dreads, or you naturally have thin hair, adding Jamaican Mango & Lime Tingle Shampoo to your hygiene regimen can stimulate hair growth through a blend of mango and lime extracts.

These ingredients produce a tingling feeling that improves blood circulation, and this is often the perfect stimulation to not only encourage hair growth but also prevent hair loss in the first place. You already know by the name alone that this is one sweet-smelling shampoo.

Jamaican Mango & Lime Tingle Shampoo brings a tropical allure while also promising to hydrate and nourish even the longest and densest dreadlocks. It’s also an affordable option for your go-to shampoo.

It doesn’t stop there, though! Moringa oil is a star player in this shampoo, helping to reinforce and strengthen dreads and making the hair thicker and fuller—and shinier and healthier—all around.

Manuka honey is also a key player, and these two ingredients are the reason why this shampoo has made it to my list.

In my experience, it can be tricky to keep residue from building up in your dreadlocks. It’s necessary to find a shampoo specifically formulated to deeply penetrate into each dread to remove dirt and oils.

Dread Head HQ Dread Soap is designed for that specific purpose. If you’re new to dreadlocks or just want to try a simple formula that can give you visible results, then this is a shampoo worth investing in.

As a bonus, it’s not scented. While it’s intended for dreadlocks, it won’t hurt or overly dry out natural hair or hair that’s not been dreaded, so feel free to use this cleanser on your straighter locks as well.

I love a good dread soap that helps maintain hair and hydrate it without weighing it down, which is why I’ve added this Dread Head HQ Dread Soap cleanser to our list. It’s completely residue-free, making it a trusted hair cleanser for dread heads all over!

If you have sensitive skin or you have naturally oily hair, this shampoo is going to help bring balance to your tresses and leave them feeling nice and hydrated without sacrificing your skin in the process. I’d highly recommend adding this product to your arsenal, even if you only use it when needed along with other best dreadlock products.

How do you know when your dreads have accumulated buildup? You can see it, you can feel it, and, in the worst case scenario, you can smell it.

Are your dreads feeling and looking a little dull, powdery, flaky, and lackluster lately? Every now and then your dreads need a boost in cleansing and an overhaul in residue removal.

This is why I’ve added LOCssentials Clarifying Shampoo to our list. This shampoo uses two ingredients we’ve seen on our list already—tea tree and peppermint oils—but I’m loving it because these two oils work wonders on the scalp and hair.

If you’ve got residue buildup from waxes, pomades, or even other cleansers that aren’t dreadlock approved, it’s okay so long as you have the right remedy in your shampoo collection.

Dreadlock maintenance is highly dependent on your ability to keep your locks properly hydrated, and this can be effectively achieved through the use of natural oils. I loved using Blu Atlas Coconut Apricot Shampoo when my dreads were feeling dull and dry.

The active ingredients are in the name with the addition of aloe vera, producing a deep-hydrating effect that penetrates the hair shaft, providing an immediate result. How does it work?

The blend of coconut surfactants and apricot works hard to strip unwanted impurities and oils from your scalp and hair so you can gently cleanse your dense dreads without leaving heavy residue behind. Blu Atlas was among my favorites when I had dreadlocks, and I can typically recommend it to most people due to its versatility.

There are a number of issues that can lead to your dreads becoming weak and thin over time. From excessive tension and scalp infection to vitamin deficiencies, stress, or even a lack of proper care, your once vibrant locks can become a source of embarrassment.

If your dreads need a little TLC and could use some extra growth, this rosemary and mint shampoo gently cleanses and fortifies the hair and scalp, and the addition of biotin helps make your dreads stronger and longer. Aging and mature dreads can especially benefit from this shampoo, as can dreads that are brand new and just beginning to tighten and lock.

I love that this product is so rich in natural oils and extracts. Every time I used it, I noticed my hair was stronger and more resilient.

Best of all, it can promote new hair growth along with maintenance of overall healthy dreads.

Dandruff is not only uncomfortable, it can be downright embarrassing. Furthermore, it can be even more noticeable with dreads, and Botanic Hearth Tea Tree Shampoo is a great choice for gaining the upper hand.

The key is in the powerful blend of tea tree oil and other natural ingredients. Since tea tree oil is known for its antifungal and antibacterial properties, it doesn’t just offer temporary relief.

Rather, it can treat dandruff at its source. If earthy and natural shampoos with lots of vitamins and herbal essences are what you’re after, Botanic Hearth Tea Tree Shampoo has you covered.

Loaded with lavender, vitamin C, rosemary, peppermint, tea tree oils, and more nutrients, this shampoo can seriously hydrate your hair and give your locks the TLC they’ve been thirsting for. This is another shampoo that’s safe for all types of hair, so if anyone in your family suffers from a dry scalp or itchy dandruff, let this shampoo be your go-to for not only keeping your dreads soft and manageable, but also for allowing everyone in the home to have happy, healthy hair.

It’s also sulfate and paraben free.

According to Harvard Health, approximately six million Americans suffer with atopic dermatitis while another 12.5 million have seborrheic dermatitis. A commonality amongst these skin disorders are scalp symptoms like dandruff, itching, redness, and overall discomfort.

If this is you, standard shampoos may not work. If you’ve never tried a medicated formula, you may find the relief you seek in Nizoral Scalp Psoriasis Shampoo & Conditioner.

The key ingredient here is ketoconazole. This antifungal ingredient is effective in treating a number of scalp conditions.

You can purchase this product without a prescription as the gentle formula is safe for use on most skin types. If you’ve never tried a medicated option to help manage your scalp condition, I’d give it a try, but keep an eye out for some uncommon yet possible side effects including dryness, hair texture changes, or allergic reactions.

I worked closely with a personal training client with dreadlocks, and she was one of the few folks in the world who suffers with hyperhidrosis. This means she sweats more than average.

We did our workouts together during her lunch break on many occasions, and the stagnant moisture left behind in her dreads led to dread rot. I had dreads at the time and I was able to provide her with a life hack: the Arista Anti Dandruff Shampoo Bar.

This product is compact and simple to fit in any gym bag without taking up space needed for your essentials. The solid shampoo bar packs a punch and works wonders in maintaining a healthy scalp.

Even if you have very thick dreadlocks, the natural ingredients are able to target and eliminate impurities. I love that the portability of the bar form allows you to live life to its fullest without compromising proper dreadlock care.

Nothing killed my confidence more than when my dreads would become dry and dull. I always kept a bottle of Locasnity Rosewater & Peppermint 2-in-1 Shampoo and Conditioner on hand for those days when I needed a boost.

Who doesn’t love a 2-in-1 cleanser that makes the hair smell great and get squeaky clean without having to follow up with a conditioning agent? I know I loved it for its effectiveness in keeping my locks hydrated and aesthetically appealing.

Rosewater is a new addition to our list of ingredients in hair care shampoos for dreads. Since rosewater is a natural astringent, it’s as good for the hair in removing oils as it is for the face.

This shampoo is specifically designed for dreadlocks, but you can use it on all “loose” hair textures and types as well. I call this shampoo a win when it comes to more-than-basic hair care and oil control.

Best of all, since the rosewater works with peppermint, your hair is left hydrated while your scalp is cool and tingly. Trust me, you’ll look forward to bathtime!

I’m not going to judge you if your dreads aren’t entirely authentic. Synthetic dreads have their place.

What’s more, if there’s a shampoo for your type of hair, then that makes it legit! SheaMoisture’s shampoo is designed to fortify and cleanse both authentic and synthetic hair, helping you keep your dreads clean and healthy.

Aloe, tea tree oil, and borage seed oil—an exciting new addition to our list—work together to prevent buildup, residue, and bacteria. The result? Healthy hair that looks great whether it’s natural or a high-end weave.

This powerful formula is designed to penetrate deep into your dreadlocks for best results in the removal of product buildup, dirt, and oils. Borage seed oil is especially noteworthy.

Known for its radiance-inducing properties, it revitalizes even the most brittle and dry strands. Your thirsty roots and tips will be grateful you’ve incorporated this shampoo into your routine.

If you color your dreads, you need a clarifying shampoo like BB Tropical Roots Clarifying Shampoo that safeguards your hair against color damage and the styling steps you take to customize your look. Aloe and rosemary work together to fortify and restore the hair while protecting and revitalizing the scalp.

And it doesn’t just work for hair dye. This shampoo is particularly effective during the summertime for removing chlorine after a swim.

By incorporating this shampoo into your routine, you can keep your dreads intact, smelling fresh, and looking great.

When excess oil builds up around the hair follicles, the result is greasy looking hair that’s lackluster and thin in appearance. Avalon Organics Citrus Shampoo is the perfect solution.

Designed to strip away unnecessary oils and residue, this citrus shampoo can be used periodically to give your dreads a refreshing boost or incorporated into your routine for an invigorating citrus lift. What sets it apart is its simplicity.

It’s free from added scents or dyes, and it’s not tested on animals. For anyone looking to enhance their dreadlocks’ appearance, Avalon Organics offers a straightforward, effective solution.

Since it features such a gentle formula, it’s an excellent choice for regular use.