9 Best Shampoos for Dreadlocks And Their Sheer Maintenance

Written by Alvira Dsouza, Hair Expert
Updated on May 06, 2024
Best Shampoos for Dreadlocks
Best Shampoos for Dreadlocks
The products curated for this article are independently chosen by the editorial team. If you make a purchase through the links mentioned below, we may receive a commission. Check out our product research & curation process

Dreadlocks make you look edgy and high-on-style but tables can turn, making your hair look and feel rough if you fail to lend them extra care and nourishment. Keeping them clean and healthy is no deal if you have the best shampoo for dreadlocks at your disposal. Each of your locks should be well-nourished so that they can grow naturally, locking up desirable volume, hydration, and, of course, appeal. With the right cleansing technique and the perfect choice of moisturizing or clarifying shampoo, you can seamlessly promote a healthy scalp environment and sweep away residue, build-up, dandruff, and debris.   

Based on our first-hand research, using a good shampoo and conditioner for locs should be your go-to solution to keep them hydrated. That’s because, gradually, dreadlocks tend to become odorous, resulting in a flaky scalp. An ideal shampoo can not only prevent them but also offer a dose of vital nutrients and vitamins. With so many options out there, choosing one for dreadlocks can be overwhelming. Fortunately, you can leave that to us. We have carried out an extensive search and then listed a few of the expert-reviewed shampoos. Have a look at our top picks!

Best Shampoos for Dreadlocks

This spray shampoo from Styling Dredz is designed specially to amplify the beauty of your dreadlocks and braids. With a potent blend of key ingredients, the shampoo cleanses your scalp and thoroughly sweeps away any build-up. Plus, it is infused with foaming agents and thus lathers exceptionally well, eliminating dandruff and itchiness. Once you incorporate this shampoo into your haircare routine, maintaining your locks will be easier and stress-free.  

Key Ingredients: Tea tree oil, citric acid 

Cruelty-free: Yes

Quantity: 11.83 fl oz

Pros
  • Moisturizes the hair
  • Detangle locks
  • Budget-friendly
  • Smells divine
Cons
  • Prone to leakage
  • Editor’s Pick

    Jamaican Mango & Lime Tingle Shampoo

    Jamaican Mango & Lime Tingle Shampoo
  • Dreadlock shampoo like this one from Jamaican Mango & Lime deserves applause. It gently removes build-up, massages your scalp, and relieves itchiness. What makes it earn the title of the best shampoo for locs is its luxe blend of ingredients that suits all hair types, including color-treated hair. So, for anyone seeking well-groomed and healthy locks, this is the magical elixir that you need to rely on without any second thoughts. We also glanced through the review section, and here is what a reviewer has to say, “Since I started using this shampoo, I can’t use another. I absolutely love it. The tingling sensation makes it feel so fresh and clean after each wash.”

    Key Ingredients: Moringa seed and manuka honey 

    Cruelty-free: Yes

    Quantity: 16 fl oz

    Pros
    • Mesmerizing mango scent
    • Moisturizes the hair
    • Lathers nicely
    • Paraben-free
    Cons
    • Very concentrated
  • Most Refreshing

    Dollylocks Dreadshop Liquid Shampoo

    Dollylocks Dreadshop Liquid Shampoo
  • By incorporating Dollylocks Dreadshop Liquid Shampoo into your haircare regime, you will swoon over your own dreads. Firstly, this shampoo smells heavenly, leaving your hair smell oh-so-good. Secondly, it is crafted with well-chosen ingredients to make hair healthy and shiny. Regardless of being gentle and lightweight, it washes away scalp build-up without stripping off natural oils from your hair. Honestly, maintaining the quality of your hair and scalp is quite easy as long as you have this good shampoo for dreads on your shelf. 

    Key Ingredients: Coconut oil, jojoba oil, guar gum, and olive oil

    Cruelty-free: Yes

    Quantity: 8 fl oz

    Pros
    • Residue-free formula
    • Smells great
    • Vegan
    • Sulfate-free
    • Can be used by men and women
    • Suitable for all hair types
    • Easy to rinse
    Cons
    • Unsatisfactory packaging
  • Best for Itch Relief

    Lockology Peppermint Tea Tree Castile Loc Shampoo

    Lockology Peppermint Tea Tree Castile Loc Shampoo
  • Lockology’s Castile Loc Shampoo is a cleansing expert. It deeply penetrates into your locs, lathers incredibly well, and bids adieu to odor and itchiness. In addition, it promotes hair growth and prevents your dreadlocks from overdrying. Thanks to the therapeutic composition of key ingredients that soothe your hair shaft and scalp by removing dirt and build-up. What’s the best part? This shampoo for dreads is the go-to solution for anyone possessing thick hair, be it chemically or color-treated. 

    Key Ingredients: Peppermint and tea tree

    Cruelty-free: Yes

    Quantity: 16 fl oz

    Pros
    • Pocket-friendly
    • Vegan
    • Rinses easily
    • Prevents dandruff
    Cons
    • Runny consistency
  • Best Color-safe Formula

    LOCssentials Clarifying Shampoo

    LOCssentials Clarifying Shampoo
  • Be it locs, interlocks, microlocs, or twists, this clarifying shampoo for dreadlocks from Locssentials is a real deal for a couple of good reasons. Firstly, it invigorates your scalp, prevents flaking, and sweeps away residues if any. Moreover, what sets it apart from the rest of the shampoos is that it features a rich blend of nutrients, botanicals, and other natural compounds, thus lending you a chance to indulge in a clean formula. Icing on the cake? The formula promotes hair growth and without a doubt provides in-depth nourishment. For added care and nourishment, conclude your haircare regime with LOCssentails Scalp Stimulating Conditioner.

    Key Ingredients: Peppermint oil, menthol, wheat amino acids, and tea tree oil

    Cruelty-free: Yes

    Quantity: 8.5 fl oz

    Pros
    • Vegan
    • Paraben-free
    • Gentle
    • Color-safe
    • Alcohol-free
    • Doesn’t contain phthalates
    Cons
    • Scent may not appeal to all

    Quick Tip:

    For starter locs, it is advisable to use a washing cap or hairnet while shampooing to prevent the unraveling of your dreads.

  • Best pH-balanced Formula

    Rasttafari Hair Care Deep Cleansing Shampoo

    Rasttafari Hair Care Deep Cleansing Shampoo
  • Renowned for its antifungal and antibacterial properties, Rasttafari Hair Care Deep Cleansing Shampoo is a must-have hair care product! Its pH-balancing formula is yet another feature that makes it stand apart from the crowd. For a healthy scalp environment, this shampoo for locs works towards controlling excessive sebum and acts as a top-notch detox to clear residues. Bonus — it imparts luster and smoothens your hair strands. A satisfied user says, “I am so glad I tried the shampoo. It smells great with a hint of the mint. It leaves my scalp feeling nice, clean, and a little tingly.”

    Key Ingredients: Apple cider vinegar, argan, pomegranate seed oil, aloe vera, and green tea 

    Cruelty-free: Not mentioned

    Quantity: 8 fl oz

    Pros
    • Refreshing
    • Easy to rinse
    • Smells great
    • Strengthens hair follicles
    • Available in bigger size
    Cons
    • Packaging could be better
  • Best for All Hair Textures

    Made For Locs ACV Shampoo

    Made For Locs ACV Shampoo
  • Made For Locs ACV Shampoo makes sure that the integrity of your locks is maintained. For that, it flawlessly eliminates residues, product build-up, and dandruff and clarifies your scalp deeply. Crafted with natural and hair-nourishing ingredients, it helps cleanse the scalp thoroughly without disrupting the natural pH levels of the scalp. What’s the best part? It lathers with ease and refreshes your dreadlocks, which further enhances the way you feel and look.  Lastly, apply and promote the optimal health of your locks consider pairing it with Made For Locs Black Charcoal Conditioner.

    Key Ingredients: Apple cider vinegar, aloe vera, and rice water

    Cruelty-free: Yes

    Quantity: 8.8 fl oz

    Pros
    • Vegan
    • Suitable for all hair types and textures
    • No need to dilute
    • Lightweight
    Cons
    • Prone to leakage

    Quick Tip:

    Pour a small amount of shampoo on your scalp. Begin applying it to your scalp gently. Wait for the shampoo to run down your locs as you rinse.

  • Best Lightweight Formula

    Loclicious Clarifying & Moisturizing Shampoo

    Loclicious Clarifying & Moisturizing Shampoo
  • Loclicious Clarifying & Moisturizing Shampoo is a lightweight, organic shampoo that you ought to add to your cart to enhance the quality of your scalp and locks. What makes it the best shampoo for dreads is its strengthening properties. In addition, it prevents hair thinning and breakage and clears residue, build-up, and debris dwelling on your scalp. With no sign of dread damage or dryness, this shampoo works wonders! A loyal user shares, “I really love this product! My hair feels and looks so clean. I have gray locks and was worried that my hair wouldn’t look as bright. This brightens my hair and makes my scalp feel clean.” 

    Key Ingredients: Glycerin, xanthan gum, hemp oil, jojoba oil, argan oil, and vitamin E oil

    Cruelty-free: Not mentioned

    Quantity: 8 fl oz

    Pros
    • Paraben-free
    • Vegan
    • Phthalate-free
    • Contains no sulfate
    • Promotes healthy hair
    Cons
    • Watery consistency
  • Best for Preventing Dryness

    Trader Joe's Tea Tree Tingle Shampoo

    Trader Joe's Tea Tree Tingle Shampoo
  • Lastly, we recommend Trader Joe's Tea Tree Tingle Shampoo to make your dreads feel utterly rejuvenated. With its botanical ingredients, the shampoo aims to moisturize your hair and clarify your scalp. Plus, it not only smells divine but also improves the overall quality of your dreads. What’s more? We also found that this shampoo is perfect for those who have colored their hair and wish to combat dryness with a salon-quality solution. 

    Key Ingredients: Peppermint, tea tree, and eucalyptus 

    Cruelty-free: Yes

    Quantity: 16 fl oz.

    Pros
    • Softens the hair
    • Cost-effective
    • Free from laurel/laureth sulfates
    • Mesmerizing tea tree fragrance
    Cons
    • Runny consistency

    That was our comprehensive list of the best shampoos for dreadlocks hair Now, let us run you through a detailed buying guide to help you pick the right product.

    How to Choose the Best Shampoo for Dreadlocks?

    Here are a few aspects that you should consider before splurging on the best dreadlock shampoo:

    Hair Type: Make sure you analyze your hair and dreadlock type before investing in any one of the shampoos for dreads. Be it starter, budding, teen, mature, or rooted locks, pick a shampoo that suits your hair type and scalp condition the most. For sweeping away excess sebum and build-up from your scalp, pick a clarifying shampoo like LOCssentials Clarifying Shampoo. Likewise, if you are dealing with dry and thin hair, then a moisturizing shampoo can be of great help to you.  

    Key Ingredients: Next is the list of ingredients. As per our research, it is beneficial to snag up shampoos that are enriched with natural, botanical, and organic ingredients, including wheat amino acids, tea tree oils, pomegranate seed oil, apple cider vinegar, vitamin E, etc. Refrain from purchasing shampoos that contain harsh chemicals, such as mineral oils, sulfates, phthalates, parabens, etc., as it might worsen your scalp condition or fail to revitalize your scalp. 

    Texture: Whenever you are seeking a good shampoo for locs, make sure you pick the one that possesses a residue-free formula and is known for its gentle cleansing abilities. Secondly, the shampoo should be light in weight and easy to rinse. 

    Formula: Moving on to the next important aspect, formula. Ensure that it is loaded with immense moisturizing properties. In addition, check whether it contains antifungal and antimicrobial properties, backed with a pH-balanced formula.

    Conclusion

    After taking note of the above-mentioned aspects, you will be able to bring the best shampoo for dreadlocks home. Investing in a good quality shampoo can make a huge difference in maintaining healthy and beautiful locks. After considering a plethora of factors like key ingredients, formula, texture, reviews, and ratings, we managed to curate this comprehensive list for you. From the above-mentioned list, Styling Dredz Spray Shampoo managed to seize the top position for its soothing formula and potent blend of key ingredients. Likewise, you can find your locks ideal match and lend your dreads the nourishment they crave.

    FAQ's

    Can one use any type of shampoo on dreads?
    No, it is vital to use a residue-free shampoo crafted especially for dreads. It can be a liquid shampoo, spray shampoo, or dry shampoo.
    Which are the specific ingredients to avoid in shampoos for dreadlocks?
    Yes, ingredients like sulfates, phthalates, parabens, gluten, artificial fragrances, etc. are a few of the ingredients that you should steer clear of when purchasing a shampoo for dreadlocks.
    How often should one wash dreadlocks with shampoo?
    One should wash their dreadlocks with a shampoo at least once or twice a week.
    Is it okay to use a dry shampoo on my dreadlocks?
    Yes, it is okay to use a dry shampoo on your dreadlocks that absorbs excess oil and removes residue without water.
    Is a clarifying shampoo suitable for dreadlocks?
    A clarifying shampoo is suitable for dreadlocks as it promotes a healthy scalp environment.

    Why Trust Pinkvilla

    Our certified haircare expert, Alvira, researched the best shampoos for dreadlocks so that you can make a wise investment. She mindfully analyzed the features of every shampoo and penned down her honest feedback. She believes that the right choice of shampoo matters a lot when it comes to the nourishment and overall maintenance of the scalp and dreadlocks. From the list she created, it was Jamaican Mango & Lime Tingle Shampoo for its moisturizing properties and divine fragrance. You can also check the rest of her top picks and bring home what suits your needs and preferences the most. 

    Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health & Fitness onboard to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust Select to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!

    Author BIO
    reviewer
    Alvira Dsouza
    Hair Expert

    With a keen eye for detail and a passion for hairstyling, Alvira is a certified Hair Expert who brings the latest tre More