Not every shampoo is suitable for dreadlocks—even if it claims to be "natural." Some products leave residue in your hair or disrupt your scalp's balance. This blog post explains what a dreadlock-friendly shampoo should have, which ingredients to avoid, and which brands are safe for your locs.
Why not every shampoo is suitable for dreadlocks
Dreadlocks require different care than loose hair. Because the hair is dense, product buildup (residue) can easily get stuck. This can eventually lead to itching, dandruff, or even mold growth within your locks. Therefore, it's important to choose a shampoo that's residue-free, water-soluble, and balanced with your scalp .
What should a dreadlock-friendly shampoo meet?
A good shampoo for dreadlocks:
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Is residue-free: does not leave a greasy or waxy layer.
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Water-soluble: rinses completely, leaving your locs feeling fresh.
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Has a pH value around 5.5: this supports the natural balance of your scalp.
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Contains no silicones or heavy oils: these can cause buildup.
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Contains mild, natural cleansers : such as coco-glucoside or decyl-glucoside.
Ingredients to avoid
When choosing a shampoo, pay particular attention to these ingredients — they can cause problems with dreadlocks:
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Silicones (such as dimethicone, amodimethicone): form a layer that builds up in your locs.
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Non-water-soluble oils (such as mineral oil, petroleum): smooth your hair but lock in dirt.
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Heavy butters (such as shea in high concentration): can leave a residue.
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Sulfates (such as SLS or SLES): cleanse too aggressively and disrupt the pH balance of your scalp.
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Waxy substances such as cetearyl alcohol or paraffin: make rinsing difficult.
✧ Tip: Check your shampoo’s ingredients list for words ending in -cone, -xane, or -siloxane — these often indicate silicones.
Favorite dreadlock-friendly shampoos
Fortunately, there are more and more brands that take into account natural hair care that suits your hair and scalp. Below you'll find a list of my favorite dreadlock-friendly shampoos, including their key ingredients, benefits, and the scalp type and stage of dreadlocks they're best suited for.
Raw Roots Greenie Genie Shampoo Bar
Key ingredients: hemp seed oil, neem oil, nettle, and Himalayan salt.
Benefits: Strengthens hair and scalp, helps with dandruff, supports natural cleansing.
Suitable for: normal to oily scalp.
Best stage: Perfect for the start-up phase of your dreadlocks and can be used in all stages.
You can find the Greenie Genie here ;)
Petal Fresh Rosemary & Mint
Key ingredients: rosemary, peppermint, horsetail, and mild coconut cleansers.
Benefits: Stimulates the scalp, promotes hair growth and gives a refreshing feeling.
Suitable for: all scalp types.
Best phase: good for all stages of your dreadlocks.
Urtekram Tea Tree
Key ingredients: tea tree oil, aloe vera, lavender oil, and magnolia bark extract.
Benefits: Soothes a sensitive scalp, purifies and hydrates.
Suitable for: sensitive or dry scalp.
Best phase: good for all phases of your dreadlocks.
Wella Elements Renewing Shampoo
Key ingredients: glycerin, panthenol, salicylic acid and glycolic acid.
Benefits: Hydrates, strengthens hair and soothes scalp.
Suitable for: all scalp types.
Best phase: ideal for adult dreadlocks.
Dollylocks Shampoo (Beach Bae)
Key Ingredients: Aloe vera, grapefruit seed extract, jojoba oil, coconut oil, hemp seed oil, and avocado oil.
Benefits: Cleanses without residue, conditions the scalp and leaves a fresh, summery scent.
Suitable for: all scalp types.
Best phase: good for all stages of your dreadlocks.
✧ Tip: ACV (apple cider vinegar) rinse – a natural way to remove buildup between washes.
How to test yourself whether a shampoo is residue-free
You can easily test whether a shampoo can cause buildup:
- Fill a glass of water.
- Add a few drops of shampoo.
- Stir with a spoon. If the shampoo floats on the surface or you feel a greasy residue, it likely contains silicones or insoluble oils.
