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The 10 Best Clarifying Shampoos for Locs for 2024

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best clarifying shampoo for locsAre you looking to give your locs a deep cleanse? You’re in luck! Clarifying shampoos are designed to do just that, and the products curated here have been chosen specifically for their powerful cleansing abilities.

With so many options on the market these days, it can be hard to know which one is best suited for your hair type and needs. In this article, we’ll review 10 of the best clarifying shampoos for locs available in 2023 as well as offer some tips on how to select the right shampoo and use it properly.

So if you want healthy, manageable dreadlocks without all of that buildup weighing them down, then read on!

Key Takeaways

  • Clarifying shampoos for locs deep cleanse and remove dirt, product buildup, and impurities.
  • Choosing a clarifying shampoo specifically designed for locs is important to avoid hair damage.
  • Regular use of a clarifying shampoo once a week helps maintain healthy and beautiful locs.
  • Follow up with a moisturizing deep conditioner after using a clarifying shampoo.

Best Clarifying Shampoo for Locs

When it comes to clarifying shampoo for locs, there is a range of options available. From Professional Dreadlock Shampoo and Stylin Dredz Shampoo Tea Tree Oil to Knatty Dread Dreadlocks Shampoo, Lockology Dreadlock Shampoo, and Knotty Boy Dreadlock Shampoos such as Jamaican Mango Lime, plus the unique offerings from DreadHeadHQ’s dreadlock soap bar or Twisted Sista Clarifying shampoo – all designed specifically for dreadlocks – Locsanity Rose Water Peppermint Spray and Neutrogena Clarifying Hair Care products have you covered in keeping your locs looking their best.

Professional Dreadlock Shampoo

Experience the refreshing scent of Nag Champa while cleansing your locs with Dollylocks Professional Organic Dreadlock Shampoo. It is a lightweight and residue-free formula designed to keep your locs looking their best.

Handcrafted in small batches with high-quality raw ingredients, this clarifying shampoo is made from plant-based materials for gentle yet effective cleansing. It helps strengthen hair and eliminate buildup without stripping away healthy oils or ingredients.

Suitable for all hair types, it leaves locks feeling refreshed and clean while adding an invigorating aroma to each strand.

Pros
  • Lightweight & residue-free
  • Strengthens & eliminates buildup
  • Gentle on delicate scalps
Cons
  • Greasy/product-filled feeling after use if not diluted properly
  • Watery consistency requires a larger amount used per wash

Stylin Dredz Shampoo Tea Tree Oil

Stylin Dredz Spray Shampoo -View On Amazon
Cleanse your dreadlocks with the refreshing tea tree oil scent of Stylin Dredz Shampoo, creating a thick lather to eliminate dirt and buildup without stripping away healthy oils.

This residue-free shampoo lifts up and cleans away build-up from dreadlocks while soothing and moisturizing the scalp. The concentrated formula lathers like a regular shampoo to reduce dryness, itchiness, and dandruff, leaving hair soft and smelling great.

It is suitable for microlocks or braiding/twisting as well as freeform locks with no risk of product buildup on your locs.

The large bottle size makes this an economical choice which works immediately – you will notice a difference after two days’ usage! Its peppermint scent may not be pleasant for some, but many customers appreciate its tingling sensation that leaves their locs feeling super moisturized and healthy.

However, one downside is that some users found the product too watery compared to what was suggested by the manufacturer’s description when they received it in shipping packaging, which was wet due to leakage during the delivery process.

Pros
  • Residue-free cleansing
  • Moisturizes scalp & hair
  • Suitable for all types of locks including microlocs & twists
  • Large bottle size great value
  • Works immediately
Cons
  • Not everyone likes peppermint smell
  • Product sometimes arrives leaked
  • May be too watery

Knatty Dread Dreadlocks Shampoo

Knatty Dread Dreadlocks ShampooView On Amazon
Knatty Dread’s coconut-based shampoo helps give your locs a natural, refreshed feel while also tightening and promoting new growth. This residue-free shampoo is suitable for all hair types and works great in reducing drying time after washing.

It contains no saponified oils or added scents, leaving only the natural coconut smell behind.

The lightweight formula lathers up well when applied directly onto dreadlocks, making it easy to rinse out without any buildup or residue left behind. It’s recommended that you use this shampoo twice per wash for best results – once as an initial cleanse followed by a second smaller amount of product for deeper cleansing power.

Each section should be targeted separately before moving on to another area of your scalp/locs.

Pros
  • Tightens dreadlocks & promotes new growth lock
  • Completely free from residues & unscented
  • Suitable for all hair types
  • Reduces drying time after washing
  • Renewable coconut-based formula
Cons
  • Some users have experienced residue after washing
  • Does not remove sebum completely
  • Shampoo may be watered down compared to other options

Lockology Dreadlock Shampoo

Lockology Dreadlock Shampoo with PeppermintView On Amazon
Try Lockology Dreadlock Shampoo to revitalize your locs and experience softer, cleaner hair with a deep clean. This all-natural shampoo is made of peppermint and tea tree oil for an intense cleansing that won’t strip away natural oils or dry out the scalp.

It has a thinner viscosity than other shampoos, making it easy to lather into dreadlocks without leaving residue behind.

Plus, its proprietary blend of essential oils helps reduce itching, dandruff, and odors while promoting growth in your locs – all without over-drying them! You can trust this product as customer reviews show how well it works on their locks: good lathering capabilities, effective penetration of lock roots, and no build-up or clogged pores caused by using regular shampoos.

Some users found that because it was so watery, they didn’t feel like their hair got fully cleaned from dirt & grime.

With Lockology Dreadlock Shampoo, you can give yourself peace of mind knowing you’re getting one of the best clarifying shampoos available for locs!

Pros
  • Natural ingredients help protect split ends
  • Suitable for curly hair/dreadloc styles
  • Reduces itchiness & dandruff
  • Boosts volume & leaves hair feeling thoroughly cleansed
Cons
  • Thinner viscosity may make it difficult to get the desired amount onto palms
  • Aqueous consistency may not be suitable for those who prefer thicker formulas
  • Watery consistency reported by customers

Knotty Boy Dreadlock Shampoo

Knotty Boy Dreadlock Shampoo 16ozView On Amazon
Knotty Boy Dreadlock Shampoo is perfect for those wanting to keep their locs looking and feeling clean and healthy, with its invigorating blend of essential oils like peppermint, tea tree, and rosemary.

This all-natural shampoo contains no added SLS or other foaming agents, which can hinder the dreadlocking process. Its concentrated formula lathers just like a regular shampoo, but with only a small amount needed for each wash.

The residue-free formula not only cleans your hair from dirt and buildup but also leaves it smelling fresh, thanks to the minty scent that customers love so much.

Knotty Boy’s packaging has been designed especially to suit users of this product, featuring a cute Knotty Boy design.

Pros
  • Invigorating Essential Oils
  • No Added SLS/Foaming Agents
  • Minty Fresh Smell & Tingle Effect
  • Cute Packaging Design & Biodegradable Friendly
Cons
  • Price may be high for some

Jamaican Mango Lime Shampoo

Jamaican Mango and Lime TingleView On Amazon
Experience a tingling sensation on your scalp while relieving itching with Jamaican Mango Lime Shampoo! This liquid shampoo is designed to maintain healthy, well-groomed locks and twists. The mango scent will leave you feeling refreshed, and the tingle of peppermint oil stimulates your scalp.

It removes build-up without leaving any residue behind, so dreadlocks stay bouncy and soft for hours after use. Hemp seed oil works great in tandem with this product to provide extra moisture, which prevents dryness or itchiness from occurring too quickly.

The benefits of Jamaican Mango Lime Shampoo are plentiful. It massages the scalp as it cleanses, and its natural ingredients nourish hair.

However, some customers may find that using this product alone can cause itching if done repeatedly over time. A conditioning routine may be needed afterwards or when switching between shampoos frequently.

Also, some users complain about an unpleasant medicinal smell like Vicks VapoRub during the first few uses before they get used to the smell itself.

Pros
  • Massages & relieves itching on the scalp
  • Removes build-up & gently cleanses
  • Smells great & leaves hair fresh for hours
  • Suitable for dreadlocks
  • Does not leave residue
  • Works well with hemp seed oil
Cons
  • Can be itchy if used alone
  • May require a conditioning routine
  • Smells medicinal (like Vicks VapoRub) at first

Dreadlock Soap DreadHeadHQ

DreadHeadHQ Dreadlock Soap will have your locs feeling refreshed, hydrated, and strong in no time! The all-natural soap bar is designed specifically for dreadlocks to help prevent dandruff, moisturize the scalp, and strengthen locks.

It’s formulated with invigorating essential oils of peppermint, tea tree, and rosemary that not only leave a refreshing scent but also increase scalp hydration.

Plus, it’s free of added SLS or foaming agents, so you get an effective clean without any residue left behind on your hair. Unlike other soaps that can cause itching or irritation due to leaving residues on the scalp, this one won’t slow down the dreading process nor will it gunk up your locks! Many users say they’ve experienced faster dread tightening after using this product, as well as reduced dryness from regular washing cycles.

Pros
  • All-natural formula with invigorating essential oils
  • Free from added SLS/foaming agents
  • Helps tighten & promote new growth in locs
Cons
  • Can be too watery for some
  • Some may not like the scent

Twisted Sista Clarifying Shampoo

If you’re looking for a sulfate-free shampoo that provides super hydration to curly hair and dread locs, Twisted Sista Clarifying Shampoo is the one for you! This liquid product from Twisted Sista is infused with Coconut and Avocado Oils to give extra hydration, while Almond Oil nutrients protect split ends.

With its sulfate-free formula, it promotes a healthy scalp and leaves your hair soft, shiny, and curly. It can be used in dry climates without drying out the hair or feeling heavy on your roots due to its nice clean feel.

Some customers have said they find the scent unpleasant, but overall, this product gets good reviews from users who love how their locs look after using it.

Pros
  • Super hydrating
  • Infused with coconut & avocado oils
  • Sulfate-free formula
Cons
  • Expensive with shipping
  • Unpleasant smell

Locsanity Rose Water Peppermint Spray

Locsanity Daily Moisturizing Refreshing SprayView On Amazon
Try out Locsanity Rose Water Peppermint Spray for a refreshing, hydrating boost that’ll keep your locs looking and feeling great! This vegan, sulfate-free moisturizer is enriched with natural ingredients like rosewater, peppermint, vitamins, and plant extracts.

It helps prevent dandruff and dryness while promoting hair growth. It’s suitable for all hair styles – microlocks to dreadlocks – as well as protective styles such as braids or twists.

Not only does this spray leave hair soft and manageable, but it smells amazing too; customers love the pleasant floral scent! With its revitalizing formula, you won’t have any flakes or build-up either, so you know your scalp will be happy.

Don’t just take our word for it though; many users praise this product in their reviews, describing how much healthier their locks feel after using Locsanity Rose Water Peppermint Spray regularly.

Pros
  • Hydrates & strengthens locs while nourishing the scalp
  • Refreshes & protects without gunky buildup
  • Suitable for all types of hairstyles, including protective styles
  • Vegan, sulfate-free & free from harmful chemicals
  • Pleasant floral scent
Cons
  • Can be expensive depending on the size chosen
  • Some may not prefer the smell

Neutrogena Clarifying Shampoo

Neutrogena Anti-Residue Clarifying Shampoo, GentleView On Amazon
Give your locs the nourishment they need with Neutrogena Clarifying Shampoo, a non-irritating and gentle formula that boosts volume and leaves hair feeling thoroughly cleansed. It’s suitable for all hair types, including color-treated tresses. The aloe vera scent adds to its appeal while helping to remove up to 90% of heavy, dulling residue caused by shampoos, conditioners, and styling products.

Pros
  • Non-irritating & Gentle Formula
  • Boosts Volume & Leaves Hair Feeling Thoroughly Cleansed
  • Suitable For All Hair Types, Including Color-Treated Tresses
Cons
  • Discontinued By Manufacturer
  • Customers Have Expressed Disappointment With Replacement Formula
  • Some Report Change In Color And Consistency Of Product

What is a Clarifying Shampoo for Locs?

What is a Clarifying Shampoo for Locs
If you’re looking for a clarifying shampoo to keep your locs healthy and beautiful, look no further! Dollylocks Nag Champa Shampoo Bar is lightweight and residue-free, perfect for maintaining strong locs.

For moisturizing effects, try out the Dollylocks Nag Champa Liquid Shampoo. Knatty Dread Loc Shampoo offers a cruelty-free formula that works great on all hair types, while Knotty Boy Dreadlock Shampoo relieves itchy scalps with its peppermint oil blend.

Finally, Stylin’ Dredz Spray Dreadlock Shampoo helps detangle locks without added weight or buildup.

Best Lightweight Formula: Dollylocks Nag Champa Shampoo Bar

Indulge in the luxurious scent of Dollylocks Nag Champa Shampoo Bar and experience a deep cleanse that won’t leave your locs feeling weighed down. This vegan formula contains natural oils such as jojoba oil and shea butter, plus tea tree oil to detoxify the scalp while hydrating it with its sulfate-free formula.

Get relief from an itchy scalp with this nourishing shampoo bar designed specifically for dreadlocks – no more irritation or buildup! The balanced blend of essential oils ensures hair is healthy, hydrated, and refreshed without any residue left behind.

Treat your locs to Dollylocks Nag Champa Shampoo Bar today – you’ll be glad you did!

Best for Moisturizing: Dollylocks Nag Champa Liquid Shampoo

Experience the unique blend of nourishing ingredients in Dollylocks Nag Champa Liquid Shampoo, perfect for hydrating and cleansing locs.

This all-natural shampoo contains hydrolyzed oat protein to help strengthen hair strands while providing intense nourishment. It also features natural oils like almond oil, jojoba oil, and coconut oil, which help with scalp hydration as well as restoring moisture balance.

For best results, follow up with a moisturizing deep conditioner or DIY spray made from shea butter or black soap for extra softness and shine.

To ensure residue-free locks, use this shampoo sparingly – once every three weeks is recommended – so that you can enjoy healthy dreadlocks without worrying about buildup!

Best Cruelty-Free Formula: Knatty Dread Loc Shampoo

Try Knatty Dread Loc Shampoo and experience its luxurious, plant-based formula made from natural coconut oil. This cruelty-free formula helps keep your locs feeling soft and supple without any harsh chemicals or animal testing.

Its ingredients nourish the scalp while strengthening hair strands, leaving your locks hydrated and healthy with no buildup.

Best for Itchy Scalp: Knotty Boy Dreadlock Shampoo

Knotty Boy Dreadlock Shampoo is a great choice if you’re looking for relief from an itchy scalp, thanks to its invigorating Essential Oils of Peppermint, Tea Tree, and Rosemary. This natural formula has no added SLS or foaming agents, cleanses thoroughly while moisturizing your dreadlocks and scalp.

Its concentrated solution lathers up easily in water, leaving behind only the pleasant scent of peppermint when rinsed off.

It also works well against dandruff due to its anti-fungal properties and helps maintain hair growth without overdrying your locks like regular shampoos do! With natural ingredients such as castile soap, African black soap, and hemp seed oil, this shampoo is perfect for keeping locs clean without stripping away healthy oils.

Best for Detangling: Stylin’ Dredz Spray Dreadlock Shampoo

For detangling locs, Stylin’ Dredz Spray Dreadlock Shampoo is an excellent choice. Its tea tree oil blend helps to get rid of knots and tangles up to 50% faster than other shampoos.

Enriched with natural oils, this vegan shampoo relieves scalp issues while leaving your hair feeling soft and manageable.

If you’re looking for a gentle yet effective solution for detangling your locks, Stylin’ Dredz Spray Dreadlock Shampoo is definitely worth trying out – you won’t be disappointed with the results!

Things You Should Consider Before Buying a Clarifying Shampoo for Your Dreadlocks

Things You Should Consider Before Buying a Clarifying Shampoo for Your Dreadlocks
When selecting a clarifying shampoo for dreadlocks, there are many factors to keep in mind. It’s important to evaluate the ingredients used, as some may be too harsh and cause dryness or damage to your hair.

Consider what type of hair concerns you have. If you’re dealing with dandruff or buildup, then choose one that is specifically designed for those issues. Pay attention to how often they recommend using it – once a week is generally recommended.

Also, consider any fragrances or aromas that might bother you when washing your locs.

Ingredients

When choosing a clarifying shampoo for your dreadlocks, look for natural ingredients like aloe vera and peppermint oil to nourish and protect your scalp. Consider vegan shampoos, such as Blu Atlas Shampoo, that are free of sulfates. Another option is the Knotty Boy Dreadlock Shampoo Bar, made from all-natural coconut-based ingredients.

Look for organic products with natural oils like Tea Tree Oil, Rosemary Essential Oil, Coconut Oil, and Avocado Oils. These oils help keep locs hydrated while effectively cleaning away dirt and build-up without drying out the hair.

Additionally, plant extracts such as hemp seed oil provide extra moisturizing benefits while deep cleansing the locks to prevent dryness or dandruff.

Hair Concerns

If you’re looking for a clarifying shampoo to keep your dreadlocks healthy and strong, consider one that addresses specific hair concerns like dryness or frizz.

For instance, Neutrogena Clarifying Shampoo reduces scalp issues and boosts volume, while Twisted Sista Luxurious Clarifying Shampoo moisturizes split ends.

Check out all-natural options such as Knotty Boy Dreadlock Shampoo with invigorating essential oils of peppermint, tea tree, and rosemary. Lockology Dreadlock Shampoo has a proprietary blend of peppermint and tea tree oil.

DIY products like Dr. Bronner’s Pure Castile Liquid Soap in Peppermint can also work wonders on the scalp!

Consider product selection carefully based on conditioning advice and moisturizing tips to ensure clean scalps free from residue or buildup for optimal care and maintenance.

Usage

It’s important to understand how often you should use a clarifying shampoo for your locs, as overusing it can strip away natural oils. Look for residue-free shampoos with gentle cleansers and natural ingredients like coconut oil.

Dollylocks Locking Powder is great as its vegan formula uses sulfate-free surfactants and Vitamin E. Taliah Waajid Total Body Black Earth Shampoo is also effective, while Dr. Locs Yaya Oil helps lock in moisture so dreadlocks stay hydrated after washing.

Fragrance

Determine if the scent of a clarifying shampoo is right for you before investing in it. To start, consider freshness and natural ingredients such as henna, champa scent, and argan oil. Additionally, look into whether your choice has been tested for allergies or contains apple cider vinegar or essential oils that can boost volume without weighing down dreadlocks.

Lastly, make sure to read reviews on how well the product works with other products like conditioners or masks to give you an idea of what kind of overall experience you can expect from this type of clarifying shampoo.

Price

Compare prices to find the most cost-effective clarifying shampoo for your locs that still provides great results. Quality products come in a variety of price ranges, from budgeting tips like Alaffia Authentic African Black Soap and Peculiar Roots Nourished Clarifying and Detox Black Charcoal Shampoo to higher-end shampoos with plant-based cleansers like Stylin’ Dredz Spray Shampoo with Tea Tree Oil.

Comparison shopping is key when selecting a quality product within your budget. Look around online or contact local retailers for more information about cost comparisons and availability! Avocado oil can also be used as an alternative option if you’re looking for something more affordable, but make sure you do some research on the ingredients before making any purchases.

How to Select the Right Shampoo for Dreadlocks?

How to Select the Right Shampoo for Dreadlocks
Choosing the right shampoo for your dreadlocks can be overwhelming, so make sure to look for a product that is tailored specifically to locs. From Design Essentials Oat Protein & Henna Deep Cleansing Shampoo and EDEN BodyWorks Peppermint Tea Tree Clarifying Shampoo, to Twisted Sista Luxurious Clarifying Shampoo and Neutrogena Anti-Residue Shampoo – there are plenty of options available in the market.

Here is a list of some great products:

  • Jamaican Mango And Lime Tingle Dreadlock Shampoo
  • Dollylocks Coconut Lime Grapefruit Dreadlock Shampoos Bar
  • Taliah Waajid Total Body Black Earth Hair Care Line
  • Dr Bronner’s Pure Castile Liquid Soap in Peppermint

It’s important not to use regular shampoos as these leave residue, which can block pores on your scalp, leading to dryness or itchiness. Don’t forget to use a moisturizing mask after clarifying too! Find an organic option with natural ingredients such as hemp seed oil or rose water peppermint spray – both are excellent choices when it comes to combating frizz while also providing hydration for hair shafts without over drying them out.

Taking special care in selecting the right shampoo will ensure you have healthy dreadlocks that last longer and look better than ever before!

Infographic: Washing Dreadlocks With Clarifying Shampoo

Infographic: Washing Dreadlocks With Clarifying Shampoo
Learn the importance of washing dreadlocks with a clarifying shampoo! Using one once per week can remove up to 90% of product buildup, environmental pollutants, and other impurities from locs.

Clarifying shampoos are specially formulated for locs and contain ingredients like kaolin clay that help to gently cleanse hair without stripping away healthy oils or leaving residue behind.

Afterward, it’s important to follow up with a moisturizing deep conditioner. Additionally, using weekly masks or DIY sprays made with natural ingredients such as aloe vera juice mixed with rosewater can be beneficial.

Regular maintenance will ensure your dreadlocks stay soft and free-flowing while helping them resist damage from build-up caused by styling products or environmental factors like humidity.

Taking care of your locks properly helps keep them looking their best while protecting against breakage caused by improper maintenance practices.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How often should I use a clarifying shampoo for locs?

Clarifying shampoo should be used sparingly, typically once a month. Create an image of clean, healthy locs by using the right amount to remove dirt and product buildup without overdrying or damaging your hair.

Can I use a clarifying shampoo on my non-locs hair?

Yes! Clarifying shampoos are great for all hair types. They’ll get rid of buildup, leaving your locks looking and feeling soft and shiny. But don’t overdo it: use a clarifying shampoo just once every few weeks to keep your mane healthy and happy.

What are the benefits of using a clarifying shampoo?

Clarifying shampoos can help remove product buildup, improve scalp health, and promote hair growth. For example, Neutrogena Anti-Residue Shampoo removes up to 90% of heavy buildup from styling products and leaves the scalp feeling refreshed.

It also promotes healthy hair growth by removing residue that could be blocking follicles.

Are there any ingredients to avoid when looking for a clarifying shampoo?

When shopping for a clarifying shampoo, be on the lookout for ingredients like sulfates, parabens, and synthetic fragrances, which could be irritating. Avoid them like the plague as they can strip away essential oils from your locks.

Is a clarifying shampoo necessary for maintaining dreadlocks?

Yes, a clarifying shampoo is necessary for maintaining dreadlocks. It removes buildup and keeps them clean while strengthening hair to reduce dryness and itchiness. Regular shampoos are not suitable as they can damage locs; choose one specifically designed for this purpose instead.

Conclusion

Finding the right clarifying shampoo for your locs can be overwhelming, but with the proper research and guidance, you can choose the perfect one for your needs. With so many clarifying shampoos on the market, it’s important to consider the ingredients, type of hair concerns, usage, fragrance, and price before making a decision.

From the Professional Dreadlock Shampoo to the Neutrogena Clarifying Shampoo, you can find the perfect clarifying shampoo for your locs.

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Mutasim Sweileh

Mutasim is a published author and software engineer and beard care expert from the US. To date, he has helped thousands of men make their beards look better and get fatter. His work has been mentioned in countless notable publications on men's care and style and has been cited in Seeker, Wikihow, GQ, TED, and Buzzfeed.