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Are you ready to take your locs to the next level? With the right locking gel, you can get dreadlocks that look like a million bucks! Here’s a list of our top 10 best locking gels for dreadlocks in 2023.
From Style Factor Lock Booster to Bronner Brothers Locking Gel, these products are surefire ways to make your locs stand out and give them an edge without sacrificing health or longevity.
Table Of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Style Factor Lock Booster for silky, smooth dreadlocks
- Jamaican Mango & Lime Hair Wax for extra strong hold
- Lion Locs Hair Moisturizer for lightweight cream gel
- Taliah Waajid Lock Up Hold for professional styling solution
Top 10 Best Locking Gels for Dreadlocks
Are you ready to take your dreadlocks to the next level? Look no further for the perfect locking gel! From Style Factor Lock Booster and Jamaican Mango & Lime Hair Wax, all the way through Lion Locs Hair Moisturizer, Taliah Waajid Lock Up Hold, RA Cosmetics DrNatural Locking Gel, Stylin Dredz Gel Wax Tea Tree, and AllDay Locks Braid Gel – right up to Murray’s Gel Loc-Lock and ORS Lock & Twist; Bronner Brothers Tropical Roots Firm Locking will help keep everything in place.
With these top 10 best locking gels for dreadlocks at your fingertips, you won’t have any trouble finding a product tailored just for you.
Style Factor Lock Booster
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Experience the power of Style Factor Lock Booster for silky, smooth dreadlocks that stay in place all day long! This five-ounce gel is available in three different formulas with hero ingredients like natural olive and peppermint oil, rosehip oil, and marula oil.
With a pleasant scent suitable for all hair types, this flake-free formula offers maximum shine without any frizz or greasiness. It absorbs quickly into your strands to help achieve flawless twists or locks without any buildup.
- Calms flyaways and delivers a silky shine
- Suitable for various hair types including straight hair
- Flake-free formula with no residue or buildup
- Greasy feeling disliked by one customer
- Doesn’t hold locs well according to one user
Jamaican Mango Lime Hair Wax
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Jamaican Mango & Lime’s locking firm hair wax provides your gray locks with an extra strong hold, leaving you feeling confident and looking fierce. Formulated with real Jamaican beeswax and Blue Mountain honey, this sulfate-free formula is ideal for Rasta, twists, and locks.
No residue or flaking will be left behind after use – just a pleasant mango scent that’ll leave your style fresh all day long! The texture may not meet expectations for some users, while others find it to be the perfect amount of wax to keep locs twisted tightly.
With its amazing smell and long-lasting results that won’t let you down in any weather condition or activity level, Jamaican Mango & Lime Hair Wax is sure to become one of your go-to favorites!
- Great for gray hair
- Provides extra firm hold for hard-to-lock resistant formula
- Sulfate-free
- Pleasant mango scent
- Texture may not meet expectations
- May not have enough wax
Lion Locs Hair Moisturizer
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Transform your dreadlocks with Lion Locs Hair Moisturizer, a lightweight cream gel that retwists and tames while providing a strong hold without any residue or build-up. This 100% organic product is free from sulfates and other harsh chemicals, helping to keep locs soft and healthy-looking.
The improved formula provides more grip than the original locking moisturizer, making it ideal for twist, style, hold molding, and taming of braids or pipe cleaner curls, as well as controlling frizzes or stray flyaways.
- Lightweight retwist cream
- Stronger hold than the original locking moisturizer
- Made from handpicked natural ingredients
- Cruelty-free & contains no harmful sulfates & other chemicals
- No residue/build-up
- Pleasant scent
- Not suitable for 4c hair types
- Initial scent may not be pleasing
Taliah Waajid Lock Up Hold
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Taliah Waajid Lock Up Hold is a professional styling solution for maintaining your locks, twists, and naturals that won’t flake or build up while defining natural curl patterns. This sulfate-free gel contains no alcohols and provides an extremely strong hold with maximum control over frizzy hair.
It has a semi-hold firm jelly consistency which adds shine to the hair without leaving any residue.
Reviews suggest it is not ideal if you want an extra tight hold on locs but works great for holding twists together as well as adding some shine to them.
- Sulfate-free formula
- No alcohol content
- Provides an extremely strong hold
- Semi-hold firm jelly consistency
- Pleasant scent
- Not suitable for 4c textured hair
- Can leave residue if too much is used
- Not enough grip on locs
RA Cosmetics DrNatural Locking Gel
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RA Cosmetics DrNatural Locking Gel is the perfect choice for retwisting locs, as it provides a strong hold without making hair hard or dry.
In addition to its many benefits, this gel has an average 4.8-star rating from customers with over 1,000 reviews. It works well for those who want to retwist their locks and have them look neat throughout the day without worrying about white residue or build-up after application.
The non-greasy formula makes it easy to apply on both men’s and women’s hairstyles quickly, with great results lasting all day long! Customers appreciate the excellent customer service provided by RA Cosmetics as well.
No itching is reported, which was a concern for some customers before purchasing this product.
All in all, if you’re looking for a locking gel that will provide your dreadlocks with maximum hold while keeping them soft and healthy at the same time, then RA Cosmetics DrNatural Locking Gel should definitely be your go-to product!
- Provides a strong hold without making hair hard or dry
- Keeps locs soft and flake-free when used under heat
- Non-greasy formula makes application quick and easy
- Average ratings of 4.8 stars from over 1,000 reviews
- Not suitable for extremely coarse 4C type hairs
Stylin Dredz Gel Wax Tea Tree
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Experience a strong, maximum hold while soothing and conditioning your scalp with Stylin Dredz Gel Wax Tea Tree. This easy-to-work gel wax is enriched with tea tree oil and glycerin to help eliminate dryness and prevent buildup on the scalp.
It provides a naturally healthy shine when used regularly, making it perfect for dreadlocks or any other style you may want to achieve.
The product is suitable for normal hair types, including 4b textures and tight curls. Customers have given positive feedback regarding its performance as well as results over the past two years of use.
- Strong maximum hold; no residue or oiliness reported
- Easy to work into hair; infused with tea tree oil for added benefit
- Provides a cool sensation & prevents itchiness on the scalp
- Good quality product; good price point
- Some delivery issues reported by some customers
- Not available in stores across the U.S.; only online
AllDay Locks Braid Gel
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AllDay Locks Braid Gel is an insanely powerful product that provides extreme hold, tames frizz and flyaways, and adds shine to your locs. It’s formulated with natural ingredients like lavender, peppermint oil, witch hazel extract, and sage essential oils.
This gel offers a strong grip without any greasiness or residue. It’s suitable for all hair types, from 4b texture tight curls to color-treated resistant gray hair.
This 5 fl oz gel is easy to use – just rub it between your palms before applying it to sectioned hair prior to braiding or twisting for the best results.
- Strong grip without build-up
- Moisturizing formula prevents dryness
- Suitable for all hair types and styles, including twists and braid outs
- May leave white residue if sweating heavily, which can be easily wiped off
- Texture may not work too well on coarser textures
Murray Gel Loc Lock
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Murray Gel Loc Lock offers an allergy-friendly option with a medium hold and pleasant scent, perfect for slicking back hair while providing moisture. This 8.11-ounce cream formula contains Olive Oil to help lock hairstyles in place without leaving residue or buildup.
Customers have found it great for people with allergies to other products as it leaves their hair feeling soft yet firmly held in place throughout the day. However, some users find that the slippery consistency of this gel slides off easily, so they need more product than usual when styling their locks or dreads.
Additionally, those who prefer stronger holds might want to blend Murray Gel Loc Lock with Eco Styler gel for better results on 4c textures since its hold isn’t too strong on its own.
- Allergy-friendly
- Non-greasy & lightweight
- Pleasant scent
- Slippery consistency which slides off easily
- Not too strong of a hold (may need mixing)
- Requires using more product than usual
ORS Lock and Twist Gel
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ORSLock and Twist Gel is a natural hair care formula that can provide you with moisture, shine, and minimal flakes for your locs. This cream gel contains olive oil to soothe the scalp while providing a strong hold without any buildup or residue.
The product absorbs quickly into strands of all types, leaving them looking shiny and healthy-looking after use. With its pleasant coconut scent, it’s perfect for retwisting both men’s and women’s hair as well as creating new braids or styles when needed.
Thanks to its affordable price point in comparison to salon treatments and non-greasy consistency that won’t leave your locks feeling dry or stiff like other gels do, this innovative styling solution could be just what you need!
- Leaves hair feeling moisturized and not dry and stiff like other gels
- Can be used as regular gel
- Has a mild coconut scent
- Does not leave build up
- Great for tightening new growths
- Does not flake or leave locs dry
- Works well for starting locs
- Hold may vary depending on porosity
- Locks need to establish themselves before getting wet
- Hold is okay but may not work too well for 4c Hair type
Bronner Brothers Locking Gel
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Bronner Brothers Locking Gel provides a strong hold and encourages healthy growth without flaking, leaving your dreadlocks looking neat all day long. Formulated with extra firm hold for resistant hair, this gel is suitable for all hair types and does not contain dairy.
With its 6 fluid ounce liquid volume, it’s sure to last you through multiple uses while giving you the perfect amount of grip each time. It helps control frizziness while promoting softer, healthier locks that won’t dry out or break easily in between retwists, making them easier to manage over time.
The formula also contains essential oils such as lavender and peppermint extract, along with witch hazel, that help soothe the scalp and give off a pleasant smell throughout the day!
- No flaking or residue
- Contains essential oils like lavender and peppermint extract
- Promotes healthy growth
- Warning on container stating possible lead exposure
- Not ideal for 4c hair type
- Lids are not tight enough
Why Use a Good Loc and Twist Gel?
Using a good quality loc and twist gel can be an essential part of your hair care routine. Not only does it make dreadlock maintenance more affordable, but it also provides long-lasting protection with little to no daily effort required.
Makes Loc Maintenance More Affordable
Using a good loc and twist gel can make loc maintenance more affordable, so you don’t have to break the bank for beautiful dreads.
From long-lasting protection to daily convenience, these gels are designed with enhanced growth in mind while also providing styling options for any event.
When selecting a lock gel, look out for natural ingredients like olive oil or shea butter that will nourish your hair, as well as brands that offer maximum hold without build-up.
Some of the top-rated dreadlock gels include Style Factor Lock Booster, Jamaican Mango & Lime Locking Wax, Lion Locs Hair-Locking Dreadlock Cream, Taliah Waajid Tight Hold Gel, and Dr Natural’s Superior Locking Gel*.
With products like these offering an affordable way to maintain your locks while looking great at all times – what’s not to love?
Provides a Long-lasting Protective Look
With a long-lasting protective look, loc and twist gels can help you maintain your dreadlocks for months without daily effort.
For example, Style Factor Lock Booster has been shown to provide an especially secure grip with a smooth finish that lasts through multiple retwists.
Look for natural ingredients like coconut oil or shea butter in locking gels to avoid buildup and weigh down the hair while offering maximum hold.
Choose one with easy application and a pleasant fragrance, such as Joie Naturals MyGel, which quickly absorbs into the hair without leaving it greasy or sticky.
A good locking gel will give your dreads a weighted hold that is strong yet flexible enough to withstand exposure to sunlight or other elements throughout the day!
Requires Little to No Daily Effort
You can effortlessly maintain your locs without having to put in any daily effort, thanks to the amazing power of a good loc and twist gel. Style Factor Lock Booster is an excellent option for achieving flawless styles that stay in place with maximum shine and no frizz.
It contains natural ingredients like olive oil, peppermint oil, rosehip oil, and marula oil for moisturizing benefits while providing a strong hold.
ORS Lock & Twist Gel absorbs quickly without leaving hair greasy or heavy. It provides great hold while conditioning the hair with Shea Butter extract. Bronner Brothers Tropical Roots Firm Locking Gel has pineapple and guava extracts which aid growth and add shine when styling dreads or twists! Joie Naturals MyGel conditions locks while offering an outstanding grip thanks to its plant-rich ingredients like ginseng roots & turmeric powder.
With these helpful products available, you don’t have to worry about maintaining your new look every day.
Enhances Hair Growth
By using natural ingredients and avoiding products with wax or mineral oil buildup, you can help promote healthy hair growth for your locs. When selecting a locking gel, consider ingredient choice, hold strength based on your hair type and texture, as well as ease of application and washability.
Look for gels with aloe vera, argan oil, or castor oil to nourish the scalp while providing a strong hold.
Helps in Styling Locs for Any Event
Using a good loc and twist gel can help you style your locs for any event, whether it’s a special occasion or everyday wear. For example, if you’re attending an important meeting, the hold of these gels will ensure that your dreadlocks stay in place throughout the day.
They not only provide a strong hold but also add gloss to your hair with their moisturizing benefits and curl definition from natural ingredients such as coconut oil, shea butter, or plant extracts.
Styling tips like applying them on clean damp hair from root to tip, then retwisting regularly when needed – without excessive retwisting which could cause traction alopecia – are essential for frizz-free locks all day long! Selecting locking gels with holding power is crucial.
How to Use Locking Gels to Create Twists
To create beautiful twists, apply a locking gel to damp hair and twist from the scalp to the ends for an effortless hold. Look for gels with natural ingredients such as coconut oil, shea butter, or plant extracts that will nourish your hair while providing a firm hold without making it greasy.
Consider ease of application – opt for products like Cantu Moisturizing Twist & Lock Gel that absorbs quickly into your locs without leaving residue behind.
Add shine by using products containing marula oil like Style Factor Lock Booster, which not only offers great definition but also locks in moisture, keeping your locs healthy and strong all day long. Lastly, avoid heavy waxes or oils when looking at organic options such as African Pride Black Castor Miracle Extra Hold Braid Loc & Twist Gel.
This product helps retwist locs, giving you neat edges along with protecting them from breakage due to its conditioning formula.
Want More Styling Products for Curly Hair?
For curly locks, try more styling products to tame frizz and create a beautiful look. Moisturizing tips like using conditioning treatments and staying away from heat-styling tools can help keep curls hydrated.
Edge control is key for maintaining sleek, neat styles; African Pride Black Castor Miracle Extra Hold Braid provides an all-day hold with natural ingredients that nourish the hair while controlling edges.
Frizz-taming gels, such as Stylin’ Dredz Mouldin’ Gel Wax, are great for locking in moisture without leaving residue or build-up on your scalp or strands of hair. For maximum protection against humidity, Jamaican Mango & Lime Locking Hair Gel offers superior curl definition and shine without flaking out over time, while Lion Locs Locking Moisturizer softens locs with its vegan formula containing aloe vera and argan oil.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What ingredients should I look for in a locking gel for dreadlocks?
When looking for a locking gel for dreadlocks, choose one with natural ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter, or plant extracts to nourish your hair. Consider the holding power and ease of application and washability of the product, as well as its pleasant fragrance.
Avoid products containing sulfates, parabens, or mineral oils that can damage locs over time.
Are locking gels better than wax for dreadlocks?
Locking gels are generally better than wax for dreadlocks as they provide a secure hold without the risk of buildup, offer more flexibility and moisture to the hair strands, don’t flake or cause traction alopecia.
Are there any locking gels that are suitable for thin hair?
Yes! There are locking gels suitable for thin hair. Look for light-hold products like Lion Locs Hair Moisturizer, ORS Lock and Twist Gel, or SoftSheen Carson Let’s Jam Shining & Conditioning Hair Gel – all designed to give your locks the perfect hold without weighing them down.
How often should I retwist my dreadlocks?
Retwisting your dreadlocks should be done regularly, but not too often. Avoid excessive retwisting to prevent traction alopecia and damage to hair follicles. Choose the best locking gel for your individual needs and apply it to clean, damp hair before twisting from the scalp down to the ends.
Can I use locking gels for other styles besides dreadlocks?
Yes! Locking gels are suitable for other styles, such as braids, twists, and curls. They provide a strong hold without residue or buildup to help you achieve the perfect look. Choose a gel with natural ingredients like coconut oil and shea butter to nourish your hair while providing an excellent hold.
Conclusion
As you’ve seen, there are many options when it comes to the best locking gels for dreadlocks in 2023. From Style Factor Lock Booster to Bronner Brothers Locking Gel, each of them offers something different to your locs.
No matter which one you choose, they all provide a secure grip and smooth finish for retwisting locks without flaking or residue. Plus, they make loc maintenance more affordable and require little to no daily effort.
So don’t be afraid to try out different locking gels to find the perfect one for you! With the right product, you’ll have vibrant, healthy-looking locs that will turn heads!
