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Best Locking Gels for Dreads: Top 10 Gels for Strong Hold & Frizz Control (2024)

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best locking gel for dreadsLooking for the best locking gel for your dreads? Look no further! This article will provide you with a list of the top 10 locking gels on the market, as well as tips on how to apply them for maximum hold and frizz control.

The 10 Best Locking Gels for Dreads

  1. Curl Junkie Locking Gel

  2. Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soaps Locking Gel

  3. Eco Styler Olive Oil Gel

  4. Giovanni LA Hold Gel

  5. Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Gel

  6. SheaMoisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie

  7. Tresemme Naturals Botanique Gel

  8. Uncle Funky’s Daughter Daughter Curly Magic Gel

  9. Zotos All About Curls Styling Gel

  10. Aussie Instant Freeze Gel

How to Apply Locking Gel for Maximum Hold and Frizz Control

  1. Start with clean, dry hair.

  2. Apply a small amount of locking gel to your hands.

  3. Work the gel through your hair, starting at the roots and working your way down to the ends.

  4. Use a comb or your fingers to style your dreads into the desired shape.

  5. Let your dreads air dry completely.

Tips for Applying Locking Gel

  • Use a light touch when applying locking gel. Too much gel can weigh your dreads down and make them look greasy.
  • Work the gel through your hair in small sections. This will help you to distribute the gel evenly and avoid clumps.
  • Style your dreads while they are still wet. This will help the gel to set and create a more defined look.
  • Let your dreads air dry completely. Do not blow-dry them, as this can damage the hair and make your dreads frizzy.

Key Takeaways

  • Curl Junkie Locking Gel and Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soaps Locking Gel are highly recommended for strong hold and effective frizz control.
  • Eco Styler Olive Oil Gel and Giovanni LA Hold Gel are popular options, but availability may be limited in some regions, and they have a slightly higher price point.
  • Lion Locs Hair Locking Moisturizer is a firm-hold gel that tames frizz and flyaways, but it may be too strong for certain hair types and can be difficult to remove.
  • Let’s Jam! Hair Gel, ORS Lock Twist Gel, and Bronner Brothers Tropical Roots Gel are other options to consider, but they may have drawbacks such as being too heavy for fine hair and being challenging to wash out.

Best Locking Gels for Dreads

When it comes to locking gels for dreadlocks, there are a few key things to consider.

The best locking gels will provide a strong hold without being too sticky or flaky.

They should also be able to control frizz and help to define your locs.

Here are 10 of the best locking gels on the market for dreadlocks.

Jamaican Locking Hair Gel

Jamaican Mango and Lime LockingView On Amazon
If you’re looking for a locking gel that provides a strong hold and controls frizz, Jamaican Locking Hair Gel is the perfect choice for your dreads. This hair styling product offers a flake-free hold without any build-up, ensuring that your dreadlocks stay neat and in place all day long.

Made in the United States and weighing 1.1 pounds, this gel is designed to provide you with clean and long-lasting results.

Pros
  • Strong hold: The Jamaican Locking Hair Gel provides a firm grip on your dreads, keeping them secure.
  • Frizz control: Say goodbye to frizzy locks! This gel helps tame flyaways and keeps your hair smooth.
  • Flake-free formula: You won’t have to worry about pesky flakes or residue with this locking gel.
Cons
  • Availability: Depending on where you live, it may be difficult to find the Jamaican Locking Hair Gel in stores.
  • Price point: Compared to other options on the market, this particular product might be slightly more expensive.
  • Package weight: Weighing 1.1 pounds, some individuals may find that it’s too heavy or bulky for travel purposes.

Overall though,the benefits of using Jamaican Locking Hair Gel outweigh any potential drawbacks when it comes down controlling frizz while providing maximum strength lock holding capability resulting from its unique formula consisting of natural ingredients such as mango butter,lime oil etc.

Lion Locs Hair Locking Moisturizer

Lion Locs Hair Locking DreadsView On Amazon

Lion Locs Hair Locking Moisturizer is a firm hold twist loc gel that tames frizz and flyaways, made from all natural ingredients, cruelty-free, and without sulfates. It’s great for mature or starter locs and provides a stronger hold than the original locking moisturizer.

Pros

  • Firm hold
  • Tames frizz and flyaways
  • Made from all natural ingredients
  • Cruelty-free and without sulfates
  • No residue or buildup

    Cons

  • May be too strong for some hair types
  • Can be difficult to remove
  • May leave a sticky residue

Let’s Jam! Hair Gel

SoftSheen-Carson LetView On Amazon
When it comes to finding the best locking gel for dreads, Let’s Jam! Hair Gel is a top contender. This product provides a flake-free conditioning strong hold that’s great for styling, braiding, smooth edges and twisting.

Pros
  • Provides a flake-free conditioning strong hold
  • Conditions and shines
  • Great for styling, braiding, smooth edges and twisting
  • Tames frizz and flyaways
Cons
  • May be too heavy for fine hair
  • Can be difficult to wash out

ORS Lock Twist Gel

ORS Lock and Twist GelView On Amazon
ORS Lock Twist Gel is a cream hair gel that’s perfect for all natural styles. It’s made with natural ingredients and is gentle on hair. It provides a strong hold without being sticky or flaky, and it helps to keep your locs looking neat and defined.

Pros
  • Cream hair gel formula
  • Natural hair care
  • Perfect for all natural styles
  • Provides a strong hold without being sticky or flaky
  • Helps to keep your locs looking neat and defined
Cons
  • May be too heavy for fine hair
  • Can be difficult to wash out
  • May leave a residue on hair

Bronners Brothers Tropical Roots Gel

Bronner Brothers Tropical Roots FirmView On Amazon
Bronners Brothers Tropical Roots Gel is a great option for locs that need a firm hold and frizz control. It’s made with natural ingredients, including coconut oil, aloe vera, and shea butter, which help to moisturize and nourish your hair.

Pros
  • Firm hold
  • Natural ingredients
  • Moisturizes and nourishes hair
  • Affordable
Cons
  • May be too sticky for some people
  • Can be difficult to wash out
  • May leave a residue on hair

Cantu Twist & Lock Gel

If you’re looking for a locking gel that will soothe, de-frizz, and moisturize your locs, Cantu Twist & Lock Gel is a great option. This creamy gel formula is made with pure shea butter, which helps to nourish and protect your hair. It also contains aloe vera and vitamin E, which help to soothe and moisturize your scalp. Cantu Twist & Lock Gel is free of harsh ingredients, so you can be sure that it’s safe for your hair.

Pros

  • Soothes, de-frizz, and moisturizes locs
  • Made with pure shea butter, aloe vera, and vitamin E
  • Free of harsh ingredients

    Cons

  • Can be sticky if used too much
  • May not provide enough hold for some people

African Pride Extra Hold Edge Gel

African Pride Black Castor MiracleView On Amazon
African Pride Extra Hold Edge Gel smooths frizz and flyaways, boosts shine, and leaves braids, locs, and twists neat and controlled. It’s enriched with black castor oil and coconut oil, and is naturally formulated and free of harmful components.

Pros
  • Smooths frizz and flyaways
  • Boosts shine
  • Leaves braids, locs, and twists neat and controlled
  • Enriched with black castor oil and coconut oil
  • Naturally formulated and free of harmful components
Cons
  • May be too heavy for some hair types
  • May leave a residue
  • May be difficult to wash out

Style Factor Lock Booster Twist and Grip Pomade

Style Factor Lock Booster TwistView On Amazon
Style Factor Lock Booster Twist and Grip Pomade is a great option for achieving flawless twists, locks, and braids that stay in place with maximum shine and no frizz. It’s a water-based pomade that provides a strong hold without being sticky or heavy.

Pros
  • Provides a strong hold that will keep your twists, locks, and braids in place all day long
  • Non-sticky and doesn’t leave a residue on your hair
  • Water-based, so it’s easy to wash out
  • Contains natural ingredients that are safe for your hair
Cons
  • May be too strong for some hair types
  • Can be difficult to apply to small sections of hair
  • Can be expensive

How to Apply Locking Gel

How to Apply Locking Gel
To apply locking gel, wash your hair thoroughly, apply a generous amount of hair wax or moisturizer, and make hair into sections.

Here are 5 tips for applying locking gel:

  1. Use a small amount of gel at a time.
  2. Apply the gel to damp hair.
  3. Work the gel through your hair with your fingers.
  4. Make sure to cover all of your hair.
  5. Let the gel dry completely before styling your hair.

How to Keep Locs From Frizzing

How to Keep Locs From Frizzing
To prevent frizzing, you can take steps to protect your locs and keep them looking smooth and defined.

  • Use oils to moisturize your locs and help to keep them hydrated.
  • Sleep in a silk bonnet or scarf to protect your locs from friction and dryness.
  • Spritz your locs with water throughout the day to keep them hydrated and frizz-free.
  • Avoid using heat on your locs, as this can dry them out and cause frizz.
  • Use argon oil to help to keep your locs moisturized and frizz-free.

How to Retwist Locs

How to Retwist Locs
Now that you have learned how to keep your locs from frizzing, let’s move on to the next step in maintaining your dreadlocks – retwisting.

Retwisting locs is an essential part of the maintenance process, as it helps to keep them neat and well-structured.

  1. How often should you retwist your locs?
    • It’s generally recommended to retwist new or recently started dreadlocks every two to three weeks.
    • For matured or fully formed locks, a retwisting session can be done every four to six weeks.
  2. How long does a typical retwisting session take?
    • The duration for a complete and thorough loc-retightening session can vary depending on several factors such as hair length and thickness.
    • On average, expect the process of thoroughly twisting each individual section of hair using tools like clips or rubber bands along with products like lock gel or twisting cream would take around one hour.
  3. Tools and products needed for a successful re-twist:
    • A rattail comb: used for separating sections
    • Hair clips/rubber bands: help in holding sections tightly while working
    • Lock gel/twisting cream: provides hold during twisting

By following these guidelines regarding frequency, time commitment,and necessary tools/products,you will be able effectively maintain healthy-looking dreads without any hassle!

How to Wash Locs

How to Wash Locs
To keep your locs clean and healthy, it’s important to regularly wash them using the right techniques and products.

  1. Use shampoo:

    Start by wetting your locs thoroughly and apply a small amount of shampoo specifically designed for dreadlocks. Gently massage the scalp with your fingertips, working the shampoo through each individual loc.

  2. Condition with aloe vera:

    After rinsing out the shampoo, apply a conditioner that contains natural ingredients such as aloe vera. This will help moisturize your hair and keep it soft.

  3. Dry gently with microfiber towel:

    Avoid rubbing or twisting your damp locs vigorously as this can cause frizzing or breakage. Instead, use a soft microfiber towel to pat dry gently.

  4. Retwist every two weeks:

    To maintain neatness in between washing sessions, make sure you retwist every two weeks. Apply oil-based products before retwisting.

  5. Avoid baking soda:

    Although baking soda may be recommended for some hair types, avoid using it on dreads because it has an alkaline pH which may disrupt balances of oils naturally produced by our scalps.

How to Dry Locs

How to Dry Locs
After washing your locs, you can dry them using a diffuser on your hair dryer or by air drying them.

Here are four methods to effectively dry your locs:

  1. Diffuser:
  • Attach a diffuser to your hair dryer and set it on low heat.
  • Gently place the diffuser against each section of damp locs and allow the warm air to circulate, promoting even drying without disturbing the formation of your locks.
  1. Air Dry:
  • If you prefer a more natural approach, simply let your locs air dry.
  • Use a microfiber towel to gently squeeze out excess moisture from your hair before leaving it loose or tying it up in a loose bun for faster drying.
  1. Plopping:
  • After washing and conditioning, use an old t-shirt or microfiber towel to plop (wrap) all of yoir wet dreads together on top ofyour head like wrapping dough around itself.
  • Leave this overnight so that they’ve plenty time with no disturbance at all-whether its sleep-time drool & movement during dreams which would cause frizzing – until morning!

4.Overnight Dry :

  • If you washyour dreadlocks at nightime then consider lettingthemdry naturally while sleeping!
  • Simply make sureyou untangle any knotsbefore bedandthen wrapa large scarf aroundyoudreadlocsfor extra protectionfromfrictionduringthe night.

Come morning,you’llhave beautifullydrydreadsreadyforyour next day’sadventures

By following these methods,the gel will help maintain their shape,dry quickly,and keep frizz under control.So go ahead,enjoy experimentingwith different techniquesuntil find what works best for

you

How to Style Locs

How to Style Locs
Styling locs is easy with the right products and techniques.

Here are 4 tips to help you style your locs:

  1. Use a styling gel or cream to help define your locs and keep them in place.
  2. Use a heat protectant spray before styling your locs with heat.
  3. Use a wide-toothed comb to gently detangle your locs.
  4. Protect your locs from the sun and elements with a scarf or hat.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can locking gel be used on other natural hairstyles besides dreadlocks?

Locking gel can be used on other natural hairstyles besides dreadlocks.

It provides a firm hold, controls frizz, and adds moisture to your hair.

Whether you have twists or braids, locking gel is a versatile product for maintaining and styling your natural hair.

Are there any potential side effects or risks associated with using locking gels on hair?

When using locking gels on hair, it’s important to be aware of potential side effects.

  • Scalp irritation
  • Allergic reactions

It’s always recommended to do a patch test before applying the gel fully and consult a dermatologist if any concerns arise.

Can you mix different brands or types of locking gels, or should you stick to one consistently?

Mixing different brands or types of locking gels is generally not recommended.

Consistency ensures optimal results and avoids potential adverse reactions between formulations.

Stick to one trusted product to maintain control over your dreadlocks’ appearance and health.

Is it necessary to consult with a professional hairstylist before choosing a locking gel for your hair type?

Consulting with a professional hairstylist before choosing a locking gel for your hair type isn’t necessary, but it can be helpful in finding the best product.

They can provide personalized recommendations based on your specific needs and preferences.

How do environmental factors, such as humidity or exposure to sunlight, affect the effectiveness of locking gels on dreadlocks?

In the relentless dance of weather,

humidity’s heavy embrace can loosen your dreadlocks’ grip,

while sunlight, the silent artist,

may fade their vibrancy.

Choose a locking gel fortified for battle,

shielding your dreadlocks against nature’s whims.

Conclusion

To achieve strong hold and frizz control for your dreads, the best locking gel options on the market include:

  • Curl Junkie Locking Gel
  • Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soaps Locking Gel
  • Eco Styler Olive Oil Gel

Applying the gel to clean, dry hair and working it through from roots to ends will help distribute the product evenly.

Styling your dreads while wet and allowing them to air dry completely will give you the desired look.

References
  • stylecraze.com
  • dapperlyclub.com
  • theidlemen.com
  • haireveryday.com
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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.