How to Care for Dreadlocks at Home

Well kept dreadlocks are clean dreadlocks, and the routine is simpler than most people expect.

Wash with residue-free shampoo

Use a clarifying or residue-free shampoo roughly every one to two weeks. Work it into the scalp between the locs, rinse for longer than feels necessary, and squeeze the water out section by section.

Dry completely

Damp locs left bundled together can develop a musty smell. Dry thoroughly with a towel and let them air dry, or use a cool setting on a hairdryer at the roots.

Separate the roots

Once a week, gently pull apart any locs that have started to marry at the base. This keeps the parting clean and makes retwisting quicker.

Moisturise lightly

A small amount of light oil on the scalp is plenty. Heavy products sit inside the loc and are difficult to remove.

A retwist every four to eight weeks keeps the shape crisp. Book ahead of special occasions.