Best Shampoo for Dreadlocks Hair of 2025

Lisa Bechard Avatar
Lisa Bechard
Last Updated: Jan 10, 2025

* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

Shampoo for dreadlocks hair is a specialized product designed to clean and maintain the unique texture of dreadlocks. These shampoos are formulated with ingredients that gently cleanse the hair without causing damage or unraveling the locks. They also help to reduce buildup, which can be a common issue with dreadlocks. Some shampoos for dreadlocks hair also contain conditioning agents that help to prevent breakage and keep the hair looking healthy and shiny. Whether you are a new dreadlock wearer or a seasoned pro, using a specialized shampoo can help you achieve and maintain the perfect look for your dreadlocks.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Lion Locs Shampoo Bar & Conditioner Cover #TOP 1
Lion Locs Shampoo Bar & Conditioner
ftb score rating icon 9.8
No-Water Braid Shampoo by Goiple Cover #TOP 2
No-Water Braid Shampoo by Goiple
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Braid Rinse-Free Shampoo by Goiple Cover #TOP 3
Braid Rinse-Free Shampoo by Goiple
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Shampoo for Dreadlocks Hair

#TOP 1

Lion Locs Shampoo Bar & Conditioner

pink
5 Ounce (Pack of 1)
Lion Locs Shampoo Bar & Conditioner Cover
Lion Locs Shampoo Bar & Conditioner - Works for All Hair Types - Dreadlocks, Microlocs, Sisterlocks, Wicks, Brotherlocks, Braids | Build Up & Residue Free (5oz)

Lion Locs Shampoo Bar & Conditioner is a vegan, organic, and natural bar shampoo that is perfect for all hair types and ages. It is free of sulfates and chemicals, and is safe for both skin and hair. It creates a heavy lather that easily rinses and is travel friendly. Customers have noted that it leaves their hair feeling soft and moisturized, and that it has a strong scent that mellows down after a few uses.

What We Like
Vegan, organic, and natural
Safe for skin and hair
Heavy lather that easily rinses
Travel friendly
Leaves hair feeling soft and moisturized
#TOP 2

No-Water Braid Shampoo by Goiple

No-Water Braid Shampoo by Goiple Cover
No-Water Braid Shampoo for Locs, Twists, Weaves - Rinse-Free, Dreadlock Shampoo for Build-Up, Odor, Itch & Flakes, No Residue, Chemical-Free, 6.8 fl oz

Goiple No-Rinse Shampoo is a game changer for your hair care routine. With its no-rinse formula, you can easily cleanse your hair without the need for water, saving you time and effort. Simply apply and massage the product for a refreshing clean that leaves your protective styles revitalized. This shampoo not only cleanses but also enhances the look and health of your hair, making it feel beautiful and unique. Plus, it's made with natural ingredients that are cruelty-free and vegan, so you can enjoy a guilt-free hair care experience.

What We Like
Water-free cleansing
Time-saving convenience
Enhances hair health
Cruelty-free and vegan
#TOP 3

Braid Rinse-Free Shampoo by Goiple

Braid Rinse-Free Shampoo by Goiple Cover
Braid Rinse-Free No Water Shampoo for Locs, Twists, Weaves - Dreadlock Shampoo to Remove BuildUp, Odor, Itch & Flakes, No Residue, Chemical-Free

Goiple No-Rinse Shampoo offers a convenient solution for maintaining your locs, twists, and weaves without the hassle of water. This innovative formula allows you to cleanse your hair effortlessly—just apply and massage, eliminating the need for rinsing. With the included braid mousse and tools, you have everything you need for a complete hair care routine. Enjoy refreshed, moisturized hair that looks and feels great, all while saving time in your busy schedule. This product not only cleanses but also enhances the overall appearance and health of your hairstyles, allowing you to flaunt your unique look with confidence.

What We Like
No water required
Quick and easy application
Complete care package
Enhances hair appearance
Moisturizes and rejuvenates
#TOP 4

Made For Locs Rasta Cleanse Shampoo

MFL MADE FOR LOCS
8 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Made For Locs Rasta Cleanse Shampoo Cover
Made For Locs Jamaica Rasta Cleanse 2 in 1 Shampoo - Ready-to-Use, Tropical Scent, Natural Hair Cleanser for Locs & Dreadlocks, 8 oz

The Made For Locs Shampoo offers a convenient 2-in-1 solution for your hair care routine. It effectively cleanses your scalp while ensuring your locs remain soft and manageable. Infused with hibiscus, this shampoo nourishes your hair, enhancing its natural shine and promoting healthy growth. The addition of dragon fruit provides antioxidant protection against environmental stressors, helping your locs maintain their vitality. With soothing aloe vera, this formula deeply hydrates your hair and scalp, ensuring lasting moisture and resilience. Experience a gentle wash that keeps your locs vibrant and fresh.

What We Like
2-in-1 cleansing and conditioning
Enhances natural shine
Hydrates hair and scalp
Protects against environmental stressors
#TOP 5

LOCssentials Clarifying Shampoo for Dreadlocks

LOCssentials
LOCssentials Clarifying Shampoo for Dreadlocks Cover
LOCssentials Clarifying Shampoo for Locs – Professional Loc Shampoo for Dreads, Twists, Braids, Interlocks, Microlocs, Faux Locs Crochet Hair – Dreadlock Shampoo with Peppermint and Tea Tree Oils

LOCssentials Clarifying Shampoo for Dreadlocks is a professional shampoo specifically designed for dreadlocks, interlocks, microlocs, and twists. It is made with natural ingredients such as peppermint oil, tea tree oil, menthol, wheat amino acids, and more, with no parabens, phthalates, gluten or other harsh fillers. This shampoo is also vegan-friendly and cruelty-free. It helps to remove residue, flaking, and build-up while promoting growth and helping to prevent flakes. It also nourishes the scalp and strengthens the hair follicles while leaving your hair clarified and fresh, with natural radiance!

What We Like
Gently removes residue, flaking, and build-up
Promotes hair growth and prevents flakes
Nourishes the scalp and strengthens hair follicles
Vegan-friendly and cruelty-free
No parabens, phthalates, gluten or other harsh fillers
#TOP 6

Lion Locs Vegan Shampoo & Conditioner

8 Ounce (Pack of 1)
Lion Locs Vegan Shampoo & Conditioner Cover
Lion Locs Shampoo and Conditioner for Dreads, Sisterlocks, Locks, & Dreadlocks | Lightweight Vegan Co Wash (8oz)

Lion Locs Co Wash is designed to gently cleanse your locs and scalp without causing damage or dryness. It effectively removes chemicals and build-up, ensuring your hair stays fresh. The leave-in conditioner feature softens and hydrates your locs, helping to alleviate itchiness while avoiding any residue. This versatile 2-in-1 product not only cleans but also nourishes your hair, reducing breakage and split ends. Suitable for all hair types, whether you have dreadlocks, microlocs, or braids, this vegan and organic formula caters to your unique hair care needs.

What We Like
Gentle cleansing
Hydrating leave-in conditioner
Reduces breakage
Suitable for all loc types
#TOP 7

Knatty Dread Dreadlocks Shampoo

KD-SHAMPOO
Knatty Dread Dreadlocks Shampoo Cover
Knatty Dread Dreadlocks Shampoo

Knatty Dread Dreadlocks Shampoo is a coconut-based formula designed to tighten dreadlocks and help new growth lock. It is completely residue free and unscented, making it suitable for all hair types. It also reduces drying time after washing. Customers have praised its ability to clean hair without leaving residue, though some have noted that it lacks a pleasant scent.

What We Like
Tightens dreadlocks and helps new growth lock
Completely residue free, unscented
Great for all hair types
Reduces drying time after washing
Renewable coconut based formula

Stylin Dredz Spray Shampoo

90010
Stylin Dredz Spray Shampoo Cover
Stylin Dredz Spray Shampoo - Dreadlock Shampoo - Residue Free with Tea Tree Oil - 350 ml Single

Stylin Dredz Spray Shampoo is a residue-free dreadlock shampoo that is gentle on hair, tough on dirt, and enriched with tea tree oil to soothe scalps. It creates a luxurious lather to clean away dirt and build-up, reducing dry and itchy feeling and helping to eliminate dandruff. Customers love the product for its ability to cleanse locs and remove dirt and oil build-up, leaving hair soft and shiny. However, some customers are not a fan of the smell and found the spray hard to use.

What We Like
Residue-free
Gentle on hair, tough on dirt
Enriched with tea tree oil
Creates a luxurious lather
Reduces dry and itchy feeling
#TOP 9

Lockology Dreadlocks Shampoo

Lockology Dreadlocks Shampoo Cover
Loc Shampoo, Ginger Mint Shampoo for Dreads and Locs, Dreadlock Hair Products by Lockology

Lockology Dreadlocks Shampoo is an aroma-therapeutic blend of peppermint, green tea and eucalyptus that deep cleans locs and scalp, helps to promote growth and reduce itching without over-drying. It has a semi castille base and is made with natural and organic ingredients, with no fillers or thickeners. Customers have found it to lather easily, remove dirt, odors and buildup, and cleanse the scalp, soothe itching and reduce dandruff and odors.

What We Like
Smells great
Penetrates locs easily
Promotes scalp health
Rinses easily
Natural and organic ingredients
#TOP 10

Made For Locs Color Care Shampoo

MFL MADE FOR LOCS
8 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Made For Locs Color Care Shampoo Cover
Made For Locs Color Care Shampoo, For Color-Treated & Grey Hair, Moisturizing Shampoo for Dreadlocks, Sisterlocks, Microlocs & All Hair Types, 8 oz

The MFL Color Care Shampoo is designed specifically for your color-treated locs. Infused with rose water, it provides a gentle yet effective cleanse, ensuring your hair remains vibrant and healthy. The hibiscus adds a layer of protection, helping to maintain the rich colors you love while nourishing your hair with essential vitamins. Each wash delivers deep hydration, leaving your locs soft and bouncy. With this shampoo, your hair not only looks fabulous but feels strong and revitalized, making it a perfect choice for anyone who wants to care for their unique style.

What We Like
Moisturizes and hydrates hair
Protects color from fading
Strengthens locs with nutrients
Gentle cleansing formula
Buying Guide Image

The Best Shampoo for Dreadlocks Hair You Should Consider

Introduction

Dreadlocks hair is an amazing hairstyle that can be worn with pride. It requires special care to keep it looking and feeling its best, and one of the most important parts of that care is finding the right shampoo. With so many different shampoos on the market, it can be daunting to find the one that's best for your dreadlocks hair.

In this article, we'll discuss some of the key factors to consider when choosing the right shampoo for your dreadlocks and give you some advice on finding the perfect product. Read on to learn more about how to choose the right shampoo for your dreadlocks hair.

Factors to Consider

When picking a shampoo for dreadlocks, there are several factors that you should take into account. First, you want to make sure that the shampoo you choose won't strip away the oils that your dreadlocks need to stay healthy. Some shampoos, especially those that are heavily scented and full of chemicals, can strip away the natural oils that your dreadlocks need to stay moisturized.

Second, you want to make sure that the shampoo you use won't leave behind any residue or buildup. Many shampoos contain harsh chemicals that can be difficult to rinse out, leaving behind a residue that can make your dreadlocks look and feel greasy.

Finally, you want to make sure that the shampoo you choose is specifically formulated for dreadlocks hair. Some shampoos are designed to work better on curly hair, while others are designed to work better on straight hair. It's important to choose a shampoo that is specifically designed to work well on dreadlocks hair.

Tips for Choosing the Right Shampoo

Now that you know the key factors to consider when choosing a shampoo for your dreadlocks hair, here are some tips to help you find the perfect product.

First, look for a shampoo that is sulfate-free. Sulfates are a type of chemical that can strip away the natural oils from your dreadlocks, so it's best to avoid them. Look for a shampoo that is specifically formulated for dreadlocks and is free from sulfates.

Second, look for a shampoo that is free from artificial fragrances and harsh chemicals. Many shampoos contain artificial fragrances and harsh chemicals that can cause irritation and damage to your dreadlocks. Choose a shampoo that is free from these ingredients to help keep your dreadlocks healthy and looking their best.

Third, look for a shampoo that is specifically formulated for dreadlocks. Many shampoos that are marketed as "universal" can contain ingredients that can be damaging to your dreadlocks. Choose a shampoo that is specifically designed for dreadlocks hair to ensure that it won't damage your dreadlocks.

Finally, look for a shampoo that is specifically designed to be moisturizing. Dreadlocks hair needs plenty of moisture to stay healthy, so look for a shampoo that is designed to help keep your dreadlocks hydrated.

Conclusion

Choosing the right shampoo for your dreadlocks hair can be a daunting task. However, with a few tips and advice, you can make sure that you find the perfect product for your dreadlocks. Consider the factors mentioned above and use the tips provided to help you find the perfect shampoo for your dreadlocks hair. With the right shampoo, you can keep your dreadlocks looking and feeling their best.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Do you need special shampoo for dreadlocks?

Yes, using a special shampoo and conditioner is important for maintaining the strength and health of dreadlocks. Regular shampoo and conditioner can cause buildup and make the dreadlocks appear dirty or greasy. The best dreadlock shampoo and conditioner will help prevent dirt accumulation and keep the dreadlocks clean and healthy.

2. What can I use to wash my dreadlocks?

Foam shampoo is recommended for washing dreadlocks. Gently dab the foam shampoo directly onto the scalp instead of massaging it, as massaging may cause loose hair and unravel the dreadlocks. After distributing the shampoo on the scalp, rinse the hair and press the foam down through the dreadlocks and tips to ensure thorough cleansing.

3. What shampoos to avoid with locs?

When choosing a shampoo for dreadlocks, it is important to avoid shampoos with certain ingredients. These include silicones, surfactants, ethanolamines, phthalates, parabens, natural organic ingredients, clarifying agents, and harsh surfactants. These ingredients can cause buildup and damage to the dreadlocks.

4. Can I wash my dreads with Dawn soap?

While Dawn soap can be used occasionally for heavy-duty removal of buildup, it is not recommended for regular use on dreadlocks. Lemon dish soap, such as Dawn, can be effective in removing wax buildup. However, using it regularly may strip the hair of its natural oils and cause dryness.

5. How often should you wash your hair with dreadlocks?

To maintain healthy and clean dreadlocks, it is recommended to wash and detox your hair every two to three weeks. This helps remove any products, oil, or debris that may be trapped in the strands and scalp. Regular washing, moisturizing, and protecting of the dreadlocks will promote healthy hair growth.

6. How often should dreads be washed?

Locs should be washed at least every 7-10 days. This helps prevent environmental dirt, scalp buildup, and lint from making the dreadlocks look dull and dry. Regular washing is essential for keeping the locs healthy and hydrated.

7. How often should locs be washed?

To maintain a healthy scalp and odor-free dreadlocks, it is recommended to wash your locs at least once a week. Use a residue-free dreadlock shampoo to ensure thorough cleansing without leaving any buildup behind.

Editor's Notes

During our shampoo for dreadlocks hair research, we found 48 shampoo for dreadlocks hair products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 12,268 customer reviews through our big data system to write the shampoo for dreadlocks hair list. We found that most customers choose shampoo for dreadlocks hair with an average price of $18.81.

The shampoo for dreadlocks hair are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of shampoo for dreadlocks hair, including Beard Gains, Goiple, MFL MADE FOR LOCS, LOCssentials, Knatty Dread. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 106 consumers with an average rating of 4.6.

Written by
Lisa Bechard Avatar

Lisa Bechard is a skin therapist with 12 years of working experience in the beauty industry and also an experienced beauty writer who has expertise in skincare, medical aesthetics and cosmetic surgery, and wellness. Her writing skills are excellent and all her content is very persuasive and insightful.