Whether you’re new to dreads or already have long locs, you have to know how to handle an itchy scalp.
Does a scalp covered in inflamed red spots and an itch that won’t go away sound familiar?
Going from washing your hair multiple times per week and brushing it often to adopting the dreadlock maintenance routine is a drastic change.
Keeping your dreads and scalp moisturized is crucial to healthy locs.
Want to skip the read? Pick up everything you need for a healthy scalp and dreads here.
Related: Maintaining Frizzy Dreads
Do Your Dreads and Scalp Need Moisturized?
Your scalp might be begging you to moisturize it, but you might not notice. Watch out for these signals that your dreads and scalp need more moisture:
- Your scalp itches. Everyone with dreads has probably experienced an itchy scalp at some point during their loc journey. And many believe it’s normal as your scalp adjusts to your new loc routine. However, it’s not normal if your head itches for weeks at a time — it’s a not-so-subtle reminder to hydrate your locs.
- Your dreads are loose. Without proper moisture, your dreadlocks can become brittle and easily break — think about a plant that you forgot to water; they’ll wither and die. Your locs are similar; if you don’t moisturize them enough, they’ll start to weaken and get loose.
- It’s cold outside. Depending on your environment, the weather can impact your dreads. During cold winter months, you’ll need to moisturize more often because the weather is drier than usual.
- You have dandruff. If you have a flaky scalp, it’s also a sign that the skin underneath your hair is too dry.
- Your hair is dull. If your hair is lacking luster or losing its sheen, your locs are missing the natural oils and nutrients they need to shine.
The Best Ways to Moisturize Your Scalp With Dreads
Try out one, two, or all of these tips to keep your dreads and scalp moisturized:
Use Loc Oil
When you apply oil to your scalp, it helps seal in the moisture that’s already there. Water keeps your scalp hydrated, and oil helps it retain that water.
Moisturizing oils like coconut and olive oil are great for keeping your locs and scalp hydrated, and sealing oils like jojoba and argan oil are ideal for sealing in your hair’s natural moisture.
Whichever you prefer to use, don’t overdo it — too much oil can cause buildup.
The best way to keep your locs and scalp hydrated with oil is by using a product designed to hydrate your dreadlocks. This loc oil combines the best all-natural, organic oils to moisturize your scalp, fight itchiness, battle dandruff, and improve your loc’s overall appearance.
Change Your Diet
Your locs are what you eat (or something like that), they say. Try to eat food that contains nutrients that promote healthy hair, like seeds, fish, spinach, eggs, sweet potatoes, and lentils.
You can also experiment with supplements like fish oil, flaxseed oil, and vitamins to help encourage healthy hair.
In addition, drinking enough water is essential for a healthy scalp and locs. Hydrating your body hydrates your skin — try drinking more than you usually do, and you’ll likely notice a difference.
Related: Summertime Loc Care
Wash Your Dreads Right
Keeping your locs and scalp free from dirt, buildup, dandruff, and excess oils is crucial to maintaining a healthy scalp. You want to use a residue-free shampoo designed for dreadlocks.
Aim to wash them about once a week (unless your locs aren’t mature yet). To wash your locs properly:
- Use a loc wash or shampoo to loosen dirt and remove excess oils.
- Scrub your scalp and work the shampoo through your dreads.
- Rinse all of the shampoo out — this might take a few minutes.
- Once you’re finished, follow up with conditioning and moisturizing products.
You also need to ensure your dreads are 100% dry before you tie them up or cover them at night.
Use a Moisturizing Spray
You can also use a moisturizing spray once or twice a day to help keep your locs and scalp hydrated — how often you need to use the spray depends on how dry your dreads are; don’t overdo it.
There are a ton of moisturizing sprays out there, but it’s hard to beat this rosewater spray designed for locs. Made with hydrating rosewater and organic aloe leaf juice, this spray is perfect for keeping both your scalp and dreadlocks moisturized and looking their best all day.
It also combines a unique oil blend (olive oil, jojoba oil, and many more) to nourish and strengthen your locs.
Keep your scalp and locs moisturized with organic loc products hand-made in the US!
Cover Your Dreads
There are two times you should always cover your dreads: when you go to bed and when you’re outside for too long.
Your pillowcases and bed sheets can absorb the moisture in your scalp. In addition, the friction between your sheets and head all night can cause breakage or lint to get stuck in your locs. You can protect your locs by covering them with satin. You can also get extra protection and moisture by applying loc oil before wrapping up your locs.
The wind and sun cause moisture to evaporate; if you’re taking a trip to the mountains, beach, or anywhere you’ll be outdoors for a long period, ensure you keep your head covered so that your scalp and locs maintain their natural moisture.
Use a Soothing Loc Gel
Loc gel that contains aloe vera is one of the best ways to moisturize your scalp and get rid of any itchiness.
We recommend this two-in-one moisturizing loc gel to keep your scalp moisturized and your locs locked with its healthy formula that leaves zero buildups, debris, or residue.
Even though dreadlocks are low maintenance (once they mature, at least), you can’t neglect them, especially when it comes to hydration. Yes, you should moisturize your locs every day; however, don’t go overboard, or you can run into issues like dread rot.
Related: Keep Your Locs Fresh