Did you know the oldest reference to locs dates back to 1,500 B.C.? Despite the ancient nature of this haircut, there are still a lot of misunderstandings about how to take care of them. So what's the secret to gorgeous, healthy locs?
The secret lies in incorporating organic hair products into your daily hair routine. But what should your hair routine be? And what's the best hair product to invest in?
Those who want to discover the answer to these questions, and more, are in the perfect place. This guide will include ten must-know tips for maintaining locs that will last the test of time. Let's dive in.
1. Moisturize Properly
Locs might not require as much moisture as loose hair but don't get it twisted. You still need it. Look for products that are formulated specifically for moisturizing dreadlocks.
For example, our 2 in 1 Co-Wash comes with aloe vera juice. This both repairs dead hair cells and promotes overall growth. It's precisely what you need to keep your locs moisturized.
Related: Everything You Need To Know About Dreadlock Shampoos
2. Use Natural Conditioners
Don't like product build-up in your hair? Consider using a natural alternative to conditions. One excellent option is an apple cider vinegar rinse. This will clear away harmful bacteria, which leads to healthier hair.
3. Avoid Overwashing
It might sound counterintuitive, but overwashing your locs will dry them out more. So make sure you only wash them once every one to two weeks. You can still take baths or showers; just avoid wetting your hair.
4. Make Sure Your Locs Are Completely Dry
Remember an unfortunate laundry day when you left your clothes in the washer for a day or two? When you picked them up, they likely smelled funky, a bit like mildew. Well, the same thing can happen to our hair after we shower.
If your locs aren't completely dry, they can become a breeding ground for bacteria. Air drying is usually enough, but consider investing in a hair dryer if you don't have enough time to sit and let them dry.
5. Maintain With Natural Oils
A well-oiled scalp is vital to good hair, and research backs this up. Natural oils are essential for keeping your scalp moisturized and itch-free. It not only protects your locs, but it also prevents excess water from entering them.
When there's too much water in your dreads, it can lead to swelling and drying, which causes damage. What types of natural oils should you look for?
Tea tree oil and castor oil are both excellent options. Or you can choose a product like our LionLocs Growth Oil. It includes a blend of over eleven grade-A organic oils. It comes with tons of anti-fungal properties that can keep your dreads safe.
6. Less Is More for Most Products
Regarding most products, less is almost certainly more in hair care. And it's not just the number of ingredients on the bottle; it's the ingredients themselves. The government admits that certain elements that are FDA approved to have the potential to cause adverse health effects.
Some of these include things like parabens, phthalates, PFAS, metals, triclosan, and triclocarban. Sticking with organic products is an excellent way to avoid these unnatural ingredients.
7. Wrap Your Locs At Night
When you roll around in the middle of the night, it can cause friction and pulling that damages your locs. Keep them healthy by wearing either a bonnet or a satin scarf before you go to bed.
Related: The Best Accessories for Dreadlocks: Beads, Rings, and More
8. Avoid Twisting
Dreads can be addicting to twist around your finger absentmindedly. It would help if you fought the urge to do this. This is a great way to pull your hairs directly out of their follicles.
Instead, only twist your locs when they need a retwisting. And make sure you wait at least three months between your last retwisting before you do it again.
Want to know how often you should retwist your locks? Consult this guide to get a definitive answer once and for all.
9. Do Your Research on Organic Hair Products
Do a quick online search for natural ingredients or products that can benefit dreadlocks. Plenty of companies, like LionLocs, cater to this demographic.
Online reviews are a great place to start. They'll give you a much better idea of the average person's experience with the organic product.
10. Stay Patient
Healthy locs take time to grow. It can be remarkably easy to get annoyed with the process, especially when comparing yourself to others. So take a long, deep breath and recognize that it's a process. Things will get better if you stick with the growing process.
How to Find Organic Hair Products for Your Locs
Want to find dreadlock hair products that are both organic and vegan? If so, look toward LionLocs. We've prioritized natural ingredients that don't harm the planet or animals for years. We believe this is the secret to a happier world and better-looking dreadlocks.
Do you desire to explore our full line of dreadlock hair care products? Check out this collection page to find the perfect product for your needs.
The Importance of Maintaining Healthy Locs
When locs are healthy, there are few hairstyles that look better. Sadly, the inverse is true as well. When you don't take good care of your dreadlocks, it shows. At best, you will look disheveled and messy. At worst, they can become dirty and smelly.
The good news is that it doesn't need to be this way. By following the advice in this article, you'll be ensuring that your dreadlocks last for decades to come. Just make sure you find an organic hair product that works for you.
Related: Dreadlock Itch: How to Soothe an Itchy Scalp after Working Out