Dreadlock Care 101: A Complete Guide to Shampooing and Washing
Often the first challenge is the basic question: How do I wash my dreads and which shampoo should I use? Follow our guide that explores key aspects of choosing shampoo and the process of washing your dreadlocks.
Choice of Shampoo: Naturalness is the Key
Embarking on your dreadlock journey begins with the initial challenge of selecting the right shampoo. Prioritize a natural approach, as it aligns seamlessly with the maturation of your dreadlocks, providing essential nourishment to both your hair and scalp. Steer clear of chemical fillers that merely mask the hair's condition, and opt for products that genuinely nurture and moisturize.
Why switch shampoos when starting your dreadlock journey?
We recommend switching to a natural dreadlock shampoo that matches your scalp's needs. Also reduce the frequency of hair washing to prepare the hair and scalp for changes.
Understanding pH: The Secret Ingredient
The scalp's acidity plays a vital role since the pH level influences hair behavior. Tap water maintains a neutral pH of 7, whereas typical hair registers a pH range of 4.5 to 5.5. Selecting a shampoo aligned with your scalp's condition is essential, as a shampoo with an elevated pH can lift the hair cuticle, providing volume but potentially leading to dryness.
Choice of shampoo
1. Normal Scalp:
Your scalp is fine, it thrives for the most part, there are no big fluctuations. It does not react violently to wind and weather. Lucky you! If you are here, you can choose freely between RAW ROOT's products. But here we come with our recommendations:
RAW ROOT's Greenie Genie Dreadlock Soap Bar: We recommend this especially for young dreadlocks , the soap has added Himalayan salt which provides minerals to the skin and helps tighten and maintain dreadlocks. Contains Hemp Oil, Neem and Stinging Nettle which strengthens hair and scalp, prevents greasy dandruff and other scalp problems.
RAW ROOTs Muddy Luxury Dreadlock Soap Bar: Muddy Luxury is a truly indulgent shampoo bar - pure luxury for your senses. Its rich, natural scent and creamy texture make every wash soothing and nourishing. Perfect for maintaining balance in a normal or slightly dry scalp. Made with Moroccan clay, jojoba oil and cocoa butter, it cleanses gently without drying, leaving your scalp soft and your dreads feeling fresh. Ideal if your scalp doesn’t feel oily or irritated, but simply needs gentle, caring maintenance.
2. Oily Scalp:
If your scalp tends to produce too much oil, your freshly washed hair will quickly become limp and appear shiny and greasy. Often, this is your scalp’s way of reacting to external factors such as wind and weather, but hormonal influences can also cause an increased production of sebum. Sebum is the scalp’s way of protecting itself from drying out. It consists of oil and dead skin cells, and excessive production can also result in greasy dandruff flakes.
How do you know if you have an oily scalp?
- Your hair gets greasy quickly after washing, often within 1–2 days.
- Your scalp may feel oily at the roots, especially in warm weather.
- If you rub a clean finger against your scalp, it feels greasy.
But don’t worry—there’s help for your scalp!
RAW ROOTs Herbal Cleanser Dreadlock Shampoo: This shampoo, enriched with natural plant extracts, soothes the scalp and has a low pH that helps reduce irritation and itching. It gently combats dandruff and helps regulate oil production.
RAW ROOTs Greenie Genie Dreadlock Soap Bar: This soap bar is also highly recommended for oily scalps. Organic essential oils of tea tree, mint, and lemongrass have cleansing, antiseptic, and itch-relieving properties.
RAW ROOTs Midnight Magic Cleansing Shampoo Bar: If you need a deep cleanse, this is a must-have! Perfect for detoxing your dreads if you have product buildup or simply want the ultimate fresh feeling. Besides being a beloved bestseller, it’s also our most sustainable shampoo!
3. Dry and Sensitive Scalp:
A sensitive scalp can react with dryness, irritation, or itching. Like the skin on the rest of your body, your scalp constantly tries to stay in balance - and sometimes dryness can even lead to oiliness.
How do you know if you have a dry scalp?
- Your scalp feels tight or dry, especially after washing.
- You experience mild itching or dandruff, especially in colder seasons.
- Your scalp may even feel oily a day or two after washing - this is often a sign of dryness underneath, not excess oil.
For this delicate and sensitive scalp, we recommend:
RAW ROOTs Hydrating Dreadlock Shampoo: With a pH close to that of the scalp, it helps maintain the natural balance. Hydrolyzed corn and beet extract provide moisture that revives dry and damaged hair. Plant extracts of lavender, calendula, rosemary, and eucalyptus relieve itching and soothe irritated, dry scalps. It also has antiseptic properties and helps combat fungi and bacteria.
RAW ROOTs Muddy Luxury Dreadlock Soap Bar: Contains jojoba oil and cocoa butter, which nourish dry and irritated scalps. This soap bar is made with clay from the Atlas Mountains in Morocco, which naturally and gently cleanses while maintaining the elasticity and suppleness of the skin and hair. Geranium, rosemary, and patchouli stimulate the scalp while providing anti-inflammatory benefits and promoting hair growth.
