How to choose the right shampoo for your dreadlocks - calmly and step by step

Many dreadheads eventually face the same question:
Which shampoo is actually best for my dreadlocks?

It can quickly feel confusing, especially when there are many different recommendations, rules, and product promises.

Let's start from scratch.

This post calmly and clearly guides you on how to choose the shampoo that best suits your scalp and dreadlocks.

It's not about washing correctly (we'll cover that in another post), but about understanding what your scalp needs - and how shampoo can support that balance.

If you're unsure about the washing process itself, you can read our guide: How to wash dreadlocks.

Naturalness is key

When you have dreadlocks, your choice of shampoo is extra important.

Shampoo not only affects the hair - but also the scalp's balance and your dreadlocks' development over time.

We always recommend choosing natural, residue-free products that nourish instead of hiding problems.

This applies to deep-cleansing shampoos like Midnight Magic and milder, moisturizing alternatives like Velvet Bloom - depending on what your scalp needs.

Shampoo with synthetic fillers can give a temporary feeling of "clean hair," but over time can create build-up and imbalance in both hair and scalp.

Why change shampoo when you start your dreadlock journey?

When hair is formed into dreadlocks, both hair and scalp change.

Therefore, it makes good sense to choose a shampoo that is:

• specifically developed for dreadlocks
• adapted to your scalp type
• free from ingredients that leave residue

At the same time, it may be necessary to adjust your washing frequency so that the scalp has peace to find its natural balance.

Many also find that it helps to switch to a dreadlock shampoo even before starting their journey. This gives the scalp a good base - and better conditions for healthy, mature dreads.

Understand pH value - without making it technical

The scalp's pH value plays an important role for both comfort and hair structure.

Normal scalp typically ranges between pH 4.5 and 5.5
Tap water is often around pH 7

A shampoo with too high a pH can open the hair's cuticle layer and provide volume, but also dry out hair and scalp.

Therefore, it's not about "high or low pH," but about balance.

A good shampoo for dreadlocks works with your scalp - not against it.

Step 1: Know your scalp type

When choosing shampoo, the most important thing is not your hair - but your scalp.

Let's look at the three most common types.

Normal scalp

Normal scalp

If your scalp generally thrives:

• it feels neither oily nor dry
• it doesn't react strongly to weather or washing

…then you have a good starting point.

Our recommendations:

You can use all our shampoos.

RAW ROOTs Hydrating Shampoo (liquid)
A good choice if you prefer liquid shampoo with a focus on balance and moisture.

RAW ROOTs Midnight Magic Shampoo Bar
A versatile shampoo that can be used as a regular part of your routine or when a deeper cleanse is needed.

RAW ROOTs Velvet Bloom Shampoo Bar
A milder alternative for those who want a softer and more moisturizing wash in everyday life. Good if your scalp is balanced, but you want to take extra care of moisture.

RAW ROOTs Greenie Genie Dreadlock Soap Bar
Especially suitable for young dreadlocks and for promoting tightening.

RAW ROOTs Muddy Luxury Dreadlock Soap Bar
A gentle, nourishing shampoo bar with clay and natural oils that helps maintain balance.

Oily scalp

If your scalp tends to produce too much oil, your freshly washed hair will quickly become limp and look shiny and greasy. Often, this can be the scalp's way of reacting to external factors such as wind and weather, but hormonal influences can also lead to this increased production of sebum. Sebum is the scalp's way of protecting itself from drying out. Sebum is fat and dead skin cells, and this overproduction can also manifest as flakes of greasy dandruff.

How do you know if your scalp is oily?

• Your hair quickly becomes greasy after washing, often after just 1-2 days
• Your scalp can feel oily at the roots, especially in warm periods
• If you take a clean finger and rub it against your scalp, it feels greasy

Our recommendations:

RAW ROOTs Midnight Magic Cleansing Shampoo Bar
Ideal for deep cleansing, product build-up, or if dreads feel heavy and lose freshness.

RAW ROOTs Herbal Cleanser Dreadlock Shampoo (Liquid)
A good choice if you want a liquid shampoo that helps regulate the scalp and create balance.

RAW ROOTs Greenie Genie Dreadlock Soap Bar
Tea tree, mint, and lemongrass have cleansing, antiseptic, and anti-itch properties.

Dry or sensitive scalp

A sensitive scalp can react with dryness, irritation, or itching. Like our skin, the scalp is a complex organ; some people have more sensitive scalps than others.

How do you know if your scalp is dry?

• Your scalp feels tight or dry, especially after washing
• You experience slight itching or dandruff, especially in cold periods
• The scalp can even feel oily a day or two after washing - this is often a sign of underlying dryness, not excess oil

Our recommendations:

RAW ROOTs Hydrating Dreadlock Shampoo
Mild and moisturizing, good for sensitive scalp.

RAW ROOTs Velvet Bloom Shampoo Bar
Extra mild and developed specifically for dry dreadlocks and sensitive scalp.

RAW ROOTs Muddy Luxury Dreadlock Soap Bar
Especially good for dry or sensitive scalp - and for dreadlocks with curls.
The combination of moisture and weight makes it particularly suitable for curls, as it helps to gather them so they don't become flyaway or fluffy.

When is it time for a deep cleanse?

If your dreadlocks:

• feel heavy or dull
• lose definition
• start to smell, even after washing

…it could be a sign of build-up over time.

A gentle detox treatment can help reset both scalp and dreads. However, detox should only be used when clearly needed, not as a regular routine.

If you want to read more about when and how to detox correctly, you can find our complete Dreadlock Detox Guide.

 

A calm final piece of advice

There isn't one shampoo that suits everyone, and your needs may change over time.

Bar or liquid is not the most important thing.
The most important thing is what your scalp needs.

When it is balanced, healthy dreadlocks follow.