The Complete Detox Guide

Not sure how to use a detox in your dread routine?
No worries – we’ll guide you through it and answer every question we hear again and again. This is the only guide you’ll ever need – carefully made for dreadheads by dreadheads.

Why do dreadlocks need a detox?

Buildup from products, hard water and dirt can accumulate inside your dreads – even if you wash regularly.
It can make your hair feel heavy, your scalp irritated, and your dreads dull or lifeless. Even the best shampoo can’t always reach deep enough.
To truly cleanse your dreads, your hair needs to open up – otherwise, the residue stays trapped. RAW ROOTs Deep Cleansing Bomb is a detox bomb designed to do just that. A regular wash cleans the surface. A detox goes deeper – without damaging the hair.

When and how often should you detox?

When your dreads are new and young, they need time and space to mature and become firm. That's why we recommend that you wait to detox until your dreads are at least 12 months old. After that, you can detox about every 3-4 months to keep them in great shape.

Is it time for a detox?

Maybe your dreads are over 12 months old, but it’s hard to know when it’s time – and especially to remember it!
Here are two simple ways to find out:

1. Use your senses:

– Do your dreads feel stiff or hard?
– Do they smell quickly after washing?
– Do they look darker than normal?
– Do you find lint or dust stuck in them?

2. Or follow a rhythm

You don’t have to wait for signs. You can simply detox on a seasonal cycle:

New Year → Easter → Summer → Halloween

Tip: Buy 4 detox bombs at a time and write dates on them. This way you have a natural rhythm for the whole year.

How does it work? RAW ROOT's Deep Cleansing Bomb ?

Imagine a strand of hair like a pine cone.
To clean it deeply, you need to open it first – and then gently close it again.

Our detox bomb works in two phases:

1. Opens the hair and loosens buildup
– Baking soda has a high pH value, which gently opens the outer layer of the hair
– This allows trapped oils, dirt and residue to come out

2. Neutralizes and closes the hair again
– Apple cider vinegar and citric acid have a low pH, helping to close the hair back down
– The result is soft, balanced, deeply cleansed dreadlocks

A regular wash cleans the outside – a detox cleans from within.

What does RAW ROOT's Deep Cleansing Bomb contain – and why?

Baking soda: Lifts the outer layer of the hair and loosens buildup


Apple cider vinegar & citric acid: Restores pH and helps seal the hair for softness and balance


Witch hazel extract: Calms the scalp and supports gentle cleansing


Tea tree oil: Natural antiseptic – great against flakes and irritation


Rosemary oil: Stimulates the scalp and adds antioxidant benefits

Each ingredient is carefully chosen to clean gently and support your scalp’s natural balance – without leaving residue behind.

What do you need for a detox?

To make it easy and stress-free, we have compiled what you need in one overview:

Detox Essentials:

– Deep Cleansing Bomb
– A tub or our inflatable detox tub
– Bamboo microfiber towel
– Deep Cleansing Shampoo Bar

For aftercare (recommended):
– Hydrating Oil – to protect and soften
– Refreshing Mist – adds protein and strength
– Rescue Tonic – calms dry and irritated scalps

Optional:
– Long Hair Drying Cap – for faster, gentle drying

Tip: Our Large Detox Combo Kit contains most of these – but we also recommend the Mist or Tonic for optimal balance.

How to detox your dreadlocks – step by step

 

1. Preparation:


Find a quiet place where you can lie down comfortably. Most prefer lying down to relax their neck and shoulders, but you can also sit if you’re able to lean your head back.
Use our inflatable detox tub or a large bowl or pot that fits your dreads, and fill it with warm water (not too hot – around 37–40°C is ideal).

2. Dissolve the detox bomb:


Drop the Deep Cleansing Bomb into the water.
It dissolves on its own, but you can help it along by gently stirring with your hand.
Wait until the water is fully dissolved and even.

3. Soak your dreads:


Get comfortable and lower your dreads into the water.
If your scalp also has buildup, you can gently scoop some of the detox water over it with your hands.
Let your dreads soak for 10–30 minutes.

4. Release buildup:


When time is up, gently press your dreads between your hands to help squeeze out the residue water.
The water may look cloudy – that’s a sign the detox is working.
Avoid twisting or wringing your hair.

5. Rinse and wash:


Empty the basin and rinse your dreads thoroughly with clean, warm water.
Use the Deep Cleansing Shampoo Bar to wash both your dreads and scalp – it helps remove any leftover residue and restore balance.

6. Aftercare:


Finish your detox with our Hydrating Oil to nourish and protect your dreads so they stay soft and healthy.
If your dreads feel stiff, dry, or start to tighten up (looping), it may be a sign of protein deficiency.
This is where we recommend our Refreshing Mist – it adds strengthening protein and is great for use between washes.

If you struggle with a dry or irritated scalp, use our Rescue Tonic.
You can apply it after a detox, or daily on dry or damp hair and scalp.
Store it in the fridge for an extra cooling effect.

7. Dry your dreads:


Gently pat out excess water with a bamboo microfiber towel – it’s super absorbent and gentle on dreads.
Let your hair air dry completely.
Avoid tying it up or sleeping with wet dreads, as that can lead to odor or even mold.

If you need to dry faster, use our Long Hair Drying Cap with a hairdryer.
If blow-drying with heat, protect your hair using the Rescue Tonic.

 

Do you have any questions? Maybe you'll find the answer here

Can I detox with new dreads?
We recommend waiting until your dreads are at least 12 months old. They need time to tighten and mature.

What if I have dyed hair?
The detox bomb is mild, but if your hair is chemically treated or plant-dyed, do a strand test first.

What if the water doesn't look dirty after the detox?
That’s completely normal. Not all buildup is visible – the detox still works deep inside.

How often should I detox?
As a rule of thumb, every 3–4 months. If you use residue-free products, you might need it less often.

Can I save and reuse the detox water?
No. It contains the buildup you just removed – discard it after use.

What about decorations in my dreads?
Strings can easily be left in place, but we recommend removing beads – especially metal ones – as they can oxidize during the detox.

What if I have partial dreads?
Your loose hair doesn't need a detox. Feel free to gather it in a bun or hair clip during the process.

Should I wash my dreads after a detox?
Yes – we highly recommend it.
Washing with a low pH shampoo helps rinse away the detox water and any loosened buildup, and it restores the natural balance of your hair and scalp.

What if I don’t feel like washing after detox?
If you don't have the time or energy for a full hair wash, you can use Refreshing Mist or Rescue Tonic instead.
They help to gently restore balance to the scalp and hair until you are ready for your next thorough wash.

What if my dreads are shorter than shoulder-length?
Then you can cut your detox into two parts and just use half.

We have walked the path before – now we walk it with you

We've guided you through every step – and we're always here if you need help.

This guide is based on many years of real experience:
RAW ROOTs was founded by Lisa – a trained hairdresser and dreadhead for many years, with a deep knowledge of how natural ingredients work.

Every single product is carefully developed, tested and trusted by the dreadlock community.

Whether it's your very first detox or part of your seasonal rhythm:
Now you know exactly what to do.

Take it slow.
Trust the process.
Your dreads will thank you.