Dreadlock Care Routine - Step by Step Guide to Healthy Dreadlock Care
Dreadlocks thrive best with a simple and consistent care routine. However, many dreadheads experience uncertainty about when to use the different products and in what order they actually make sense.
Maybe you've stood with a product in your hand and wondered: Do I use it before or after oil? Should it be used after washing - or between hair washes?
A good dreadlock care routine isn't about doing everything perfectly - but about understanding what each product does so you can use it when your hair or scalp needs it.
Our goal is not to make you use more products. Our goal is to help you use the ones you already have - in a way that makes sense.
Below you will find a simple routine that can help you keep your dreads healthy, clean and well-groomed.
The short version
If you just want a quick overview, the routine can be summarized like this:
- Wash - keep the scalp clean
- Oil - give the lengths moisture and suppleness
- Tightening - gather loose hair and maintain shape
- Care after and between washes - refresh dreads and care for the scalp as needed
The rest of the guide explains each step in more detail.
Step 1 - Wash
Healthy dreadlocks start with a clean scalp. Regular hair washing is an important part of good dreadlock care because a healthy scalp is the foundation for healthy dreadlocks. When the scalp is kept clean and in balance, your dreads have the best conditions to develop naturally. A good wash removes sweat, dirt and product residue without leaving build-up in the hair.
We have made a thorough guide to the entire process here: How to wash your dreadlocks
Step 2 - Oil care
Oil helps keep dreadlocks supple, soft and protected.
Most dreads benefit from oil in the lengths where the hair needs moisture and protection.
If your scalp is dry, you can also use oil as a scalp treatment before washing your hair. This way, your scalp will be cared for without feeling heavy during everyday life.
If, on the other hand, you have a naturally oily scalp, it is usually best to only use oil on the lengths.
It's a common misconception that oil moisturizes hair. In reality, oil primarily helps retain moisture and protect hair, which is why it often works best on slightly damp hair.
At RAW ROOTs, we work with two different types of oil for dreadlocks in particular – a light oil for daily care and a more intensive oil for periods when the hair needs extra nourishment. Both can be used in a dreadlock routine, but in slightly different ways. Instead of thinking of oil as one product, it can be helpful to see it as two different types of care – a light oil for ongoing moisture and a more intensive oil for periods when the hair needs extra nourishment.
Hydrating Oil
A lightweight oil that adds moisture and suppleness to dreadlocks. It is suitable for daily care and is best used on slightly damp hair.
Lush Repair Oil
A more deeply nourishing oil that is especially good after washing your hair or when dreads feel dry and tired.
It can also be used as a hair treatment for the lengths. Apply the oil to dry or slightly damp dreads, leave it on for 30-60 minutes or overnight, then wash your hair with a residue-free shampoo. This type of treatment is especially good if your dreads feel very dry or need extra care. 
Step 3 - Maintain your dreads
When dreadlocks begin to mature - often after the first few months - loose hair and frizz become a completely natural part of the process.
Here, tightening products can help gather the hair and maintain its shape. It is not necessary every time you wash your hair - many people just use them as needed, when there are more loose hairs or when dreads need to be gathered again.
At RAW ROOTs we have two tightening products, a spray and a gel, each suited to different needs in your dreadlock routine.
Tightening Spray
A lightweight spray for daily maintenance. It provides texture and a firmer hold that helps gather loose hair and reduce frizz.
The spray is often a good choice if:
- you have newer dreads
- you would like more structure and texture in your hair
- you want to do quick maintenance between washes
Firming Gel
A conditioning gel that works deeper with moisture and strength. It provides a more controlled and flexible hold and is especially suitable for palm rolling and shaping dreadlocks.
The gel is often a good choice if:
- your dreads need more care and moisture
- you want to shape and collect dreads more precisely
- you do more thorough maintenance after washing your hair
You can find a full guide to usage on the product pages.
A simple rule of thumb: If you want more texture and a quick hold, choose the spray. If your dreads need more care and you want to shape them more thoroughly, the gel is often the best choice.
Step 4 - Care after and between hair washes
Many dreadlock care products can be used both after and between hair washes. It's mostly about sensing what your hair and scalp need.
Refreshing Mist
A light mist that refreshes your dreads, adds strengthening protein and helps keep your hair fresh between washes. It also helps eliminate bad odors and leaves your dreads with a pleasant, fresh scent. It is especially good after sports, smoking or a long day when your hair needs to be refreshed without a full wash. Can be used on both dry and damp hair.
Rescue Tonic
A nourishing and soothing spray for the scalp. It is especially good if the scalp feels dry, itchy or irritated - for example after a bath or during cold periods. It can be used directly on the scalp in both wet and dry hair.
In what order do you use the products?
Many people ask if there is a "right" order.
The truth is that dreadlocks don't require a complicated routine. The products are used primarily when your hair or scalp needs them.
If you want a simple structure, you can think like this:
After washing your hair
- Rescue Tonic on the scalp if it needs care
- Oil in the lengths
- Tightening Spray or Tightening Gel if you want to gather and shape your dreads
Between hair washes
- Refreshing Mist for freshness and strength
- Oil the lengths if they feel dry
- Rescue Tonic if the scalp needs rest
A simple and consistent dreadlock care routine is one of the most important things you can do to keep your dreads healthy over time.
A good dreadlock care routine doesn't have to be complicated.
Once you know what each product does, it becomes much easier to feel for what your dreads need.
Take it easy. Listen to your hair.
Your dreads should tell you what they need.
