Best Moisturizer For Locs [Top 5 Products Explined]

Locs are more than just a hairstyle. They are a symbol of freedom, spirituality, and cultural pride.

Being a huge Bob Marley fan and inspired by Rastafari culture, I started my loc journey, and I have to say, I’ve really enjoyed the initial months. However, keeping them healthy requires a loc moisturizer.

Dryness can be a real struggle for locs, but using the best loc moisturizer can bring them back to life. With dreadlock moisturizers, you can easily combat dryness, add shine, and also keep your locs manageable.

And the best part is, you can prevent damage. After trying out numerous products, I’m here to share the top dread moisturizers including spray, gels, lotions, and leave-in conditioners.

Some of them are packed with essential oils and plant extracts that are essential for keeping your locs healthy and hydrated.

The Importance Of Moisturizing Locks

1. Daily Moisturizer Prevents Dryness and Breakage

Locs can dry out from heat treatments, extreme cold or hot weather, chlorine water, and harsh hair products.

What’s worse is this dryness leads to breakage, split ends, weakening of roots and hair damage. To prevent these problems locs need regular moisturizing.

2. Strengthens and Supports Growth

Moisturizers for dry locs usually have active ingredients like oils, vitamins, and proteins, particularly from plant extracts.

When we use the liquid, the contents nourish the dreads and scalps as well as make our hair stronger and flexible.

Well-hydrated locs ensure a healthy scalp environment, too, with ingredients that further work to support hair growth.

3. Adds Shine and Softness

Conditioning the locs helps make them appear shinier and softer to the touch. How?

Because some of these dread moisturizers use butters and oils that make the dreads more flexible and smoother while treating frizz and keeping it under control.

Besides, those ingredients also help make the hair super healthy, which creates a glossy look.

A Quick View of Best Moisturizer For Locs

Product	Hydration Lasts	Ideal for	Defines Curl	Holds Twists
Locsanity Daily Moisturizing Refreshing Spray	24 hours	Thick locks	Yes	Great
Lion Locs Dreadlocks Moisturizer	2 days	Thick locks	Yes	Moderate
Lockology Revitalocs Conditioner	12 hours	Loose locks	No	Moderate
OUIDAD Moisture Lock All Curls Leave-in Moisturizer	24 hours	Thick locks	Yes	Above moderate
Dollylocks Professional Organic Dreadlock	2 days	Thick locks	Yes	Moderate

Top 5 Best Moisturizers For Locs Reviews

1. Locsanity Daily Moisturizing Refreshing Spray

If you’re looking for a way to maintain healthy, hydrated dreadlocks, Locsanity’s daily moisturizing spray is a natural product worth considering. Its powerful blend of natural ingredients is designed to revitalize and refresh your locs.

This moisturizer for dry locs contains Peppermint Oil, which helps soothe our heads thanks to its 40-70% menthol content. Aloe vera, Jojoba Oil, Rosewater, and Shea Butter also work to keep the hair super hydrated, soft, and shiny.

These natural ingredients penetrate the hair shaft and lock in moisture so that they nourish and strengthen the hair while preventing frizz.

With this dread moisturizer, you can eliminate dandruff as the spray combats hair dryness by removing skin flakes and buildups. This eventually keeps the scalp clean and free of itchiness.

Besides moisturizing, Locsanity’s spray has a rosewater mint fragrance that works to keep the hair smelling fresh. It also helps stimulate natural curl formation and hold its shape for a day or two, so the twists look more defined without leaving any residue.

Although ideal for dreadlocks, it works on different types of hair and styles, including microlocks, interlocks, braidlocks, twist locks, and sisterlocks. Since the liquid is pretty thick, 1-2 spritzes all over the locks are sufficient, and it lasts up to 24 hours.

However, I found the spray straw awkwardly long, and the bottle pump is quite flimsy, making it complicated to spray. So, you may want to cut the straw or get a user-friendly, durable squirt bottle to use it more easily.

Overall, Locsanity’s Daily Moisturizing Refreshing Spray is a strong contender for being the best moisturizer for dreadlocks with its all natural formula and offering everything you need to keep your locs healthy, hydrated, and looking their best.

Highlighted Features

● Contains natural ingredients

● Suitable for different hair styles and types

● Free of paraben, sulfate and formaldehyde

● Hydration lasts up to 24 hours

Pros

● Cooling sensation helps soothe hair

● Keeps hair hydrated all day long

● Adds definition to the curls

● Works as a strong hold

● Keeps dreadlocks healthy, shiny and soft

● Eliminates buildups and skin flakes to prevent dandruff

Cons

● Flimsy bottle pump

● Long spray straw

2. Lion Locs Dreadlocks Moisturizer

Anyone with wild, messy hair should try Lion’s moisturizer for dreadlocks, as it allows them to control the tiny dreadlocks just the way they like.

The gel supplies moisture to control frizz, making locs softer and stray flyaways more flexible and easier to tame. It also ensures that the dreads smell fresh, as it has a light tropical scent with a tad of Aloe notes.

It’s suitable for multiple hair varieties and styles ranging from straight to curly, from 2A to 4C, or from braid locs, sister locks, dreadlocks, twist locks, faux locs, and interlocks. In short, this locs moisturizer covers it all.

The conditioner is quite lightweight, but I’d say it’s better to use a small amount otherwise too much of a product can leave residue behind. Just take a dime to nickel size amount of gel and apply it to the locs, it’ll last hydration for up to 2 days.

Because the conditioner is made of all-natural ingredients like Aloe Vera, hydrolyzed wheat protein, Argan oil and jojoba oil, they help keep our locs stronger, shinier, and healthier for a longer period. Moreover, the moisture shot helps plump up our curl pattern which in turn adds definition to it.

Plus, its creamy texture provides a light hold so it can make the twists stay in place for a while. In case you want a stronger hold, consider using a bit of water-based moisturizer spray along with dreads moisturizer.

Highlighted Features

● Suitable for different hair styles and types

● Hydration lasts up to 2 days

● Free of paraben, sulfate, silicone, minerals, and formaldehyde

● Contains natural ingredients

Pros

● Helps make locs easier to control and tame

● Keeps hair moisturized for up to 2 days

● Lightweight

● Enhances curl pattern very well

● Keeps locks shiny, soft and healthy

Cons

● Might leave residue

● Moderate hold for twists

3. Lockology Revitalocs Conditioner

If you’re looking for something that primes up your hair faster than the Flash, get this daily moisturizer spray by Lockology. It works as a leave-in treatment, conditioner, and moisturizer i.e. 3-in-1.

Just spray it a couple of times into the dreadlocks. The droplets will get into the hair shaft and seal in moisture instantly, which eventually helps soften your locks and make them frizz-free. This light moisturizer is ideal for those with looser locs.

And the effectiveness of this spray comes from its 90% organic ingredient list. It contains ingredients like Pro Vitamin B5, Aloe and Castor Oil, hydrolyzed Wheat Protein and Vitamin E Oil. Vitamin B5 works actively to moisturize the hair and add shine to it.

A very prominent feature is that it works to keep the hair hydrated for around 12 hours making it a good water-based moisturizer for locs.

Not just that, because it’s all water, there won’t be any buildup or residue to make our hair feel heavy and messy. Rather, the water will work to clean up the flakes and buildups to keep dandruff at bay.

However, this hair moisturizer for locs may not be a good option for defining twists since the formula is too lightweight to plump up the pattern. It might work as a hold for twists, but not for a longer period.

In case you want something like that, a gel like moisturizer or a water-based product made of holding agents like Shea butter can be a better pick.

Highlighted Features

● Works as leave-in treatment, conditioner, and moisturizer.

● Hydration lasts up to 12 hours

● Contains 90% natural ingredients

● Doesn’t leave residue and eliminates buildups

Pros

● Makes sure the locs stay shiny, soft, and healthy

● Does the job quickly

● Keeps hair hydrated for half a day

● Removes dandruff issues

● Lightweight

Cons

● May not define curls

● Doesn’t provide strong hold

4. OUIDAD Moisture Lock All Curls Leave-in Moisturizer

This OUIDAD moisturizer for dreads is perfect for treating damaged hair caused by heat, chemicals and carelessness.

This leave-in moisturizer for locs contains green, which works as an antioxidant to reduce inflammation and promote a healthy environment. Vitamin B5 acts as a humectant to keep hair strands moisturized all day long.

The formula also includes pear, cactus, and arnica extracts that help boost hydration and stimulate nourishment. Together, these ingredients work to repair hair curls and promote shine, making it a good daily moisturizer.

And because of its cream-like texture, it adds definition to the curls and makes them look pleasantly fluffy. It also provides twists with a good hold that’ll last half a day.

The moisturizer has tamed my frizz issues and smoothed the hair strands so that they don’t cling to each other anymore, which has made my hair slippery and detangled.

Despite the thicker consistency, this dreadlock moisturizer doesn’t leave any residue. That said, I’d still recommend starting with a quarter-size amount, so it doesn’t feel sticky.

However, it has a super soapy smell which indeed subdues after a few hours. It shouldn’t bother people who have a thing for this kind of fragrance. Then again, it’s not ideal for people with extreme smell sensitivity. In that case, they should look for moisturizer with a subtle fragrant note.

Highlighted Features

● Hydration lasts up to 24 hours

● Free of Silicones, Parabens, Sulfates and Phthalates

● Doesn’t leave residue and eliminates buildups

● Vitamin B5 works as active ingredient to keep hair moisturized

Pros

● Repairs damaged hair

● Ensures shiny, soft and healthy locs

● Keeps the locs moisturized all day long

● Adds definition to the curls

● Provides good hold for twists

Cons

● Overwhelmingly soap-like smell

● Using too much product may lead to stickiness

5. Dollylocks Professional Organic Dreadlock

If you want to get rid of scalp itchiness, then this Dollylocks moisturizer is a must-have.

The liquid supplies deep moisture, treats dryness, eliminates buildups and relieves itching and other kinds of irritation thanks to the presence of essential oils. These include jojoba oil; grapefruit seed and tea tree oil which use their antimicrobial and therapeutic properties to do the job without leaving any residue.

Since it’s mainly a hair moisturizer for locs, it not only keeps our hair hydrated but shiny and soft as well for up to 2 days. Moreover, the liquid also helps define different kinds of curls by plumping them up.

There’s also a hint of spearmint to help cool the head. Although it’s not very prominent since the menthol content is low, such a mint keeps the hair smelling fresh.

Note that the hold quality isn’t very impressive, even though it’s a good moisturizer for locs. However, it manages to maintain the twists for a few hours. But if you want a strong hold for a longer period, applying a creamy gel can help you with that.

I suggest you transfer the liquid to a new, high-quality spray bottle so you can use it without any worries. Because you may not like the flimsy bottle it comes in. Once you have the right container, spray it onto the locs a couple of times and enjoy its moisturizing benefits.

Highlighted Features

● Contains essential oils for itch-free effects

● Hydration lasts up to 2 days

● Doesn’t leave residue and eliminates buildups

● Free of Sulfates and Phthalates

Pros

● Eliminates dandruff and relieves scalp itching

● Ensures shiny, soft, and healthy locs

● Keeps the locs moisturized for up to 2 days

● Enhances curl pattern

● Spearmint offers slightly cooling sensation

Cons

● Flimsy spraying bottle

● Doesn’t provide strong hold

Locs Moisturizer Buying Guide

Organic Ingredients

Make sure the locs moisturizers are made up of organic ingredients. Most of the moisturizing products are formulated with plant extracts and essential oils.

Among them, EOs such as Jojoba Oil, Argan Oil, Avocado Oil, Argan Oil and Tea Tree Oil penetrate the scalp, nourish deep hair follicles, enhance nutrition, supply moisture to the roots and strands as well as strengthen the hair overall.

Moreover, such elements have antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, which clean up the residues, buildups, and skin flakes to eliminate dandruff and prevent them from happening again.

Dreadlocks moisturizers also contain ingredients like Shea Butter, which is a great emollient for curly hair. It restores moisture lost due to heat and chemical treatments and seals it in. Moreover, it helps enhance the curls and hold them for some time.

Some conditioners contain hydrolyzed wheat protein, which mainly helps deal with hair damage. The proteins have gliadin and glutenin with lots of disulfide bonds that connect broken parts of the hair to repair the damage and strengthen locs.

Many moisturizers for dreadlocks also include Vitamins. While Vit E helps keep hair hydrated with its moisturizing properties, B5 makes hair stronger.

Lots of products also use peppermint and spearmint. These ingredients give you a cooling sensation while keeping the hair smelling and feeling fresh.

Free of Harmful Chemicals

The dreads moisturizers shouldn’t contain any harmful chemicals that are known to cause adverse effects and allergic reactions.

In that case, the manufacturer should mention that the product is free from harmful chemicals on the bottle or something along with the list of components.

Apart from such a list, it’s also wise to check the ingredients separately so that you get to know if all of them are safe for you. Because one content may not be harmful to all but to some individuals.

However, some of the chemicals that can be very harmful for almost everyone are Formaldehyde, Parabens, Silicones, Phthalates and Sulfates.

● Formaldehyde and Parabens are added to hair conditioners to prolong their shelf life, but they can pose severe potential risks of cancer and allergies.

● Silicones in hair care products are used for making hair smooth and shiny but they can cause extreme buildups on hair which can lead to hair damage.

● Phthalates work as gelling agents and plasticizers to make the hair product smell good but they can come with reproductive defect issues.

● Sulfates help remove excess hair oiliness, but they can also cause severe hair dryness and irritation.

Hydration Level and Longevity

Always choose a good leave-in moisturizer for locs that can keep the hair moisturized and for a longer period.

Not everyone needs heavy moisturizer. Instead, it varies based on the thickness of the locs.

Those with thicker locks should get an intense-level moisturizer since it’ll penetrate deeply into the denser structure, nourish, and soften the strands, and maintain the health of the hair.

People with loose locks can consider a light moisturizer because it has an open structure that allows the product’s moisture to get into the hair quickly. Light locs moisturizers provide just the right amount to keep the hair hydrated.

The hydration should also last long, meaning you don’t need something that requires frequent application throughout the day. Rather, make sure to opt for a dreadlocks moisturizer that can last from 12 hours to a few days.

If you’re okay with daily moisturizing, some products offer hydration lasting from 12 to 24 hours. You’ll just need to spray them once or twice.

Meanwhile, some of them work to keep the hair hydrated for around 2 or 3 days. It’s ideal for almost everyone since it helps lock in moisture and keep the hair healthy between washes.

Compatibility with Hair Type

Different locks have distinct characteristics, be it texture, thickness, or moisture needs. Once we get to understand our lock type, it becomes easier to pick a dreads moisturizer that effectively addresses its specific needs.

However, some products are versatile i.e. compatible with a variety of hair types and styles like dreadlocks, sisterlocks, braidlocks, microlocks, interlocks, faux locs, crochet locs, boho locs and twistlocks.

● 2A to 3B locks with wavy to curly patterns mostly have looser structure. So they can go with a light moisturizer.

● 3C to 4C locks with coily to tight coily patterns tend to be quite drier and have a denser structure. So, they need a heavy moisturizer for deep penetration and hydration.

Consistency and Residue-Free

Locs moisturizers come in water, cream, conditioner, serum, and lotion form. No matter what the forms are, the product should have a light consistency that can absorb into the hair easily without leaving anything behind.

I usually avoid the ones that are too thick or greasy. Not only do they feel heavy weighing our locs down, but they also make them look sticky and clumpy. Moreover, such liquids also happen to leave a residue that can clog pores in our scalp, hinder growth, and weaken hair strands.

Curl Definition and Twist Holding

Some moisturizers for locs not only keep our hair hydrated but also help enhance natural curl pattern and maintain its shape.

Note that such features are like a bonus. So, even if a moisturizer doesn’t have these advantages, it doesn’t mean the product is ineffective in its key function.

Water and gel-based moisturizers commonly have shea butter and oils that help define curls and work as a good hold to make sure the twists stay in place for some time. They do the job to a certain extent.

In case you don’t want separate products for adding definition to curls and/or holding twists, consider an all-in-one moisturizer that offers these benefits.

6 Tips to Nourishing Your Locs

1. Grab The Right Locs Moisturizer

A moisturizer should supply enough moisture to our hair strands. It shouldn’t be too heavy to weigh the locs down and cause buildups. Also, it shouldn’t be too light making it ineffective in moisturizing the hair.

2. Moisturize Dreads Regularly

Try and moisturize the dreads at least 1-2 times a week based on the type of hair and moisture needs.

I usually have thicker locks, so I moisturize 2-3 times a week. Since the structure is denser, a heavy moisturizer keeps my hair hydrated for around 2 or 3 days.

Meanwhile, my sister has loose locks, so she moisturizes them every 1-2 days, and they dry out pretty quickly. A light moisturizer works great here because it effectively instills moisture into strands for a long time without weighing them down.

3. Target the Ends of Locs

The ends of our locs can frequently get dry, so we may need to apply a good amount of moisturizer to those specific areas.

I usually start with the ends and then work it towards the roots. Because I find it both convenient and effective.

4. Avoid Oversaturation

Make sure the moisturizer is distributed evenly. Don’t over-saturate the locs with the liquid otherwise this can lead to mold growth, buildups and residues which can result in hair weakening and damage.

5. Protective Styles and Accessories

Try out protective styles like braids or buns because this works to retain moisture and minimize manipulation which can cause moisture loss.

When our locks are tucked away, they are eventually protected from external conditions like sun, wind and debris while holding moisture. Also covering the locs with a hat, satin or silk scarf or bonnet can prevent moisture loss too.

6. Avoid Heat Styling

Try to use blow dryers and flat irons as little as possible since the heat in them can strip moisture from the dreads.

If you have to use such tools, I’d suggest spraying heat protectant into the locs beforehand to protect the hair from the damage that comes with heat.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is The Best Thing To Moisturize Locs With?

A well-balanced moisturizer with quick and deep absorption capacity is the best thing to moisturize locs with. Use moisturizers that contain jojoba oil, aloe vera oil, argan oil, tea tree oil, avocado oil, and coconut oil, which have amazing moisturizing properties.

Can I Moisturize My Locs Every day?

You can moisturize your locs every day depending on the thickness of the locs, how much product is applied, the consistency of the product, and other factors.

In case you have thicker locs, you can apply light moisturizer every day that lasts 12 to 24 hours. However, a heavy moisturizer works more effectively and applying it 2-3 times a week is more than enough.

Loose locs usually require daily moisturizing since they dry out faster. A lighter product is more suitable in this case as they absorb easily, but you can opt for a slightly heavy one and use it twice a week. Just make sure to not oversaturate since it can lead to brittle hair.

Can I Put Shea Butter In Locs?

Yes, you can put shea butter in locs since it’s rich in vitamin A and E that work to moisturize the hair, rejuvenate damaged strands and strengthen the locs while making them look shiny and soft.

Is It Better To Put Moisturizer On Wet Or Dry Locs?

It’s better to apply moisturizer on wet locs particularly after a shower since it enables your hair strands to absorb the liquid more properly and quickly.

What Products To Avoid With Locs?

Products like extremely heavy conditioners, shampoos, and other hair care treatments should be avoided as they tend to weigh down the locs, make them stickier, unmanageable, and leave residue behind that can cause buildups.

Final Words

A good product is always the one that ensures efficiency. For me, 4 of the options have helped keep my thick locs hydrated, while the other one worked wonder for my sister’s loose locs.

Since the active ingredients of the moisturizers are plant extracts and essential oils, they mainly help provide moisture to the hair and make it stronger, smoother, and shinier.

However, the products here are given just to give you a starting point. You can try them out or keep on experimenting until you get your own best loc moisturizer.