Are you having a hard time choosing the right shampoo to maintain the healthy look and feel of your hair? Look no further! In 2023, there are many fantastic options for the best shampoos for locs on the market. These shampoos are specifically designed to nourish, hydrate, and cleanse your locs without causing any damage. Choosing the right shampoo is crucial if you have just started your loc journey or are a seasoned veteran. Here are the top 8 best shampoos for locs in 2023 that will leave your hair looking and feeling fabulous.

Selecting The Best Shampoo For Your Locs

Choosing the right shampoo for your locs can be overwhelming, with so many options available on the market. Nevertheless, you can find the perfect shampoo for your specific needs by considering a few key factors. Consider these factors when choosing a shampoo for locs:

  1. Ingredients: The first thing you should consider when choosing a shampoo for your locs is the ingredients. Make sure your shampoo is free of sulfates, parabens, and other harmful chemicals.
  2. Moisture: It is crucial to choose a shampoo that provides adequate moisture to your locs. Keep your locs hydrated with shampoos that contain natural oils, such as jojoba oil, coconut oil, or shea butter.
  3. Cleansing Power: Your shampoo should be able to effectively cleanse your locs without leaving any residue behind. Look for a shampoo that creates a rich lather to remove dirt and buildup from your hair.
  4. pH Balance: The pH balance of your shampoo is crucial for maintaining healthy locs. To avoid dryness and breakage, use a pH-balanced shampoo.

Consider these variables to discover the ideal shampoo for your locs that will enhance their appearance and texture.

Top 8 Best Shampoos for Locs

4.0 TOTAL SCORE

Jamaican Mango & Lime Tingle Shampoo

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If you’re searching for the best shampoos for locs, look no further than Jamaican Mango and Lime Tingle Shampoo. This unique formula is specially designed to cleanse and moisturize locs, leaving them feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

 

The tingle sensation you’ll feel is the invigorating blend of natural ingredients like peppermint and tea tree oil. These ingredients work together to gently cleanse your scalp, leaving it feeling cool and refreshed.

 


Scent 5
Cleansing 4
Hydrating 3
PROS
  • Gently removes buildup
  • Soothes scalp and relieves itching
  • Promotes healthy, well-groomed locks
  • Value for money
CONS
  • Not for dry scalp

4.3 TOTAL SCORE

Cantu Sulfate-Free Cleansing Cream Shampoo

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Cantu Sulfate-Free Cleansing Cream Shampoo

For those with locs, finding the best shampoo that will cleanse your hair without stripping its natural oils can be a challenge. Fortunately, Cantu’s Sulfate-Free Cleansing Cream Shampoo is an exceptional option that will leave your locs feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

Infused with a unique blend of shea butter, tea tree oil, and jojoba oil, this shampoo gently removes buildup and impurities from your hair and scalp while also moisturizing and strengthening your locs.


Moisturizing 4
Softness 4
Transparency 5
PROS
  • Sulfate-free
  • Purify and revitalize
  • Aromatic
  • Sulfate-free Purify and revitalize Aromatic Worth the money
CONS
  • Dry the hair

 

Its creamy consistency lathers effortlessly and rinses out easily, leaving behind a delightful fragrance.

When it comes to finding the best shampoos for locs, Cantu’s Sulfate-Free Cleansing Cream Shampoo is definitely among the great options available on the market.

4.0 TOTAL SCORE

SheaMoisture Intensive Hydration Shampoow summary.

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SheaMoisture Intensive Hydration Shampoo

SheaMoisture Intensive Hydration Shampoo is the perfect solution for those looking for the best shampoos for locs. Enriched with a luxurious blend of natural ingredients such as Shea Butter, Manuka Honey, and Mafura Oil, this shampoo provides intense hydration and nourishment to dry, damaged hair. The gentle yet effective formula of SheaMoisture Intensive Hydration Shampoo cleanses the scalp without stripping it of its natural oils, leaving your locks feeling soft, smooth, and manageable. It is specially designed to penetrate deep into the hair shaft to strengthen and repair hair from within.


Scent 4
Moisturizing 4
Softness 4
PROS
  • Restore and nourish the hair
  • Sulfate-free shampoo
  • Softens the hair
  • Smells great
CONS
  • Costly

It is specially designed to penetrate deep into the hair shaft to strengthen and repair hair from within.

Say goodbye to dry, brittle, and frizzy locs with SheaMoisture Intensive Hydration Shampoo. Its natural and organic components collaborate harmoniously to supply your hair with the necessary moisture and hydration, improving its appearance and texture. Experience the difference it can make to your hair by trying it today!

4.0 TOTAL SCORE

Aveeno, Fresh Greens Blend Sulfate-Free Shampooview summary.

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Aveeno shampoo

For those seeking the best shampoos for locs, Aveeno Fresh Greens Blend Sulfate-Free Shampoo is a must-try. This gentle yet effective formula is enriched with a blend of wholesome ingredients like oat and green apple extract, which provide deep hydration and nourishment to your locs. The sulfate-free Aveeno Fresh Greens Blend Shampoo effectively cleanses your hair and scalp while preserving natural oils. Its formula is gentle on your locs and won’t cause excessive dryness or breakage.


Residue-free 4
Moisturizing 4
Value for money 4
PROS
  • Boosting and nurturing
  • Cleansing and plumping
  • Sulfate and Paraben- free
CONS
  • Very earthy smell

Not only does it cleanse and hydrate, but it also leaves your hair feeling fresh and smelling great. The subtle scent of apple and cucumber will leave you feeling revitalized and refreshed.

So if you’re looking for a sulfate-free shampoo that will keep your locs healthy, nourished, and smelling fresh, try Aveeno Fresh Greens Blend Sulfate-Free Shampoo today. Your hair will thank you for it!

4.3 TOTAL SCORE

Knatty Dread Dreadlocks Shampoo

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Knatty Dread Dreadlocks Shampoo

Knatty Dread Dreadlocks Shampoo is a game-changer for those searching for the best shampoos for locs. This exceptional formula is specifically formulated to cater to all kinds of dreadlocks and locks, making it an excellent option for those who desire to maintain the cleanliness and freshness of their hair while still ensuring high quality. This gentle yet powerful shampoo is made with all-natural and organic ingredients that provide a deep cleanse while preserving the natural oils and texture of your locks. With regular use, it helps to strengthen and protect your hair, leaving it healthy, shiny, and vibrant.


Moisturizing 5
Cost-effective 4
Aroma 4
PROS
  • Strengthens dreadlocks and promotes new growth
  • Minimizes drying time
  • Odorless
  • Residue-free
CONS
  • Not for Afro textured Hair

Knatty Dread Dreadlocks Shampoo is easy to use and rinses out cleanly, ensuring that your locs stay free of residue and buildup. It’s also gentle enough for sensitive scalps, making it suitable for everyone. Try it today and experience the difference it can make to your locs!

4.3 TOTAL SCORE

4 Dreadlocks Soap Combo for Dreads Shampoo

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Introducing the ultimate solution for keeping your dreadlocks clean and healthy – the 4 Dreadlocks Soap Combo for Dreads Shampoo. This combo pack includes four specially formulated soaps that work together to cleanse, condition, and nourish your locs.

Made with all-natural ingredients like tea tree oil, coconut oil, and lavender, these soaps are gentle yet effective, ensuring that your dreadlocks remain strong, vibrant, and well-maintained. The unique blend of essential oils helps to keep your scalp healthy, reducing the risk of dandruff and other scalp irritations.

Introducing the ultimate solution for keeping your dreadlocks clean and healthy – the 4 Dreadlocks Soap Combo for Dreads Shampoo. This combo pack includes four specially formulated soaps that work together to cleanse, condition, and nourish your locs. Made with all-natural ingredients like tea tree oil, coconut oil, and lavender, these soaps are gentle yet effective, ensuring that your dreadlocks remain strong, vibrant, and well-maintained. The unique blend of essential oils helps to keep your scalp healthy, reducing the risk of dandruff and other scalp irritations.


Residue free 5
Cleansing 4
Dread formation 4
PROS
  • Purify dreadlocks
  • Boosts dread formation
  • Stimulates hair growth
  • Totally pure
CONS
  • A little costly

Incorporating the 4 Dreadlocks Soap Combo for Dreads Shampoo into your daily hair care regimen is simple and convenient. Your dreadlocks will become more manageable, softer, and shinier with everyday use. Invest in your locs’ health and beauty with this fantastic combo pack, and feel the difference in your hair today.

4.0 TOTAL SCORE

PURA D’OR Apple Cider Vinegar

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PURA D’OR Apple Cider Vinegar

PURA D’OR Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo is considered a game-changer regarding the best shampoos for locs. Infused with the power of nature’s best ingredients, including organic apple cider vinegar, tea tree oil, and argan oil, this shampoo is specially designed to cleanse, nourish and protect locs from damage. This Shampoo is enriched with a blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that collaborate effectively to eliminate impurities, buildup, and residue from your locks. This results in refreshed, revitalized, and clean hair.


Softness 4
Quality 4
Moisturizing 4
PROS
  • Hydration for Fuller Locks
  • Intensive Scalp Cleansing
  • Restore the damaged hair
  • Vital herbal extracts
CONS
  • Pricey

This shampoo is an excellent selection for individuals seeking natural, organic, and environmentally-friendly options due to its absence of sulfates, parabens, and animal testing. Get ready to transform your locs with the power of PURA D’OR Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo, and experience the best that nature has to offer

4.3 TOTAL SCORE

OKAY Coconut&Shea Butter Shampoo

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OKAY Coconut&Shea Butter Shampoo

OKAY Coconut & Shea Butter Shampoo is a top contender for the best shampoos for locs and for a good reason. This shampoo contains coconut, and shea butter extracts that penetrate deeply into dry and fragile hair, imparting ample moisture and making them revitalized, healthy and well-nourished. This gentle formula is free from harsh sulfates, making it safe and effective for even the most sensitive scalps. Its unique blend of ingredients strengthens and repairs hair, promoting growth and preventing breakage.


Residue-free 5
Deep moisturizing 4
Revitalizing 4
PROS
  • Keeps hair healthy, silky, and manageable
  • Treats dry scalp
  • Provides deep moisturizing
  • Sulfate, silicone, and paraben-free
CONS
  • Not for silky hair

Not only does OKAY Coconut & Shea Butter Shampoo work wonders on locs, but it also helps to soothe and calm the scalp, relieving irritation and itchiness.

Indulge in the luxurious lather of OKAY Coconut & Shea Butter Shampoo and experience the transformative power of natural ingredients. Say goodbye to dry, damaged locks, and hello to healthy, radiant hair

How to Use Shampoo on Locs

best shampoos for locs
  1. Wet your locs: Before applying shampoo, wet your locs thoroughly with warm water. This helps to loosen any dirt or buildup in your hair.
  2. Apply shampoo: Create a lather by rubbing a small amount of shampoo between your hands. Then, apply the lather to your locs, focusing on the scalp and roots.
  3. Massage your scalp: Massage your scalp in circular motions with your fingertips to improve blood flow and eliminate buildup.
  4. Rinse thoroughly: Rinse locs well with warm water to remove all shampoo. Repeat the step to ensure all shampoo is gone.
  5. Squeeze out excess water: After rinsing, squeeze out any excess water from your locs. To prevent hair damage, it is advisable to refrain from rubbing or twisting your hair.
  6. Dry your locs: Blot your hair with a towel to remove water, and avoid using a hair dryer to prevent frizz and damage.

Follow these easy steps to keep your locs clean and healthy without causing damage.

Tips for Maintaining Healthy Locs

1.    Wash Regularly

  • Use a gentle shampoo
  • Don’t over-wash or under-wash
  • Avoid using hot water

2.    Keep Your Scalp Moisturized

  • Use natural oils
  • Massage scalp regularly
  • Cover hair when sleeping

3.    Avoid Harsh Chemicals

  • Avoid products containing alcohol and sulfates
  • Limit the use of styling products
  • Use natural remedies for dandruff and itching

4.    Retwist Appropriately

  • Don’t retwist too often
  • Use natural methods like palm rolling
  • Avoid tight retwisting

5.    Protect Your Hair

  • Wear a headscarf or cap when sleeping
  • Avoid excessive sun exposure
  • Keep hair away from harsh weather

By following these tips, you can maintain healthy locs that are strong, moisturized, and damage-free.

Our Recommendation

Revive your dry and damaged locks with the ultimate solution: SheaMoisture’s Intensive Hydration Shampoo. Infused with shea butter and coconut oil, it deeply moisturizes and strengthens hair from root to tip.I personally use this shampoo as it suits my wavy textured hair and works best for 4c hair. You can select the one according to hair type from our recommendations.

Frequently Asked Questions

1.    What should I wash my locs with?

For locs, light oils and clarifying, moisturizing shampoos are best for growth. Creamy shampoos may cause buildup and turn into gunk.

     2. Does shampoo matter for locs?

Due to their matted structure, locs trap product residue and hinder sebum distribution. A clarifying shampoo is essential for residue removal.

      3. Can I wash my locs with any shampoo?

Ordinary shampoos are not recommended for dreadlocks due to their synthetic additives that prevent matting and cause residue buildup, leading to loose knots.

The Upshot

In conclusion, choosing the best shampoos for locs is crucial for maintaining healthy, clean, and strong locks. The eight shampoos listed above are some of the best options available in 2023, providing various benefits to cater to the different needs of dreadlocked hair. if you are looking for shampoos that prevent greasy hair do check our recent guide.