If you want great results with your dreadlocks, you need to use the right shampoo and wash your locs regularly.
What makes shampoo safe for dreadlocks?
Here are some important tips to consider before purchasing shampoo:
1. A Dread-Safe Shampoo Leaves No Residue
Dreads absorb ingredients like oil and fragrance from shampoos and other hair care products. Even after rinsing the hair thoroughly, traces of grimy residue linger in your locs, attracting lint and absorbing moisture from the hair. That residue increases your risk of developing dread rot.
It is important to check the ingredients list on the back of the shampoo bottle before making a purchase. Watch out for ingredients that start with the letters PEG or PPG. These ingredients are likely to leave behind a residue.
2. Sulfates Can Rob Your Dreads Of Moisture
The most common surfactants used in shampoos are arguably bad news for your long-term health and for the health of your hair.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulphate (SLES) are two commonly used surfactant that are to be avoided. These ingredients tend to strip moisture from the inner layers of hair proteins and can potentially damage the cuticle of the hair strands.
3. Be Wary Of Organic And Natural Labels
Just because a shampoo is announced as being organic, don’t make the mistake of assuming that it is automatically safe for your locs. Most natural ingredients in shampoos can still create a residue.
Beeswax, for instance, is technically natural, but it has a terrible tendency to attract lint and unsightly buildup.
Look for cleansing agents with essential oils or saponified oils.