I’m Jazmin, the owner of Those Lovely Locks. I’ve been starting and caring for dreadlocks professionally for almost ten years. I’ve realized that good lock-safe products are hard to find, so I always recommend my favorite products to my clients. I cannot stock these products in my salon due to space and capital issues, so I’ve created a list of my favorite products that are easily accessible to everyone.
I believe it’s beneficial for my clients not to feel pressured into purchasing products immediately. I don’t like overselling products to clients to make a profit; besides, not everyone needs or wants the same products. Instead, I list the products here, and if you decide to try them, Amazon will give me a small percentage of the sale price. This way, I don’t have to upsell, and my clients don’t feel pressured to buy. Everyone can get the products they need without any hassle. Even though they are listed on Amazon, most of the companies I recommend are small businesses, and many are women & minority-owned.
I don’t have a particular product line that I love entirely. I only recommend the products listed and not necessarily the entire range. Ultimately, the choice of what you use on your hair is yours, but please note that just because I recommend a product from a brand doesn’t mean I recommend all of their products.
I am still listing all of my recommendations, and I try new products often and will add them to the last as I find them. Have a product question or a great product to suggest? Send us a message HERE.
Shampoo
Jamaican Mango and Lime Tingle Shampoo
This is my favorite shampoo, and I especially recommend it for people who have long and/or dense hair. It can be difficult to work a gel shampoo through the entire length of hair, and many people end up using too much and not rinsing it all out, which leads to build-up. This is a concentrated gel shampoo, but I recommend diluting it by mixing 1 part shampoo with 3-4 parts water in a plastic bottle and shaking it up so it is foamy. This way, you can easily pour it onto your scalp and down the length of your hair, ensuring a thorough and even wash with an easy rinse.”
Trader Joe’s Tea Tree Tingle Shampoo
This is the best and most popular shampoo among my clients who have partial permanent locks like bangs or front left loose or those who use temporary braid-in extensions. It delivers a fantastic wash and is easy to rinse compared to many other shampoos without leaving the hair dry or tangled.
Made For Locs AVC Vegan Shampoo
If you’re vegan, I recommend this shampoo. If you’re not vegan like me, this shampoo is still a great option. I used a whole bottle to try it out and had no issues. It gently cleanses the scalp and rinses easily. For best results, divide your hair into small sections and apply a small amount to each section. Keep in mind that it doesn’t lather a whole lot, so be careful not to use it too much.
Conditioner
Made For Locs Black Charcoal Conditioner
For many years, the wisdom has been not to use conditioners with locks because it can lead to build-up or residue. Therefore, I hesitated to try any lock conditioner when they first came out. However, when I finally gave them a chance, most didn’t meet my expectations. However, there is one exception- Made For Locs Charcoal conditioner. It provides excellent conditioning and rinses out easily. You can use it as a hair mask by leaving it longer for a more intense conditioning experience.
Gel
Taliah Waajid Black Earth Products Lock It Up
I recommend using this gel to lay down flyaways and tidy up locks for those with Afro/kinky hair. It is a light-hold gel that rinses easily and does not require any set time if you don’t want to. You can also use it for some light twisting/styling, but it doesn’t offer the same hold as the next gel on the list from the same company.
Taliah Waajid Black Earth Products Tight Hold
If you are starting your locks with coils or twists, or if you are maintaining your locks using the retwisting method, I recommend using this gel. It provides a firmer hold than the previously mentioned product. I like these products and find they rinse out well compared to many other options. However, if you use this gel regularly, I suggest taking extra time to rinse your locks with hot water to ensure that all old gel is removed before applying the gel after your wash.
Oil
Alikay Naturals Unique Loc Oil
I really love this oil. It doesn’t have a strong fragrance and is made of high-quality ingredients. When it’s available, it’s my go-to brand; however, sometimes, it can be difficult to find in stock. In those cases, I have other oils that I use and recommend. It’s important to apply this oil after every wash, massage it into the scalp thoroughly, and then comb it through the hair.
Alikay Naturals Botanicals Hair And Scalp Balm
This balm is versatile and can be used as a scalp and spot treatment. It is 100% natural and does not clog pores. It effectively relieves scalp dryness, irritation, and itching. I use it once or twice a month, and during the winter, it’s a lifesaver as it helps with the dry patches that often appear at the front of my scalp.
Jamaican Mango And Lime Island Oil
This is a highly affordable option and is available at most beauty and hair stores. It comes in handy when my preferred oils are unavailable, or I don’t have enough time to wait for shipping. Apply it after washing your hair, making sure to massage it into the scalp and then running it through the strands.
I recommend this oil to my clients with fine hair that can easily become greasy. It is a lightweight oil that absorbs easily and is formulated to provide relief for dry scalp. It can also be used to prevent locks from drying out. Additionally, it comes in several scents; my favorite is Fresh.
Lint Prevention
POLYTE Microfiber Lint Free Bath Towels (Game Changer)
I have discovered a great alternative to regular towels for washing my hair – microfiber towels. Unlike regular towels, these towels do not transfer lint, which is a big plus. I’ve been using them for the past few years, and they have become my go-to for drying my hair. They are completely lint-free, absorb water quickly, and come in different colors. I highly recommend them!
Made for locs Soft Bristle Lint Brush (Great For Sweater Season)
This brush can be a lifesaver during sweater season or when you accidentally wear something that sheds lint. As soon as you notice that you have a lint issue, use the brush to briskly remove it from the affected area. Removing surface lint quickly is best, as it can easily become embedded. Although this won’t harm your set, it can be unsightly. To prevent lint build-up, you can also use the brush on a daily or weekly basis.
You can use this brush to smooth back any new growth that has escaped the lock. For an even neater look, use it with gel.
Hair Wraps and Bonnets
I always wrap up my hair before going to bed or whenever I need to protect it or need to comfortably keep it up and out of the way. I own many different styles and colors, but you don’t need a lot of them if you’re only using them at night. It’s best to try out a few types to find what works best for you, and you may need to get different sizes and styles as your hair grows and develops.
Wrapping up your hair at night is excellent for preventing lint buildup and keeping your roots fresh for longer. Most importantly, it protects your hair and prevents you from pulling on your roots while you sleep.
FocusCare Hair XL Adjustable Bonnet
King J Super Unisex Spandex Cap For Dreadlocks
Average Length
King J Unisex Spandex Cap For Dreadlocks
Long Length
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