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Some people call them “dreadlocks,” while some refer to them simply as “dreads” or “locs.” What you call them is up to you – how you care for them is, too. While freeform is a style a lot of loc’d individuals opt for, some yearn for uniform locs with shiny and smooth roots. If the latter describes you, use these products to create and maintain the healthiest, most beautiful locs possible. Click the product links to find out where each is available.
1. Knotty Boy LockStead Tropical Tightening Gel
For those who have their locs re-tightened by the palm roll method, a pea-sized amount of this gel goes a long way. It’s made with shine-promoting aloe vera, Xanthan gum, sucrose for hold, and hemp seed, vitamin E, and lime oils for ultra hydration and scalp care. The Xanthan gum provides hydrogen bonding within the cuticles, allowing for the smoothest roots without flaky residue.
2. Lockology Locking Gel
This lightweight Locking Gel was formulated to give moisture and hold to your locs – without stickiness, flakes, or buildup. It’s vegan-friendly and has 90% organic ingredients like aloe juice and lemongrass oil.
3. Dr. Locs Imani Locking Spray
This is chamomile tea-based spray is a great option for anyone who prefers a spray formula. You can use it to hydrate freshly twisted locs or rehydrate your locs. People love the fresh scent and that it cuts down on frizz.
4. Jamaican Mango & Lime Resistant Formula Locking Gel
It has the hold of a wax without the tacky, greasy build-up. Nourishing mango and cocoa butters seal moisture into the cuticle and provide a number of necessary nutrients, flavonoids, fiber, and vitamins for healthier locs. The lime and green tea extracts soothe the roots during twisting while providing several antioxidant and antiseptic qualities for a cleaner, more bacteria-resistant scalp.
5. Murray’s Gel-Loc Lock
This water-based twisting gel is packed with the benefits of vegetable, nut, and fruit extract oils that focus on hair and scalp health. The amino acids are crucial to length retention and stronger locs, and olive oil is a natural protectant of the elements.
6. Taliah Waajid Black Earth Products Lock It Up
This creamy, alcohol-free formula won’t leave any flakes behind. This cream has natural ingredients like yarrow root, rosemary, nettle, and Indian hemp. This Holy Grail’s hold is just one of the reasons it won a NaturallyCurly Best of the Best Award, voted by thousands of our NaturallyCurly readers.
7. Carol’s Daughter Loc Butter
Corn, soybean, cocoa, and shea butters are the first 4 ingredients, so you know your hair is getting maximum moisture from this pomade. Soybean oil is known for its deep penetration into the hair shaft, acting as an effective sealant for moisture and protection from elements, prolonging wash day for your locs. It also benefits those with a sensitive scalp or skin conditions like eczema.
8. Knatty Dread Dreadlocks Cream
For those who don’t want a hard wax in their hair, this retwisting product is an effective alternative with its creamy consistency. Made with all-natural ingredients and based on shea butter and natural lanolin, this cream is ideal for those starting locs on fine type 4 hair.
9. Fruit Of The Earth Aloe Vera 100 % Gel
Whether you prefer to DIY your aloe vera gel or use this store-bought product, aloe vera gel provides a great hold for locs and soothes the scalp without the flakiness or buildup of some heavier products. The DIY version won’t last as long, so this Fruit Of the Earth product may be more convenient.
10. Darcy’s Botanicals Organic Coconut Butter Styling Pomade
A healthy conditioning pomade for those with less dense hair, this product does not leave a heavy feeling–it is light but still contains beeswax for hold and smoothness. It’s completely organic, formulated with coconut and peach kernel oil for deep moisture penetration to the scalp and sealing, growth-promoting capabilities with vitamin E.
What are your favorite products for locs?
This article has been updated with new products and product links.
