Dreadlocks can be a complex hairstyle that requires a lot of maintenance. Dreadlocks are susceptible to tangles, frizziness, and dryness that can undermine their sleek appearance. In this article, I outline 19 of the best oils you should consider to maintain the optimal health of your dreads.
1. Jamaican Mango: Lime Island Scalp Oil
As its name suggests, this product works by moisturizing and nourishing the scalp and roots, which results in shiny, healthy dreads. It strengthens the hair follicles and prevents breakage.
One of the best features of this product is that it is suitable for all hair types and free of sulfates, parabens, and drugs.
Key ingredients:
- Mango extract
- Lime extract
- Moringa seed oil
- Manuka honey
With all-natural ingredients and no preservatives, this is a great option for healthy, chemical-free dreads.
2. Originals Ultimate X-Virgin Olive Oil
This product is best suited for dry, thick hair. Originals Ultimate X-Virgin Olive Oil repels water and softens the hair with vitamin E and fatty acids. It is a great product to keep your locks shiny and healthy.
Key ingredients:
- Extra-virgin olive oil
- Vitamin E oil
To use, heat oil in the microwave for about 20 seconds before massaging into the scalp. The best time to apply it is right before bed, an added bonus being the calming, natural scent.
3. Jamaican Mango; Lime Castor Oil
Another entry on our list from Jamaican Mango; Lime, this product is designed to soothe dry, itchy scalps. While it’s suitable for all hair types, dry hair reaps the most benefit from this black castor oil.
Key ingredients:
- Castor oil
- Soybean oil
- Coconut oil
- Carrot extract
- Grapeseed oil
To use, massage into the scalp.
4. Dollylocks Coconut Lime Dreadlock Tightening Spray
Suited for fine, frizzy, and oily hair, this product locks in moisture for hours. Keep in mind that it can weigh down thicker hair, so it’s best used for finer hair types.
Key ingredients:
- Lime extract
- Coconut oil
- Hawaiian sea salt
To use, shake the body and spray all over your scalp and dreads. Avoid palm rolling unless you have naturally dry hair. The soothing, refreshing scent is a great feature.
5. African Pride Black Castor Oil
This all-natural formula is moisturizing and smells fantastic, suitable for all hair types.
Key ingredients:
- Castor oil
- Coconut oil
To use, apply a dime-sized amount to your hairline and roots once a week. It’s not uncommon for a single jar to last you an entire year. Overusing the oil can cause flaking, so remember that a small amount is all you need.
6. Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil
This all-natural vegan formula includes apple cider vinegar, which helps restore and soothe dry, irritated scalps.
Key ingredients:
- Black castor oil
- Organic shea butter
- Apple cider vinegar
- Peppermint oil
This intensely moisturizing product delivers nutrients and conditions, leaving hair healthier and more resistant to breakage. It’s best suited for dry, damaged hair. Apply a dime-sized amount to your palms and rub before palm rolling them into your locks.
7. Lion Locs Hair Loc Growth Oil
This product packs a lot of vitamins and nutrients in one small bottle. Certified organic, Lion Locs Hair Loc Growth Oil and Scalp Relaxer makes your locks shiny and sleek while also stimulating hair growth. It treats dryness, itching, irritation, and dandruff. It’s suitable for all hair and skin types.
Key ingredients:
- Jojoba oil
- Brahmi oil
- Argan oil
- Bhrinaraj oil
- Tea oil
- Lavender oil
- Thyme oil
- Cedarwood oil
- Spikenard oil
To apply, fill the dropper between 1/2 and 3/4 of the way. Distribute drops evenly over the scalp, then massage them into the scalp with your fingertips.
8. Dollylocks Vanilla Twist Dreadlock Conditioning Oil
The second entry on our list from Dollylocks is a conditioning oil that nourishes hair without your locks feeling heavy or greasy. It hydrates the scalp and prevents itchiness and dandruff. It is also restorative, nourishing dry, damaged dreads.
Key ingredients:
- Coconut oil
- Avocado oil
- Hempseed oil
- Jojoba oil
To use, apply a small amount to your hands before applying directly to the scalp and dreads. Use daily for particularly dry or damaged dreads.
9. Now Solutions: Organic Jojoba Oil
This oil is perfect for all hair types and is similar to the natural oils found in our scalps. It is mostly fragrance-free. An extra feature is that it can also be used on the skin for moisturizing.
Key ingredients:
- Jojoba oil (organic)
To use, apply a small amount in your palms before massaging into wet hair. Let set for 5 – 10 minutes before shampooing.
10. Knatty Dread Crown; Root Oil
This vegan product helps fight dandruff, flaky scalp, and skin irritation. It also makes your dreads soft and sleek as well as healthy. Users have reported that the strong smell can be off-putting, so keep that in mind when considering whether to purchase it.
Key ingredients:
- Essential oils
To use, apply to roots and hairline.
11. GIOVANNI 2-Chic Ultra-Moist Conditioner
Best for coarse hair, this conditioning product hydrates the scalp and leaves hair feeling smooth and supple. It strengthens the hair follicles and prevents split ends and breakage. It’s also safe on color-treated hair.
Key ingredients:
- Avocado oil
- Olive oil
- Shea butter
- Aloe vera
- Lychee extract
To use, add conditioner to your palms and start from the roots to the ends.
12. Creme of Nature Argan Oil Treatment
This product is ideal for dry and damaged hair, as dreads can become dry and brittle when not properly maintained. Creme of Nature Argan Oil Treatment nourishes and restores damaged hair while strengthening and preventing breakage.
Key ingredients:
- Moroccan argan oil
- Vitamin E oil
Apply to wet hair for best results by massaging into the scalp.
13. SNO Dreadlock Oil Spray
This product promotes hair growth while hydrating locks and sealing in moisture for healthier, shinier hair. It also restores damaged hair and repairs split ends.
Key ingredients:
- Avocado oil
- Apricot oil
- Grapeseed oil
- Rosemary oil
- Tea tree oil
- Cedarwood oil
- Jojoba oil
- Ylang-ylang extract
- Fennel
- Eucalyptus
- Cyclomethicone
This product comes in a convenient spray bottle, making application a breeze. To use, simply spray on the scalp and roots as needed.
14. Miyuki Therapeutic Grade Chamomile Aromatherapy Oil
Not only can this oil be applied to your dreads to soothe and soften, but it can also be burned in a diffuser for aromatherapy benefits. Add it to the bath for a relaxing soak before bed.
Key ingredients:
- Chamomile oil
Keep in mind that chamomile extract can interact with prescription drugs such as warfarin and cyclosporine.
To use, apply a few drops evenly over the scalp and massage with your fingertips.
15. Lavish Ocean Dreadlock Growth; Strength Oil
This organic product is great for all hair types and strengthens the hair follicles, preventing breakage. It moisturizes while promoting hair growth, due to the high concentration of omega-3 fatty acids. This product doesn’t have the residue or buildup often found in other dreadlock hair care products.
Key ingredients:
- Black castor oil
- Cannabis oil
- Jojoba oil
- Argan oil
- Rosemary oil
- Tea tree oil
- Hemp seed oil
- Peppermint oil
- Pumpkin seed oil
To use, apply a few drops to a wet scalp and use your fingertips to massage the oil in.
16. GIOVANNI Hair Spray Hydrating Hemp
This hydrating hair spray is vegan and best suited for naturally curly hair. The components in the product help lock in moisture and give your dreads that healthy shine, while the natural enzymes repair dry skin and flaking on the scalp. Use before bed for maximum effectiveness.
Key ingredients:
- Hemp seed oil
- Aloe vera
- Frankincense oil
- Turmeric extract
- Matricaria flower extract
- Sage extract
- Hops
- Henna
To use, spray on the scalp and roots before bed.
17. Locsanity Dreadlock Rolling and Conditioning Oil
This nourishing oil protects and moisturizes your dreads while preventing dandruff and flaking. Locsanity Dreadlock Rolling and Conditioning Oil is lightweight, so it won’t weigh down your locks. Your scalp absorbs it easily, reducing residue, and is a great product for daily lock care.
Key ingredients:
- Jojoba oil
- Castor oil
- Avocado oil
- Ceteareth-25
- Coconut oil
- Hemp seed oil
- Beeswax
- Aloe vera
- Caprylyl glycol
- Polyquaternium-69
To use, apply to your scalp and palm roll into your dreads.
18. Radha Beauty Sweet Almond Oil
This lightweight oil doesn’t cause buildup or weigh down your locks, leaving you with a healthy shine that doesn’t come with grease or residue. It can also be used on the skin for extra hydration, making it a versatile product that can be used for hair, face, and body.
Unlike jojoba oil, which requires a daily application to the scalp and roots, almond oil penetrates deeper and seals in moisture for extended periods of time, making it a great option for those who don’t want to spend too much time on dread care.
The Radha Beauty Sweet Almond Oil is particularly effective for heat-damaged hair and helps prevent damage. It is highly recommended to use this product in hot, sunny weather, as it provides some natural UV protection for your scalp.
Key ingredients:
- Sweet almond oil (cold pressed)
To use, massage a small amount into your scalps and roots. For the body and face, massage a small amount as needed on the affected skin. Use after showering for best results.
19. Okay Vitamin E Oil
This pure vitamin E oil moisturizes and nourishes deep, penetrating the skin and repairing damage to both hair and skin caused by heat, age, dryness, or dullness. It is particularly helpful with chemically damaged or over-processed hair and helps repair and restore your dreads to health and luster.
Key ingredients:
- Vitamin E oil
Not only does Okay Vitamin E Oil repair damage, but it also helps increase blood flow to the scalp and boost healthy cell production, further contributing to the health of both your hair and skin. It leaves your dreads feeling soft and manageable.
To use, evenly distribute a few drops to the scalp and massage with your fingertips.
Essential Tips for Lock Care and Maintenance
Maintaining dreads requires a little more specific care than other hairstyles. Once you’ve managed to style and get some length to your dreads, they don’t require too much maintenance.
While your dreadlock care routine may differ depending on your hair type and stage of your dreads, the following are some basic care tips:
- Apply conditioner daily to strengthen and nourish hair
- Spray an oil three times a week for a healthy, nourishing sheen
- Use shampoo that exfoliates the scalp once a month to reduce flakes and relieve scalp itch. Certain oils can be used in between shampooings to relieve particularly itchy or irritated scalps.
Disclaimer: This site is not intended to provide professional or medical advice. All of the content on LovedByCurls.com is for informational purposes only. All advice should be followed at your own discretion. Ingredients may change at any time so always check the product label before using. Check our full disclaimer policy here.
