9 Best Oils For Dreadlocks Of 2024, As Per A Hairstylist

Laura Dale

, a licensed cosmetologist, a hair expert, and a master stylist with over 20 years of industry experience, says, “The most important thing for dreadlocks is keeping your hair and scalp moisturized. Deadlocks can get damaged by dryness and become brittle. They need a bit of extra care to keep them strong and healthy.” Dreadlocks can easily become prone to damage if you do not take care of them properly. An easy way to restore normal hair texture and health is by finding the best oil for dreadlocks that will penetrate them to the core and moisturize and nourish them deeply. These oils can also be used during the locking process. This way, the hair texture will remain soft and flexible and keep looking gorgeously bold (and not untidy), even in case of mature dreadlocks. Make sure the oil is a blend of multiple ingredients so that the locks get balanced nutrition and stay strong and healthy. Our team of hair care experts has done the research for you so that you can choose from a list of the bests-only. This listicle contains 9 best oils for dreadlocks. Check it out!

9 Best Oils For Dreadlocks

1. Best Preservative-Free Formula:Jamaican Mango  & Lime Island Scalp Oil

4.6

Image: Jamaican Mango & Lime

BUY ON AMAZON | $5.23

The Jamaican Mango and Lime Island Oil help nourish the scalp and the roots. The oil ensures strong, radiant, shiny, and healthy dreadlocks. The potent blend provides proper nutrition to the roots and the scalp and contributes to internal hair health. The oil comes with nourishing ingredients like manuka honey and moringa seed oil. They improve hair texture and help moisturize the scalp. The formula reverses and protects hair from damage. The oil also prevents hair breakage and strengthens the hair follicles to make your hair smooth and soft. Watch this video review to see the reviewer’s experience and gain a better understanding of the product.

Key Ingredients: Mango extract, lime extract, moringa seed oil, and manuka honey

Quick Tip

Before applying the oil, heat it gently. Massage the lukewarm oil from your scalp to the tips.

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

It has gained over 2,554 positive reviews on Amazon, making it an all-time best-seller.

2. Best Vegan Formula:Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil

4.5

BUY ON AMAZON | $14.07

This Jamaican Black Castor Oil is rich with reparative omegas, which effectively repair locks and curls. The oil prevents further hair breakage and makes it healthier and shinier.

Also, the oil seals the open hair cuticles to give the hair frizz control with some extra moisture. It contains peppermint that nourishes the hair and scalp. It also adds strength and hair elasticity to the straightened and damaged hair.

The oil is 100% vegan and contains certified organic raw shea butter that nourishes and moisturizes hair. The apple cider vinegar in the oil treats the dry and irritated scalp effectively. Watch this video to see the tester’s experience and get more insights into the product.

Key Ingredients: Jamaican Black Castor oil, peppermint oil, apple cider vinegar, and organic raw shea butter

Pro Tip

After applying the oil, put your dreadlocks in an updo and cover your head with a shower cap. Let the oil get absorbed in your locs before shampooing it out.

3. Best Lightweight Formula:Lion Locs Hair Loc Growth Oil And Scalp Relaxer

4.5

Image: Lionlocs

BUY ON AMAZON | $24.49

The nourishing ingredients of Lion Locs Hair Loc Growth Oil have soothing properties that calm scalp dryness, itching, and dandruff, and promote healthy hair growth. It includes natural ingredients like jojoba oil, brahmi oil, argan oil, bringraj oil, tea oil, amla oil, lavender oil, thyme oil, and cedarwood oil helps in shine enhancement of the locks and make them look healthier.. The oil also includes spikenard oil and essential oil blends that add a pleasant natural fragrance. The blended oil rebuilds and replenishes the roots and dry scalp to treat damaged strands and prevent dry hair. Reviewers on Amazon have noted that it also offers adequate nourishment to split ends and helps prevent breakage. Need more information? Watch this video to make an informed decision about the product.

Key Ingredients: Jojoba oil, brahmi oil, argan oil, bhringraj oil, amla oil, thyme oil, and essential oil blend

Quick Tip

Do not over apply this product on dry hair. Spread the oil evenly on your scalp and massage with your fingertips using circular motion to facilitate blood circulation and soothe capillaries and nerves.

4. Best Non-Greasy Formula:Alikay Naturals Nat Unique Loc Oil

4.3

Image: Alikay Naturals

BUY ON AMAZON | $15.78

The Alikay Naturals Nat Oil is specially designed to moisturize dreadlocks. The oil keeps your hair free from dryness. It is made with a blend of natural oils like hemp seed oil, vitamin E oil, and ylang-ylang to provide proper hydration to the locks. It also prevents itchiness and flaking of the scalp. The lightweight formula has an anti-inflammatory properties that calms itchiness without making your hair feel greasy.

Key Ingredients: Hemp seed oil, ylang-ylang, vitamin E, and essential oils

5. Best Non-Comedogenic Formula:Dollylocks Vanilla Twist Dreadlock Conditioning Oil

4.6

BUY ON AMAZON | $23.95

Dollylocks Vanilla Twist Oil nourishes the scalp and improves your scalp health without leaving any greasy feeling. The oil is made with plant-based nourishing ingredients that hydrate the scalp and prevent dandruff and itchiness. They get absorbed into the scalp and hair follicles. The formula acts as a deep conditioner helps maintain your hair’s natural moisture. The natural ingredients of the oil revitalize and repair the health of the dry hair in dreadlocks.

Key Ingredients: Coconut oil, avocado oil, hemp seed oil, jojoba oil, avocado oil, and plant extracts

6. Best For Dandruff:Knatty Dread Crown & Root Oil

4.2

Image: Knatty Dread

BUY ON AMAZON | $12.99

The Knatty Dread Crown & Root Oil is a potent formula designed to keep your dreadlocks healthy and moisturized. The oil is made with natural ingredients that revitalize the damaged hair follicles and enhance scalp health.

This oil helps the scalp fight dandruff. It also helps treat dry and flaky scalp and other forms of skin irritation. It is made of complete vegan ingredients. The oil also adds the softness to dreadlocks and makes them manageable.

Key Ingredients:  Natural essential oils

7. Best Fragrance-Free Formula:SNO Dreadlock Oil Spray

4.5

BUY ON AMAZON | $18

The SNO Dreadlock Oil Spray helps retain the luster and strength of your hair. The oil comes with a blend of ultra-glossy natural oils that penetrate the hair shaft to provide extra moisture and nourishment from within. The oil helps restore shine in the dreadlocks and makes them healthy, strong, and soft. The natural ingredients in the oil smoothen and repair split ends. The oil also protects the hair from further breakage. It comes in a spray bottle and is easy to apply. It promotes the natural and healthy hair growth of your hair.

Key Ingredients: Avocado oils, apricots, grapeseed, rosemary, tea tree, cedarwood, jojoba, ylang-ylang, fennel, eucalyptus, and cyclomethicone

8. Best Organic Option:Lavish Ocean Dreadlock Growth & Strength Oil

4.3

BUY ON AMAZON

The Lavish Ocean Dreadlock Oil repairs dreadlocks and adds strength to the hair follicles while improving hair texture. This organic hair oil is suitable for all hair types. The formula is enriched with cold-pressed hemp seed oil, 100% pure therapeutic-grade Jamaican black castor oil, and other natural ingredients like jojoba oil and rosemary oil that work in tandem to keep your hair soft and healthy. The cannabis oil infused in this potent blend helps moisturize hair. The omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9 fatty acids, on the other hand, promote hair growth and strength.

Key Ingredients: 100% therapeutic-grade Jamaican black castor oil, cannabis oil, hemp seed oil, and pumpkin seed oil

9. Best Long-Lasting Oil:Locsanity Dreadlock Rolling And Conditioning Oil

4.4

Image: Locsanity

BUY ON AMAZON | $16.99

The Locsanity Natural Oil is made from essential oils to reinvigorate the healthy nutrients in your dreadlocks and make your hair soft and manageable. The oil is a unique blend of plant extracts and oils, which penetrate your locks to retain their growth. The natural oils get easily absorbed into the scalp and maintain balance while improving scalp health. This lightweight oil keeps your hair free from dryness, dandruff, and flakes. This oil is made of 99% naturally derived ingredients that make it perfect for daily dreadlock care.

Key Ingredients: Jojoba oil, avocado oil, ceteareth-25, castor oil, coconut oil, aloe vera oil, caprylyl glycol, and polyquaternium-69

Infographic: How To Choose An Oil For Dreadlocks And Tips For Caring For Them

Dreadlock maintenance demands persistence, patience, and the right products. This is the only way you can keep your dreads healthy and strong, and your scalp moisturized and non-flaky. The infographic below will help you understand what to look for when choosing an oil for your dreadlocks and how to take care of them. Take a look!

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Why Trust Stylecraze?

The author, Shiboli Chakraborti, is a hair care enthusiast. She understands how difficult it is to maintain dreadlocks. After hours of research, she has come up with this list of the best oils to make life easier for those who enjoy sporting dreadlocks. These products penetrate deeply and moisturize and nourish your tresses from the roots. They are also endorsed by a large number of users through their online reviews.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I oil my locs every day?

No. Oil your locs whenever you feel that your hair is becoming dry and brittle. Excessive oiling can weigh down your hair.

Is castor oil good for dreadlocks?

Yes. Castor oil moisturizes and nourishes each strand of your dreadlocks. Plus, its antibacterial, antimicrobial, or antifungal properties protect your scalp from infections and scalp stimulation helps in hair growth.

Should you use olive oil on your dreadlocks?

Yes. Olive oil can be a great natural moisturizer for your dreadlocks. It acts as a deep conditioner for your strands and helps retain shine.

Is coconut oil good for dreadlocks?

Yes. Coconut oil is healthy and can be used to condition dreadlocks. But, applying too much of it can cause product buildup that is difficult to wash off from the deadlocks. The accumulation of product buildup can cause dry hair.

How often should you put oil in your dreadlocks?

Oil your dreadlocks every one or two weeks. This is enough to condition your tresses and maintain their healthy glow.

How do I moisturize dreadlocks?

Follow these steps to moisturize the dreadlocks naturally:
• Drink a lot of water. This will hydrate your scalp naturally and reduce itchiness.
• Oil your scalp and locs with a nourishing formula preferably with olive or castor oil. It may also help with hair loss.
• Do not use a shower cap while bathing. Let the water seep into your locs.
• Wash your hair once a week with a clarifying shampoo to get rid of all dandruff and product buildup.
• Cover your hair when sleeping. Constant friction against the pillowcase can strip away the natural moisture of your hair. So, cover your hair with a satin head scarf.
• Use a scarf to cover your hair when you are outdoors for too long. This way you can prevent the environmental aggressors from stripping your hair moisture.

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Reviewer Author Editor Fact Checker

Laura DaleLicensed Cosmetologist

   

Laura Dale is a Hair Expert and licensed Cosmetologist with over 20 years of experience. Laura has worked as a Global Education Director for Beauty Brands specializing in haircare and as a Beauty Editor she is passionate about sharing her love of beauty products and hair tools.

Read full bio of Laura Dale

Shiboli ChakrabortiCommerce Editor

 

Shiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content.

Read full bio of Shiboli Chakraborti

Aditi NaskarAssociate Commerce Editor

Aditi Naskar has a postgraduate degree in English literature from Presidency University, Kolkata, a bachelor’s degree in education from WBUTTEPA, Kolkata, and a diploma in health and wellness. She is an associate commerce editor with 5 years of experience and specializes in reviewing fitness and health products.

Read full bio of Aditi Naskar

Ramona SinhaEditor

Ramona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal, and did her post-graduation from the University of Kalyani, West Bengal.

Read full bio of Ramona Sinha