How to Wash and Blow Dry Locs

Last Updated: February 2, 2021

Locs, also known under the terms "dreadlocks" or "dreads" is a particular hair style where the hair is allowed to matt together in a natural process. Washing locs is quick and easy, and besides common stereotypes, locs are washed fairly often; in fact, washing locs leads to a faster locking process.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Washing Locs

1
Rinse your hair under water for at least five minutes with warm water. Long rinses ensure that locs are completely penetrated to allow a full cleansing. Warm water opens the hair cuticle to allow shampoo to penetrate deeply.
2
Apply shampoo directly to scalp and locs. Squeeze shampoo into locs a few times to clean inside the loc as well. Avoid shampooing more than a few times because it can lead to over dryness.^{[1]
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Expert Source

Noël Reid-Killings
Celebrity Hair Stylist
Expert Interview. 25 November 2020.}

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3
Rinse for at least 5 minutes with warm water. Product build-up can occur if shampoo and other products are not completely removed from locs.
4
Apply oils of your choice. Use 100% all natural oils that are not cold pressed.
5
Put hair in a plastic shower cap and wait to rinse for at least 30 minutes.
6
Rinse with cold water. Cold water closes the hair cuticle to retain moisture.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Blow Drying Locs

1
Dab dry locs with a cotton t-shirt. Towels lead to lint build up in locs.
2
Attach the diffuser attachment to blow dryer.
3
Apply heat protectant to hair avoid heat damage.
4
Blow dry locs around head until dry.
5
Apply oils to replenish moisture in locs.

Community Q&A

Question

Which is better for drying your locs. Air dry, blow dry or sitting under a dryer?

Community Answer

Air dry. The heat from driers will damage your hair. If you have to use a drier, use heat protectant spray first.
Question

When drying Chorect braids,should Iblow dry or air dry ends?

Community Answer

You should air dry the ends. Blow drying will make the hair frizzy.

Warnings

Avoid blow drying and shampooing often because it could lead to a very tedious moisture routine to retain healthy hair.

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You can use conditioner with locs; however, conditioners can quickly lead to product buildup if not completely removed. Natural oils are less likely to cause buildup

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Even with a moisture routine and heat protectant, blow drying can lead to serious heat damage

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