Hard Locs: 10 Common Mistakes & Maintenance Tips for Soft Locs

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Hard Locs: 10 Common Mistakes & Maintenance Tips for Soft Locs

It’s hard to keep your dreadlocks both healthy and looking great whether they are expensive soft locs or your natural hair. We’re not going to lie to you: the hardest part of having a professional hairstyle is taking care of your hair.

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The rest is simple. We’ve put together a great guide for all of your loc maintenance needs as well as tips to avoid mistakes. So, sit back and relax while we tell you everything you need to know about how to care for locs properly and what common mistakes you need to avoid to keep your dreadlocks away from damage!

List Of Best Dreadlock Derox For Healthy Locs

ImageProductFeaturesPrice
Locsanity Dreadlock Hair Scalp Detox

Locsanity Dreadlock Hair Scalp Detox

  • Deep Clean Locs and Scalp - This hair buildup remover strips away impurities, deep-seated contaminants, excess oils, and residue from hair. No more heavy, gunky feeling in your locs after detoxing.
  • Gentle, Relaxing Loc Clarifying Treatment - Enjoy a soothing and deep, cleansing soak of your dreadlocks in the comfort of your own home. Give your hair an amazing spa day treatment with this non-irritating clarifying rinse. Recommended for all types of locs, as well as kinky, curly and straight hair.
  • High-Quality, Plant-Based Ingredients - Our detoxifying dreadlock powder is made of baking soda, citric acid, himalayan salt, coconut and almond oils, and a blend of essential oils. No parabens, mineral oil, or phthalates – just honest, natural hair care for your dreadlocks.
  • Great Value for Money - Contains 8 oz loc detox powder that can last for 3–6 months. For best results, deep clean every 2–4 months using our inflatable basin, then wash with Locsanity shampoo and conditioner. Ditch that stinky vinegar smell, skip the measuring, and just get clean locs!
  • Brand You Can Trust - Loc is 100% Black-owned and woman-owned. Our hair and scalp detox products are made by a team that is passionate about locs. We use premium ingredients in all of our products so that you never have to worry about a substandard outcome.
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Locsanity BOLD Locs Natural Hair Deep Clean Detox

Locsanity BOLD Locs Natural Hair Deep Clean Detox

  • Bring Your Locs Back to Life - This amazing mixture will detox your locs and leave them light.
  • Great Value, Healthy Locks For All Season - Comes large 8oz bag that will last for months. Get consistently healthy locs all year round. Feel the difference after only 1 use.
  • Ideal for All Hair Styles and Types - Gentle and safe to use for all hair styles and skin types. Works on microlocks, interlocks, dreadlocks, braidlocks, twistlocks, and sisterlocks. Also works for protective styles like braids and twist.
  • No stinky vinegar smell - Detox every 2-3 month to maintain amazing locs.
  • Rejuvenate Dull Hair Naturally - Made from Baking Soda, Citric Acid (Apple Cider Vinegar Alternative), Himalayan Salt, as well as Coconut, Almond and Essential Oils.. Many of Locsanity dreadlock hair products are vegan, free of sulphate, and other harmful chemicals. Plant-based and cruelty-free.
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Dollylocks Dreadlock Detox Tea Tree Spearmint

Dollylocks Dreadlock Detox Tea Tree Spearmint

  • CLEANSING & CLARIFYING | Removes impurities, buildup, and debris.
  • pH BALANCED | Gentle on your hair and scalp.
  • RESIDUE FREE | Made with organic ingredients.
  • VEGAN | Cruelty free. Never tested on animals.
  • SOOTHING | Relaxing and detoxifying
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Dreadlock Detox Bundle

Dreadlock Detox Bundle

  • HOW TO USE : In a small bowl, add 4 table spoon of this dreadlock powder, add 3/4 cup of warm water (depending on hair length and density, add twice or three times the amount directed. Mix well until you have a paste like consistency.
  • On wet or dry hair, use your hands to add paste directly to scalp and locs. Use fingers and begin moving fingers in circular motion to help lift up any buildup and dry skin. Allow paste to sit on scalp for 10 minutes. Rinse in shower or in hair tup with warm water.
  • HOW TO USE - DEEP CLEANING: In a hair tub, add warm water until filled. Add 6 tablespoon of this dreadlock powder. Add 2 tablespoon of Lemon juice (optional), add 1/2 cup of PrideandBeauty ACV dreadlock rinse. Soak Dreadlocks in mixture for 15 minutes, rinse and repeat in new batch. Should repeat once every 3 months.
  • BENEFIT OF DETOXIFYING SCALP: helps get rid of unwanted buildup in hair by helping to exfoliate your scalp. Gets rid of buildup caused from everyday hair products, dirt from the environment and overactive oil glands.
  • PRO TIP: If you're going to try baking soda shampoo, be sure to finish with an apple cider vinegar hair rinse. Apple cider vinegar will help seal the hair cuticle to defrizz hair and give it shine. Try PrideandBeauty Herbal ACV dreadlock rinse.
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OGX Purifying + Charcoal Detox Shampoo

OGX Purifying + Charcoal Detox Shampoo

  • PURIFYING SHAMPOO: Hooked on hairspray or dragged down by dry shampoo. Give your hair a deep clean detox with our Charcoal Detox Shampoo. This purifying shampoo nourishes hair for a balanced glow.
  • DEEP DETOX: This clarifying line, infused with coconut charcoal and kaolin clay, busts through buildup, leaving even the hair of a daily dry shampoo user looking shiny, without stripping or overdrying.
  • BEAUTY PURE AND SIMPLE: OGX products are inspired by nature. We don’t try to make hair look “perfect” because we’d rather make hair look fuller, smoother, curlier, or bouncier and smell irresistible.
  • WHAT HAIR WANTS: Whether you need quenching moisture for curly hair, protection for color treated hair, blowout cream or matte pomade, OGX hair care products are designed to bring out your best.
  • REAL QUALITY, REAL BEAUTY: Unattainable looks don't inspire us but originality does. OGX hair and skin care product collections are here to help you look your best! We’re beauty, pure and simple.
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MAJESTIC PURE Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo and Avocado Coconut Conditioner Set

MAJESTIC PURE Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo and Avocado Coconut Conditioner Set

  • Majestic Pure Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo and Virgin Coconut Avocado Conditioner Set; for healthy hydrated hair and scalp; sulfate free; made in USA
  • Perfect daily dry scalp shampoo and conditioner combo to remove buildups while nourish and hydrate hair and scalp
  • Gentle enough for daily use and for all hair types, color safe shampoo and conditioner set; restores shine; reduces itchy scalp, dandruff and frizz
  • Safety Warning Intended for External Use Only: Rub a very small amount on the inside of your elbow area to test for any allergic reaction before use. Avoid contact with eyes, keep out of the reach of children. If pregnant, consult with your health care provider before use.
  • Cruelty-Free, Made in USA - At Majestic Pure Cosmeceuticals, we are proud to provide you with all-natural and naturally-based cruelty-free products made right here in the United States of America
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PURA D'OR Apple Cider Vinegar ACV Shampoo & Conditioner

PURA D'OR Apple Cider Vinegar ACV Shampoo & Conditioner

  • HYDRATION FOR FULLER HAIR: Both of our Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo and Conditioner are made with awesome moisturizing properties to deliver superior hydration to your hair and scalp while encouraging hair to grow out fuller and thicker.
  • CLARIFYING FOR DAMAGED HAIR: The potent blend of vitamins and nutrients found in our Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo and Conditioner promotes repair to damaged hair while restoring your hair back to its vibrant, voluminous shine.
  • DEEP CLEANSING FOR HEALTHY SCALP: Apple Cider Vinegar balances the pH levels of your scalp by cleansing, locking in moisture, and reducing itching, flaking, and dandruff - all the while improving hair manageability and reduced frizz.
  • WHOLESOME BOTANICAL INGREDIENTS: Our potent blend of 15 Key Active Ingredients is packed with natural goodness to help promote thicker, fuller, and healthier hair without the use of sulfates, parabens, or any other artificial additives.
  • SATISFACTION GUARANTEE: Healthy hair for happy customers. We offer a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. If you are unsatisfied with our Apple Cider Shampoo and Conditioner Set, please let us know and we will give you a FULL refund.
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10 Common Mistakes You Can Make While Using Soft Locs

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1. Not Enough Shampooing

Many women with Real or Soft Dreadlocks don’t shampoo their hair for weeks or even months at a time. They only use water or conditioner to wash their hair so they don’t wash away the natural oils that keep their hair healthy or damage the soft dreads in case you are wearing them.

Not washing your hair completely is a big problem because it causes buildup on your scalp and makes your Dreadlocks look dirty and greasy very quickly. The best thing you can do for your Dreadlocks is to shampoo them about once every two weeks.

2. Using Too Many Products For Hair Care

There are two reasons why you shouldn’t use hair care products on dreadlocks. One reason is that you can’t get rid of these products because they are so thick and sticky. The other reason is that hair care products that contain beeswax don’t dissolve in water, so they cause buildup.

Too many hair care products can also damage the hair’s texture and make it frizzy whether it is soft dreadlocks or your own dreads. Even too much moisture is bad for locs because it makes them stay wet for a long time, which can lead to fungal infections.

3. Inappropriate retwisting methods

Retwisting is essential to maintaining locs since it keeps dreads tight at the root. Retwisting needs to be done carefully because using the incorrect procedures might harm your locks.

It is important to mention here that never retwist damp hair using a technique like a palm rolling or any other method. Pay close attention to the direction in which you tighten your soft locks. You must understand how crucial it is to retwist your locks if you are a beginner.

4. Dying your Soft dreads

Dying your soft dreads is one of the common dreadlock mistakes that most people make. It doesn’t necessarily mean that someone’s locs have healthy hair just because the hair color looks amazing on them.

Dying is extremely harsh for the hair due to the extensive use of potent chemicals that are easily absorbed into the hair. They are not entirely removed, and wearing locs for an extended period of time damages your natural hair.

So, when you color your hair, you disturb its texture. Additionally, it removes moisture and natural hair color, leaving you with brittle hair in the end whether they are your soft locs or natural dreads.

5. Believing other People

letting other people tell you what it means to be neat and tidy. Salons and sometimes your peers will tell you that your dreads need to look like a celebrity’s overworked, damaged dreads in order for you to fit in and get a job.

This “tidy look” is often defined as having no loose hairs at the scalp, a lot of exposed scalps, and no frizz. You can only get this look by waxing or twisting your hair until you go bald o mess up your soft dreads. set your own clean look Let it be a neatly styled updo or just clean wax that flows and isn’t stiff.

6. Using Rubber Band

Rubber bands or elastics should always be taken out within a day of compiling your dreads. Rubber bands can easily be swallowed and cause the dread to dry rot. They can turn into a sticky mess and untie themselves even after two days. If they are left in for a long time, they can leave a hole and a weak spot in the dread even if they don’t go away.

7. Not Keeping Hair Moist Enough

People make a lot of mistakes with their locs. Because they don’t know what the pros and cons of the process are. If your soft hair doesn’t have the essential oils it needs to stay in shape and shine, it can become dry and brittle. Also, it makes your scalp dry and itchy, which can be annoying.

8. Not Taking Care Of Your Dreads Regularly

To keep locs healthy, they need to be cared for and maintained in the right way. If you don’t have a routine for taking care of your hair, try to start one. Try to take care of your soft locs as you take care of your own hair.  You can talk to a hair professional or your loctician if you aren’t sure what hair care products you can use on your hair. If you don’t clean your dreadlocks properly, dirt, sweat, and moisture can build up.

9. Knotting them up

Knot them together. When the bottom of soft locs began to thin, they began putting them in knots to maintain their length. They look awkward, but that’s the best way to maintain their length.

10. Over-Maintenance Is Disadvantageous

You may also be tempted to perform maintenance on your locs more frequently than necessary. However, doing so may cause your locs to thin or get seriously damaged. Obviously, maintenance depends on the type of hair and locs you have, and how well you have moisturized and maintained your locs.

However, maintenance should be performed four times per year on average for the interlocking and crochet methods, and once per month or every six weeks for the retwist method.

Ten Important Maintenance Tips For Soft Loc

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Dreadlocks or soft locs are unique hairstyles, so they need their own rules for how to take care of them. Here are the ten most important things you should do to keep your locs in good shape. But before putting on the soft locs, you might want to deep clean, condition, and moisturize your hair, and then seal in the moisture.

 1. Keeping Clean

Soft Locs are called protective hairstyles because they cover all of your natural hair, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have to wash them. It’s true! Every hairstyle that protects the hair needs to be washed.

The thing is, you have to take care of your locs to keep an updo looking classy. Just be careful not to put your head all the way in the water. Instead, put some shampoo and water in a spray bottle and spray it on your scalp.

Additionally, you’ll need it to get rid of all the debris on your scalp. Instead of pouring water over your head, gently work the solution into your scalp with your fingers and then wipe it clean with a wet cloth. Make sure to protect the locs from getting wet.  If they get wet, it will not only make your locs heavier, but it could also make them loosen.

2. Moisturizing

It is important to moisturize after cleansing (just like you would do to any other body part after cleansing). First of all, there are many creams available on the market. Choose one based on what your scalp needs, and then use it to moisturize after washing your hair.

You also need to put some oil such as tea tree oil or jobaba oil on your hair often, to keep your scalp from getting dry or to make your hair shine even more. You can also spray rose water on your scalp to give it a little more moisture.  

3. Handle The Frizz

Don’t worry if you notice that your softs locs are getting frizzy. We’ll take care of you. If there is just a little bit of frizz, you can control it with a light moisturizer. Also, a little bit of frizz makes it look more natural, but if it’s not kept in check, it can get out of hand.

Use products with shea butter and the five main fatty acids stearic, palmitic, oleic, arachidic, and linoleic to control frizz. They give hair the nutrients it needs and make hair healthier, and smooth and this applies to all types of hair.

4. Hot Water Dipping

A small amount of hot water and a light palm roll is sometimes all it takes to manage a frizzy loc. When heated water is put on soft loc hair, the fibers loosen up. If your locs are frizzy, putting the tips of them in hot water will help loosen the hairs so you can roll them back together. Once they’re dry, they lock back into place and stay there.

5. Use Silk Pillowcases To Lock It In

This Silk tip works for all hair types, not just fake locs. While you sleep, the cotton fibers in your pillow rub against your hair and soak up the moisture from it. This leaves your scalp dry. Also, when you turn and toss in your sleep, your hair rubs against your pillowcase, which causes it to break.

On the other hand, silk helps retain the water in your hair. It will not only keep your locs healthy, but it will also help your face stay healthy. It also keeps split ends from getting worse and keeps frizz at bay.

6. Hydrate Water Below

You can put natural oils on your roots and scalp to keep your roots moist and healthy. Coconut oil is the best oil that can hold on to a lot of moisture. It can do great things for your locs because they don’t let as much moisture escape.

Castor oil is also very common and can-do great things for your hair. It helps keeps bacteria away, nourishes the scalp, keeps the pH balance of your scalp, and strengthens the roots.

7. Do Your Own Research

Find out as much as you can about fake locs before you buy them. Find a hairdresser who is right for you and your hair. Try to find a stylist who is good at what they do and wants to keep your hair healthy. If you know who will style your hair and what kind of skills they have, you can be sure you’ll leave the salon with a look you love.

If you don’t want to commit to having locs for a long time, you might want to try fake locs. Now that you know more about faux locs, you can style them in so many different ways—the options are endless.

8. Guard Your Edges

Faux locs / Soft locs can be made without delicate edges for a good reason: avoiding the edges is the best way to keep them safe. Keeping your edges “laid” means keeping them moist with the same nourishing conditioner you use on your scalp.

Depending on how porous your hair is, you can use your fingers to put oil on your hair every day or once a week. Because edges, which are also called baby hairs, can be more fragile and finer, they need more care and nourishment.

9. Wear It For a Long Time

This look could last for a long time. Most people wear it for one month. We suggest that you leave it in place for five to six weeks. After that, you can get your hair re-twisted. After 15 to 22 weeks, change the way they are styled or take them out.

10. Always Wrap Your Hair At Night

Make sure to put a scarf on your braids, twists, or locs to stop friction, just like you would with your own natural hair. Your hair keeps rubbing back and forth, which is the main thing that makes your style frizzy. You can make sure that doesn’t happen by making sure the hair is pulled back at night.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How Do You Make Soft Locs Not Frizzy?

Here are the top five things you should do to keep your soft locs from getting frizzy:
1. Switch to a silk pillowcase instead of a cotton one.
2. Don’t do over styling
3. Don’t apply heavy products on your locs.
4. Cleanse your scalp often.

How Do I Protect My Soft Locs At Night?

Wrap a scarf over your braids, twists, or locs to prevent them from rubbing together, exactly as you would with your own natural hair. The major reason your style is so frizzy is that your hair is constantly rubbing back and forth. If you pull your hair back at night, you can prevent that from happening.

Can I Wash My Hair With Soft Locs?

Soft locs are a protective, short-term hairstyle that uses dreadlock-like extensions. If you have soft locs, you should wash them anywhere from one to three times a month to keep them looking great.

Now It Is Your Turn

Faux locs are a great way to protect your hair and make it look good. They can be made to fit any event, and if you take good care of them, they will last for weeks.

We hope this post has helped you decide if soft locs are the right style for you and give you some tips on how to take care of them once you get them. Have fun giving this new style a try!

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