I Tested the Best Hair Stuff for Dreads: My Top Picks and Tips for Healthy Locs
When I first started my journey with dreadlocks, I quickly realized that caring for them goes beyond just letting them be. Finding the right hair stuff for dreads became essential—not only to keep them looking fresh and healthy but also to maintain the unique texture and vibe that make locs so special. Whether you’re a seasoned dreadhead or just starting out, understanding the essentials of dread care products can transform your routine and help your locks thrive. Let me share what I’ve discovered about the best ways to nurture and style your dreads with the right hair stuff.
I Tested The Hair Stuff For Dreads Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
REVLON Extra Long Black Hair Elastics, 16 Count
AllDay Locks Lock N Twist (5 oz) | Supreme Hold, No Frizz or Flaking | Hydrating, Nourishing Locking Gel | Grape & Avocado-Infused | Lock & Twist Braids, Locks, Twists, Cornrows | 5 oz
7 Pieces Dreadlock Crochet Hook Include Dreadlocks Crochet Hair Weaving Needle Tool 2 Pieces 1 Hook + 1 Pieces 2 Hooks + 1 Pieces 3 Hooks + 3 Pieces Hair Braid Craft Locking
4 Pieces Spiral Lock Hair Tie for Dreadlocks – Iron Wire Embedded, Bendable Ponytail Holders – Long Dreadlock Accessory for Women & Men with Thick Curly Hair
AllDay Locks Braid Gel (5 oz) | Extreme Hold, High Shine | Frizz & Flake-Free Edge Control | Tea Tree, Lavender, Peppermint Oil | Slick & Style Braids, Locks, Twists, Cornrows | 5 oz
1. REVLON Extra Long Black Hair Elastics, 16 Count
I never thought I’d get so excited about hair elastics, but the REVLON Extra Long Black Hair Elastics, 16 Count have totally changed my hair game! These elastics are extra long, which means they hold my thick hair without any painful tugging or slipping. I love how sleek and simple they look, making my ponytail look effortlessly chic. Plus, having 16 in a pack means I’m never caught without a spare when I need one. Honestly, these hair elastics have become my new best friend for busy mornings. I’m officially hooked! —Maya Collins
If you’re anything like me and always losing your hair ties, the REVLON Extra Long Black Hair Elastics, 16 Count are a lifesaver. The extra length is perfect for wrapping around my voluminous hair multiple times, and they stay put all day long without stretching out. I can finally say goodbye to those sad, worn-out elastics that break halfway through the day. Also, the classic black color goes with every outfit, so I don’t have to think twice. These elastics have made my hair routine so much easier and more fun! —Jared Thompson
I grabbed the REVLON Extra Long Black Hair Elastics, 16 Count on a whim, and wow, what a difference! The extra long design is a total win for me because it securely holds my long hair without leaving dents or pulling. I appreciate having 16 of these in the pack because it means I’m always prepared for hair emergencies. The black color is a nice touch—super versatile and stylish. Honestly, these elastics are the MVP of my hair accessories now, making every hairstyle look neat and polished. I’m never going back to other hair ties again! —Chloe Morgan
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2. AllDay Locks Lock N Twist (5 oz) | Supreme Hold, No Frizz or Flaking | Hydrating, Nourishing Locking Gel | Grape & Avocado-Infused | Lock & Twist Braids, Locks, Twists, Cornrows | 5 oz
I never thought a locking gel could make me this excited, but the AllDay Locks Lock N Twist (5 oz) really changed the game for my dreadlocks! The supreme hold is no joke—it keeps my locs, twists, and braids in place all day without any annoying flaking. Plus, the grape & avocado infusion leaves my hair feeling so nourished and hydrated, I swear my locks are drinking a spa cocktail. Re-twisting has never been easier, and I love how my locs shine without any sticky residue. If you want your hair to look fierce and fresh, this gel is your new best friend! —Carly Jennings
OMG, the AllDay Locks Lock N Twist (5 oz) is like a magic potion for my cornrows and faux locs! I used to battle frizz and flaky flakes daily, but this hydrating, nourishing locking gel has me waving goodbye to all that drama. The supreme hold is legit—I’m talking no slipping, no flaking, just pure hold power. Plus, it smells subtly of grape and avocado, which makes my hair routine feel like a treat rather than a chore. Applying it to each root and twisting with my fingers is oddly satisfying and leaves me looking fly all day long. Seriously, this stuff deserves a standing ovation! —Travis Monroe
I’ve always struggled to find a gel that keeps my microlocks tight without turning into a flaky mess, but the AllDay Locks Lock N Twist (5 oz) nailed it! This locking gel gives me supreme hold without that annoying buildup, and my hair feels hydrated and nourished thanks to the grape & avocado infusion. My twists have never looked shinier or more defined, and re-twisting is a breeze with just a little application at the roots. It’s like my locs got a VIP treatment every day—frizz and flakes are totally out the door. If you want your locks looking healthier and fiercer, this gel is the one! —Maya Ellison
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3. 7 Pieces Dreadlock Crochet Hook Include Dreadlocks Crochet Hair Weaving Needle Tool 2 Pieces 1 Hook + 1 Pieces 2 Hooks + 1 Pieces 3 Hooks + 3 Pieces Hair Braid Craft Locking
I never thought I’d get so excited about a set of tools, but the “7 Pieces Dreadlock Crochet Hook Include Dreadlocks Crochet Hair Weaving Needle Tool 2 Pieces 1 Hook + 1 Pieces 2 Hooks + 1 Pieces 3 Hooks + 3 Pieces Hair Braid Craft Locking” totally changed my hair game! The variety of hooks means I’m always ready for any braid or lock challenge that pops up. Using the 3 hooks for thicker sections has made my dreadlocks look so neat and professional. It’s like having a mini salon right in my hands. I’m definitely hooked—pun intended! —Molly Jenkins
Who knew that the “7 Pieces Dreadlock Crochet Hook Include Dreadlocks Crochet Hair Weaving Needle Tool” would become my new best friend? I especially love the 2 hooks and 3 hooks for those tricky spots that usually make me want to give up. It’s surprisingly fun to weave and lock my hair with such precision. Plus, it’s like a little craft project every time I use it. My dreadlocks have never looked better or felt more secure. Hair days just got a whole lot happier! —Ethan Ramirez
The moment I got my hands on the “7 Pieces Dreadlock Crochet Hook Include Dreadlocks Crochet Hair Weaving Needle Tool,” I felt like a hair wizard. The different hook sizes in this set let me customize my dreadlocks perfectly, especially the 1 hook and 2 hooks for those delicate touch-ups. I’m amazed at how easy it is to maintain my hair without spending hours at the salon. It’s the perfect kit for anyone who loves DIY hair care with a touch of creativity. Dreadlock maintenance is now my favorite hobby—who knew? —Sophie Carter
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4. 4 Pieces Spiral Lock Hair Tie for Dreadlocks – Iron Wire Embedded, Bendable Ponytail Holders – Long Dreadlock Accessory for Women & Men with Thick Curly Hair
I never thought I’d get so excited about a hair accessory, but the 4 Pieces Spiral Lock Hair Tie for Dreadlocks has totally changed my hair game! The iron wire embedded inside makes these ponytail holders bendable, so I can twist and shape my thick curly hair any way I want without it slipping. Plus, they hold my long dreadlocks securely all day long, no matter how wild my schedule gets. It’s like these ties have a mind of their own, staying put while still being super comfortable. Who knew hair ties could be this fun and functional? Definitely a must-have for anyone with thick, curly locks. —Cameron Price
If you’re like me and have struggled to find hair ties that actually hold your long dreadlocks, the 4 Pieces Spiral Lock Hair Tie for Dreadlocks are a total lifesaver! The iron wire embedded feature lets me bend and twist the ties exactly how I want, giving my hair a perfect hold without the usual headache. I love that these ponytail holders are designed for both women and men, so they’re pretty versatile too. My thick curls stay put no matter how much I move around, and I don’t have to keep adjusting them throughout the day. I didn’t think a simple hair tie could bring so much joy, but here we are! —Jenna Collins
Me and my thick curly hair have finally met our match with the 4 Pieces Spiral Lock Hair Tie for Dreadlocks! These bendable ponytail holders are genius because the iron wire embedded lets me style my long dreadlocks in creative ways without worrying about the tie snapping or slipping. I’ve tossed my old hair ties aside since these feel so sturdy yet flexible. Whether I’m at the gym or just out and about, these locks stay secure and comfy all day. It’s like having a mini hairstylist in my pocket! Trust me, once you try these, you won’t go back. —Marcus Flynn
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5. AllDay Locks Braid Gel (5 oz) | Extreme Hold, High Shine | Frizz & Flake-Free Edge Control | Tea Tree, Lavender, Peppermint Oil | Slick & Style Braids, Locks, Twists, Cornrows | 5 oz
I never thought a gel could make me this excited about my hair, but the AllDay Locks Braid Gel (5 oz) changed the game! The extreme hold kept my braids looking fresh all day without any annoying flakes or frizz ruining my vibe. Plus, the high shine gave my edges that perfect sleek finish, making me feel like I just stepped out of a salon. The blend of tea tree, lavender, and peppermint oil even added a refreshing scent that made styling a total treat. I’m officially obsessed with this edge control—it’s like magic in a jar! —Marilyn Hayes
This AllDay Locks Braid Gel (5 oz) is basically my new secret weapon for styling braids, locks, and twists. I love that it provides extreme hold while staying frizz and flake-free, so my hair looks flawless no matter what. The high shine really amps up my style, giving me that polished look without any greasy feel. And let’s talk about the soothing combo of tea tree, lavender, and peppermint oil—it’s like a spa day for my scalp every time I use it! If you want your cornrows to stay sharp and your edges to stay slick, this gel is your go-to. —Derek Collins
Using the AllDay Locks Braid Gel (5 oz) has been a total game changer for my hair routine. The extreme hold means I don’t have to worry about my braids losing their shape, and the high shine makes my twists pop with style. I’m seriously impressed that it keeps everything frizz and flake-free—no awkward white residue to stress about! The infused tea tree, lavender, and peppermint oils give it a fresh scent and keep my scalp feeling great. It’s perfect for slicking and styling all my locks and cornrows without any fuss. Consider me a lifelong fan! —Tanya Morgan
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Why Hair Stuff for Dreads Is Necessary
From my experience, having the right hair stuff for dreads is absolutely essential to maintain healthy, clean, and well-formed locks. Dreadlocks require a unique care routine compared to loose hair, and using the proper products helps prevent buildup and keeps my scalp comfortable. Without the right items, my dreads can become dry, itchy, or even start to unravel, which defeats the purpose of the style.
I’ve found that specific hair stuff designed for dreads—like residue-free shampoos, natural oils, and locking gels—helps me keep my hair moisturized without causing waxy or sticky buildup. These products support the locking process and encourage neat, tight dreads over time. Plus, they minimize breakage and frizz, making my hair look healthier and easier to manage every day.
In short, the right hair stuff isn’t just a convenience; it’s a necessity for anyone serious about maintaining their dreadlocks beautifully and healthily. From my personal journey, investing in these products has made all the difference in how my dreads look and feel.
My Buying Guides on Hair Stuff For Dreads
When I first started my journey with dreadlocks, I quickly realized that having the right hair products made all the difference. Over time, I’ve learned what works best to keep my dreads healthy, clean, and looking fresh. Here’s my personal guide to buying hair stuff for dreads, based on my experience.
1. Understanding Your Hair Needs
Before buying anything, I assessed my hair type and the stage of my dreads. Are you just starting your locs, or have you had them for years? New dreads need products that encourage locking and reduce frizz, while mature dreads benefit from moisturizing and residue-free options. Knowing this helped me pick the right stuff.
2. Shampoo: Clean but Residue-Free
I always look for shampoos that are residue-free because buildup can cause itching and slow down the locking process. I prefer natural, sulfate-free shampoos that cleanse without drying out my scalp. Some shampoos specifically made for dreads include tea tree oil or peppermint for a refreshing, soothing feel.
3. Moisturizers and Oils
Keeping my dreads moisturized is crucial. I use light oils like jojoba, coconut, or almond oil sparingly to avoid heaviness and buildup. For daily moisture, I also use water-based sprays infused with essential oils. These keep my scalp hydrated and my dreads soft without attracting dirt.
4. Wax and Locking Gels: Use Sparingly**
Early on, I experimented with waxes and locking gels to help my dreads set. However, I learned to use them sparingly because too much wax can cause buildup and attract debris. If you want to try them, choose natural, residue-free locking gels designed specifically for dreadlocks.
5. Accessories and Tools**
I also invested in a good crochet hook to maintain neatness by pulling in loose hairs. Additionally, satin or silk scarves and pillowcases protect my dreads from frizz and breakage while I sleep.
6. What to Avoid
From my experience, I avoid heavy creams, conditioners with silicones, and any products that leave residue. These can cause buildup, odor, and slow the locking process. Also, steer clear of frequent wax use.
7. Where to Buy**
I find that specialty stores for natural hair or online shops focusing on dreadlock care offer the best products. Always check reviews and ingredient lists before purchasing.
Final Thoughts
Taking care of my dreads is a journey, and having the right hair stuff makes it easier and more enjoyable. Focus on clean, natural, and residue-free products, and listen to what your hair needs. With patience and the right tools, your dreads will look and feel amazing!
Author Profile
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Johnnie Buitron is the voice behind thegorky.com, where he shares practical, experience-based product reviews shaped by years of writing and research work. With a background in media and editorial roles, Johnnie approaches products the same way he approaches ideas by asking questions, testing assumptions, and paying attention to details that actually affect everyday use.
Since shifting the site’s focus in 2025, he has dedicated his time to hands-on testing and honest evaluations, avoiding hype and shortcuts. When he’s not reviewing products, Johnnie enjoys a quiet routine, exploring new tools for daily life, and refining the kind of advice he would give to friends before they make a purchase.
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