Dreads or dreadlocks are rope-like clumps of hair created by braiding or matting the hair. They can be formed naturally due to negligence. But, you can also form them on purpose by various methods. It will let you control their shape and make them look attractive.

Like your natural hair, you need to take care of your dreads as well. There is a myth that you must leave your dreads the way they are. But, it’s important that you moisturize your dreads to keep them strong, healthy, and vibrant.

Synthetic moisturizers do more harm than good. You can use some hair oils for dreads to keep them moisturized naturally.

Continue reading to learn about some natural and essential oils for dreads that you may try.

Oils for Dreads

Here are some effective oils that you can use to take care of your dreadlocks.

Natural Oils for Dreadlocks

1. Avocado Oil

Avocado oil contains monounsaturated fatty acids. It also contains vitamins A, B, D, and E which are beneficial for your hair.

Avocado oil can penetrate easily into your hair strands. It can moisturize dry scalp and strengthen your hair without making it feel greasy. [1]

This oil can also treat dandruff your dreads may suffer due to lack of proper care. [2]

2. Argan Oil

Argan oil originates from the argan trees commonly found in the southwestern region of Morocco.

This oil contains vitamin E. This oil consists of 80% monounsaturated and 20% of saturated fatty acids. [3]

Avocado oil can moisturize your hair, treat split ends, and manage frizzy hair. It can make your dreads more manageable.

Related: 18 Reasons to Use Argan Oil for Hair

3. Jojoba Oil

Jojoba oil is a melted wax that is close to the natural sebum produced by a human. This oil can keep your scalp healthy, moisturized, and balanced. [4]

Jojoba oil can treat dandruff due to dry scalp. It helps keep your dreads moisturized and well-managed. Besides, this oil can boost the elasticity of your hair by hydrating from the inside.

You can use jojoba oil on its own or by mixing it with other natural and essential oils.

Related: Jojoba Oil for Hair: 12 Reasons You Should Use It

4. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is a popular choice in the hair care regime. It comes with numerous therapeutic properties that are beneficial for your health and beauty.

Coconut oil nourishes your hair and strengthens it from the root. This oil can moisturize your dreadlocks by treating their dryness. [5]

Leaving your dreadlocks untreated can cause damage to your hair. Regular use of coconut oil can prevent damage.

Related: Fractionated Coconut Oil: Uses, Benefits, and Safety

5. Vitamin E Oil

Vitamin E oil is a popular name in the beauty industry. This oil can make your hair soft and strong. If you have dreadlocks, you can manage them using this oil.

Untreated dreads can cause dandruff, an itchy scalp due to dryness. Vitamin E oil can reduce the dryness of your scalp and make your dreads look stylish. [6]

You can use the vitamin E capsule or oils that are rich in it.

Essential Oils for Dreadlocks

6. Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree essential oil is extracted from the leaves of the tea tree. Also known as Melaleuca alternifolia, this tree is native to New South Wales and Queensland, Australia.

Tea tree oil is an effective disinfectant. It can treat dandruff, and head lice, and kill germs.

Dreads can cause dry scalp and dandruff due to a lack of proper maintenance. Your scalp may itch a lot because of the dryness.

Tea tree oil has antiseptic properties. It helps cure dry scalp, itchiness, and dandruff. [7]

Related: 12 Incredible Health Benefits of Tea Tree Oil (Backed by Evidence)

7. Lavender Oil

Lavender oil comes from the lavender plant through steam distillation. It is a versatile oil and comes with a subtle and pleasant aroma.

Lavender oil can soothe itchiness, dry scalp, and dandruff caused by dreads. It’s because this essential oil contains antimicrobial properties.

Dreads can cause lice if you don’t take proper care of them. A study published in 2011 shows that lavender oil can effectively prevent head lice. [8]

Related: 11 Health Benefits of Lavender Oil That You Should Know

8. Peppermint Oil

Peppermint Oil originates from the peppermint herb, a crossbreed between watermint and spearmint.

This essential oil contains antibacterial, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory properties. It can help reduce itchiness, dandruff, lice, and dryness of the scalp due to dreadlocks. [9]

Peppermint oil has a tingling effect on your scalp. It soothes your dry scalp and promotes hair growth.

9. Rosemary Oil

Rosemary oil is derived from the flowers and leaves of the rosemary plant.

These essential oils can fight dandruff, lice, and germs that may occur due to dreadlocks.

Rosemary oil is rich in hair growth-boosting properties. It can stimulate your hair follicles and promote longer and thicker hair.

A 2013 study proves the efficacy of rosemary oil in promoting hair growth. [10]

How to Use Oils for Dreads

• Mix some of the above mentioned oils in a spray bottle and spray directly on your dreads.
• If you use essential oils, dilute them with a carrier oil and massage your scalp.
• You can also use these oils by properly adding them to your regular shampoo.

Tips to Maintain Your dreads

• Once you create dreadlocks, leave them unwashed for the first weeks. It’s because your dreads are delicate in the first week. Washing them may loosen them and ruin your style.
• Always wash your dreadlocks using residue-free shampoo.
• Do not leave your dreads wet as they may stink.
• Use dread wax on your locks once a week.
• Always tie your dreads up in a headscarf before you go to sleep.
• Use natural and chemical-free products on your dreads.

Conclusion

Your dreads can be stylish or a disaster based on how you manage them.

Whether you create the dreadlocks at home or parlor, it’s your responsibility to take care of them.

It’s vital to keep your scalp moisturized and clean to prevent dandruff, lice, and scalp infections. Do not forget to wash your hair and moisturize your scalp regularly.

You can use natural oils or essential oils to take care of your scalp based on your preference. Properly using them can help you get this beautiful hairstyle.

Read More: Rosehip Oil for Hair Growth and Scalp: How Effective?