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Home » Hair Care Products » The 10 Best Hair Oils for Dreadlocks

The 10 Best Hair Oils for Dreadlocks

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aida turner

Published by Aida Turner

Fact checked by Annie

It is time to buy the best hair oil for dreadlocks because it cares for your hair and keeps it strong, soft, and attractive. Check the 10 oils here!

Dreadlocks have existed for hundreds of years and will continue to be your favorite hairstyle, considering how historically important and stunning they are.

However, not all know how to take care of them properly until you get your hands on the best hair oil for dreadlocks.

This product is supposed to provide moisture so that your dreads and locks will maintain vibrant, strong, and healthy all the time.

And oil for dreads comes in different types with different functions, as follows:

  • Coconut Oil
  • Olive Oil
  • Castor Oil
  • Jojoba oil
  • Avocado Oil
  • Argan Oil
  • Chamomile Oil
  • Hemp Seed Oil
  • Sweet Almond Oil
  • Vitamin E Oil
Best Overall

Amazon best-selling product B00AXL7M98

Our rating

Dollylocks Coconut Lime Dreadlock Tightening Spray

  • Scalp nourishment oil
  • Organically certified formula 
  • Plenty of fatty acids and beneficial nutrients
RUNNER-UP

Amazon best-selling product B003ZCU14A

Our rating

Originals Ultimate X-virgin Olive Oil

  • Formulated with fatty acids for extra moisture 
  • Dropper included
  • Treats dried out scalps
Best Value

Amazon best-selling product B07QZ7C3LV

Our rating

African Pride Black Castor Miracle

  • Works great with all types of hair
  • Deeply penetrates and seals the nutrients
  • Infused with precious argan oil

Top 10 Best Hair Oil for Dreadlocks

Each haircare product is often designed for one or several specific hair types. Thus, you should refer to the following reviews and pick up suitable ones.

1. Dollylocks Coconut Lime Dreadlock Tightening Spray

Good for: Frizzy Fine Hair

Get started with Dollylocks Coconut Oil, a godsend for fine frizzy hair.

This hair type features a small circumference or diameter, so any coating easily weighs it down. In that case, coconut oil is recommended for its quick absorption into the strand.

The Dollylocks Oil features a balanced amount of coconut oil, Hawaiian sea salt, essential oils, vitamins, and plant extracts.

Overall:

  • Pure coconut oil
  • Plenty of fatty acids
  • Deep nourishing effect
  • 100% vegan and cruelty-free

Together, those ingredients work great to nourish the fine hair with increased scalp hydration. Such a protein formula is not good for all hair types, though.

When using, you must shake the bottle well and spray it over the entire head at arm’s length. Palm rolling is also possible, but only for dry hair.

Your hair will remain moisturized for hours with a phthalate-free fragrance lingering. More excitingly, you can use this oil bottle for four months before you need to buy a new one.

Our dislike about this coconut oil is also its quick to dry nature, causing dandruff on naturally dry hair.

Even worse, you can find white residues on hair if you spray the oil at a close distance. Thus, ensure that you shake the bottle carefully and keep an arm-length distance.

All in all, consumers recommend applying the Dollylocks Coconut Oil lightly on your hair or starting with a small amount of oil on your hand and massage the hair gently from midsection to the ends.

Pros

  • Moisturizes and keeps your scalp hydrated
  • Improves overall hair health
  • Provides all the needed nutrients

The Cons

  • No scent at all

You might also like:

2. Originals Ultimate X-virgin Olive Oil

Best for: Dry and Thick Hair

Provided that you settle in a dry climate or your hair just undertakes a chemical treatment, the outer oil layer of hair breaks and causes your dreadlocks to look dry and dull. An oil that repels water will be beneficial in such situations.

Originals Ultimate X-virgin Olive Oil has many fatty acids and vitamin E to soften emollients in the hair.

It is truly a magnificent moisturizer for other types of hair as well. Nevertheless, avoid this product and scroll further if you are allergic to olive.

Overall:

  • UV protector
  • Packed with beneficial acids
  • Infused with lots of fatty acids
  • Made with pure castor oil

Unlike the Dollylocks, which can be directly applied to your hair, Originals Ultimate X-virgin is most beneficial after heating for 20 seconds in the microwave.

Massage your hair with the oil using your hand palm or a fine hairbrush. Some consumers use the oil overnight because extra-virgin olive is effective for hours. Not to mention, the scent is natural and relaxing.

What to complain about is that the oil is neither thick nor sheer.

You might end up using too much and empty the Ultimate X-virgin quickly. Be patient then. Moreover, the oil feels itchy on scratching areas. You should be careful.

Advocates have confirmed that X-virgin oil will keep strength and moisture for your dreadlocks through years to come. You can use this oil for your nails and skin as well.

Pros

  • Combats hair damage and dryness
  • Keeps your hair healthy and good-looking
  • Provides a natural dose of shiness

The Cons

  • Can cause and allergic reaction

Here are some other olive oils for your reference:

3. African Pride Black Castor Miracle

Good for: Oily Hair

It is a common mistake of those having oily hair to avoid applying additional oil. In fact, an appropriate oil will help cope with flakes and dandruff – the common problem of oily hair.

What to choose in such a case is the light essential oils having antibacterial components. They balance out your scalp. Take African Pride Black Castor Miracle, for example.

The ingredients of this oil are harm-free, including black castor oil and coconut oil. On the one hand, the black castor oil is extracted from the seeds of Palma Christi, loaded with vitamin E, minerals, and fatty acids.

Overall:

  • Works great with all types of hair
  • Infused with fresh castor oil
  • Lots of moisture
  • Loaded with vitamin E and fatty acids

Those nutrients nourish the scalp to boost hair growth and softness without being dry up with time or leaving an unpleasant film on your coarse hair. Meanwhile, the coconut component will moisturize and carefully repair damaged spots.

The combination makes African Pride Black Castor Miracle good for all hair types, except for a side effect of acute hair felting when you overuse the oil.

Only apply a small amount of castor gel to the hairline and root once every week. In other words, you can use a bottle of African Pride gel for half a year.

It is better if you can sit under a hooded dryer. In the end, you can expect the oil to stay effective for a couple of days. The scent is pleasant, with more castor smell than coconut.

If there is a thing that we do not like about this Castor Miracle, it is the white residue leaving on hair, particularly dark hair. We will only recommend this oil for shiny coarse hair.

Moreover, the jar is not very durable. You want to be careful while handling the gel to prevent cracks or leakages.

Anyway, this oil is highly recommended by hair experts to restore a moisture balance of oily hair, as long as you use a suitable amount.

Pros

  • Contains therapeutic oils
  • Gets rid of split ends and damaged hairs
  • Repairs and maintains hair health

The Cons

  • Recommended to combine with other hair products

Also buy:

4. Now Solutions, Organic Jojoba Oil

Good for: All Hair Types

Some are not sure about their hair type. They only wish to purchase oil as sister sebum to keep the hair moist or dehydrated in cold weather or under the damages caused by hard water.

The jojoba oil like Now Solutions, Organic Jojoba Oil serves well.

This oil is well-known for being close to the natural sebum in our body.

Overall:

  • Infused with jojoba oil
  • Thick and full hair
  • Reduces scar tissue
  • Seals moisture

It keeps hair and moisturized and balanced from the inside no matter what hair type you have. Even better, you can use this oil on your skin to boost elasticity.

All ingredients of the Now Solutions Organic Jojoba Oil are human-friendly and non-GMO so that you need not to worry about allergies or rashes, etc.

The oil is almost scent-free, so it might not be very fancy and noticeable after applied to your hair.

The good thing is that you can mix it with other natural oils or essentials without affecting its smell. Now, you can enjoy the double effectiveness in nurturing hair and stimulating blood flow.

However, you want to be careful with the number of oils if you do not want to turn the jojoba mix into a very slick mixture. As you will love the oil and use it on multiple parts, the bottle might run out after a couple of months.

Fortunately, it is quite affordable, and you can buy a package at a time.

So far, so good except for the cheap-looking label. Many consumers doubt the quality of the oil inside.

Thankfully, we can confirm that it is a lovely oil for dreadlocks. Even worse, some bottles leak all over places because of bad packaging. You should check and secure the lid carefully.

Still, organic jojoba oil from Now Solutions is well-worth trying with a bunch of benefits for hair.

Pros

  • Moisturizes and hydrates your skin
  • Prevents breakage
  • Helps enhancing natural hair growth

The Cons

Cons

Has a runny texture

Love to explore more jojoba hair products?

5. GIOVANNI 2chic Ultra-Moist Conditioner

Best for: Coarse Hair

Coarse hair strands are often wider and thicker than almost all other hair types, requiring proper management to maintain a good-looking style.

The hair can withstand heavy oil without being weighed down, but it tends to dry quickly. Thus, you want to choose oils penetrating the strand effectively to preserve moisture within the shaft.

Take the GIOVANNI 2chic Ultra-Moist Conditioner, for instance.

Overall:

  • Works as an UV filter
  • Packed with vitamins and nutrients
  • Works great with thick, color-treated hair
  • Works great with heat-styling damage

As its name suggests, the oil works as a conditioner in the second step to make your dreadlocks softer and easier to manage.

It is powered by hair-friendly ingredients such as botanical extracts, Aloe Vera, and Shea Butter. When combined in the GIOVANNI 2chic bottle, the oil provides higher monounsaturated fatty acids, vitamin A, B, D, and E.

Nevertheless, hypersensitive people or pregnant women might want to avoid this oil. The avocado element sometimes causes allergies and rashness. Worry not if you are not sensitive to intake avocado.

You can apply the oil to your coarse hair after washing it with shampoos. Simply use your finger to run through hair from its root to tip several times.

A bottle of 24 oz. can last for three months on a frequently used basis.

The deep-moisturized function is verified by many consumers, and so is its strange smell. It is not as easy on the nose as the natural avocado smell.

Fortunately, you will rinse the oil out of your hair using warm water after 15 minutes, and the smell will fade out quickly then.

Overall, caring for your coarse locks and dreads with avocado can repair, strengthen, and moisturize your hair.

Pros

  • Deeply nourishes your skin
  • Provides vitamins and antioxidants
  • Moisturizes and hydrates 

The Cons

  • Non-attractive scent

Other avocado oils from branded manufacturers:

6. Creme of Nature Argan Oil Treatment

Good for: Damaged Hair

Dreadlocks are at risk of breakage and damage without proper maintenance. They end up looking dull and frizzy.

You can cut the dead parts; however, bear in mind that deep inside, the hair cells are vulnerable, and you want to treat them with the correct products rich in vitamin E and D.

The main ingredient of this hair remedy is pure argan oil from Morocco. It is loaded with antioxidants and fatty acids – ideal for hair moisturizer and conditioner productions.

Overall:

  • Nice source of vitamins and minerals
  • Stimulates hair growth
  • Works great with fungus and dandruff
  • Infused with argan oil

Vitamin E also prevents dryness and boost shine significantly. Moreover, the anti-inflammatory source can treat coloring damage from styling and washing too frequently and the scalp issue that causes hair loss.

We would suggest using the Creme of Nature Argan Oil Treatment on wet hair to achieve the best result.

That way, you can maintain the detangling benefits of argan components against styling and blow-drying.

A few drops between your palms are enough to prevent heavy application and oily situations, meaning that you can use a 3-oz bottle for at least three months.

Be aware of allergies, though. Argon is extracted from a kind of nut, so in rare cases, this hair oil is the reason for anaphylaxis reported cases.

You want to apply the oil to a small part of your skin and check whether there is an allergic reaction or not. Upon accident digestion might result in low appetite and harshest.

Another drawback is that the bottle packaging and labeling are cheap and prone to leaking during the shipment.

Providing that you take more care of the oil and your hair, you will get the wonderful benefit of repairing irritated scalp and dandruff.

Pros

  • Deeply nourishes your hair
  • Has a detoxifying effect
  • Provides all the necessary nutrients for hair growth

The Cons

  • No visible effect

Customers also like:

7. Miyuki Therapeutic Grade Chamomile Aromatherapy Oil

Best for: Frizzy Hair

Your dreadlocks are frizzy; how should you fix them?

You should start by looking for the possible causes, for example, untrained locs, improper fabric choices, damages of heat or chemicals, the weather or water, etc.

In the case of the two latter reasons, Miyuki Therapeutic Grade Chamomile Aromatherapy Oil can help thanks to its softening application and soothing benefits.

Overall:

  • Infused with chamomile aromatherapy oil
  • Protects against heat-styling
  • Promotes natural hair growth
  • Leaves your hair shiny and silky

Miyuki essential oils focus on pure and natural formulas using organic ingredients.

Take the chamomile oil, for example. Like jojoba, it features rich antibacterial and moisturizing properties that strengthen hair cells from within.

Vitamins in the oil are a plus since they soften and smoothen your locs against frizzing and dry accidents all day long.

Besides the nutritive quality, the chamomile oil of Therapeutic Grade is popular for its soothing scent. It is herbal, fresh, and sweet.

We like to combine it with soap to produce a luxuriant smell or sometimes with lime if you like a tropical scent on your hair. Whatever you choose, as a thick oil, the chamomile will stick well.

All plants used to make this product are completely tested in the lab, so you can leave them in the locs for several days worry-free.

About cautions, chamomile oil – although in the best hair oil for dreadlocks list, does interact with drugs having cyclosporine and warfarin.

Also, pregnant or breastfeeding parents should avoid using oils like chamomile and refer to doctors for their sakes.

A small note for consumers about to use the oil is that the bottle comes with a small capacity. You ought to buy a package of several ones to use for daily hair caring purposes.

The final reminder from experts about chamomile oil is to pick 100% pure ingredients to guarantee the haircare quality.

Pros

  • Packes your hair with nutrients
  • Nourishes and moisturizes
  • Helps with frizziness

The Cons

  • Small capacity

Two other pure chamomile oil well-worth considering:

8. GIOVANNI Hair Shine Spray Hydrating Hemp

Good for: Curly Hair

It would be great if you had naturally curly hair when it comes to dreadlock styles. However, maintaining such curls is easier said than done.

The natural oils within hair cells often fail to travel down the curly shaft. You had better use essential oils or leave-in conditioners to tame the curls and moisturize them while sleeping.

At that time, GIOVANNI Hair Shine Spray showed its effectiveness.

Overall:

  • Infused with aloe vera
  • Contains hemp seed oil
  • Only natural ingredients usage
  • Packed with fatty acids

There are two main components – Hemp Seed Oil and Aloe Vera.

The earlier ingredient contains essential fatty acids, namely the Omega-6 and Omega-3, that improve moisture retention and boost shine. Whereas the protective enzymes Aloe Vera helps repair dead skin on the scalp.

You can spray the oil onto your hair midshaft, but you want to be careful not to use too much since hemp oil is often very thick.

If possible, you want to apply a tiny bit and massage into your scalp for several minutes in the evening. The smell is not very inviting but tolerable, considering it a nutritious oil at night that you can wash away later.

If there is a worth-complaining feature, it is how the oil becomes more oily than other products mentioned above.

Another defect is about the pump. You need to pull it up manually whenever you wish to spray.

Hairstylists often use this Hydrating Hemp oil for newly-blended curls because it is color-safe with various vitamins and antioxidants.

Pros

  • Deeply moisturizes your scalp
  • Has a nice and pleasant scent
  • Strengthens your hair with extra vitamins

The Cons

  • Small size

For those who want to buy a bigger bottle:

9. Radha Beauty Sweet Almond Oil

Good for: All Hair Types

Like jojoba, sweet almond oil is suitable for any dreadlocks hair type because it is extremely light and does not cause grease.

Compared to jojoba, which requires regular application, almond products can saturate deeper to ensure an intensive moisturization. The oil is extremely effective for heat-damaged hair.

The sweet almond formula of Radha Beauty is rich in vitamins (A and E), along with Omega-3 fatty acids. Together, they keep hair soft and strong at the same time.

When applied to the scalp, the oil will improve an imbalanced yeast, the cause of dandruff.

We highly recommend using almond oil in hot weather because there are additional UV-protective antioxidants.

Simply put, rub a small amount of Radha Beauty Sweet Almond Oil between your palms for several minutes before applying it to your dreadlocks. Remember to massage down to the ends of the hair shaft and leave the oil after you style locs.

The smell is the least attractive thing about this oil. It is a bit rancid rather than sweet like common almond products.

To fix this issue, you might avoid applying too much at a time. Moreover, you want to avoid it if you or any of your family members have a nut allergy.

If not, you can use the oil daily or in combination with other hair oil for dreadlocks to improve the overall appearance.

Overall:

  • Infused with jojoba and almond oil
  • Silky hair without grease
  • Deep conditioning abilities
  • Works perfect with dry scalps

Pros

  • Soothes dry hair and scalp
  • Deeply hydrates
  • Develops a protective barrier

The Cons

  • You might not like the smell

Some other sweet almond oils:

10. Okay Vitamin E Oil

Extremely Good for: Chemically-treated Hair

Haircare becomes more complicated when it comes to chemically processed dreadlocks.

Tips are to stick to a designated shampoo and conditioner; avoid washing locs every day with hot water; cover them in the hot weather; and use deep essential oils like Okay Vitamin E Oil.

Although almost all oils mentioned above have vitamin E, it is mixed with other nutritions. However, the Okey Vitamin products have the richest amount.

Overall:

  • Infused with essential oil
  • Water-based silk proteins
  • Nice citrus and floral scent
  • Cold-pressed formula 

You can expect the oil to repair cell damage and promote hair growth significantly, and the color will be shiny and manageable.

Vitamin E oil is straightforward to apply onto the scalp with a wide-tooth comb.

Massage to get the best out of the comfort and let the oil sit for 15 minutes. You want to remember to wash the oil out of your dreadlocks afterward.

The scent of Okay Vitamin E Oil is not noticeable but not soothing.

If you use this oil for cooking, you should pay attention to the total amount of vitamin E.

High doses can weaken bones and disrupt thyroid hormone generation. Thus, you should refer to your doctor if you wish to use such a high-concentrated vitamin E hair remedy.

Your diet can provide vitamin E for your body, including your dreadlocks; thus, you want to consider how frequently you will apply the oil for additional nutrition.

Pros

  • Boosts natural hair growth
  • Maintains a healthy hair
  • Makes your hair soft and shiny

The Cons

  • Greasy feeling

We also recommend:

Tips for Dreadlock Care

Getting the best hair oil for dreadlocks is helpful; however, it does not mean you can neglect other haircare completely. Rather than that, you can follow the tips below.

Wash your dreadlocks with sulfate-free products

The very first step is to clean your scalp and remove lint, excess oil, and buildups.

You don’t want to use conditioners or shampoos with sulfate components because they might leave residue on your locs and even make them dirtier.

Check our full guide on how to wash your dreadlocks.

Drying your locks carefully

You had better squeeze out as much water and moisture as possible from the roots nearby down to the end.

A microfibre towel is helpful since it is more absorptive than other cotton materials. More importantly, the microfibre does not leave lint in the dreadlocks.

Moisturizing your locs properly

When you dry out your hair, you want to provide helpful moisture to prevent breakage and brittleness so that the locs will not snap!

At that time, choose one of the hair oils for dreadlocks we mentioned above according to your hair type and your budget.

Maintaining a night routine for dreadlocks

Even the way you are sleeping can affect your hair’s health.

You want to cover or wrap your dreadlocks with a silk or satin scarf/bonnet. Avoid using cotton because it zaps the moisture away.

Styling your locs with light hairstyles

Think of your delicate edges when you choose a style for your dreadlocks.

You don’t want to apply too much tension on your hair, which can result in thinning, traction alopecia, and bald patches.

Takeaway

Whether you choose any from the best hair oil for dreadlocks above, you should consider several factors:

  • Your hair type;
  • Current conditions of the dreadlocks;
  • Ingredients of the oils;
  • Possible allergies;
  • And how convenient to apply the oil to your hair.

If you are still confused in the end, we suggest some good-for-all oils like Radha Beauty Sweet Almond Oil or Now Solutions, Organic Jojoba Oil.

Providing similar vitamins and acids like those natural in our hair, these suggestions will be effective for all hair types.

Best Choice

Amazon best-selling product B00AXL7M98

Our rating

Dollylocks Coconut Lime Dreadlock Tightening Spray

Scalp nourishment oil
Organically certified formula
Plenty of fatty acids and beneficial nutrients

aida turner

Aida

Founder & Hair Beauty Specialist

I’m Aida and this is my blog where I write mostly about beauty and make up related stuff, but I like to spice it up a bit with lifestyle and photography posts. Or with whatever that comes to my mind. Hope you will enjoy the reading enough that we will ‘see’ each other more often!