Dreadlocks, locs, or weaves as they are called are not just hairstyles. They are a true representation of culture and a statement-making style. But as anyone with dreadlocks would know, it can be tough finding the perfect gel to maintain them. The truth is, there is no set rule for getting the perfect dreadlocks – it’s all about experimenting and finding the right solution for you.
However, we’ve done the experimenting side of things for you. And we have narrowed down the best gels for dreadlocks that will keep your hair locs looking clean, shiny, and healthy. Note that we have researched and tested various gels to find the ones that help to maintain your dreadlocks without causing buildup, itchiness, or dryness. Whether your hair is thick or thin, long or short, we’ve got a gel for everyone. So, if you want to give your dreadlocks the care and nourishment they deserve, make sure to read till the end. By the way, read our buying guide and the FAQ on the gel to use for dreads.
#1. Joie Naturals MyGel Hair Styling Gel
If you are looking for the best dreadlock gel, we think that you should definitely try out the Joie Naturals MyGel Hair Styling Gel. This gel works very well in styling and holding in dreads and in our opinion simply works better than most of the competition. It is also pretty easy and simple to apply and has a mess-free non flaky formula that we love.
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Best Dreadlock Gel Reviews
- #1. Joie Naturals MyGel Hair Styling Gel
- #2. Jamaican Mango and Lime Locking Hair Gel
- #3. Locksteady Dreadlock Tightening Gel
- #4. Bronner Brothers Firm Locking Gel
- #5. ORS Lock and Twist Gel
Choose The Perfect Gels For Dreadlocks – Buying Guide
Below are the different points you need to take into account when best locking gel for dreadlocks:
- Location matters
- Strength
- Fragrance
- Brand
- Ingredients
1. Location
When you use a loc gel, and depending on the location and weather conditions, you may have a product that tends to get runny (when exposed to heat and/or the sun). So, if you are a person that works outdoors during the day, you may want to check is the best product you chose for your locks will stay intact, and that even under the tremendous summer heat.
2. Gel's Strength
The holding capacity of a gel is a critical factor that needs your attention when choosing a gel. A strong hold gel is excellent for a crisp look with minimal movement. A regular gel will be more suitable for a more natural look with more volume.
3. Fragrance
You may want a nice smell out of your gel instead of a string minty-type smell. So, ensure you choose a gel with a nice fragrance. If you are unsure about the smell, you can always switch to a smell-free gel.
4. Brand
There are hundreds of brands out there and it is always difficult to choose one against another one. However, one good tip is to look at what other buyers are saying about the product. Also, you may want to check if the product is suitable for vegan (if you are vegan), and if it does not contain harmful chemicals. The better brands tend to understand that no harmful chemicals will end in more sales.
5. Ingredients
We think you need to keep a healthy hair. And to achieve this, you need a gel that has a maximum number of natural ingredients, like natural oil (olive, argan, castor, coconut, etc.), and use honey (manuka honey, etc.), among other natural products. You need a gel that last and can keep the moisture in your hair.
#1. Joie Naturals MyGel Hair Styling Gel – Best Gel For Dreadlocks
For those who want the best dreadlock gel, we highly recommend the Joie Naturals MyGel Hair Styling Gel. This gel does a great job of conditioning and thickening your hair.
It also provides some nice nutrients for your hair such that it stimulates your roots and leads to more growth. We like it because it is also loaded with rich ingredients like plant oils and extracts of herbs.
We really like how one bottle of this stuff goes a really long way and it works perfectly for styling dreadlocks. It gives your hair a pretty strong hold and is specifically designed for dreads.
Furthermore, we think it is nice to know that it is relatively flake-free, which is a bold statement given most dread gels will flake on you.
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#2. Jamaican Mango and Lime Locking Hair Gel – Very Famous Lock Gel For Dreads
Another great option when it comes to the best dreadlock gel is the Jamaican Mango and Lime Locking Gel. This gel works great at starting and maintaining dreadlocks and has a long-lasting hold.
In fact, we think that the standout feature of the Jamaican Mango is the fact that it probably has the strongest hold out of all the gels designed for dreadlocks.
Also, the hold won’t make your hair stiff and spiky which gives it some fluidity, definition, and character. Also, it has a pretty pleasant smell, which is a nice added bonus of this gel. *Besides having a pretty awesome hold, we also really like the fact that there’s very little build-up. While it is not as good as the Joie Naturals in this department, it’s pretty darn close.
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#3. Locksteady Dreadlock Tightening Gel – Aloe Vera Best Locking Gels
Next, there’s the Notty Boy Locksteady Tropical Dreadlock Tightening Gel, which is a product made just for dreadlocks. We think that it is the best dreadlock gel for those looking for a natural formula.
It is nice to know that a good part of this gel contains aloe vera, which is a great wax-free alternative to starting dreadlocks. It also has this great tropical lime smell that many people like.
Furthermore, we find that many people really like the Tropical Roots firm locking gel because it goes on very light and washes out easily with just water. And you won’t have to wash your hands for long after applying.
This can be a problem with other gels and waxes as they get on your fingers, stay on, and become annoying to get out. Finally, it is nice to know that it grooms and controls frizzes easily.
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#4. Bronner Brothers Firm Locking Gel – Best Locking Gel For Dreads
The Bronner Brothers Firm Locking Gel is great for those with dreadlocks or looking to start dreadlocks and want a crazy firm hold. In our opinion, its hold is second to the Jamaican Mango brand.
We really like this gel because not only does it give you one of the strongest holds in the industry, but also it does not flake. We can’t say the same thing about other brands we tried.
So one of the biggest deal breakers in wax or gel for a lot of people is the fact that it leaves a nasty residue or cakes up. Luckily, you just won’t have this problem by using the Bronner Brothers.
With this product, you will feel good about leaving it in your hair for long periods of time without washing it. Your hair will also smell pretty good for longer periods of time.
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#5. ORS Lock and Twist Gel – Best Twisting Hair Gel For Dreadlocks
Finally, we have the ORS Lock and Twist Gel, which is specifically formulated for locks, twists, and dreadlocks. It is designed for you to twist your hair, apply the gel, and then blow dry it.
Like most of the gels that we recommend, this one also does not have flaking or any wax-like build. It will stay pretty clean in your hair and is easy to wash off with just water.
We think that this brand stands out amongst the competition in that it also adds moisture and shine to your hair and makes it look younger and healthier.
It is also loaded with a bunch of vitamins and minerals, which will make your roots healthier and hopefully will keep your hair growing stronger for longer. So if you want to use the best loc retwist products, this one is at the top of the list.
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FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
Is hair gel good for dreads?
Yes, it is and the truth is that hair gels can be highly beneficial for those with dreadlocks. This is because the natural ingredients in hair gels make them ideal for supporting healthy hair growth and keeping your locks looking great.
One of the main advantages of using gel on your dreads is that it makes the hair much more malleable. This means you can style your locks easily without worrying about breakage or damage. Additionally, using gel on your dreads prevents them from weighing down, which can be a common problem for those with thicker or heavier hair types.
When choosing a gel product for your dreads, it's important to consider the specific needs of your hair type.
Can you twist dreads with the best gel for dreadlocks?
Yes, you can use hair gels. In fact, gels have been used for years in creating and maintaining dreadlocks. They provide hold and control, making it easier to manipulate the hair into the desired shape.
When choosing a gel for twisting your dreads, you want to look for one that has good hold strength without leaving any residue or buildup on the scalp or hair. There are many products available on the market specifically designed for dreadlocks, such as Jamaican Mango & Lime Locking Gel or Joie Naturals MyGel Hair Styling Gel (see above). These products have been tested by people with different hair textures and are known to work well.
Is wax or gel better for dreads?
Gels are better than wax no matter how you look at them.
When it comes to styling dreadlocks, choosing between wax and gel can be tough. However, it is important to note that natural ingredients are key when it comes to promoting hair growth and maintaining healthy locks. In this regard, it is always better to opt for a gel that is water-based as it will not clog the pores of your scalp or weigh down your hair.
Wax, on the other hand, is a very heavy substance that can easily weigh down your hair, causing your locs to lose their natural volume, freshness, and bounce. This may put you off wax as a styling formula for good. If you plan to use wax, then you may need to use multiple shampoo washing, soda, etc. to clean it off. This can harm your locs in the long run.
In fact, wax can build up on your hair and be difficult to remove, which might lead to more hair issues, like losing hair.
So, in conclusion, opting for a best loc gel that is water-based would be a better option than wax as it is gentler on your hair and scalp, and it will not cause any build-up or damage to your locs.
How often do you have to apply lock and twist gel for dreadlocks?
The frequency of applying locking gels depends on the quality of the product and how long it takes for the hair to grow out. You can apply locking gels between 3 to 6 months. However, many people tend to use it as frequently as required, depending on their hair type and growth rate.
Some people prefer to apply locking gels every few weeks to keep their hair looking neat and tidy. There are various types of locking gels, and it is essential to use the one that suits your hair type to avoid damage or breakage.
For those with natural hair, it is essential to apply a locking gel that is free from chemicals that may damage their hair over time. Therefore, it is important to pay close attention to the products you are using and the frequency of application to ensure the health of your hair. Overall, the best locking gel for dreads is one that provides a strong hold without causing damage to the hair.
Is it better to retwist your hair when they are dry or wet?
Retwisting dreads is an important maintenance task that helps keep them looking neat and promotes overall hair health. While it's possible to retwist dreads on either dry or wet hair, experts generally recommend doing it on wet hair. This is because wet hair is more elastic and easier to manipulate.
Wet hair also stretches more than dry hair, allowing for easier and more consistent twisting. Dry hair, on the other hand, can be brittle and prone to breakage.
In summary, retwisting wet dreads is recommended. This approach can help you achieve the best results and maintain healthy, vibrant dreads over the long term.
Can you apply the best Vaseline on dreadlocks?
It's not recommended to use Vaseline on dreadlocks as it's a petroleum-based wax that can clog hair follicles and lead to hair damage.
The reason why Vaseline isn't a good option for oily or dry hair types is simple: it doesn't contain any natural oils that can nourish and moisturize the scalp or hair. Instead, it can block scalp pores and prevent natural oils from reaching the hair strands. Therefore, it's better to avoid using Vaseline or other heavy waxes (petroleum based) as a styling product on dreadlocks.
Instead, you can try using natural oils and gels that don't contain any harmful chemicals or synthetic ingredients. Natural oils such as coconut oil or olive oil can be used to keep your dreadlocks moisturized and nourished. Gels can help you create different hairstyles without causing any damage to your locks too. As such, it's really important to choose hair care products that are suitable for your dreadlocks and won't cause any harm to them.
Is aloe vera gel good for dreadlocks as hair care and for locking hair?
Yes, it is. In fact, Aloe vera can nicely deal with one of the most common problems encountered which is hair breakage. Aloe Vera has been used for centuries to treat various skin and hair issues due to its natural healing properties. When applied to dreadlocks, it helps in keeping the hair shafts moisturized and prevents hair breakage.
The reason why Aloe Vera gel is really good for locs is that contains proteolytic enzymes that help repair dead skin cells on the scalp. This enzyme promotes healthy hair growth. The gel also acts as a natural conditioner that hydrates the scalp and locks moisture into your dreadlocks. One of the best things about Aloe Vera gel is that it's an all-natural product that doesn't contain any harsh chemicals like other commercial hair products.
Final Words on lock gel for dreads
Wearing an eye-catching hairstyle, especially one as individualistic as dreadlocks, can make a bold style statement. And for that, you need the best products to achieve the perfect look. That’s precisely why we have taken the time to thoroughly research and select the top five locking gel products available in the market today.
The different locking gel products we listed above have all the essential features needed for perfect dreadlocks. From their ability to provide firm hold (for straight hair) to their nourishing ingredients (to nourish your hair and avoid hair fall), these gels are sure to give you the hair of your dreams.
With the above selection of gels, you’ll be able to choose the perfect one that suits your hair requirements, avoid damage to your hair, and flaunt your perfect locks to the world.
References
https://www.knottyboy.com/shop/product/locksteady_tropical_tightening_gel/
