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Personal Care and Style
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Dreadlocks
How to Clean Dreadlocks Download ArticleExplore this Article methods 1 Shampooing Locs 2 Rinsing Locs with Water, Baking Soda, and Vinegar 3 Keeping Your Hair and Scalp Healthy Other Sections Expert Q&A Video Tips and Warnings Related Articles References Article Summary Co-authored by Shun Pittman
Last Updated: October 8, 2025 Fact Checked
Download Article X
This article was co-authored by Shun Pittman. Shun Pittman is a Master Cosmetologist, Author, Owner, and Founder of Corps d’Elite Salon and Corps d’Elite Beauty. With over 25 years of international experience, she is dedicated to and specializes in providing luxury salon services to all hair types and textures and every skin tone and shade. Her services include hair conditioning treatments, cutting, coloring, styling, extensions, and makeup application. Shun has experience working with, coaching, training, and mentoring beauty professionals from multiple companies including L'Oréal, Wella, Matrix, Paul Mitchell, Redken, Big Sexy Hair, and Toni & Guy. She is also a host for national and local media outlets and her work has been featured in The Washingtonian, The Cheddar Network, and WJLA Good Morning Washington's Beauty and Fashion Police segments. Shun is the author of “50 Things Your Hairdresser Wants YOU to Know (and a few things we don’t...)". There are 12 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 498,321 times.
Locs have been around as long as people have existed, and they were originally popularized by African and Caribbean countries. Although many people do still call the style "dreadlocks," that term has a negative connotation due to its racial history, and locs is now the preferred language for this style. Locs form when sections of hair become matted together into long, rope-like strands. They're often unfairly criticized for being dirty and unkempt, but in reality they are quite easy to keep clean, and we'll show you how!
Steps
Method 1 Method 1 of 3:
Shampooing Locs
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1 Wet your locs. Start by running some water over your locs in the shower. Let the water run so it really saturates your hair. For best results, use warm (not too hot) water.
2 Portion out a small amount of shampoo. Squeeze a modest amount of shampoo into your palm. It's better to use a little shampoo at a time so you can control how much soap actually goes into your locs—you can always use more later if it's not enough. If you're using a solid bar shampoo, rub it between your hands until it forms a rich lather.[1]XResearch source
Always use a shampoo that doesn't leave a residue of any kind. Locs should not be maintained using gels, waxes and other additives, and a residue-forming shampoo will likewise only add to buildup rather than washing it away.
Look for natural, organic types of shampoo that are free of chemicals which help soften and style.
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3 Work the lather into your scalp. Press both hands into your scalp and distribute the shampoo into the spaces between the roots of the locs. Use the tips of your fingers to give your scalp a good scrub to free dead skin and remove excess sebum.[2]XResearch source
Don't neglect to clean and care for the roots. Since this is where your locs attach, they need to be strong and healthy.
4 Rinse the shampoo through the locs. Let the shampoo sit for 1-2 minutes. Then, tilt your head downward so that the lather runs through your locs as you rinse. Gently squeeze the shampoo lather into the locs. Make sure that there's no shampoo residue remaining in your hair when you're finished washing.[3]X Trustworthy Source PubMed CentralJournal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
If you want, you can use a little extra shampoo to touch up each loc individually. Just don't overdo it, or it will be more time-consuming to rinse and cause loose hairs to frizz.
5 Dry thoroughly. After you get out of the shower, you'll want to make sure that you let your locs dry completely. Squeeze each loc with a towel to press out the water absorbed into them. Allow your locs to air dry. You could also use a hairdryer, but preferably a hooded dryer on medium to high heat to speed the drying process along and ensure that the locs are not left damp. If too much moisture remains in the locs, they can start to come loose and smell, or even grow mold.[4]XResearch source
Air drying can allow moisture to become trapped in the matted hair for so long that it begins to mildew.
As your locs continue to set up and tighten, you may have to start using a hair dryer more often after washing to ensure that the hair inside the locs is getting dry.[5]XResearch source
Advertisement Method 2 Method 2 of 3:
Rinsing Locs with Water, Baking Soda, and Vinegar
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1 DO NOT mix together the baking soda and vinegar. Baking soda is a base and vinegar is an acid, mixing the two causes a chemical reaction which neutralizes any cleansing power the two substances have on their own (which is a lot).
2 In a sink or wash basin, dissolve ¾ cup of baking soda in a few inches of warm water. It is completely safe to use on your hair and scalp.
If you like using essential oils, you can add them to the cleansing solution during this step. A tablespoon of lemon juice will help kill any odors and prevent mildew.
It is recommended that you only use this method to clean your locs once every couple of weeks, as the baking soda can make your hair dry and brittle over time. For more regular washings, use a residue-free shampoo.
3 Soak your locs for 5-10 minutes. Submerge your locs into the baking soda solution up to the roots. Soak your locs for up to 10 minutes, or longer if you're in need of a deep clean. As your locs soak, the baking soda will strip away dirt, oil, debris and other unwanted buildup.[6]XResearch source
If you don't have the time or space needed to soak your locs, you can mix up the solution and pour it directly over your head for a quick cleanse.[7]XResearch source
4 Rinse with cool water. Remove your locs from the baking soda bath and wring out the excess solution. Turn on the faucet or hop in the shower and give your locs a quick rinse to clear away any lingering traces of the baking soda solution or foreign matter. Rinse until the water runs clear. Be sure that your scalp gets some direct exposure to the water as well.[8]XResearch source
The dirt, oil, dead skin, and other detritus that's been removed from your hair will be visible in the discoloration of the water. You might be surprised how much cleaner your locs will feel afterward!
5 Have ready a large bottle of water and vinegar, mixed at a 3:1 ratio, enough to rinse over your scalp and lightly through your locs. This will balance the pH of your scalp, and smooth loose hair frizz. You can leave this in (any vinegar smell will dissipate as it dries) or rinse it out.
Both baking soda and vinegar will clarify your hair, and using them both together could dry out your scalp. It's best to choose to use one or the other.
6 Towel or air dry. Give your locs ample time to dry. If you're in a hurry, use a hair dryer on the ends and shafts of your locs and allow your roots to finish air drying. Your locs should be dry before you cover them with a hat, tam, or scarf. Otherwise, these items will trap remaining moisture in the locs and make it harder for it to escape.
Squeeze as much water out of your locs as you can before letting them air dry or trying other drying methods.
Wrapping your locs in a dry towel can help draw water out of them at a faster rate.[9]XResearch source
Advertisement Method 3 Method 3 of 3:
Keeping Your Hair and Scalp Healthy
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1 Shampoo your locs regularly. Contrary to popular misconceptions, locs require washing just as much as other hairstyles. You should aim to shampoo and roll your locs every three or four days when they're new. Once they've fully locked up, you can get by washing them once a week, or more often depending on your hair type and the amount of oil your scalp tends to produce.[10]XResearch source
Most people who wear locs wash them at least once a week. If you have particularly oily hair, or if you exercise, work outside, get dirty or sweat a lot, you may benefit from more frequent washings.[11]XResearch source
You can still bathe regularly between washings without having to shampoo your locs.
2 Take care of your scalp. Locs put a lot of weight on the scalp as they get heavier and pull. It's essential that you keep your scalp clean and moisturized in addition to your locs themselves. Whenever you're cleaning your locs, take a few moments to massage your scalp vigorously with your fingertips. This promotes proper blood flow and will strengthen the follicles, meaning you won't have to worry about your locs becoming brittle or falling out.[12]X Trustworthy Source American Academy of DermatologyProfessional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists Go to source
Itching and discomfort can be a sign that your scalp or roots are in poor condition.
As your hair grows, keep your locs waxed and twisted to tighten up the new growth close to the scalp.[13]XResearch source
3 Freshen your locs with essential oils. Use a couple of drops of tea tree, peppermint, or rosemary oil along with your shampoo, or treat your locs with them separately. Essential oils moisturize, cut down on itchiness and irritation around the scalp and leave your hair smelling pleasant. They are far preferable to perfumes, spray-in fragrances, and scented cleansers, as they won't damage your locs or leave behind any residue.[14]XResearch source
Just a hint of essential oils can combat the “dirty hair” smell that naturally accumulates on thick locs.
4 Avoid conditioning near your scalp. Conditioning your hair can keep it healthy, but only apply it from the mid-length to the ends. Also, be cautious about any other products that contain oils, waxes, or knot-fighting agents. Regular use of these products can damage the structure of your locs and make them much harder to maintain.[15]X Trustworthy Source American Academy of DermatologyProfessional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists Go to source
You can also add a leave-in conditioner after you rinse out your regular conditioner to keep your hair healthy.
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Expert Q&A
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Question What are the best products for washing dreadlocks? Shun Pittman Master Cosmetologist, Global Salon Educator & Author Shun Pittman is a Master Cosmetologist, Author, Owner, and Founder of Corps d’Elite Salon and Corps d’Elite Beauty. With over 25 years of international experience, she is dedicated to and specializes in providing luxury salon services to all hair types and textures and every skin tone and shade. Her services include hair conditioning treatments, cutting, coloring, styling, extensions, and makeup application. Shun has experience working with, coaching, training, and mentoring beauty professionals from multiple companies including L'Oréal, Wella, Matrix, Paul Mitchell, Redken, Big Sexy Hair, and Toni & Guy. She is also a host for national and local media outlets and her work has been featured in The Washingtonian, The Cheddar Network, and WJLA Good Morning Washington's Beauty and Fashion Police segments. Shun is the author of “50 Things Your Hairdresser Wants YOU to Know (and a few things we don’t...)". Shun Pittman Master Cosmetologist, Global Salon Educator & Author Expert Answer I recommend products for hair type and texture and scalp condition. For example, someone with locks may have a need for hydration while another may have a need for clarifying, and another may need a shampoo for dry scalp. In summary, each client will have a different need. Locking is a hairstyle, not a condition. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 4 Helpful 16
Question I started my dreadlocks three weeks ago. When can I wash them? Community Answer You can wash them now but do so very gently, to prevent them from unraveling. You can use a stocking cap to hold the locks and shampoo through the cap, or you can section off your locks using rubber bands to hold the shafts together. The main thing is to focus on is cleaning the scalp and letting the lock itself "rest." Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 11 Helpful 21
Question Is it better to re-loc my hair with a wax, gel, or jam? Community Answer I personally don't like wax or jam. I started off buying products to help loc it but I wasn't a big fan. Then I tried beeswax, but I felt it was too thick and felt like it coated my hair. So I started using aloe vera gel. I just take the aloe plant and scrape the insides and use that. I also bought vitamin E capsules to add to my aloe vera gel to preserve it. I also use coconut oil. Next I'm going to try an avacado/coconut oil mix. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 14 Helpful 36
See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement
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Tips
Despite misconceptions, washing your locs is actually good for them. Not only will shampooing locs keep them clean, but it also removes oil from your hair, which can help it knot tighter. Thanks Helpful 7 Not Helpful 0
Roll your locs between your palms (using a small amount of wax, if you desire) to keep them smooth and help them lock more firmly. Twist the locs clockwise at the roots to tighten them up near the scalp. Thanks Helpful 5 Not Helpful 3
Look for cleaning and styling products that are made specially for locked hair. Thanks Helpful 5 Not Helpful 3
Show More Tips
Tips from our Readers
The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
If you notice any buildup, consider using a clarifying shampoo occasionally.
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement
Warnings
It used to be believed that it was too hard on locs to wash them. This couldn't be further from the truth. Not keeping your locs clean is a bad idea for a number of reasons. For one, the sight and smell of unkempt locs can be off-putting on their own. It is also unhealthy for your scalp. Not washing your locs regularly can cause itching and irritation, and can eventually lead to hair loss. Thanks Helpful 5 Not Helpful 2
Failure to keep your locs dry can result in mold growth and repulsive odor. Thanks Helpful 4 Not Helpful 2
A small chemical reaction may occur when mixing vinegar with baking soda. Dilute the vinegar with water before adding the baking soda. If a reaction occurs, wait for it to die down before using the solution to rinse your hair. Thanks Helpful 6 Not Helpful 5
Too much buildup on and inside locs can be next to impossible to remove. Always check to see that a certain hair product is non-residue forming before using it. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 1
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Co-authored by: Shun Pittman Master Cosmetologist, Global Salon Educator & Author This article was co-authored by Shun Pittman. Shun Pittman is a Master Cosmetologist, Author, Owner, and Founder of Corps d’Elite Salon and Corps d’Elite Beauty. With over 25 years of international experience, she is dedicated to and specializes in providing luxury salon services to all hair types and textures and every skin tone and shade. Her services include hair conditioning treatments, cutting, coloring, styling, extensions, and makeup application. Shun has experience working with, coaching, training, and mentoring beauty professionals from multiple companies including L'Oréal, Wella, Matrix, Paul Mitchell, Redken, Big Sexy Hair, and Toni & Guy. She is also a host for national and local media outlets and her work has been featured in The Washingtonian, The Cheddar Network, and WJLA Good Morning Washington's Beauty and Fashion Police segments. Shun is the author of “50 Things Your Hairdresser Wants YOU to Know (and a few things we don’t...)". This article has been viewed 498,321 times. 32 votes - 93% Co-authors: 20Updated: October 8, 2025 Views: 498,321 Categories: DreadlocksArticle SummaryX
Before washing your dreadlocks, wet them with water in the shower and put a modest amount of shampoo on your hand. Then, rub your hands together before rubbing the shampoo into your scalp and the roots of your dreadlocks. Once the shampoo has been in your hair for 2 minutes, tilt your head down so it runs through your locks as the water rinses it out. After you get out of the shower, squeeze each lock to get rid of excess water and dry your hair thoroughly. For tips on how to wash your dreadlocks using water, baking soda, and vinegar, read on!Did this summary help you?YesNo
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Reader Success Stories
Angela McEwen
Jan 30, 2018
"It helped finally break down the baking soda vinegar rinse for me. Every site I have looked at has there preference on how to do it. I just wanted the basic and found it here. Thank you for finally helping me find some answers to my thoughts and question!"..." more
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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Shun Pittman Master Cosmetologist, Global Salon Educator & Author Co-authors: 20Updated: October 8, 2025 Views: 498,32193% of readers found this article helpful. 32 votes - 93% Click a star to add your vote
Angela McEwen
Jan 30, 2018
"It helped finally break down the baking soda vinegar rinse for me. Every site I have looked at has there preference on how to do it. I just wanted the basic and found it here. Thank you for finally helping me find some answers to my thoughts and question!"..." more
Sherri B.
Jan 30, 2017
"My dreads are 1 yr old, and I'm always looking for different natural ways to cleanse them. All 3 ways I've tried and I use still. I am more vigilant about my dreads than I was with my "regular" hair. Thank you."..." more
Molly Ide
Dec 21, 2016
"I've had a bad problem with greasy buildup, and a lot of dander buildup and itchy scalp from hell. I've heard of using baking soda, vinegar, and water before, but never tried. It works great!"..." more
Princess Sibanda
Jan 8, 2020
"I have always wanted to wash my locks and could not find a solution, but today I have some tips. I have tried it and it is really working for me. My locks are clean."..." more
Dylan Nxumalo
Jun 15, 2018
"At first my locks were on at the edge of their death but after 2 months of this they look new!" Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories
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Download Article Explore this Article methods 1 Shampooing Locs 2 Rinsing Locs with Water, Baking Soda, and Vinegar 3 Keeping Your Hair and Scalp Healthy Other Sections Expert Q&A Video Tips and Warnings Related Articles References Article Summary Co-authored by Shun Pittman 
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Co-authored by: Shun Pittman Master Cosmetologist, Global Salon Educator & Author This article was co-authored by Shun Pittman. Shun Pittman is a Master Cosmetologist, Author, Owner, and Founder of Corps d’Elite Salon and Corps d’Elite Beauty. With over 25 years of international experience, she is dedicated to and specializes in providing luxury salon services to all hair types and textures and every skin tone and shade. Her services include hair conditioning treatments, cutting, coloring, styling, extensions, and makeup application. Shun has experience working with, coaching, training, and mentoring beauty professionals from multiple companies including L'Oréal, Wella, Matrix, Paul Mitchell, Redken, Big Sexy Hair, and Toni & Guy. She is also a host for national and local media outlets and her work has been featured in The Washingtonian, The Cheddar Network, and WJLA Good Morning Washington's Beauty and Fashion Police segments. Shun is the author of “50 Things Your Hairdresser Wants YOU to Know (and a few things we don’t...)". This article has been viewed 498,321 times. 32 votes - 93% Co-authors: 20 Updated: October 8, 2025 Views: 498,321 Categories: Dreadlocks Article SummaryX
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1 Wet your locs. Start by running some water over your locs in the shower. Let the water run so it really saturates your hair. For best results, use warm (not too hot) water. 
2 Portion out a small amount of shampoo. Squeeze a modest amount of shampoo into your palm. It's better to use a little shampoo at a time so you can control how much soap actually goes into your locs—you can always use more later if it's not enough. If you're using a solid bar shampoo, rub it between your hands until it forms a rich lather.[1] 
3 Work the lather into your scalp. Press both hands into your scalp and distribute the shampoo into the spaces between the roots of the locs. Use the tips of your fingers to give your scalp a good scrub to free dead skin and remove excess sebum.[2] 
4 Rinse the shampoo through the locs. Let the shampoo sit for 1-2 minutes. Then, tilt your head downward so that the lather runs through your locs as you rinse. Gently squeeze the shampoo lather into the locs. Make sure that there's no shampoo residue remaining in your hair when you're finished washing.[3] 
5 Dry thoroughly. After you get out of the shower, you'll want to make sure that you let your locs dry completely. Squeeze each loc with a towel to press out the water absorbed into them. Allow your locs to air dry. You could also use a hairdryer, but preferably a hooded dryer on medium to high heat to speed the drying process along and ensure that the locs are not left damp. If too much moisture remains in the locs, they can start to come loose and smell, or even grow mold.[4] 
2 In a sink or wash basin, dissolve ¾ cup of baking soda in a few inches of warm water. It is completely safe to use on your hair and scalp. 
3 Soak your locs for 5-10 minutes. Submerge your locs into the baking soda solution up to the roots. Soak your locs for up to 10 minutes, or longer if you're in need of a deep clean. As your locs soak, the baking soda will strip away dirt, oil, debris and other unwanted buildup.[6] 
4 Rinse with cool water. Remove your locs from the baking soda bath and wring out the excess solution. Turn on the faucet or hop in the shower and give your locs a quick rinse to clear away any lingering traces of the baking soda solution or foreign matter. Rinse until the water runs clear. Be sure that your scalp gets some direct exposure to the water as well.[8] 
5 Have ready a large bottle of water and vinegar, mixed at a 3:1 ratio, enough to rinse over your scalp and lightly through your locs. This will balance the pH of your scalp, and smooth loose hair frizz. You can leave this in (any vinegar smell will dissipate as it dries) or rinse it out. 
6 Towel or air dry. Give your locs ample time to dry. If you're in a hurry, use a hair dryer on the ends and shafts of your locs and allow your roots to finish air drying. Your locs should be dry before you cover them with a hat, tam, or scarf. Otherwise, these items will trap remaining moisture in the locs and make it harder for it to escape. 
1 Shampoo your locs regularly. Contrary to popular misconceptions, locs require washing just as much as other hairstyles. You should aim to shampoo and roll your locs every three or four days when they're new. Once they've fully locked up, you can get by washing them once a week, or more often depending on your hair type and the amount of oil your scalp tends to produce.[10] 
2 Take care of your scalp. Locs put a lot of weight on the scalp as they get heavier and pull. It's essential that you keep your scalp clean and moisturized in addition to your locs themselves. Whenever you're cleaning your locs, take a few moments to massage your scalp vigorously with your fingertips. This promotes proper blood flow and will strengthen the follicles, meaning you won't have to worry about your locs becoming brittle or falling out.[12] 
3 Freshen your locs with essential oils. Use a couple of drops of tea tree, peppermint, or rosemary oil along with your shampoo, or treat your locs with them separately. Essential oils moisturize, cut down on itchiness and irritation around the scalp and leave your hair smelling pleasant. They are far preferable to perfumes, spray-in fragrances, and scented cleansers, as they won't damage your locs or leave behind any residue.[14] 
4 Avoid conditioning near your scalp. Conditioning your hair can keep it healthy, but only apply it from the mid-length to the ends. Also, be cautious about any other products that contain oils, waxes, or knot-fighting agents. Regular use of these products can damage the structure of your locs and make them much harder to maintain.[15] 
Shun Pittman Master Cosmetologist, Global Salon Educator & Author Shun Pittman is a Master Cosmetologist, Author, Owner, and Founder of Corps d’Elite Salon and Corps d’Elite Beauty. With over 25 years of international experience, she is dedicated to and specializes in providing luxury salon services to all hair types and textures and every skin tone and shade. Her services include hair conditioning treatments, cutting, coloring, styling, extensions, and makeup application. Shun has experience working with, coaching, training, and mentoring beauty professionals from multiple companies including L'Oréal, Wella, Matrix, Paul Mitchell, Redken, Big Sexy Hair, and Toni & Guy. She is also a host for national and local media outlets and her work has been featured in The Washingtonian, The Cheddar Network, and WJLA Good Morning Washington's Beauty and Fashion Police segments. Shun is the author of “50 Things Your Hairdresser Wants YOU to Know (and a few things we don’t...)". 
Community Answer You can wash them now but do so very gently, to prevent them from unraveling. You can use a stocking cap to hold the locks and shampoo through the cap, or you can section off your locks using rubber bands to hold the shafts together. The main thing is to focus on is cleaning the scalp and letting the lock itself "rest." Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 11 Helpful 21 
Community Answer I personally don't like wax or jam. I started off buying products to help loc it but I wasn't a big fan. Then I tried beeswax, but I felt it was too thick and felt like it coated my hair. So I started using aloe vera gel. I just take the aloe plant and scrape the insides and use that. I also bought vitamin E capsules to add to my aloe vera gel to preserve it. I also use coconut oil. Next I'm going to try an avacado/coconut oil mix. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 14 Helpful 36 
