How to Wash and Blow Dry Locs

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Co-authored by Noël Reid-Killings

Last Updated: July 13, 2025

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Washing Locs

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Blow Drying Locs

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Q&A

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Warnings

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Locs, also known under the terms "dreadlocks" or "dreads" is a particular hair style where the hair is allowed to matt together in a natural process. Washing locs is quick and easy, and besides common stereotypes, locs are washed fairly often; in fact, washing locs leads to a faster locking process.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Washing Locs

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Long rinses ensure that locs are completely penetrated to allow a full cleansing. Warm water opens the hair cuticle to allow shampoo to penetrate deeply.
Squeeze shampoo into locs a few times to clean inside the loc as well. Avoid shampooing more than a few times because it can lead to over dryness.^{[1]
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Product build-up can occur if shampoo and other products are not completely removed from locs.
Use 100% all natural oils that are not cold pressed.
Cold water closes the hair cuticle to retain moisture.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Blow Drying Locs

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Towels lead to lint build up in locs.

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Question

Which is better for drying your locs. Air dry, blow dry or sitting under a dryer?

Community Answer

Air dry. The heat from driers will damage your hair. If you have to use a drier, use heat protectant spray first.

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Question

When drying Chorect braids,should Iblow dry or air dry ends?

Community Answer

You should air dry the ends. Blow drying will make the hair frizzy.

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Warnings

Avoid blow drying and shampooing often because it could lead to a very tedious moisture routine to retain healthy hair.

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You can use conditioner with locs; however, conditioners can quickly lead to product buildup if not completely removed. Natural oils are less likely to cause buildup

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Even with a moisture routine and heat protectant, blow drying can lead to serious heat damage

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