Dreadlock Detox

The Ultimate Guide to Dreadlock Detox: Why, When, and How to Do It Right

Dreadlocks are amazing, but over time, product buildup, sweat, and everyday pollutants can leave them feeling heavy, dull, and even a little funky. That’s where a dreadlock detox comes in! A proper detox will refresh your dreads, making them lighter, cleaner, and faster-drying while also improving their overall health.

But there’s a right way to do it—and that means keeping baking soda and apple cider vinegar separate!

Why You Should Never Mix Baking Soda & Apple Cider Vinegar

You might have heard of people mixing baking soda and ACV for a detox, but here’s the problem: baking soda is a base, and ACV is an acid. When combined, they neutralize each other, meaning you don’t get the full benefits of either. Instead, they just create fizzy water.

To get the best results, do a baking soda soak first to break down buildup, then follow with an apple cider vinegar rinse to restore pH balance and remove any remaining residue.

How Often Should You Detox?

The frequency of detoxing depends on your lifestyle and job:

• If you're around dust, dirt, sweat, or smoke regularly, twice a year is ideal.

• For most people, once a year is enough to keep their dreads fresh.

• In rare cases, I recommend four times a year, but this should only be done when advised by a professional. Over-detoxing can dry out your dreads unnecessarily.

Benefits of a Dreadlock Detox

✔️ Removes buildup from shampoo, hard water, and environmental pollutants✔️ Lightens your dreads by getting rid of trapped residue✔️ Helps them dry faster, reducing the risk of mildew✔️ Improves scalp health by clearing out dead skin and excess oil✔️ Refreshes the smell of your dreads, leaving them feeling fresh and clean

How to Do a Proper Dreadlock Detox

I recommend using an inflatable detox basin, which makes soaking your dreads much more comfortable. You can find these in my online shop or at my salon!

1️⃣ Baking Soda Soak (20 minutes)

• Fill your basin with warm water

• Add ½ to 1 cup of baking soda

• Soak for 20 minutes, squeezing your dreads occasionally to release buildup

• Rinse thoroughly

2️⃣ Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse (5-10 minutes)

• Refill the basin with fresh warm water

• Add ½ to 1 cup of apple cider vinegar

• Soak for 5-10 minutes

• Add a few drops of essential oils to combat the vinegar smell and nourish your scalp (tea tree, eucalyptus, lavender, rosemary, and peppermint are great choices!)

• Rinse again thoroughly

When to Detox Before Maintenance or Extensions

If you're planning to get dreadlock extensions or length maintenance, I highly recommend doing a detox first! This ensures that your dreads are as clean as possible, helping the new work last longer.

A dreadlock detox is the ultimate reset for your dreads, keeping them healthy, fresh, and lightweight. If you’re ready to give your dreads the deep clean they deserve, grab an inflatable detox basin from my shop and give it a go!

Have you ever tried a dread detox? Let me know in the comments how it made your dreads feel!