If you’ve been on a loc journey, you’ve likely heard plenty of advice on what to use—and what to avoid. Dr Locs has always warned against using creams in locs, because there was never a cream-based conditioner on the market designed for locs that wouldn't create a build up. Until now. Dr Locs has formulated a cream-based formula specifically for locs. So, what makes it different? And more importantly, what should you not put in your locs to prevent build up and damage? Let’s dive in.
Understanding Product Buildup in Locs
One of the biggest challenges with loc care is product build up. Many products marketed for locs actually leave residue behind, which becomes visible only when your hair is wet. This can lead to heavy, dull, or even moldy locs over time.
As a professional loctician, Chimere, founder of Dr Locs, was tired of washing out build up from clients’ hair—build up caused by products that claimed to be safe and curated for locs. That’s why she created the Amla Extract Conditioner, a lightweight, easily absorbable formula designed to nourish locs without leaving residue. Unlike thick conditioners, our formula rinses out completely while allowing your locs to soak up the essential nutrients they need.
Dr Locs worked long and hard alongside a chemist to formulate the perfect mositurizing conditioning for your locs. The goal was to actually moisturize locs without ever leaving any reside or build up behind. Even if you used too much of the Amla Extract Conditioner, you will not experience build up.
Ingredients & Products to Avoid in Locs
1. Thick Gels & Styling Products
Many people use gels to achieve a polished look or to speed up the locking process. However, these products can stiffen your hair and cause buildup over time. What starts as a shiny finish can turn into a hardened, gummy substance deep within your locs, making it impossible to wash out.
2. Wax-Based Products
Any form of wax should be avoided in locs. Wax doesn’t wash out easily and attracts lint and dirt, leading to a sticky mess that accumulates over time. This buildup can eventually turn solid inside your locs, making them heavy and difficult to cleanse.
3. Cotton Scarves & Yarn Wraps
Cotton sheds tiny fibers that easily get trapped in locs, leading to lint buildup. If you wear scarves or wraps, opt for satin or silk materials instead. Yarn wraps, while trendy, can also add unnecessary weight to your locs. If worn too long, they can cause breakage, especially when wrapped from root to tip.
4. Heavy Oils & Butters
While natural oils can be beneficial for scalp health, thick oils like castor oil and heavy butters can sit on the surface of your locs rather than penetrating them. Over time, these substances attract dust and dirt, creating build up.
5. Products Promising to “Instantly” Lock Hair
Your hair will naturally lock over time with patience and proper care. Any product that claims to instantly lock your hair is likely just creating a temporary hold rather than promoting the natural matting process. Professional techniques like interlocking or palm rolling are the best ways to encourage locs to mature properly.
How to Tell If a Product Is Causing Buildup
A simple way to test if a product is leaving buildup in your locs is to squeeze your locs while they’re wet. If any residue or cloudy substance seeps out, that’s a sign of build up. Another method is to check reviews and see if others have experienced residue problems with a particular product.
Final Thoughts: Keep Your Locs Lightweight & Healthy
Caring for locs requires patience and the right products. Avoiding thick gels, waxes, and heavy butters will help keep your locs lightweight and residue-free. Instead, choose lightweight, nourishing products like Dr Locs’ Amla Extract Conditioner, specifically formulated to provide hydration without build up.
Remember, your locs are like a tree—what they naturally grow is what your roots can handle. Overloading them with weight from excessive styling, wraps, or heavy products can lead to breakage over time. Stay mindful of what you put in your locs, and they’ll stay healthy and strong.
