9 Best Shampoos for Sisterlocks: Keeping Your Locks Healthy

 

Still in search of the best shampoo and/or pre-poo to keep your sisterlocks and scalp clean and healthy?

Or are you just looking for alternatives to rotate into your regimen?

Shampoos are essential for keeping your hair clean and healthy. The sisterlocks journey is long but worth it. During that time, you want to give your hair the TLC it needs to succeed. 

Look no further. We've compiled a list of the best shampoos for sisterlocks to help you detox, clean, and maintain your hair's health.

Unfamiliar with the term, pre-poo? Pre-poo is a pre-shampoo conditioning treatment to help alleviate buildup and prepare the hair for cleansing. 

It's beneficial if you wash your hair on a less frequent schedule. This is often the case for those of us who are maintaining our locs on a 6-8 week maintenance schedule. 

We’ve taken the liberty of including two pre-poos on this list.

 

The Best Shampoos For Sisterlocks Should Have...

When choosing cleansing options for this list, we considered accessibility, ingredients, and customer reviews.

You’ll find a few more big-box brands on this list because although they may not be marketed directly to Black or natural hair consumers, they are very effective, accessible, and sometimes more cost-effective than other natural hair brands. 

This list even has a few options that you can find anywhere.

The ingredients should be as natural as possible and tailored to locs. The fewer ingredients, the better. The 

Here are the best that we found using those criteria:

#1 LionLocs Shampoo Bar & Conditioner

If you’ve never tried a shampoo bar, start with LionLocs Shampoo Bar & Conditioner. This product is specially formulated for locs of all densities and hair types. It is made to eliminate buildup and leave your locs moisturized and conditioned.

Unlike products designed for locs, it still provides that satisfying lather often associated with a successful wash. Not to mention that if you’re being a bit more conscientious with your spending, LionLocs is a Black-owned and operated company. 

#2 TPH by Taraji’s Master Cleanse Scalp Treatment & Scalp Rinse for Buildup

Taraji P. Henson’s brand, TPH is specially formulated for naturally curly, kinky, and coily textures. Although not made specifically for loc-wearers, this product is formulated to address buildup in tighter textures and would be a great choice for our sisterlocks.

The applicator bottle for this product makes for very easy and non-messy targeting of the scalp and helps avoid product waste. I would highly recommend trying this Master Cleanse Scalp Treatment and Rinse if you’re experiencing dandruff or chronic dryness. This product is easily located in your nearest Target or Walmart store.

#3 BLCK Lux Scalp Detox Serum Cleanser (Pre-Poo)

I might be a little biased here, but the BLCK Lux Scalp Detox Serum Cleanser is a worthwhile addition to any healthy hair regimen for naturally curly, coily, and kinky hair textures and styles. As a dermatologist with sisterlocks, I understand the challenges and necessity of keeping our scalps healthy to keep our hair healthy.

Fortified with a potent blend of apple cider vinegar, willow bark extract, and jojoba, I’ve specially formulated this pre-poo treatment to eliminate buildup and soothe the scalp to promote healthy hair.

My team and I have tested this product on ourselves and others. I recommend using it before every other wash for the best results and maintenance of a healthy scalp.

#4 Influance’s It’s Natural Sea Moss Shampoo

Although not as accessible as others on this list, Influence’s Sea Moss Shampoo is a moisturizing and repairing sulfate-free shampoo. It works well with many hair types.

As a conditioning shampoo, it is infused with sea moss, honey, and avocado oil and has DHT blockers to prevent and help with thinning hair. Highly recommended for those experiencing or nervous about thinning locs.

#5 Neutrogena Anti-residue Clarifying Shampoo

Looking for an effective,  easily accessible, and reliable product for your locs? This is it. Neutrogena is a tried and true staple on most grocery and big box retail shelves and this anti-residue clarifying shampoo is perfect for those battling irritated scalps and/or excessive buildup. It is gentle and deeply cleansing.

#6 Suave Daily Clarifying Shampoo

This is another grocery shelf staple product. If you’re a frequent washer, meaning daily or weekly, I highly recommend Suave Daily Clarifying Shampoo. In terms of accessibility and value for money, you just can’t go wrong with this product.

You can find it everywhere, and if you are using a product at a higher rate, the amount of product based on the price is a steal. It is also gentle and effective at removing small amounts of buildup.

#7 Dr. Locs’ Pre-Cleanse

This product combines a special blend of cleansing and softening for a deep, refreshing cleanse before shampooing. The Pre-Cleanse removes trapped oil, dirt, and product build-up from the scalp and new growth area. If you’re looking to try a pre-poo for the first time, this is a good choice.

#8 Trade Joe’s Tea Tree Tingle Shampoo

Naturalistas have raved about this find for years. If you’re a fan of a tingling sensation and/or tea tree oil for your hair and scalp, this is a no-brainer. It has become a hero product in the natural hair and loc communities because of its refreshing tingle experience.

It works well on new locs because the product thoroughly cleanses the scalp and leaves no residue behind. It is an affordable shampoo in a large-sized bottle that lasts for a long time.

#9 Lockology’s Peppermint and Tea Tree Loc Shampoo

This product is a great choice for the tingle experience enthusiasts who want to support Black-owned and operated businesses with their dollars. Specially formulated for locs, this blend of peppermint and tea tree will deep clean your locs and scalp, help to promote growth, and reduce itching without over-drying your locs. It also has a great lather. Lockology Loc shampoos are made specifically to penetrate locs, lather easily & remove dirt, odors, and buildup.

Finding the best shampoo for you!

This list is a jumping-off point for you to find cleansing options and treatments that work best for your scalp and hair. If you have specific scalp conditions, it is always recommended to consult a dermatologist and/or trichologist as you try to determine which products will work best for you.

 

For those who have been diagnosed or have no scalp issues, I’d recommend having at least two shampoos and at least one pre-poo that work well for you to rotate in your regimen. This is helpful in the event of a product being discontinued or you being in a space where you may not have access to a more niche or less accessible product or even just experiencing changes in your scalp and hair based on changes in your environment. Don’t get caught off guard; find products that work for you now.

 

BLCK Scalp Detox Cleanser – Refresh & Revitalize Your Scalp

Say goodbye to buildup and irritation with BLCK Scalp Detox Cleanser! This lightweight, no-rinse formula is designed to cleanse, soothe, and refresh your scalp—perfect for protective styles like braids, locs, and curls, and kinks. Infused with powerful ingredients like tea tree oil and witch hazel, it gently removes excess oil and product residue while keeping your scalp hydrated and itch-free.

✅ Removes buildup & refreshes scalp
✅ No-rinse formula – perfect for on-the-go care
✅ Soothes irritation & promotes a healthy scalp

Give your scalp the care it deserves! Grab your bottle of BLCK Scalp Detox Cleanser today and experience the freshness for yourself. Shop now on Amazon!