Kevin John Kevin John Asked 9 months ago

How to remove dandruff from dreads?

I've had dreadlocks for a few years now, and lately, I've noticed a lot of flakiness and itching. It's difficult to clean properly. What's the best method to remove dandruff from dreads?

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10 answers

Kabir Mehta Kabir Mehta Joined May 2026 5 months ago
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Sweating a lot during workouts can make dreads a breeding ground for scalp flakes. I make sure to dry my scalp completely after my gym sessions, sometimes using a hair dryer on a cool setting. Drinking plenty of water and eating clean also helps keep scalp inflammation down naturally.

Preeti Patel Preeti Patel Joined Mar 2026 8 months ago

I agree that drying the roots is very important. I found that spraying a light mix of tea tree oil and water directly on the scalp helps soothe dreads.

Anil Wagle Anil Wagle Joined Jan 2026 9 months ago

With dreadlocks, buildup can get trapped deep inside the hair and cause mold or severe bacterial infections if not dried properly. Please be very careful before applying heavy oils or thick home packs. It is highly recommended to consult a professional lock stylist or a dermatologist to get a safe clearing routine.

Arjun Malhotra Arjun Malhotra Joined Jan 2026 9 months ago

Let's be real, regular thick shampoos are a nightmare to rinse out of dreads and will leave massive residue. You need a residue-free, clarifying ACV rinse or a liquid anti-dandruff spray. Spray it directly onto the scalp, let it sit, and rinse thoroughly. Focus only on the scalp, not the length of the locks.

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Consult a dermatologist

Sahil Sheikh Sahil Sheikh Joined Jan 2026 9 months ago

Bro, I had dreads for two years and the dandruff was crazy. I started using a diluted Ketoconazole shampoo in a spray bottle so it reached the scalp easily without leaving thick soapy residue. Also, make sure you don't tie them up while they are still damp, that is a recipe for flakes.

Shruti Rao Shruti Rao Joined Mar 2026 7 months ago

Dreads look absolutely amazing but yes, the dry scalp struggle is real! 😅 Try using an apple cider vinegar rinse once a month to break down the buildup. It leaves your scalp feeling super fresh and clean! ✨

Varun Dhawan Varun Dhawan Joined May 2026 6 months ago

Dreads are great until you start looking like a walking powdered donut! 😂 Just dilute your anti-dandruff shampoo with water in a mug first so you don't spend three hours trying to wash the foam out. Trust me, your shower time and your scalp will thank you.

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Tanvi Hegde Tanvi Hegde Joined May 2026 5 months ago

I have to deal with complex scalp issues due to PCOS, so I understand how frustrating it is when your hair routine feels difficult. Sometimes internal stress makes dread dandruff worse. Try using a very gentle, watery rosemary spray on your scalp, but don't hesitate to seek advice from a skin specialist if it doesn't clear.

Devendra Joshi Devendra Joshi Joined May 2026 5 months ago

Don't get disheartened by this issue, hair trends change but scalp care remains the same. Back in the day, we knew that fresh air and proper drying was key for any thick hairstyle. Just give your scalp some breathing time and use a very light, watery herbal rinse to wash away the flakes gently.

Karan Johar Karan Johar Joined Jun 2026 4 months ago

I track my scalp health using my weekly routine log, and a diluted tea tree spray has been a game changer for my dreadlocks. It has a great clean score and keeps the scalp fresh. Just spray it on post-workout and pat dry with a microfiber towel to avoid any damp buildup.

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