Washing mature locs from scalp to ends.
Allow time for a thorough rinse and complete drying.

Check the care your locs need

Use this routine for established natural locs that hold together during washing. If you are unsure about maturity, ask your loctician before starting. Keep any instructions for color, repairs or added hair with your wash supplies.

Prepare for drying before you wash

Choose a wash time that leaves several hours or longer before bed or close covering. Set out clean, smooth towels and a comfortable place where locs can hang loose. If you need cool airflow, check your dryer’s unheated setting before washing.

Lather remains in a thick group

• Support a few locs under running water.
• Gently press and release along their lengths to help water pass through; keep rinsing until visible lather is gone and the water runs clear.
• Do not twist them or add more shampoo to remove lather.

The ends dry before the roots

• With dry hands, check the crown, nape and thicker lengths as well as the ends.
• Keep groups loose and continue drying wherever dampness remains.
• A dry outer surface cannot confirm the center is dry; allow more time if you are unsure.

Your locs keep feeling coated after washing

• Write down the shampoo, amount, other products and how you rinse.
• Take those details to your loctician to review the routine and any retained residue.
• Avoid scraping inside locs or trying a homemade detox soak while you work out what is happening.

Use a familiar rinse-out shampoo

Choose shampoo whose directions suit your locs. Wet them thoroughly, use the labeled amount and work gently over the scalp with finger pads. Rinse through the lengths. Judge rinsing from your experience and the directions, rather than a “residue-free” claim.

Browse cleansing products. Bring the shampoos you are choosing between to the consultation, along with what you liked or disliked about them.

Condition only where your aftercare calls for it

Use conditioner only as your loc aftercare allows, following its amount, placement and rinse directions. Ask your loctician about unfamiliar, colored or repaired locs. The consultation can review product options using that aftercare and your product history.

Browse rinse-out conditioners for your own hair.

1. Wash and rinse in small groups

Follow the photographed sequence for wetting, scalp cleansing, gentle length handling and separate scalp and length rinses. It uses ordinary rinse-out shampoo on mature natural locs. Keep wet lengths supported so their weight does not pull at the roots.

2. Blot, dry and check the hidden areas

Press out dripping water, blot roots and lengths separately, then leave locs loose. The method shows optional unheated airflow as well as air drying. Check roots and thick lengths before tying, covering or going to bed; continue drying if you find dampness.