Your dreadlocks are an extension of you, so chances are you wouldn't dream of doing anything to harm them. That's why you have to be super selective with how you handle them, especially when doing something as involved as changing their hue.
Before dyeing your locs, one of the best things to do is choose the best possible hair color you can get your hands on. In this article, we'll share with you some of the highest-quality hair dyes for colored dreadlocks and help you choose your next dread color! Let's get right into it!
Best Hair Color for Dreadlocks
The best hair color for dreadlocks is Creme of Nature Moisture Rich Hair Color Kit, Vivid Red, for its nourishing formula, argan oil enhancement, and gentleness on your hair strands. In the next section, we'll delve deeper into the details of the Creme of Nature Moisture Rich Hair Color Kit and other great options for colored hair.
Selecting a hair color for your locs can be a daunting task, given the numerous hair color ideas you have to choose from. To help you out with your decision, here are some of the absolute best hair dyes for dreadlocks:
1. Creme of Nature Moisture Rich Hair Color
Creme of Nature Moisture Rich Hair Color is an outstanding box dye that many loc queens and kings have tried and loved. The formula is made of lots of natural ingredients that nourish the hair throughout the coloring process.
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Don't be fooled because any natural hair dye that lifts your natural pigment out of your hair strands will inflict some degree of damage, but the amount of hair shaft damage is minimized with this specific hair dye.
Benefits of Creme of Nature Moisture Rich Hair Color for Dreadlocks
This dye is on our list because it beats out loads of competitors; that's evident from the product's reviews all across the internet and based on our firsthand experience.
After trying out this product, we completely understand why people love this hair dye:
- The kit comes with absolutely everything you need for a dye transformation, from the developer to the hair color to the after-color conditioner. The pictures below show examples of the box and the contents within the packaging.
- The color is specifically made for people with natural hair, which includes people who've locked their hair. So, it works great for people with dark hair and gray hair strands.
- The line features nourishing argan oil to give the hair a nice shine post-coloring. This is extremely important for those with dreads since locs are prone to dullness.
- The dye is ammonia-free and gentler on the hair than ammonia-containing dyes.
The back of the box includes the following information:
- Rich Color: Formulated with a combination of specially blended dyes, conditioners, and polymers, Creme of Nature's ammonia-free liquid hair color delivers multi-dimensional color from root to tip, plus 100% gray coverage.
- Maximum Conditioning: Infused with nourishing silk proteins that penetrate every strand so that your dreads look healthy and in better condition than before you colored your locs.
- Shea Butter Conditioning Power: The ultra-moisturizing conditioner, infused with certified natural mango and shea butter, helps to deeply nourish your hair, leaving it feeling soft, smooth, and healthy looking.
Ingredients:
- Creme Color Developer: Aqua/Water/Eau, Hydrogen Peroxide, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ceteareth-20, Steareth-10 Allyl Ether/Acrylates Copolymer, Amodimethicone, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, C11-15 Pareth-7, Laureth-9, Glycerin, Trideceth-12, Disodium Phosphate, Phosphoric Acid, Methylparaben, EDTA.
- Permanent Liquid Hair Color: Aqua/Water/Eau, Ethanolamine, Oleic Acid, Isopropyl Alcohol, PEG-2 Soyamine, Lauramide MEA, Lauryl Pyrrolidone, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Sulfite, 1-Hydroxyethyl 4,5-Diamino Pyrazole Sulfate, 4-Amino-2-Hydroxytoluene, Wheat Amino Acids, p-Aminophenol, Erythorbic Acid, Tetrasodium EDTA, 2,4-Diaminophenoxyethanol HCl, Resorcinol, Potassium Cocoyl Hydrolyzed Collagen, Mangifera Indica (Mango) Seed Butter, Buteth-3, Sodium Benzotriazolyl Butylphenol Sulfonate, Tributyl Citrate, Parfum (Fragrance), Linalool, Citronellol, Geraniol, Coumarin, Amyl Cinnamal.
- Mango & Shea Butter Ultra-Moisturizing Conditioner: Aqua/Water/Eau, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Behentrimonium Chloride, Amodimethicone, Mangifera Indica (Mango) Seed Butter, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Phenyl Trimethicone, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Panthenol, Cetrimonium Chloride, Trideceth-12, Cera Alba (Beeswax (Cire D'abeille)), Hydrolyzed Silk, Silk Amino Acids, Citric Acid, Isopropyl Alcohol, Parfum (Fragrance), Limonene, Linalool, Citral, Phenoxyethanol, Benzyl Alcohol, Yellow 6 (CI 15985), Yellow 5 (CI 19140), Red 4 (CI 14700).
Our Final Thoughts
Our analysis of Creme of Nature's moisture-rich hair color revealed that it's an exceptional choice for those seeking to enhance their dreadlocks while continuing to encourage healthy hair growth.
Its formulation, a harmonious blend of natural ingredients, strikes an optimal balance between natural color vibrancy and hair nourishment, an assurance reflected in its commendable reviews across the internet.
The in-box inclusion of a 30-volume cream color developer, an ammonia-free colorant, and a moisture-rich conditioner with mango and shea butter is a testament to the thoughtfulness and expertise of the manufacturer to avoid overly harsh chemicals.
Through our practical knowledge, Creme of Nature Moisture Rich Hair Color offers an unparalleled color transformation experience, blending performance, user satisfaction, and hair health in a way that few hair dyes can parallel.
2. Clairol Natural Instincts Demi-Permanent Hair Dye
Clairol shook things up when they came out with their Natural Instincts demi-permanent hair dye. It's made of 80% naturally derived ingredients and will leave your locs feeling soft and looking amazing.
Note: This is not a permanent dye, so it will not result in as dramatic a color change as a permanent dye would. For this reason, this temporary hair color is best suited to going darker rather than lighter. Although, like others on our list, it's fairly easy to use and doesn't require the services of a professional hair colorist.
Benefits of Clairol Natural Instincts Demi-Permanent Dye
Clairol Natural Instincts is really in a class of its own when it comes to its unique formula. After putting it to the test, here are some of the main benefits this dye offers:
- The color can last up to 28 shampoos. Since most people with locs have a more relaxed hair cleansing routine, 28 shampoos equate to several months.
- The dye is ammonia free for gentle coloring and less damage after the dyeing process is done.
- The color is almost completely natural, a benefit that those with more holistic loc journeys will appreciate.
- There are no parabens in this color.
The back of the box includes the following information:
- Healthy-looking color that shines in only 20 minutes.
- With 80% naturally derived ingredients, this is a very gentle hair color formula.
- The product includes coconut oil and aloe vera but doesn't include ammonia or added parabens.
- Lasts 28 shampoos and enhances your natural hair color.
- Blends away gray hair without a harsh root line.
Ingredients:
- Color Cream: Aqua/Water/Eau, Propylene Glycol, Ethanolamine, 2-Methoxymethyl-P-Phenylenediamine, Cetearyl Alcohol, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Resorcinol, 2-Methylresorcinol, Citric Acid, Parfum/Fragrance, Sodium Sulfite, Dicetyl Phosphate, Ascorbic Acid, Ceteth-10 Phosphate, Steareth-200, Xanthan Gum, M-Aminophenol, Sodium Hydroxide, Titanium Dioxide/(Ci 77891), Disodium Edta, 4-Amino-2-Hydroxytoluene, Tocopheryl Acetate, Hydroxyethyl-3.4-Methylenedioxyaniline Hcl.
- Color Activator: Aqua/Water/Eau, Paraffinum Liquidum/Mineral Oil/Huile Minerale, Hydrogen Peroxide, Cetearyl Alcohol, Sodium Cetearyl Sulfate, Salicylic Acid, Phosphoric Acid, Disodium Phosphate, Disodium Pyrophosphate, Sodium Stannate, Etidronic Acid.
- Brilliant Shine Conditioner: Aqua/Water/Eau, Bis-Hydroxy/Methoxy Amodimethicone, Stearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Glutamic Acid, Parfum/Fragrance, Benzyl Alcohol, Citric Acid, Benzyl Benzoate, Edta, Histidine, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Sodium Chloride, Hexyl Cinnamal, Linalool, Magnesium Nitrate, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Magnesium Chloride, Methylisothiazolinone, Bht, Ascorbic Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Sulfite.
Our Final Thoughts
Having personally experimented with the Clairol Natural Instincts Demi-Permanent Hair Dye, we can confidently say it's among the best commercial natural dyes on the market. Its gentle formula, comprising 80% naturally derived ingredients, not only respects your hair's health but also provides a beautiful hair color.
The key nourishing ingredients like coconut oil and aloe vera demonstrate a commitment to the hair care community. As a demi-permanent colorant, it provides a nice balance between subtlety and boldness, making it the ideal choice for those seeking to darken their dreads while migrating damage.
While its longevity of up to 28 shampoos offers an extended color experience, its ease of application eliminates the need for a professional colorist.
3. Clairol Textures and Tones Permanent Hair Color
Clairol Textures and Tones has been around for many years, and over those years, the line has garnered a loyal following of women and men of color. The dye comes in 13 high-saturation shades, from blondes to browns to blacks to reds. The line allows black people the ability to change their hair color in less than an hour and without a ton of damage.
Benefits of Clairol Textures and Tones Permanent Hair Color
Clairol Textures and Tones hair color made it super easy to transform your hair color at home, but that's not all that's made the dye a go-to in the loc community. Based on our observations, here are some of the main benefits of the dye:
- The dye incorporates jojoba oil and 5 botanical extracts to nourish your strands as you color them.
- The color is ammonia-free, like the other dyes on our list, so it'll change your loc hue without destroying your hair.
- The dye kit comes with just about everything you need to color your hair at home. You get the dye, the developer, the aftercare conditioner, instructions, and gloves. In addition, you'll need Vaseline to prevent staining along your hairline.
- The dye provides long-lasting color results comparable to what you'd expect in the salon. Loc'd folks can enjoy their new color for months before it fades.
The back of the box includes the following information:
- Express Yourself: Textures & Tones ammonia-free permanent hair color helps bring out the best of your personal beauty - warm blondes, bold brunettes, and radiant reds. The moisture-drenched colors complement all hair textures and skin tones.
- Be Brillant: The anti-fade formula, with jojoba and five botanical extracts, gives vibrant shine and color that lasts.
- Be Resilient: The product includes Clairol Professional Intensive Moisturizing Conditioner for use on relaxed and natural hair that helps transform dry, damaged hair into healthy-looking hair that's soft and manageable.
Ingredients:
- Textures & Tones 6g Honey Blonde: Water, Propylene Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, Ethanolamine, C11-15 Pareth-9, Soytrimonium Chloride, C12-15 Pareth-3, Ethoxydiglycol, Oleth-5, Oleth-2, Dilinoleic Acid, Fragrance, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Tall Oil Acid, Ascorbic Acid, Oleamide Mipa, Oleth-10, Sodium Sulfite, Edta, Rosa Canina Fruit Extract, Jasminum Officinale (Jasmine) Flower Leaf Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Myristica Fragrans (Nutmeg) Extract, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Extract.
- Textures & Tones Developer: Water, Hydrogen Peroxide, Glyceryl Stearate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Acrylates Copolymer, Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Ceteareth-20, Peg-75 Lanolin, Oleth-2, Oleth-10, Polysorbate 60, Etidronic Acid, Simethicone, Sorbitan Stearate, Peg-40 Stearate.
- Textures & Tones Blonde Booster: Potassium Persulfate, Sodium Silicate, Ammonium Persulfate, Silica, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Disodium Edta.
- Textures & Tones Conditioner: Water, Stearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Glutamic Acid, Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Benzyl Alcohol, Fragrance, Edta, Citric Acid, Sodium Chloride, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone.
Our Final Thoughts
As experienced users of Clairol's Textures and Tones, we can wholeheartedly attest to its reputation and high ratings among the diverse loc community.
Our in-depth analysis of the product reveals that it owes this success to a blend of desirable benefits: the no-ammonia formula ensures gentleness, the jojoba, and botanical extracts nourish the hair during the coloring process, and the final shade longevity matches that of an expensive salon treatment.
We believe that anyone seeking a seamless, at-home color transformation will find this product the perfect ally, provided they adhere to the instructions and use it on healthy locs. We also love the fact that it was designed by African American stylists and specifically for women of color, thus demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity and understanding that sets it apart in the industry.
If you're going to dye your locs at home, one of these dyes will give you the exact results you're looking for. You won't have to deal with the headache of a hair disaster either, so long as you follow the included directions and avoid coloring already-damaged locs.
How to Dye Your Locs Safely
Now that you know which hair colors work best for dreadlocks, let’s get into how to use them safely. Dyeing locs is a little different from dyeing loose hair, and the biggest difference is the rinsing process.
Loose hair strands rinse clean relatively quickly, while locs can hold dye and developer on the inside. Even when the outside looks clean, some product may still be trapped inside the loc. If you don’t rinse it out completely, it can keep drying out and damaging your hair.
Everything below will help you avoid that problem.
Choose Deposit-Only Color if You Can
Hair color can either add pigment to your strands or lift your natural color before depositing a new shade.
Deposit-only colors, including semi-permanent and many demi-permanent dyes, add color without significantly lightening your natural hair. Permanent color uses developer to lift some of your existing pigment before adding the new shade. That lifting process is what makes permanent color more likely to dry out or damage your locs.
Deposit-only color is a great choice if you want to darken your locs or change their tone. But it won’t lighten dark hair significantly.
If you want a lighter color, you’ll probably need bleach. Think carefully before taking that step. Damage from bleach can remain within your locs, and you can’t simply trim it away without shortening the loc itself.
Clarify First, Then Dye
Hair color may turn out uneven if your locs have a lot of product buildup. Wash them with a clarifying shampoo a few days before you plan to color them, then let them dry completely.
A loc detox can also help remove stubborn buildup. Just be sure to give your locs plenty of time to dry before applying the dye. Coloring damp locs can affect your results and make it even harder for the inside of your locs to dry.
Do a Patch Test 48 Hours Ahead
Always perform an allergy test at least 48 hours before coloring your locs. Follow the testing instructions included with your hair dye, which will usually tell you to apply a small amount behind your ear or inside your elbow.
Do this even if you’ve used the same brand in the past. Hair dye allergies can develop over time, so a product that didn’t bother you before could still cause a reaction.
Rinse Longer Than You Think
When it’s time to rinse, keep going until the water runs completely clear. Then rinse a little longer to ensure you’ve removed any color trapped inside your locs.
Gently squeeze each loc under the running water, working from your roots down to the ends. Remember that you’re not just rinsing dye off the surface. You’re also helping the water reach the hair inside each loc.
Once you’re finished, use the after-color conditioner included with your dye or another conditioner suitable for color-treated locs. Let your locs dry completely before tying them up, covering them, or going to bed.
Best Hair Color Shades for Dreadlocks
We've revealed some of the best dyes for locs; now it's time to get into which hair color shades are best for locs. Spoiler: the right hair shade for you will depend mostly on your personal preferences.
However, there are some colors that tend to mesh better with locs than others.
- Black: We've all seen dark-colored locs, given that most people with locs are black, and our hair tends to take on a dark hue naturally. But when you take things a step further and color your hair black, you get a more saturated, lustrous version of your locs that evokes stares while you're out and about. If you like the thought of changing your loc color but are looking for something simple, black is a great choice.
- Red: Red is one of the most eye-catching hair colors of all. So, if you're looking to grab others' attention, this might be the color for you. Just be aware that red dye fades much quicker than most other dyes. If you decide that red is your color, you'll need to color your hair every month or so to keep it vibrant. Washed-out red isn't considered a good look in all cases.
- Brown: The earthy, natural appeal of brown dye makes it a no-brainer when it comes to choosing a loc color. If you're all about exuding a natural vibe, this color has your name all over it.
- Ginger. The ginger hue has been popping up all over our social media feeds, and we can't help but love it. It's a reddish-orange hue that pairs beautifully with dark skin. What's great about ginger is that it's not difficult to achieve - you can find ginger-like hair dyes in each of the dye lines we mentioned earlier. Though, the name of the shade won't actually be "ginger."
You'll notice that blonde didn't come up on our list of loc colors to try. Though honey blonde and other darker blondes can work on locs, many go for platinum blonde.
This super light shade of blonde can quickly ruin your hair, causing loc damage that's difficult or impossible to repair. We urge you to go to a professional if you want to go light blonde.
Dyeing Locs FAQs
Can You Dye Your Hair if You Have Dreadlocks?
Yes, you can dye your dreadlocks. The application process is similar to dyeing loose hair, but you’ll need to spend more time rinsing afterward.
Locs are made of tightly bundled strands, which means they can hold dye and developer inside. Rinse each loc thoroughly to prevent leftover chemicals from drying out your hair.
Keep in mind that any hair color that lifts your natural pigment can cause some degree of damage. For the best results, follow the included instructions and avoid coloring locs that are already weak, dry, or damaged.
Which Hair Dye Is Best for Dreadlocks?
The best hair dye for your dreadlocks depends on the results you want.
If you want to darken your locs or make a subtle color change, a semi-permanent or demi-permanent dye is usually the gentler option. These colors don’t lift as much of your natural pigment as permanent dyes.
Of the three products reviewed above, Clairol Natural Instincts is the demi-permanent option and the gentlest of the group. Creme of Nature Moisture Rich Hair Color and Clairol Textures and Tones are permanent colors that produce a more noticeable change. Creme of Nature also provides full gray coverage.
What Is the Healthiest Way to Dye Your Locs?
The healthiest approach is to choose a deposit-only color whenever it can give you the results you want.
Clarify your locs a few days beforehand so the color applies evenly, and make sure they’re completely dry before you begin. After coloring, rinse until the water runs clear. Gently squeeze each loc from the roots to the ends to help remove any dye trapped inside.
Condition your locs afterward, then let them dry completely before tying or covering them. Also avoid bleach unless you’re committed to going lighter, since bleaching can cause lasting dryness and weakness.
What Is the Best Hair Dye to Use on Locs at Home?
A demi-permanent, ammonia-free color is often the easiest option to use at home, especially if you want to darken your locs or make a subtle change. Demi-permanent color gradually fades, so you won’t have to deal with the harsh line of new growth that permanent color can leave behind.
If you want a more dramatic or longer-lasting change, one of the permanent colors reviewed above may be a better fit. Follow the package directions carefully, use the recommended processing time, and don’t apply permanent dye to locs that are already damaged.
Bleaching locs at home is much riskier. If you want to go significantly lighter, or if your locs are already dry or fragile, consider visiting an experienced loctician or professional colorist.
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So, there you have it-the best hair color for dreadlocks and the best hair color shades for dreadlocks. We hope you found this article helpful and that you'll keep it in your back pocket as you're planning for your next dreadlock hue. Good luck!
