Q&A: How to Treat Dandruff and Moisture Problems with Locks

Dear KiK, 

I started my braidlocks yesterday and I was wondering what the best shampoo and moisturizer is for my hair? I also have dandruff. What can I use to get rid of it?

- Sophia




Hi Sophia,

Congrats on starting your braidlocks. You must be excited. Knowing what products to use can be hard but KiK has got your back.

For cleansing, I recommend using a good clarifying shampoo. This way, you don't have to wash too vigourously which can cause unravelling, even of plaits. I did a blog post on clarifying shampoos so check it out by clicking HERE.

For dandruff, you really can just use any (preferably clear or diluted creamy) dandruff shampoo.  The cheap ones usually work just as well as the expensive ones. You could also add 1 tsp of tea tree oil to 32 ounces of your favourite shampoo. See more on tea tree oil below. Even then, there is still something else to help with the itching and flaking.

For your dandruff, use natural oils (preferably extra virgin coconut oil or Africa's Best Ultimate Herbal Oil) on your hair and scalp but add several drops of tea tree oil first.

For moisture, spritz your hair with water in the morning then seal in the moisture from the water with a natural oil. Don't do this at night. You need to cover your hair at night and you don't want to go to bed with moist locks because you'll wake up with musty locks. Just do it in the morning. I'll do a separate blog post soon on how to moisturize locks. I actually just recorded the video this afternoon.

Tee Tree Oil significantly reduces itchy scalp and is a natural anti-fungal antiseptic that is very effective in treating dandruff. 

Tip!
Let your shampoo sit undisturbed for at least a minute while shampooing then start massaging with the pads of your fingers again. This gives the shampoo more time to work and really break down the dirt and bacteria that may be in your hair or on your scalp. 

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