Detox Deep Dive: How to Deep Clean Your Microlocs and Sisterlocks
Noticing more build-up than usual in your microlocs? If your regular wash routine isn’t cutting it anymore, it might be time for a deep detox. A proper microlocs detox helps remove stubborn product buildup, restore your scalp’s natural pH balance, and ease itchiness caused by dandruff, dryness, or flakes.
Detoxes shouldn’t replace your normal wash days, but doing one occasionally, about 2 - 4 times per year, can keep your locs healthy, fresh, and clean. Learn what a deep clean really does and how to detox your microlocs to prevent buildup from returning.
How to Know If Your Microlocs Need a Detox
As your microlocs mature and you get to know your hair better, you’ll start to notice the signs your locs give when they need extra care. If you’re experiencing any of the five indicators below, it may be time for a deep clean and detox:
Dull or Ashy Appearance: Locs that look muted, dusty, or lifeless are often dehydrated. Healthy locs should appear naturally vibrant and moisturized. Dullness is your hair’s way of signaling it needs a thorough cleanse to restore its sheen.
Musty Odor: A lingering stale or sour smell (even after washing), suggests dirt, grime, or even mildew may be trapped at the base or within the shaft of your locs. A detox can help eliminate odors that a regular wash can’t.
Heaviness: Microlocs are typically lightweight with plenty of movement. If they suddenly feel thicker or weighed down, they may be holding excess debris, product, or moisture. Trapped lint, for example, absorbs more water and can make locs feel noticeably heavier.
White or Grey Residue: Visible white or grey buildup, especially when your locs are wet, often means lint, product, or hard water minerals have settled into the hair. This is a telltale sign your locs need a deep clean.
Slow Drying Time: Locs that take much longer than usual to dry may be retaining excess water due to residue inside the shaft. A detox helps clear buildup and restore normal drying time.
Causes of Build-up in Microlocs
Build-up is a common challenge for people with microlocs and Sisterlocks. Because the locs are so small and compact, dirt, debris, and product residue can easily settle at the base or within the shaft. While build-up can come from many sources, the most common culprits include:
Heavy Products: Thick butters, heavy creams, and waxy gels are not ideal for microlocs. These products cling to the hair, leading to stubborn build-up that can suffocate the scalp and contribute to dryness and dandruff, both of which can worsen the accumulation at the base of your locs.
Hard Water: Minerals like calcium and magnesium found in tap water can bond to the hair over time. If not removed, they leave a chalky film or white / grey cast on the locs, contributing to visible build- up.
Environmental Debris: Everyday elements (lint, sweat, dust, and pollution) can easily get trapped within microlocs. Wearing sweaters, scarves, or hats, along with regular perspiration, can introduce more debris and cause build-up to form throughout the length of the loc.
Improper Rinsing: Not rinsing shampoo thoroughly can leave residue behind. When this leftover product settles inside the loc, it can lead to build-up and even mildew if moisture gets trapped.
How to Detox Your Microlocs at Home
DIY detoxing is a convenient way to give your microlocs a deep clean without leaving home. Follow this simple 3-step method to lift buildup, remove debris, and refresh your locs from root to tip. Depending on how much buildup you have, you may need to repeat the process or let your locs soak a bit longer for best results.
1. Deep Clean with a Baking Soda Soak
Fill a basin with warm water and add ½ cup of baking soda plus Epsom or sea salt (optional). This soak helps loosen buildup trapped at the base or inside the shaft of your locs. Baking soda’s high pH opens the hair cuticle, Epsom salt softens the hair and supports scalp health, and sea salt acts as a gentle exfoliant.
Make sure all ingredients are fully dissolved before soaking to prevent any undissolved particles from creating additional residue.
2. Detox with an Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) Rinse
Rinse your locs with a mixture of 1 part apple cider vinegar to 3 parts warm water. ACV’s low pH closes the hair cuticle after the baking soda soak, helping restore strength, softness, and shine while further dissolving build-up.
If you prefer, you can combine ACV with your baking soda soak, along with lemon slices, (optional) to create a single baking soda + ACV detox instead of doing the steps separately.
3. Wash with a Residue-Free Shampoo
After your detox soak, cleanse your microlocs thoroughly with a residue-free shampoo to remove any remaining build-up or detox solution. Follow with a light, water-based hydrator, such as rosewater, to replenish moisture without weighing your locs down.
Finally, dry your locs completely to prevent trapped moisture, which can lead to mildew and odor. This step keeps your locs fresh, clean, and healthy.
How to Prevent Build-Up in Microlocs
The best way to keep your microlocs free of buildup is to focus on prevention. Incorporate these habits into your regular routine to keep your locs clean, lightweight, and healthy:
Prioritize Residue-Free Products: Use lightweight, water-soluble, liquid-based products, especially those formulated specifically for locs. These absorb easily and are less likely to leave residue behind.
Dilute Your Products: If a product feels thick, dilute it with water in a spray bottle or fine-tip applicator. This ensures even distribution and prevents heavy formulas from coating your locs.
Rinse Thoroughly: After detoxes and wash days, take your time rinsing. Squeeze water through the length of your locs to remove trapped product, then ensure your hair is fully dried to avoid build-up and mildew.
Filter Your Water: Consider installing a shower filter to reduce mineral exposure. This helps prevent hard water deposits from collecting inside your locs.
Remember, less is more when it comes to detoxing. Because detoxes can strip natural oils and dry out your hair, aim to detox only 2 – 4 times per year. Always consult your microlocs loctician to tailor the best approach for your hair and scalp, and follow up with hydration to keep your freshly cleaned locs strong and healthy.
Learn more with our favorite detox, deep-clean, and hydration routine videos from trusted kitchen beautician creators.
Picture featured in cover photo is from @microlocs.of.orlando.
