Wash Day Wins: The Ultimate Shampoo Guide for Microlocs & Sisterlocks in 2025
If you're new to the microlocs or Sisterlocks journey, maintenance might seem intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. It’s important to note that care for microlocs is different than care for loose natural hair. In fact, microlocs thrive on minimal products and a consistent hair care routine. One of the most important staples is shampoo, but not just any shampoo. Your locs need a clarifying or cleansing shampoo to keep them healthy, strong, and properly locked.
Regular washing with the right products helps:
Promote scalp health – prevents itching, dandruff, and odor, while supporting hair growth.
Encourage loc formation – gently roughens the hair to prevent slippage and unraveling.
Remove buildup – keeps locs clean and prevents dullness or heaviness from residue.
Why Clarifying Shampoo is Essential for Microlocs
When choosing a shampoo, especially for new starter locs, it’s best to avoid moisturizing shampoos. Many contain heavy oils, butters, or silicones that can:
Leave residue in the hair that slows the locking process.
Trap dirt or product, making locs feel sticky or heavy.
Alter the cylindrical structure of your locs, softening or loosening them.
Once your microlocs are mature, you can occasionally introduce moisturizing shampoos if dryness is an issue, but always pair with a clarifying shampoo or an apple cider vinegar (ACV) rinse to detox your locs every once in a while.
Tip: Look for shampoos labeled “clarifying” or “cleansing.” They may leave your hair slightly dry, so follow up with a lightweight, water-based moisturizer such as distilled water, rose water, or a light leave-in spray.
How to Wash Microlocs Properly
Braid or band locs to prevent slippage or bunching.
Dilute your shampoo with water and apply with a spray bottle for even coverage.
Gently massage your scalp to stimulate blood flow and remove buildup.
Rinse thoroughly to avoid leftover product that can weigh down your locs.
Our Top 5 Microlocs Shampoo Reviews
We tried 5 different shampoos so you didn’t have to! Below are our ratings, pros, and cons. For more microlocs and Sisterlocks product recommendations, check out Oma's Beauty Bar.
1. Giovanni Tea Tree Triple Threat Invigorating Shampoo
A refreshing, plant-based shampoo infused with tea tree, peppermint, and eucalyptus oils. Designed to cleanse and invigorate the scalp while maintaining moisture balance.
Our Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ (4.5/5)
Pros: Affordable (~$10), a little goes a long way, cleans without leaving hair overly dry, tea tree helps soothe itchy or irritated scalp.
Cons: Not always widely available in stores, often needs to be ordered online.
Best for: Any loc stage, especially those who want a balance of cleansing and scalp relief.
2. Suave Daily Clarifying Cleansing Shampoo
A no-frills, drugstore clarifying shampoo formulated to remove heavy buildup and leave hair squeaky clean.
Our Rating: ★ ★ ★ ☆☆ (3.5/5)
Pros: Extremely affordable (under $5), easy to find at most drugstores, very effective at removing buildup, long-lasting bottle.
Cons: Very drying, best diluted with water, may strip natural oils, mass-produced with less clean ingredients.
Best for: Matured locs that can handle strong clarifying washes or starter locs while in the locking phase to roughen hair.
3. Locs Amplify Shampoo with Peppermint Oil and Rose Water
A luxury loc care shampoo made with peppermint oil for scalp stimulation and rose water for light hydration and freshness.
Our Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ (4/5)
Pros: Sleek packaging and pump dispenser, pleasant scent, suds up nicely, cleanses well, quality ingredients.
Cons: Only available online, can feel slightly drying and needs a moisturizing spray or conditioner after use.
Best for: Matured locs looking for a premium loc-specific product.
4. Swirly Curly Mango Moringa Moisture Max Shampoo
A moisturizing shampoo with mango and moringa oils formulated to hydrate without harsh stripping.
Our Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ (4/5)
Pros: Hydrating, made with natural ingredients, gentle on hair, doesn’t strip moisture.
Cons: Product has been discontinued, can cause buildup if not paired with a clarifying wash.
Best for: Beginner locs or as a secondary/ moisture-restoring wash.
5. Sisterlocks Starter Shampoo
A lightweight shampoo specifically designed to encourage the locking process by roughening the hair cuticle.
Our Rating: ★ ★☆☆ ☆ (2/5)
Pros: Tailored for Sisterlocks, helps promote locking, recommended by consultants for starter phase.
Cons: Expensive (plus shipping if bought online), limited in-store availability, weak scalp cleansing, may leave scalp odor, needs to be diluted.
Best for: Sisterlocks wearers in the starter phase who need support with loc formation.
What’s your favorite microlocs or Sisterlocks shampoo? Share in the comments below!
