How To Soften Dreadlocks?

Synthetic dreadlocks are the kind of hairstyle that might need a little “getting used to.” They’re bold, unique, and fun but if you’re new to wearing them, you may notice they feel a bit stiff at first. 

Getting synthetic dreads to feel just right is all part of the process, and the good news is that it’s totally doable without any harmful shortcuts.

You might’ve seen tips online suggesting fabric softener to make synthetic dreadlocks softer. It seems simple, right? Just a little soak, and they’ll feel cozy in no time! But here’s what’s actually happening: fabric softener is full of sneaky chemicals. The fragrances and softening agents that make clothes smell nice and feel silky smooth? Yup, Those are loaded with synthetic compounds! To make that simpler it basically means that some of those are actually carcinogenic and others are definitely known to disrupt your hormones. 

Scary, right? 

For women, that’s a pretty big deal……  Hormones keep us feeling our best, and they influence everything from our mood to our metabolism, even to how our hair grows. So, using products that can mess with this balance isn’t worth it. With synthetic dreadlocks, you’ve already chosen a protective style to let your natural hair rest from heat, daily styling, and chemical-based products. 

So ladies! I think we owe it to you to let you know how to keep your dreads soft and comfortable in a way that honors your body’s natural balance.

Step 1: Detox now, thank us later! 

Why are dreads initially stiff? Well, Synthetic hair, especially when it’s brand new, can come with its own coating of chemicals left over from the manufacturing process. These chemicals can sometimes contribute to that stiff, unnatural feel when you first get your dreads. One of the best ways to start softening them is to give them a good detox to wash away any of those toxic chemicals that might be lingering on the strands.

That’s why we have a whole blog about detoxing and how it works.

All you need is our dreadtox, which actually comes with your new dreadlock set from Wildcrafted Beauty! It’s formulated to be kind to your scalp and hair. This detox is a first step that lets your synthetic dreadlocks “breathe” and begin to soften without any harmful buildup. You’ll notice that after this first rinse, your dreads will feel more natural and more comfortable against your scalp. 

And of course… way more hygienic! 

Step 2: Take Regular Showers (Yes, With Your Dreads!)

A nice, steamy shower (not too hot!) loosens the synthetic fibers, helping them relax into a softer, more relaxed feel. 

If your scalp could talk, it might be wondering, What’s going on with this new style? That’s pretty normal since anything new needs some getting used to! But what you really need for your scalp during that is the right shampoo. 

Our Divinity Shampoo Bar  is a gentle way to cleanse your scalp without stripping it of its natural oils. It’s designed to keep things fresh without harsh chemicals that could dry out your skin or irritate your scalp. It’s a perfect way to keep everything balanced, comfortable, and soft.

Wanna know another tip? Showers help your dreads mature faster and they are the number one thing we recommend to do whenever your scalp feels a bit uncomfortable.

if you’re concerned about how long they’ll take to dry, don’t worry! Just give your dreads a gentle squeeze to remove excess water and let them air dry. (If you’re in a hurry you could use a blow dryer too!) 

Have You Met Our Venus Dreads? 

What’s one thing we all hate about brand new dreadlocks? 

I think we can all agree it’s when they stick out awkwardly rather than laying naturally.

 Which is EXACTLY why we created our Venus Dreads, designed specifically to address this issue. 

We’re always experimenting with ways to make our synthetic dreadlocks more comfortable and enjoyable to wear. Which is why before any new product is out, you can be confident that our founder Berlin, has experimented with it first… yup! She’s always making notes on what needs to be improved before it is ready to be seen, used and loved by you! 

That’s why she created the Venus Dreads—a style that’s all about comfort and versatility. These dreads are double-ended, with one end featuring the braided Venus design that rests comfortably against your scalp, while the other end has the dreaded texture you love. This way, you get the best of both worlds: a soft, easy feel against your skin and that gorgeous dreaded look on the outside.

Because we know that the closer a hairstyle gets to feeling comfortable, the more you can truly embrace it as part of your daily life. 

 And that’s just one of the many ways we’re working to make your dreadlock experience as enjoyable as possible.

Step 4: Soften and Nourish Your Dreadlocks with Crown Nectar

 Crown Nectar is the ultimate solution for keeping your dreadlocks soft, smooth, and frizz-free. Packed with nourishing oils like almond, jojoba, and apricot, this fine-weight serum effortlessly adds moisture and shine while reducing static and taming frizz. It pretty much saves your day! 

It’s perfect for those moments when your dreads feel a bit stiff or dry, it gives them that gentle touch that revives your hair and makes maintenance easier. With a fresh, calming scent of rosemary and geranium. You will find that it also helps to prevent breakage and keeps your scalp and dreads healthy and hydrated.

 Adding it to your daily routine means softer, more touchable strands that feel great and are easier to manage, giving you beautifully maintained dreadlocks every day.

Tips for Softer, Comfier Dreads

Go Easy on the Install: When you’re putting in your dreads, try not to make them too tight! Giving your scalp a little breathing room can make all the difference in how soft and comfortable they feel. When styling your hair, going for loose buns or gentle ponytails can make your head feel way more relaxed.

Keep That Scalp Happy: Noticing a little dry itchy feeling? That’s your scalp’s way of asking for some coolness while it adjusts to this new hairstyle. Which is why we made Cooling Veil — it basically feels like when you drink a glass of cold water after being dehydrated for hours. 

Less Frizz, Softer Hair!:  Swapping to a satin pillowcase at night is a game-changer. It cuts down on friction, so your dreads stay soft, comfy and ready to slay your next work shift!

At our core, we’re all about supporting women’s health and well-being. We totally get that what you put on your body affects your hormones, mood, and comfort, which is why we’re so passionate about offering high-quality, lightweight synthetic dreadlocks that give you that dream look you’ve been dreaming of!

Like anything new, patience is key! Investing in something that cares for you is worth every penny! 

Don’t just take it from us—our community of incredible women have a lot to say about their own journeys with Wildcrafted Beauty's Dreadlocks!!

Take a look and find out why they wouldn’t go back!

“These products are amazing, top quality, from the extensions themselves to the pre and post care products, all natural and very effective. I have purchased cheap dreadlock extensions, they were itchy and ugly and I returned them without even trying to put them in my hair.” — Tresa Carroll 

“They are in!!! I am in love! The quality of these are top notch quality! Berlin and Lance know their stuff.” — Mysti Jeitz