Your locs deserve more than oil.
If you’ve been wondering why your locs still feel dry no matter how much oil you use, you’re not alone.
This is one of the most common problems people with locs have.
Oil does not moisturize.
It took me years to learn this.
It seals in moisture—but if your hair isn’t hydrated to begin with, you’re just locking in dryness.
So what does real moisture look like for locs?
It starts with water.
It continues with a routine. And it depends on the products you use—and how you use them.
In this post, I’ll walk you through the exact steps you need to take to properly moisturize your locs from root to tip.
I’ll also share product links that I personally love and recommend. And I’ll include a Chart/Schedule to help you Moisturize your hair.
Let’s jump into it.
This post includes affiliate links. If you click on a link and purchase something, I may make a commission at no extra cost to you.
1. Start with Water
The most important and most ignored step, I know.
Locs are thick, dense, and made up of tightly compacted strands.
That makes them very prone to dryness. The foundation of any moisturizing routine is water—plain and simple.
💧 Here’s how to do it right:
- Use a spray bottle with a fine mist nozzle. I love this one on Amazon—it never clogs and sprays evenly.
- Fill it with distilled water. Tap water can lead to buildup over time, especially if your water is hard.
- Lightly mist your hair 2–3 times a week. Focus on your entire loc—root to tip—not just your scalp.
You don’t need to drench your hair. A light, even mist is all it takes to soften the locs and prep them for the next step.
2. Use a Water-Based Leave-In Conditioner
Water alone evaporates fast. To help your locs stay hydrated longer, follow up with a water-based leave-in conditioner.
🧴 Look for:
- A leave-in where water is the first ingredient
- Lightweight and non-creamy formulas that won’t cause buildup in locs
- Natural ingredients like aloe vera juice, rose water, or glycerin
My go-to product is this one. It’s light, smells amazing, and is perfect for anyone with locs or kinky curls.
If you prefer DIY:
- Mix 1 part aloe vera juice with 2 parts distilled water
- Add a few drops of essential oil like lavender or tea tree for a soothing touch
- Pour it into a spray bottle and store in the fridge
Spray your locs with this after water, and massage gently into the strands.
3. Seal in the Moisture with Oil
Now that your locs are hydrated, it’s time to seal it in.
This is where oil comes in—not before.
The goal here is to prevent water loss.
Oils create a barrier that keeps moisture from evaporating too quickly. But you want to choose the right oil for your hair type and climate.
Great oils to use:
- Jojoba oil – lightweight, scalp-friendly, and mimics your natural oils (check it out here)
- Grapeseed oil – ideal for hot, humid climates
- Sweet almond oil – softens the locs and smells divine
- Argan oil – gives shine without buildup
Warm a few drops between your palms. Gently press the oil into your locs, especially the ends.
✨ Tip: Don’t rub. Press and squeeze the oil in. Your hair will soak it up more evenly.
4. Don’t Forget Your Scalp
Healthy locs start with a healthy scalp.
Moisturizing your strands without tending to your roots is like watering a plant but ignoring the soil. Your scalp needs just as much love.
Here’s what to do:
- Lightly mist your scalp with aloe vera juice or your water mix
- Massage it in with your fingertips (no nails!) for 1–2 minutes
- If needed, follow up with a drop or two of oil to seal in the hydration
You can also use a scalp massager like this one that stimulates blood flow and encourages growth.
5. Nighttime Protection = Moisture Retention
You might be doing all the right things during the day—but if your nighttime routine isn’t tight, your efforts can unravel overnight.
Before bed:
- Lightly mist your locs
- Seal in with oil
- Wrap with a silk or satin scarf or bonnet
- Sleep on a satin pillowcase for backup protection
Cotton pillowcases absorb moisture and rough up your strands. If you don’t like wearing a bonnet, get this silk pillowcase instead—your hair will thank you.
6. Moisture Comes from the Inside, Too
Are you drinking enough water?
It sounds basic, but hydration is a full-body effort.
What you drink affects your scalp, your hair, and your overall moisture balance.
Challenge yourself:
- Drink at least 8 glasses of water per day. Check with your doctor. Since I have gut issues, I have to drink 3L and it was definitely difficult in the beginning.
- Add fruit-infused water if you find plain water boring
- Track your intake for a week and notice the difference in your scalp health
Moisturizing your locs isn’t just a task. It’s part of your relationship with your hair.
Be consistent. Be intentional. Use what works for you.
So, what’s in your spray bottle right now?
And is it actually moisturizing—or just sitting on the surface?
Try these steps, experiment with the right products, and give your locs the hydration they truly need.
Here’s the Moisture Chart I Use:
| Day | Step | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Mist with distilled water | Lightly spray from root to tip using a fine mist bottle |
| Apply water-based leave-in | Use a lightweight spray leave-in (avoid creamy products) | |
| Seal with oil | Jojoba, grapeseed, or sweet almond—focus on ends | |
| Optional scalp massage | 2 minutes with fingers or scalp brush | |
| Cover hair before bed | Use a satin/silk scarf or bonnet | |
| Tuesday | Rest day | No misting—let your hair breathe |
| Optional scalp check | Massage dry scalp if needed, no product | |
| Night protection | Always cover with satin/silk | |
| Wednesday | Repeat Monday’s routine | Mist → Leave-in → Oil → Massage → Wrap up |
| Thursday | Light mist only (optional) | If your hair feels dry—otherwise skip |
| Night protection | Keep that bonnet on | |
| Friday | Full moisture routine | Mist → Leave-in → Oil → Massage |
| Focus on scalp care | Add aloe vera juice if scalp feels dry or itchy | |
| Saturday | Optional DIY scalp steam | Use a warm towel over misted locs to open strands |
| Light oil sealing | Focus on ends if steaming is done | |
| Sunday | Clarify or wash (if needed) | Use a residue-free shampoo (every 2–3 weeks or as needed) |
| Follow full moisture routine after wash | Hydrate thoroughly after washing | |
| Rewrap for bed | Always end with protective covering |
