How I Hydrate My Locs In The Shower

If you asked me how I keep my locs hydrated, one part of that answer would definitely include the shower. Depending on where you are in your loc journey the shower can be really beneficial for you too! My locs are currently 4 years old and color-treated so moisture is absolutely essential. Today, I want to share with you how your shower routine can help to keep your locs moisturized.

How I Shower With Locs and Use the Steam to Hydrate My Locs

The first thing I always do is spray my locs with a moisturizer. Right now, my go-to moisturizer is the Moisture Infusion. I spray the moisturizer throughout my locs, especially concentrating on the ends. The ends of your locs, particularly if your locs are 3+ years old, contain the oldest hair and need the most TLC. So, about 7-10 mists throughout my locs. Just enough that, to the touch, my locs feel slightly damp.

How to Pin Up Locs For the Shower to Reduce Buildup

Then comes my messy ponytail. In my previous loc update video, I shared how I was struggling with indentations from my hair ties in my locs. This is the step in my routine that was causing this issue. So instead of using a hair tie, now I use a corded scrunchy. I’ve been using these corded scrunchies for a few months now and have not seen any issues with indentations 🙌🏿. I put my locs up in a loose ponytail so that I am able to keep any soap from getting in my locs and while also allowing my roots to get some love as well.

Moisturize. Ponytail. Now, candle. While a candle is not essential to our goal here of moisturizing, it does add a level of ambience. Personally, I like to shower by candlelight because as a wife, busy mom of 2, and entrepreneur the luxury of indulging in a bath is few and far between. So essentially what I want to reminder you of here is to add something to your shower routine— essential oils, music, or candle— that will help you to relax. Stress is never good for your locs.

Now, the next step is key to achieving moisture retention in your locs. Take a hot shower. I’m sure you’ve seen those memes where the woman is in the shower and her man hops in and reactions like he’s in a burning building fire. I am that meme. That meme is my shower. I am not saying that your shower has to be that hot, but taking a hot/warm shower will produce steam. Steam is one of the best conditioning treatments for locs. And the reason that I mist my locs with the Moisture Infusion BEFORE getting into the shower is because the steam will help the moisturizer penetrate deeper— which hydrates the locs.

So next time you’re about to shower, remember to apply your moisturizer, pin your locs up away from soap scum, and indulge in a mini-steam treatment! Oh, and just so were are clear— do NOT do this at night. Going to bed with wet hair will lead to flattening of your locs and/or mildew in your locs, and you don’t want that!

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Jocelyn Reneé

Jocelyn Reneé is a Licensed Cosmetologist, Loctician and Textured Hair Educator. She was born and raised in the Washington DC area and is a graduate of the Aveda Institute Cosmetology Science program. With over 14 years in the Hair Care Industry, from Salon Assistant to Natural Hair Blogger to Professional; Jocelyn is passionate about cultivating healthy hair.

Blog Comments

Great article. I know that you sell your Moisturizing product. But coming from a loose natural to now 4 month loc-er, are their products that can be used from my previous life to moisturize my locs? Shea moisture products/ leave in conditioner sprays?

I would highly recommend against Shea Moisture products in your hair, especially starter locs. Of course their are other products that work well for locs, my emphasize with the shower routine is to use an herbal moisturize that will help with moisture retention— not a “moisturizer” that is full of oils/butters. I’m working on a post now that features moisturizers that I recommend. Check back soon or join my mailing list!

After you get out the shower should you be sealing again to maintain that moisture or no?

Great question! I do not put oil in my locs everyday because “oil buildup” is definitely a thing! I only apply oil to the length of my locs 1-2 a week, if that!

Hi. I’m new to locs. My hair doesn’t seem to be budding. Ive had them for 9 months. Is it possible I’m putting too much oil in my hair. I spray my hair every day because it feels dry to me. Am I doing this wrong?

Hey Monica! I would encourage you to check out an article I shared about budding specifically, “When Will Locs Start Budding?“, so that you can get a better understanding of the process. Applying oil too frequently can slow down the locking process and/or cause buildup. To see how I refresh my locs throughout the week, this post “How Do I Restore Moisture In My Locs?” my also be helpful. And if after checking out those resources you still feel lost or unsure, feel free to schedule a Virtual Consultation with me by clicking here.

i just had my locs colored .. they are so dry what products do you recommend for shampoo, itchy scalp and moisture.

Here are a few resources for you and I would also suggestion joining the NuGrowth Academy as I will be hosting an upcoming workshop on Color-Treate locs and caring for them!

Shampoos for Color-Treated Hair: “Shampoo & Deep Cleansing” Reference Guide
Moisturizers for Locs: “Cultivate Hydration” Guide
Solutions for Itchy Scalp: How to Soothe Itchy Scalp Without Damaging Your Roots

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