Recently I received a generous sample of Lion Locs’ Locking Moisturizer in exchange for my honest opinion. Over a period of over a month, I tried it out and I’m excited to share the results with you guys!

If you’ve read other articles on this website, you’ll know I’m an advocate for an all-natural dreadlock maintenance journey— that is, I don’t recommend using waxes, sulfates, or any ingredients that leave residue in your hair. With that said, I thoroughly inspected this product before and after using it on my hair and I’m excited to share the results.

So, let’s get to the review!

Packaging: Pass!

This moisturizer comes packaged in a heavy-duty 8-ounce plastic container. I tried to push down on the sides to see if the plastic would bend or break and it didn’t even budge, so it’s durable, to say the least. Also, the lid screws on and provides a complete seal that prevents the contents from leaking. I loved the container because it’s convenient to take anywhere. Surely you can put it in your suitcase without worrying about it spilling or breaking. 

Ingredient check: Pass!

The ingredients used in this moisturizing gel are dreadlock-friendly! As per the label, this moisturizer contains:

• Distilled water: Distilled water is regular water that has gone through a distillation process of heating, evaporation, and condensation. This process gives you the cleanest water free from microorganisms and bacteria.

• Glycerin: Glycerin is a water-soluble humectant. This means that it attracts and retains the moisture within your hair to prevent dryness, frizz, and breakage. It dissolves with water, making it an ingredient that is safe to use with dreadlocks. 

• Aloe vera leaf juice: Aloe vera is a miracle plant for your scalp and hair. It provides moisture and nutrients for your hair and contains soothing properties that alleviate itchiness in your scalp. 

• Hydrolyzed wheat protein: This ingredient is known for its ability to strengthen the hair follicles. It essentially provides moisture to increase the hair’s elasticity and reduce breakage. Hydrolyzed wheat protein is not gluten-free. Some sources say that since it’s a product that is only used topically, it shouldn’t have an effect on those who are intolerant to gluten. Other sources suggest that there’s a possibility that it may cause skin irritation. In any case, if you have gluten sensitivities or celiac disease, please consult with your doctor prior to using this product just to be sure that it won’t cause adverse effects on your health.  

• Argan oil: Argan oil also provides many benefits for your hair, including increased shine and hydration, improved hair elasticity, vitamin E, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids. This ingredient is known for strengthening your hair and helping it to grow faster. 

• Lavender oil: Not only does lavender smell amazing, but it also provides nutritional properties for your hair and is one of my favorite essential oils for dreads.

• Ylang-ylang oil: Ylang ylang is also highly beneficial for hair and is one of my top-rated essential oils for dreadlocks.

• Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP): PVP is a water-soluble emulsifier that allows all the ingredients in this moisturizer to mix together evenly and not separate over time. 

• Naturally derived fragrance: In the cosmetic industry, companies do not have to reveal the ingredients that make up their fragrances in order to protect their scents from being copied by other companies. I trust that Lion Locs is being honest that their fragrance is derived naturally. 

This product is free from wax, dyes, sulfates, silicone, phthalates, polyethylene glycols (PEGs), mineral oils, and parabens. With respect to ingredients alone, it’s a solid win for me!

Residue-free test: Pass!

Prior to trying the product on my hair, I tested it for stickiness and any other indication of it possibly leaving residue. I did this by applying a pea-sized amount of the product on a patch of skin, both on my hand and arm. Once the gel dried, it did not feel sticky nor thick to the touch. All the contrary! My hand and arm felt super soft and clean.

Since it passed the initial test, I continued by testing it on the bottom half of my dreads. I didn’t start with the entire loc since I didn’t know how my hair would feel afterward. Worst-case scenario I would rather chop off a section of a dreadlock than have to cut off the entire thing. After several days of using it on the lower ends, I noticed the texture of my hair improving. Since we’re near the end of the winter season, my locs have been very dry. This moisturizer brought much-needed hydration to my hair which made them softer as a result. I have not experienced any stickiness, residue, buildup, nor extra attraction to lint or dirt. [When applied on wet hair, you may feel a slight stickiness but it goes away when your hair dries completely.]

Itchiness test: Pass (but gluten-free people be aware)

I don’t experience much itchiness on my scalp at the moment, but I did during the first 10 months of my dreadlock journey. Although I can’t speak much from experience here, by looking at the ingredients alone I’m confident that the aloe vera and argan oil are highly beneficial for reducing itchiness, inflammation, and dandruff.

Like before mentioned, hydrolyzed wheat protein contains gluten. If you have any gluten sensitivity, be sure to ask your general practitioner about their opinion prior to using this product since it may or may not cause irritation.

Consistency and feel: Pass!

As far as texture goes, I must say that I’m pleasantly surprised by how lightweight this moisturizer is! When you open the container, you’ll notice the product has a gel-like consistency. It’s neither too gooey nor too thick but somewhere in between! By the looks of it, I was afraid that it would contribute to buildup but it didn’t. When you spread a pea-size around your hands, the white gel becomes transparent, and after a few minutes, it absorbs without leaving an oily film.

Hair-taming test: Pass!

You can apply this gel by hand combing, twisting, or palm rolling your hair in sections. Doing this helps to spread the product evenly throughout the dreads while taming the loose and frizzy hair surrounding each loc. As a result, it gives the overall appearance of your dreads a much cleaner look.

Smell: Pass AND Fail

Many people who have tested this product rave about the scent and I couldn’t agree more.

As you can expect by the ingredients, the fragrance is fruity. If you love fruity scents, you will love this product! If you don’t, well… you may want to reconsider. If you’re a man, you’re probably not going to love putting this in your hair mainly for this reason. It’s not a manly smell by any stretch.

Perhaps in the future Lion Locs will develop a manly, woodsy, or neutral fragrance to cater to people’s different likings. But in the meantime, it’s probably going to be a preferred choice among the ladies.

I will mention that the scent is also long-lasting. The combination of essential oils and natural fragrances leaves your hair smelling amazing for days! I used this moisturizer once every two to three days and even after the third day I could still smell a faint fragrance lingering from the last time I used it.

I personally enjoyed the scent and I received some compliments too— way to break some dreadlock stereotypes, eh!

Using it with dry hair vs. wet hair

It is recommended that you use this product on clean hair only.

I tried it on several different occasions, some times while my dreads were still wet and other times when they were completely dry. I preferred using it after washing them because it helped tame the frizz a little bit and made my locs feel softer once they were dry.

Do I recommend Lion Locs Dreadlock Moisturizer? Yes!

I have to applaud Lion Locs for creating this amazing product. I tried it as part of my weekly and bi-weekly maintenance routines and I’m impressed. I have not had my dreads professionally maintained in a while but I will have my loctician test this moisturizer when I visit her next. I’ll post an update after that happens. 🙂

In any case, if you’re looking for a clean and natural moisturizer that leaves no residue or other gunk in your hair, definitely invest in one of these tubs. An 8-ounce tub costs around $20 and it will last you a long time! It’s well worth your money, and your dreads will thank you too!

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I hope you enjoyed this article!

Just to be clear, I was not paid to do this review. Everything written here is based on my personal experience and sole motivation to provide you with honest and helpful information to take care of your locs in the most natural way possible.

Have you tried the Lion Locs Dreadlock Moisturizer? I’m interested in hearing about your experience! Be sure to share those in the comments. 🙂