Most people who use a saltwater spray on their hair do so for one reason only: to get their dreads to lock up faster. While this is an effective strategy if used in the beginning stages, it might cause more problems in the long run (we’ll talk about why in a minute). 

Dreads are an amazing hairstyle but they require TIME and PATIENCE. You can’t have great dreads in the long term if you don’t allow them to mature on their own in a healthy way. The best treatment for your dreads to form properly is to let them be!!

With that said, if you are struggling with loose dreads or don’t see them locking up too much in the first year, you can apply the spray (in moderation) to speed up the process.

Before I get to the recipe, let’s discuss the pros and cons of saltwater on dreads.

Pros and Cons of Sea Salt for Your Dreads

Benefits of sea salt for locs

• Speeds up the locking process. Salt encourages knotting and the natural tightening of loose hair. This can be beneficial in starter locs but isn’t really necessary once your locs have matured. 

• Can tame frizzy hair. One of the most common loc concerns is flyaway hair and the frizz caused by new hair growth. Salt water should help reduce this in most hair types as the loose hairs are knotted into the locs.

• Reduces natural oils. Salt is often used as an absorbent for oil and can be effective in reducing excess oil from your hair. 

• It’s cost-effective. Salt is cheap and readily available. Making your own sea salt spray costs next to nothing. 

Potential side effects of salt for locs

• Drying effect. Using salt on your locs for a long time can cause your hair strands and scalp to dehydrate. As for your hair, it can lead to breakage. On your scalp, it can lead to dandruff, flakiness, or irritation.

• Creates stiff locs. Sea salt stiffens up the hair as it dries it. Instead of having soft locs, you can end up with a velcro-like texture.

• Can leave your locs feeling sticky. Salt is water soluble and dissolves easily, so it shouldn’t necessarily leave buildup in your locs (if you use the right kind), however, you may notice a weird residue-like feeling in your hands once it’s been sprayed on your hair. I don’t know how to describe it but you’ll see what I mean if you try it out for yourself.

• Creates a matte look on your hair. Since salt dries out your hair, it also removes the natural sheen and leaves an opaque appearance. 

Now that you know the pros and cons, you can decide for yourself whether it’s worth it or not to use a sea salt solution in your locs. 

Many resources on the web will encourage their readers to use it because they sell it. I’m not here to sell you anything– I’m only here to give you the honest truth. Take it or leave it. 🙂 

But while we’re on the topic of buying a sea salt hair spray, I don’t really think it’s necessary. I’ve seen them go for $20+ a bottle. And honestly, making your own couldn’t be easier, not to mention, 99% cheaper. 

How do you make a loc spray for dreads?

DIY Salt Water Spray for Locs

You will need:

• Spray bottle
• Salt (any kind will do but I prefer pink Himalayan salt or natural sea salt)
• Warm water (helps to dissolve the salt faster)
• Essential oils (optional)

You can use organic ingredients if you prefer. 

Instructions:

1. The first thing is getting an appropriate ratio of salt to water. 
Use 1 cup (8 oz) of water for every 1.5 teaspoons of salt.

Using this same ratio, you can use:
1 tablespoon of salt per pint of water (16 oz).
2 tablespoons of salt per quart of water (32 oz).
4 tablespoons of salt per 1/2 gallon of water (64 oz).
8 tablespoons of salt per gallon of water (128 oz).

2. To retain a little moisture in your dreads, I recommend mixing a few drops of essential oils into the spray blend. Essential oils are a bit counter-productive because they have a lubricating effect but they will add some benefits (depending on which oil you use) and make the spray less harsh for your hair.

With this locking spray, remember that less is more! Using smaller amounts of salt is actually better than using larger concentrations because the mixture will reach a point where the salt can’t dissolve into the water anymore. All this will do is clog your spray bottle (I’m speaking from experience). 

Tip: If you’ve accidentally gotten too much salt on your scalp or your locs are way too dry, I recommend you stop using this spray and focus on rehydrating your scalp and hair again. Fresh aloe vera juice is the remedy and if you click here, you’ll find my recipe!

Is there a specific method for applying saltwater to dreadlocks?

IN YOUNG DREADS (under a year old), this spray can be used all over.

IN MATURE DREADS, use the spray on your tips and around the loose ends at the top.

Avoid spraying it on your scalp because it will cause dandruff and itchiness!

Can I use a store-bought sea salt spray as an alternative to making my own?

You can, I don’t think it’s worth it for three reasons. 

1. Making your own loc products, especially this salt spray, is way too easy. I bet you have salt and water at home. In the time it takes you to go online, find someone who sells it, purchase it, and wait for it to get delivered, you will have already made your own and started using it. 

2. Store-bought products are expensive. I have seen hundreds of dreadlock products and there’s one thing that always blows my mind…their prices are outrageous! A salt spray averages $20 a bottle. Whereas, one batch of the DIY salt spray will cost you $1, if that. 

3. When you make your own products, you have control over the ingredients. Most traditional hair products are not safe for dreadlocks, and sadly, a lot of “dreadlock-friendly” products are indeed not dreadlock-friendly.

That’s why it’s crucial to check the ingredients.

When you make your own products, you don’t have to worry whether it’s safe for you to use or not because you know exactly what you’re putting in your hair. Here’s a list of common ingredients found in hair care products that will ruin your locs.

Frequently asked questions

Is sea salt good for dreads?

The short answer is no. When used in excessive amounts, salt will cause damage to your dreads. 

I know surfers and beach-goers who have experienced the quick results of their locs forming after taking several dips in the ocean. It’s perhaps the way that sea salt sprays became popular, I’m not really sure. But regardless, it’s important to note that salt (no matter what kind) is very drying to your hair. 

What this means is that too much salt on your hair will cause your dreadlocks to become brittle over time. Applying sea salt to your hair daily will remove moisture and crucial oils that your hair needs in order to stay healthy. 

While you may not see the ill effects over a short period of time, eventually you will have to deal with dry locs that are susceptible to breakage and damaged ends.

If you spend a lot of time in the ocean, make sure to rinse your dreads well after getting out of the water, so your hair isn’t saturated with salt.

Does sea salt help form dreads?

Yes! Sea salt helps tighten loose dreads and can help tame the frizz while creating a cleaner appearance. The most important thing to keep in mind is that if you choose to use it, only apply it in small amounts. 

Any salt may be used for your locking spray but sea salt is usually the top choice because it’s common and can be found at the store. 

Sea salt is derived from evaporated seawater and contains trace amounts of minerals. On the downside, it may also contain traces of microplastics and heavy metals that are found in the ocean.

Pink Himalayan salt, although a bit pricier than sea salt, contains 84 minerals and trace elements. This type of salt is pink primarily because of the presence of trace minerals and iron oxide in the salt crystals. 

The salt I would recommend you NOT to use is refined table salt. Table salt contains anti-caking agents and it’s highly processed. Remember that whatever you spray in your hair can leave residue in your dreads, so opt for a salt that is less processed.

How often should I use salt spray on locs?

To avoid long-term damage, I recommend you use the spray only as often as you wash your hair. If you wash your dreads once every 7 to 10 days, then spray it around your hair on the day you wash them, always BEFORE you wash them (so that you can wash it out). 

This spray can be applied to dry hair – it doesn’t need to be damp. It can be used periodically in the beginning, but after your locs have started forming it’s unnecessary.

How long should I leave the saltwater in my dreads?

I recommend you leave the saltwater spray on your hair for one to two hours tops. 

Never leave it on overnight or for several days! 

Will saltwater make my dreadlocks tighter?

Yes, saltwater can help make dreadlocks tighter. The salt in the water can cause the hair to contract and bind together, resulting in tighter and more defined dreadlocks over time.

Can I swim in the ocean to maintain my dreadlocks?

While pure ocean water can help with the maturation and tightening of dreadlocks, it’s not recommended to swim in the ocean as a means of maintaining your locs. With that being said, your maintenance routine shouldn’t be difficult or overwhelming.

At a minimum, wash your locs weekly, separate locs at the root as necessary, and schedule an appointment with a loctician if you need additional tightening and to incorporate the natural hair growth of your roots into the loc.

Do I need to rinse my hair after using saltwater?

Yes, rinsing your hair with fresh water after using saltwater is recommended to prevent dryness, hair breakage, and potential irritation on your scalp. 

Can I use any type of salt for this method?

Technically yes. Any salt will work however pink Himalayan salt and sea salt are the best options. I would steer clear of refined or highly processed salt. 

How long does it take to see results with saltwater treatments?

Experiencing the effects of the spray on your hair will depend on the type of hair you have and how often you use it. Some people start to see results in as quickly as a week. 

Can I use saltwater on any type of hair, or is it better for certain hair textures?

Yes, saltwater can work in all hair types however it may 

• Fine, thin, or straight hair: Saltwater can work for straight, fine, and thin hair, but additional methods will be needed to encourage the dreadlock process, i.e. crochet, palm roll, twist and rip, or backcombing. 
• Curly or wavy hair: Saltwater can enhance the formation and maturation of locs in those with wavy and curly hair.
• Coarse or thick hair: Saltwater can help with tightening and maintenance.

Will saltwater affect the color of my dreadlocks?

It can. Saltwater can strip some of the pigments from your hair and lighten your dreadlocks over time, especially when combined with the presence of sunlight. This effect is more pronounced if you spend extended periods in the ocean or if you use saltwater treatments frequently.

Will saltwater cause my hair to become dry or brittle?

Yes, saltwater can potentially cause your hair to become dry and brittle, especially if it’s used excessively or not rinsed properly. Salt has a natural drying effect on hair and can strip away its natural oils, which are essential for keeping your hair moisturized and healthy.

Is there a recommended post-saltwater care routine for dreadlocks?

Yes! Rinse, rinse, rinse!! Once the salt is all rinsed off, dry your hair thoroughly to prevent dread rot. 

Are there any alternatives to using saltwater for dreadlocks?

The best alternative to any product that speeds up the path to mature locs is patience. 

If you do not want to wait out the long process, however, a great substitute for the salt spray would be to implement a new maintenance technique. For a neater appearance, you can crochet the loose hair into your locs and palm roll them to encourage them to form into a circular shape. 

What about lemon juice or honey?

There are many people who use lemon juice in place of salt or add it to the salt spray mixture. I highly recommend you DON’T do this!

Lemon juice is extremely drying to your hair. When combined with heat (such as the sun), the lemon juice (or any citrus juice for that matter) will naturally bleach your dreads. What it’s really doing though is causing your hair to become fragile.

Just like chemical bleaching, citrus can cause irreversible damage to your hair if used for long periods of time. 

You can read more about the pros and cons of using lemon juice here.

Honey is also a horrible product to add to your hair. Not only will it cause your dreads to become sticky, but it can also attract lint and bees.

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Throughout my research to find the best lock accelerator spray recipe, I stumbled upon the same consensus: leaving your dreads alone is the best way to get them to form. It’s only a matter of time and patience as they’re freely able to lock on their own.

If you live in a dry area, moisturize your dreads instead of using salt or lemon to dry them further.

Dreadlocks are not a hairstyle you can achieve overnight. Your locs are a product of perseverance, which is what makes them (and the journey) truly unique.

Love your dreadlocks during whichever process they’re in right now. Nurture them now and watch them become everything you’ve dreamed of in the years to come.