The Benefits of Dry Brushing Locs: Unlocking Healthier, Stronger Hair

If you're a proud loc wearer, you probably already know that the journey to maintaining healthy locs is a blend of patience, care, and the right techniques. We focus on moisturizing, re-twisting, and protecting our locs from damage, but there’s one often-overlooked practice that can actually work wonders: dry brushing.

That’s right—dry brushing your locs is a thing, and it’s not just some random beauty trend. It's an age-old practice that’s making its way into the loc-care community. You might be thinking, “Why in the world would I want to brush my locs when they’re, well, locs?” But trust me, dry brushing isn’t about trying to untangle your hair; it’s about keeping your scalp and locs healthy, clean, and strong.

In this post, we’ll break down the benefits of dry brushing locs and how incorporating it into your routine can elevate the health of your locs.

1. Exfoliates the Scalp and Removes Product Build-Up

Our scalps love to collect oils, sweat, dust, and all the products we apply to our hair (looking at you, oils and creams!). Over time, this build-up can clog your pores, causing irritation, dandruff, or even slowing down hair growth. Dry brushing works wonders as a gentle exfoliant for your scalp. The bristles on a dry brush help lift off dead skin cells, product build-up, and excess oils that may be stuck to the surface of your scalp.

Benefit: It keeps your scalp clean and free of build-up, promoting healthier hair growth and minimizing scalp conditions like dandruff.

Pro Tip: Use a soft-bristled brush to avoid irritation, especially if you have sensitive skin. Start from your roots and gently work your way down.

2. Stimulates Blood Flow for Better Hair Growth

Dry brushing isn’t just for the scalp’s surface—it’s also a great way to stimulate blood circulation. The action of brushing encourages blood flow to the scalp, which can promote the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to your hair follicles. This extra boost of circulation may help create the optimal environment for hair growth.

Benefit: More blood flow = healthier follicles = potentially faster and stronger loc growth.

Pro Tip: Use circular motions or gentle strokes, starting from the nape of your neck and brushing upward toward your crown. This encourages the flow of blood while also maintaining the natural direction of your locs.

3. Prevents and Removes Loc Buildup

Just like your scalp, your locs themselves can accumulate build-up, especially if you use heavy oils or products that don’t wash out easily. Over time, this build-up can make your locs feel heavy, greasy, or even start to smell. Dry brushing helps dislodge particles trapped inside your locs and keeps them feeling light, fresh, and clean.

Benefit: Regular dry brushing helps reduce the risk of locs feeling “clumpy” or looking dull from product accumulation.

Pro Tip: Dry brushing works best if you do it on clean locs or between washes to keep things fresh. It helps prevent build-up from forming in the first place!

4. Adds Volume and Prevents Matting

When you wear locs, especially if they’re mature or thick, you might notice that they can sometimes feel a little heavy or flat, particularly near the roots. Dry brushing helps lift your locs at the base by breaking up any compacted hair and preventing your locs from matting at the root.

Benefit: Dry brushing creates lift at the roots, giving your locs a voluminous, fluffy appearance. It also helps keep your locs from matting together, which can be a common concern for thick or longer locs.

Pro Tip: Use a dry brush with longer bristles to get into the roots and gently separate the locs. Be mindful not to pull too hard, as this can cause breakage.

5. Enhances the Texture and Shine of Your Locs

Did you know that brushing your locs can also bring out their natural luster? Dry brushing helps smooth the cuticles of your hair strands, which can help lock in moisture, reduce frizz, and improve your locs’ overall shine. The motion of brushing distributes the natural oils in your hair, ensuring that your locs stay moisturized from root to tip.

Benefit: A more polished, shiny look with reduced frizz and an overall healthier appearance.

Pro Tip: Dry brush only when your locs are completely dry to avoid unnecessary frizz. If you’re looking to add some extra shine, apply a small amount of oil after brushing to lock in moisture.

6. Helps Prevent Itchy Scalp and Flakiness

A dry, itchy scalp can be a common issue for people with locs, especially when you’re in-between wash days. The build-up of oil, sweat, and product residue can lead to irritation and flakiness. Dry brushing helps alleviate some of that by loosening up dead skin cells and increasing airflow to the scalp.

Benefit: Reduces scalp itchiness and dryness, making your scalp feel more comfortable overall.

Pro Tip: If you’re prone to an itchy scalp, consider using an oil or treatment designed to soothe your skin (like tea tree oil or peppermint oil) after dry brushing.

7. It’s a Stress-Relieving Ritual

Last but certainly not least, dry brushing can be a soothing, meditative practice. The gentle strokes across your scalp and the rhythmic motion of brushing can serve as a mindful moment in your day, allowing you to slow down and focus on yourself. Think of it as a mini self-care ritual that benefits both your mind and your locs.

Benefit: It helps you relax and take a moment to connect with yourself while also nurturing your hair.

Pro Tip: Try setting aside 5-10 minutes for dry brushing before bed or in the morning to give yourself a calm start or finish to your day.

How to Dry Brush Your Locs

If you’re convinced that dry brushing could be a great addition to your hair care routine, here’s how to get started:

1. Choose the Right Brush: Opt for a brush with soft to medium bristles. Boar bristle brushes are commonly recommended because they’re gentle yet effective.

2. Start with a Dry Scalp: Dry brushing works best when your hair is completely dry.

3. Brush in Sections: To avoid tangling or pulling, work through your locs in small sections.

4. Be Gentle: You don’t want to rip or break your locs, so make sure you’re brushing gently, especially near the roots.

5. Brush in the Direction of Your Locs: Follow the natural growth pattern of your locs, brushing downwards, to prevent breakage and maintain the integrity of the locs.

Final Thoughts

Dry brushing your locs may seem like an unconventional practice, but it’s one that can provide a range of benefits. From promoting hair growth and reducing build-up to enhancing the shine and texture of your locs, it’s an easy yet effective way to maintain healthy, vibrant hair. Plus, it's a simple self-care practice that can be both relaxing and beneficial.

As with any hair care technique, consistency is key. Try to incorporate dry brushing into your routine once or twice a week, and you’ll likely notice smoother, shinier, and more manageable locs over time.

Have you tried dry brushing your locs? What results have you noticed? Share your experiences in the comments below, and let’s continue this loc-care conversation!