How to Refresh Dreads Between Washes (4 Easy Ways)

The easiest way to refresh dreads between washes is a residue-free dreadlock spray. A few sprays through the roots and lengths, a scrunch with your hands, and your dreads feel fresh again in under a minute. Pair that with drying your dreads properly after every wash, and you have a simple routine that keeps your locks feeling clean and smelling lovely until your next wash.

Here is how to do it, what to use, and the little habits that make a refresh last.

In this article

• Why do clean dreads lose their freshness?
• How do I use a dreadlock spray to refresh my dreads?
• Which scent should I choose?
• What else helps dreads stay fresh between washes?
• When does a refresh stop being enough?
• FAQ

Why do clean dreads lose their freshness?

Every head of hair loses that just-washed feeling, dreads or not. Hair picks up whatever is around it: sweat after a workout, smoke from a campfire, cooking smells, a day in the sun. That is normal hair, not a dreadlock problem.

The difference with dreads is density. Locks are thick and tightly packed, so they hold on to scents a little longer than loose hair does, both the ones you love and the ones you don't. That is exactly why a refresh works so well. You are not replacing a wash, you are giving your locks a lift between them.

How do I use a dreadlock spray to refresh my dreads?

Your dreads are asking for a bit of attention, but you're not quite ready for a full wash. That's the moment for a refreshing spray. After the gym. Before you head out. Any time your locks just need a lift.

Our go-to is the Raw Roots Refreshing Mist. It removes odour-causing bacteria rather than covering them up, then leaves a long-lasting natural fragrance. It is residue-free, so it won't cause buildup, and lightweight enough that it doesn't weigh your dreads down.

What's in it: organic apple cider vinegar to help balance the scalp's pH, aloe vera to keep the scalp clean and hydrated, and natural oils. No synthetic fragrances and no harsh chemicals. It is vegan, cruelty-free, and developed by professionals specifically for dreadlocks.

How to use it

1. Shake the bottle well.
2. Hold it about 20cm from your locks and spray lightly along the lengths and at the roots.
3. Scrunch or work it through with your fingers.
4. Let your locks air dry, and carry on with your day.

A light mist is all it takes. You want your dreads lightly refreshed, not wet, so there is nothing to dry afterwards.

Which scent should I choose?

The Refreshing Mist comes in four natural scents, each its own little world. Pick the one that matches your day, your mood, or the version of yourself you're feeling.

Scent	What it smells like	You'll love it if...
Nag Champa	Warm, familiar incense	You want something comforting and classic
Enchanted Forest	Patchouli, cedarwood and sandalwood	You love deep, earthy, woody scents
Paradise Beach	Coconut, passion fruit and vanilla	You want a small holiday in a bottle
Summer Moon	Sweet and fruity, with a whisper of flowers	You like something light and bright

Can't choose? The Sampler Set has all four in 30ml bottles, so you can try them all and find your favourite. It is also the easiest way to keep a refresh in your gym bag or backpack.

Prefer something minty? The Dollylocks Refreshing Spray in Tea Tree Spearmint is another lovely, residue-free option. You'll find every option in our refreshing sprays collection.

What else helps dreads stay fresh between washes?

A spray does the quick work. These habits help the fresh feeling last.

1. Dry your dreads all the way through after every wash

Everyone knows dreadlocks take a long time to dry. The catch is that dreads which stay damp in the middle are the most common cause of a musty smell, even when they were washed properly. Getting them fully dry is the single biggest thing you can do for freshness. Our guide on how to dry dreadlocks properly covers towels, hair dryer bonnets and the tricks that cut drying time.

2. Refresh your roots as well as your lengths

Your scalp is where most of the action happens, so don't just spray the ends. Lift sections of your dreads and mist at the roots, then massage gently with your fingertips. If your roots feel oily, a little Raw Roots Dry Shampoo and Lock Powder worked into the scalp soaks it up and adds texture at the same time.

3. Cover them up when you're around strong smells

Heading to a bonfire, a smoky venue or a big cook-up? Tying your dreads up under a headband or tube means less for them to absorb, and less to refresh afterwards.

4. Protect them overnight

Your pillow is where lint, fluff and friction build up. Gathering your dreads into a satin-lined sleep tube keeps them contained and tidy while you sleep. Browse our sleep tubes and sleep socks.

Your refresh at a glance

The moment	What to reach for
After the gym or a hot day	A few sprays of Refreshing Mist through roots and lengths
Before you head out	A light mist and a scrunch
Oily roots	Dry Shampoo and Lock Powder at the scalp
After a smoky night	Refreshing Mist, then let your dreads air out
Every night	A satin-lined sleep tube

When does a refresh stop being enough?

A refreshing spray is for the in-between moments. It isn't designed to replace your wash, and it can't lift buildup that has settled deep inside your locks.

If your dreads feel heavy, look dull, or a refresh doesn't seem to last like it used to, buildup is usually the reason. That is when a clarifying wash with a deep cleansing shampoo bar or a full dreadlock detox makes the difference. For your regular wash, our guide on how to wash dreadlocks walks you through it step by step.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use a refreshing spray on my dreads every day?

Yes. The Raw Roots Refreshing Mist is residue-free and lightweight, so you can use it whenever your dreads need a lift without worrying about buildup.

Will a dreadlock spray cause buildup?

Not if it is residue-free. Many general hair perfumes and leave-in sprays contain ingredients that can sit in dense locks. Choose a spray made for dreads that rinses clean, like the Refreshing Mist.

Can I use regular perfume on my dreads?

It's best not to. Most perfumes contain alcohol, which can dry hair out, and synthetic fragrance only masks smells rather than dealing with them. A dreadlock refreshing spray removes odour-causing bacteria and leaves a natural scent instead.

Why do my dreads smell musty even after washing?

Usually because they haven't dried all the way through. Dreads are dense, so the centre can stay damp long after the outside feels dry. Drying them thoroughly after every wash, using a dreadlock towel and a hair dryer bonnet if you have one, is the fix. If the smell lingers, a detox will clear out anything trapped inside.

How long does the scent last?

The Refreshing Mist leaves a long-lasting natural fragrance. How long it lingers depends on the scent you choose and your day, which is why many people keep a sampler bottle in their bag.