How to prevent lint and buildup

Hi everyone! Lint and buildup are common enemies of locs, and can cause us a lot of distress. As always, prevention is better than cure, so it is important that we do our best to avoid them as much as possible. Here are several ways that you can reduce and prevent lint and buildup in locs.

Watch the video or read the text below.

What is the difference between lint and buildup?

Lint occurs when materials shed and accumulate in your locs. For example, when your towels or scarves shed, these particles can get trapped.

Buildup, on the other hand, accumulates naturally. This can be from product use, dust in the atmosphere, or from factors like dandruff and dry scalp.

Are lint and build up in locs normal?

Yes. Don’t be alarmed if you’re experiencing lint and buildup in your locs. Everyone struggles with it.

How do I prevent lint and buildup?

1. Avoid wool scarves and hats

Wool tends to shed easily and the fluff can get trapped in our locs, especially at the back. In fact, most of the lint that I have experienced came from me using the wrong type of scarves in winter.

2. Avoid hair products that leave heavy product residue

Heavy products will leave behind residue that will build up over time, leaving your locs looking dirty and grey. If you’re looking for a way to moisturize your locs, our Rose water Revitalizing Spray is a great light-weight alternative.

rose water revitalizing spray white nozzle

3. Use a silk/satin bonnet and/or a silk/satin pillow case

This will protect your locks from any dust or other types of particles when you sleep at night. It also has the added bonus of reducing dryness caused by friction. If your bonnet is not secure, try to use drawstring bonnets which make it difficult for them to slide off your head. I also always double up with a headband to add an extra layer of protection to my edges.

Amazon link to drawstring bonnets

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4. Wash with a clarifying shampoo

The type of shampoo you use when you have locks is extremely important. Clarifying shampoos contain strong ingredients that will cut through dirt, oil and product residue, thus removing any buildup.

5. Use microfiber towels

Microfiber towels don’t shed like regular towels. In addition, they absorb water very well and dry more quickly, which makes it great for drying hair. Below is what I use on my own locs – you get 2 towels in 1 pack.

6. Avoid heavy oils

Lint and dust are attracted to the oil in our hair. Excess oil will attract even more of it.

7. Remove the lint and/or buildup

If you were unsuccessful in preventing the lint and/or buildup, don’t worry! There are ways to fix it. See my post: 3 ways to REMOVE lint/buildup from your locks