ACV Rinse Pros
Simple Recipe

ACV Rinse Cons
Didn't work

The Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse didn't do anything for my scalp or my hair. My scalp was still just as oily as before and my hair still had product in it. Other people have used the rinse and their hair was stripped, but not in my case.

Baking Soda Cleanse Pros
Simple Recipe
Got the build up out of my hair

Baking Soda Cleanse Cons
It was uncomfortable the do this in the bathroom sink lol

When I did the cleanse I could see the residue and flakes from my locs in the mixture. After washing and conditioning my hair, it was a lot shiner and healthier. The cleanse removed the bit of product build up that I had in my locs.

I can't judge on how it cleansed my scalp since it was done in the sink and it was difficult to clean. It removed a bit of oil but not a significant amount.

Either way, it was still a lot more effective than the ACV Rinse and I plan to do it once or twice a year.

 

Price: Free (I had all of the ingredients in my house)
My Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Recipe:
Large bowl/sink of warm water
1/4 cup of baking soda
2 tsp of lemon juice
1 tsp of sea salt
3/4 cup of apple cider vinegar

Stir until all is well dissolved

Review:
I tried this on my locs more as an experiment to see how much build up was in my locs after a year of having them. I got the recipe from Chescaloc's YouTube video where she recorded herself doing the cleanse in the sink. She, along with other people, did the cleanse on their locs and the mixture in the sink turned from clear to brown. I wanted to see where my hair stood when it came to product build-up.

When I did the cleanse, my water did not turn brown, but it was slightly darker and I could see residue and flakes. I chose to shampoo as well since it couldn't get much of the oil from my scalp. After washing and conditioning my hair, it was shinier and looked healthier in general.
I am relieved to know that I'm not using too much product in my locs lol

Bottom Line:

Great recipe for getting the build up out of your locs. Wouldn't recommend doing a harsh cleanse like this more than twice a year.

Black Soap Pros
All natural
Affordable
Effective

Black Soap Cons
A bit drying on the hair
Scalp was oily the next day

Shampoo Pros
Affordable
Effective

Shampoo Cons
Can be drying to the hair
Usually has sulfates (unless labeled as sulfate free)


I've tried Raw African Black soap for my face and scalp. My face loves it (especially when I follow up with shea butter) but it may be too drying for my scalp and hair. It cleaned my scalp well but I think it may have done too good of a job. My scalp produced even more oil than usual as punishment, so I was back to square one.

I'll just stick to using sulfate-free shampoos. It may not necessarily be completely natural but it's what works better for my hair.