Locks do not have to be difficult to care for but many people have problems when it comes to how to properly shampoo and condition them.  Build-up and residue are common but most don't realize that this is due to an improper combination of products.
 
Are you the type to use heavy oils (such as olive) or Grease your scalp in-between maintenance?  Do you go 2 or more weeks without shampooing your hair?  Believe it or not, the things that we do to keep our Dreadlocks healthy are often the things which damage them and create drama during the cleansing process.
 
Remember, oil and water don't mix.  The objective of shampoos is to latch onto dirt and oils so that they can be easily rinsed away.  The problem with locks is that the oils/butters we use don't just sit on the surface.  We twist them inside the dreadlocks which means we have to cleanse our hair more fervently than indivi
duals with loose hair styles, otherwise, we'll suffer build-up.
 
Clarifying shampoos and Herbal Vinegar Rinse Treatments are mandatory if you use heavy oils such as olive or grease your scalp frequently in-between maintenance.  They are also good to use if you're starting a new product line as Brand A may effect Brand B's performance.  Getting rid of all traces of Brand A may help you better determine if Brand B is right for you.
 
In addition to Clarifying agents, astringents can be used in-between maintenance because they tend to "reactivate" oils that are already in your hair and thus reduce the need for further additions.  Because astringents are alcohol based, they also tend to work as temporary cleansing agents and therefore refresh hair and scalp.

Dreadlocks Maintenance: Heavy Product Users
You're a heavy product user if your locks appear hazy or you find goo in various dreadlocks after a vigorous shampoo.
 
More often than not, you'll find the goo in the portion of the lock that's closest to the scalp.  Stop and ask yourself, what you have put on your hair the days/weeks after your original shampoo?
 
If you grease your scalp frequently, coat your hair with heavy oils or do any combination/variation thereof, your repeated application of oils is exactly what's causing your dreadlocks to look dull and lifeless.
 
Remember, it's not the shampoo's fault.  Dreadlocks are basically matted hair so unlike individuals with loose hair styles, you shouldn't be liberally applying product upon product to your hair as if it has no consequences.  Dreadlocks have memory so although you may not see the oils/butters, they're there.  The key in dreadlocks care is learning how to bring the oils from the inside out BEFORE applying another dose of product.