How to Get Smell Out of Synthetic Dreadlocks

 

Synthetic dreadlocks should not smell bad when they are cared for properly. A light “new fiber” scent can happen with fresh synthetic hair, especially kanekalon, but sour, damp, smoky, or sweaty smell usually means one thing: moisture, buildup, or poor drying has been trapped somewhere in the set or near your scalp.

The good news: in most cases, you can refresh synthetic dreadlocks without ruining them. The main rule is simple — clean gently, rinse well, dry completely, and do not cover the problem with heavy products. Perfume, oils, and random sprays may hide the smell for a day, but they can also create sticky buildup and make the situation worse.

This guide explains how to get smell out of synthetic dreadlocks safely, whether your dreads are installed or already removed.

First: find out what kind of smell it is

Before washing everything like a possessed cleaning goblin, check what type of smell you are dealing with. Different smells usually come from different causes.

• New synthetic fiber smell: common with fresh synthetic dreadlock extensions. It is usually mild and fades with airing out.
• Damp or sour smell: usually caused by moisture trapped near the roots, inside braids, under hats, or inside a storage bag.
• Sweat or scalp smell: often comes from the scalp, not from the dreads themselves.
• Smoke, cooking, or perfume smell: synthetic hair can hold environmental odors, especially if the set is worn often.
• Musty storage smell: usually happens when the set was packed away before it was fully dry.

If your dreads are new and only have a light synthetic scent, start with airing them out. If they smell sour, damp, or sweaty, you need to clean and dry them properly.

How to refresh installed synthetic dreadlocks

If your synthetic dreadlocks are currently installed, do not try to scrub them aggressively. Your natural hair is braided into the set, and rough washing can create frizz, loosen sections, or irritate your scalp.

1. Focus on the scalp first. Most unpleasant smell starts near the roots, where sweat, sebum, and shampoo residue collect.
2. Use a small amount of mild shampoo. Apply it mainly to the scalp and installation braids, not all over the full length of the dreads.
3. Rinse longer than you think you need. Leftover shampoo can smell stale later.
4. Gently squeeze the dreads. Do not twist them hard. Just press water out with your hands or a towel.
5. Dry the roots completely. This is the most important step. Damp roots are the main reason smell comes back.

If you are unsure what shampoo to use, choose a mild, lightweight shampoo that rinses clean and does not leave oily buildup.

How to remove smell from synthetic dreads after taking them out

If the set is already removed, cleaning is easier. You can wash the dreads separately without pulling on your natural hair.

1. Fill a basin with lukewarm water.
2. Add a small amount of mild shampoo.
3. Place the synthetic dreads in the water and gently press them down.
4. Let them soak for 10–20 minutes if the smell is light, or a little longer if the smell is strong.
5. Gently move the dreads through the water. Do not rub them like laundry.
6. Rinse with clean lukewarm water until no shampoo remains.
7. Press out excess water with a towel.
8. Hang or lay them flat with airflow until they are completely dry.

Never store synthetic dreads while they are even slightly damp. If you want to reuse your set, proper storage matters as much as washing: dry the set completely before folding, packing, or storing it.

What not to use on smelly synthetic dreadlocks

When dreads smell, it is tempting to spray something strong on them and pretend everything is fine. Do not do that. That is how smell turns into smell plus sticky buildup. Beautiful, terrible, cursed math.

• Do not soak them in perfume. Perfume can mix with sweat and create a worse smell.
• Do not cover them with heavy oils. Oils can trap dust, smoke, and scalp residue.
• Do not use thick conditioners on regular synthetic dreads. They are not human hair and do not need the same conditioning routine.
• Do not use bleach. It will not “purify” the set; it may damage fibers and colors.
• Do not dry them in a closed pile. Airflow is your friend.

Can synthetic dreadlocks get moldy?

The synthetic fiber itself is not the same as natural hair, but moisture can still create a musty smell around your natural hair, installation braids, elastics, thread, product buildup, or storage bag. If your dreads smell damp after every wash, the real problem is usually drying.

After washing installed dreads, pay special attention to the scalp and roots. After washing removed dreads, make sure the whole set is dry before folding or packing it away.

How to prevent smell from coming back

• Wash your scalp gently when needed.
• Use lightweight products only.
• Rinse shampoo fully.
• Dry roots and installation braids completely.
• Avoid sleeping with wet dreads.
• Do not store removed dreads in plastic while damp.
• Air out the set after wearing, especially after festivals, smoke, travel, or hot weather.

If you are new to temporary dreadlock extensions, you may also like my beginner guide: First Time Installing Synthetic Dread Extensions.

When should you remove the dreads?

If the smell keeps returning immediately after washing, if your scalp feels itchy or uncomfortable, or if the roots never fully dry, it is better to remove the set, wash your natural hair properly, clean the dreads separately, and reinstall later.

Synthetic dreads are meant to be temporary and reusable. They should feel fun, expressive, and comfortable — not like a swamp demon sitting on your head.

Shop soft synthetic dreadlock extensions

If your current set is heavy, itchy, or difficult to dry, a lightweight handmade set can be much easier to wear and care for. Explore Synthetic Dreadlocks or browse the softer boho styles in Boho Dreads.

FAQ: Synthetic Dreadlock Smell

Why do my synthetic dreadlocks smell?

Synthetic dreadlocks may smell because of trapped moisture, scalp buildup, sweat, smoke, perfume, storage in a closed bag before they were fully dry, or a factory-like smell from new synthetic fiber. The smell is often caused by the scalp or moisture around the roots, not by the dreadlocks themselves.

Can I wash synthetic dreadlocks while they are installed?

Yes, you can wash your scalp and gently rinse installed synthetic dreadlocks. Focus on the scalp and roots, avoid heavy products, rinse well, and dry the roots completely.

How do I remove smell from synthetic dreads after taking them out?

Soak them in lukewarm water with a small amount of mild shampoo, rinse well, gently squeeze out water without twisting hard, and let them air dry fully before storage.

Should I use perfume or oils to hide dreadlock smell?

No. Perfume and heavy oils can mask the smell for a short time but may create buildup and make the problem worse.

When should I remove synthetic dreads because of smell?

Remove them if the smell keeps returning after washing and drying, if your scalp feels irritated, or if the roots stay damp and uncomfortable.