Meet Mary Allen, a writer at The Right Hairstyles Magazine with a passion for the artistry of hair, who first joined our editorial team in January 2022. With a keen eye for trends in haircutting and coloring techniques, Mary Allen explores the diverse spectrum of beauty, ensuring that her articles resonate with women from all walks of life.
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Dreadlock hairstyles have their unique character and flair, and since they are versatile in terms of styling, you get a huge field for experiments and creativity here. Whether twisted, braided, or locked, you can pull your dreads in a ponytail, gather them in buns, or leave them flowing freely. But start by checking out these 22 types of locs to find the dreadlocks you want to try first.
While longer dreads may cause some damage to your natural hair because of the tension of faux locs, you can pick a more lightweight version, which is soft locs. Messy but beautiful, they look absolutely divine when swept to the side and left flowing down to your waist.
@bonitalocs
Apart from screaming fun, this hairstyle allows you to style it anyway, all thanks to the square parting. You can split your locs in the middle or to the side, wear them up or down, or half-up half-down – use your imagination!
@kurlsnlocs
If you like delicate and elegant protective hairstyles, you would love the idea of getting micro locs. With the freedom of gathering them in a high bun or ponytail, you can keep the hair secured and out of your face while enjoying their attractive appearance.
@whitneysheritta
Short natural curls can also be turned into a captivating loc style as long as they are no shorter than a couple of inches. For this particular hairstyle, section your hair and gently twist two pieces of hair, forming the twist. Pair two-strand twists with cornrows to make this look more interesting.
@spritzhairstudio
Interlocking can give your hair a secure feeling at the roots, which may cause some discomfort to those with scalp tenderness. But those who do not have such issues can enjoy the beautiful braided pattern you can’t get from retwisting. Additionally, it gives you the freedom to style your locs in a ponytail or something sassier, like this mohawk with loc bangs.
@daelylocs
It is an awesome starter style for locs, which is easy to maintain with moisturizing products. The locking process is also pretty simple: start by separating your hair into small sections. Then, take a fine-tooth comb and spin each section around the comb to form coils.
@msnaturalhairexpo
As cornrow dreads go from the very roots, they might require more maintenance, as you would need to retwist them more often. But with high-quality hair gel, you can secure the locs effectively, managing a clean look with no flaking.
@hairinpeaceceo
Exuding the free-spirited mind, this style is best for those with thick hair. It typically implies separating your hair into medium to large sections, depending on the desired loc size, and rolling them with your palms. To lock the hair, you can use either hair balm or wax of your preferred brand.
@loc_n_loose
If your strands are long enough, which is below the shoulders or longer, you can get dreadlocks straight away with the instant locking technique. As it involves backcombing and crocheting, you will need a crochet hook, so get one if you don’t have any at home.
@brown_eyed_b_
You don’t have to follow any rules with your locs, especially if these are freeform dreads, which can grow on their unique shape. But you still need to ensure your locs are well hydrated with argan or jojoba oil.
@dnm_locs
Apart from looking stylish and alluring when freshly made, a twisted style can also become a wonderful starter stage for locs. As your twists start to tangle within time, you will notice the coils start wrapping around themselves, and this is how dreads begin to form.
@nyteciashante
Regardless of your dreads’ length, it is always more fun to mix them with curls. For this particular look, start with box braids, crocheting the faux locs around, and leaving some of your natural coils appearing in between.
@_paradisebleu_thelocwhisperer
Twists are far more lightweight than traditional dreads, so you can go ahead with them even if your natural hair is on the thinner side. And don’t be afraid to experiment with extensions, as this is where you can get a little creative, incorporating different colors.
@the_twisted_dreadlocks_studio
If you lack movement and texture in dreadlock hairstyles, consider trying these goddess dreads, ending with curls. This style typically goes with faux locs wrapped around braids or locs for a longer length, but you may create them on your natural hair.
@fros_truly
If you managed to grow big dreadlocks, you are probably facing a dilemma of how to style them to lessen the tension on your roots. A single or double bun hairstyle is your simple yet impressively looking solution, which keeps your locs secure while turning everyone’s attention to you.
@womenlocstyles
Starting with cornrows, this half-up loc hairstyle is a perfect combination of femininity and boldness, which can be extremely appealing. Thanks to its versatility, you may pair it with any outfit, from romantic dresses to gym clothing, just let yourself be yourself.
@tr3s_beaux
While dreadlocks are captivating by themselves, you can draw more attention to your locs by dyeing them. For example, blonde hair color will showcase the tight texture of your dreads and accentuate the warmth of your skin tone, emphasizing your features.
@julio_sky_dreadlocks2
As knot locs are created by the principle of uncombed natural hair knotted together, the focus is the base, as each loc needs a lot of room for the knots to be formed. The dreads can be grown for years, depending on the desired result.
@loxuriousrootz
If you’re just starting your dreads journey, we recommend beginning with palm rolling locs – a more natural approach to hair locking. You can use it to maintain your locs’ shape and enjoy their smooth texture, as well as rerolling your dreads.
@lola_locs_natural_hair_studio
This intricate loc style is an excellent way to showcase your creative personality and unique personal taste. The idea of locs being wrapped around other locs is fresh and captivating, and it surely needs proper hair maintenance, as it involves regular dreads retwisting.
@krownnglorybeauty
Curls and locs make a perfect couple, creating a charming bohemian hairstyle flattering for women and girls. To prolong its beauty, stylists recommend using gels that provide a strong hold without the product buildup and hair oils to prevent the hair from losing its natural moisture.
@hair_by_akhir
This protective hairstyle was huge in the mid-2000s, and for a couple of years, we have witnessed an impressive comeback of Bantu knots embraced by celebrities. A little styling advice: if you prefer your hair smooth and shiny, add some hair oil while twisting each bun.
@tatahafrohair
With all the effort you and your stylist will put into these gorgeous loc styles, you both will be proud of the result, as it will leave everyone speechless. Guaranteed!
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