When it comes to a style that protects your natural hair from damage, maintains hydration, and preserves length, a protective style is your best bet. Cornrows, twists, and box braids are popular options with endless inspo. But hear me out: dreadlocks (also known as "locs"), which involve twisting and matting sections of the hair into thick, rope-like strands, are easily one of the most versatile options. It's a style similar to box braids in that it's low-maintenance (!!) and requires little effort to style, but it doesn't always have to be achieved using extensions.
Locs don't have to be worn down or pulled into a bun or ponytail. Believe it or not, there's an plethora of locs hairstyles that are perfect for any occasion, no matter what length and stage your locs are in. From top knots to bobs, read ahead to discover a handful of locs hairstyles to see you through the season.
How Many Different Types of Locs Are There?
Not only is there a long list of ways to style locs, but you also have a variety of types of locs to choose from. Some of the most popular are as follows:
- Traditional locs: Also known as salon locs, these are the most common type of locs in which sections of hair are typically twisted or rolled together using a gel or wax, and the parts are usually the width of a pencil or pen.
- Sisterlocks: According to celebrity hairstylist and trichologist Dr. Kari Williams, sisterlocks are a form of salon locs. They're typically much smaller in diameter than traditional locs, and much like micro braids, they're meant to mimic the appearance of natural hair. "These are formed using a tool that locks the hair from root to tip," she says.
- Freeform locs: These are locs that are formed naturally (no twisting or rolling) when the hair is left unmanipulated. Per Dr. Williams, this category also includes "wicks." "These are very large locs formed by binding chunks of hair together or letting big sections naturally mat over time," she says. "While there’s some manipulation in starting them, wicks still follow a natural freeform process."
- Faux locs: Traditional locs are considered a more permanent hairstyle, but if you want to try the style out temporarily, faux locs are a great alternative. They're created by installing individual braids around the head before wrapping them in hair extensions to mimic the appearance of traditional locs. "Within this category, there are silky locs, created with synthetic hair for a smooth and shiny look, kinky locs which mimic naturally coily textures with a terminal end, and the style I pioneered—goddess locs—which is distinguished by loose, curly or wavy ends for a softer finish," Dr. Williams says.
Loc'd Bob
The braided bob has been incredibly popular in recent years—and you can still replicate that look if you have locs. If you have shorter, chin-length hair and you've just gotten locs for the first time, it's the perfect hairstyle to start with.
Top Bun
Nothing ever beats a sleek top bun. It's perfect for pretty much any occasion and can be dressed up or down, depending on the vibe you're going for.
Braided Ponytail
Throwing your locs into a ponytail is easy, but if you really want to tuck your hair away for the day, braid your ponytail. Even better, you can add a little more flair to the style by tucking away the ends of the locs and adding straight or textured braiding hair to the outside of the ponytail, like singer Halle Bailey does here.
Messy Top Bun
The amazing thing about a top bun is that you can wear it however you'd like. It can either be incredibly sleek or slightly undone, like this one worn by Ava DuVernay. Here, the director wears a twisted, messy bun with a few of her locs pulled out and flowing down the sides of her face, acting as faux curtain bangs.
Sideswept With a Middle Part
Of course, if updos and ponytails aren't your thing, you can always wear your locs free-flowing like Lisa Bonet does here.
Ombré Locs
Locs can also be colored, and if you want to add something extra without going too bold, an ombré caramel brown is perfect for fall.
Curled Ends
Did you know you can also add extensions to individual locs? Fake the wavy or curled look the way Chloe Bailey does here by adding goddess extensions to your locs.
High-Volume Curls
Big, voluminous curls can also be achieved with locs, and you don't have to fake it with extensions or braiding hair. Grab a few flexi rods and wrap the hair around them, then let the hair set overnight. If done correctly, you should wake up with a big, bold head of curls.
Pinned Back
An easy way to keep the hair out of the face without having to fully commit to a ponytail? Pin it back the way Zendaya does here.
Bun with Side Bang
A simple bun with a side bang is also super elegant but easy to achieve at home.
French Bun
A French bun (also known as a French twist) is pretty easy to accomplish if you're short on time, and it works well if you want something slightly more elevated than a top bun or high ponytail.
Sidecut Bob
Thinking about going short but don't want to fully commit? A sidecut is the perfect compromise and adds a little bit of edge to any look—especially a short bob with locs.
Bantu Knots
Tie your locs up into Bantu knots to create two protective styles at once. You can also customize the look by leaving pieces of hair out in the back or front of your head.
Dip-Dyed Ends
Yes, it's safe to dye your locs, and if you want to add some color to your tresses but are looking for something a little more low-maintenance than all-over color, try dip-dyeing the ends.
Half-Up, Half-Down Baby Locs
Short locs can be styled in a variety of ways—you don't have to wait for your hair to reach shoulder- or mid-back length to have fun with them. A simple hairstyle for this length is a half-up half-down ponytail.
Wraparound Braid
You can braid your locs to keep them out of your face, but if you want to try a style that's a little more striking than a traditional braid, try a fishtail or this wraparound look.
Faux Mohawk
This style features a faux mohawk look, created with three high buns that extend from the front of the head to the back. When doing this style, just be mindful of how tight your buns are—you don't want to put too much tension on your scalp and edges.
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