17 Best Dread Locs Hairstyles for Women
Locs carry a unique kind of beauty that only gets richer with time, and the styling options that come with them are far more varied than many people realize. From sleek updos to loose, free flowing styles, locs can be shaped into looks for absolutely any occasion. Here are 17 loc hairstyles worth saving for your next styling session.
A Quick Note on Loc Journeys
Locs go through different stages, from freshly installed starter locs to fully mature, well established ones. Some of the styles below work at any stage, while others need a bit more length or thickness to really come together. It helps to know where you are in your loc journey before picking a style, since a style that looks great on long, mature locs might need adjusting for shorter or newer ones.
Everyday Loc Styles
1. Loose Locs Down
Simple and effortless, wearing your locs down and free is often the easiest option and still looks fully finished with almost no styling time.
2. Half Up Locs
Pulling back the top section and securing it while leaving the rest down gives a balanced look that keeps hair out of the face without a full updo.
3. Low Ponytail Locs
Gathering all your locs into a low ponytail is quick, practical, and works well for both casual days and more polished settings.
4. High Ponytail Locs
A higher placement adds a youthful, energetic feel and keeps locs fully off the neck, which is especially useful in warmer weather.
Updo Loc Styles
5. Loc Bun
Coiling locs into a neat bun at the crown or nape creates a clean, professional look suited for work or formal occasions.
6. Loc Updo With Wrapped Base
Wrapping a section of loc or fabric around the base of a bun hides the elastic and gives the style a more polished, finished appearance.
7. Pinned Up Loc Style
Individual locs pinned up in a loose, gathered shape create a soft, romantic updo that works beautifully for special events.
8. Loc Mohawk
Pulling the sides back and leaving a central section of locs raised and free creates a bold, striking silhouette.
Braided and Twisted Loc Styles
9. Loc Braids
A few locs woven together into small braids add texture and detail throughout the overall style.
10. Flat Twisted Locs
Flat twisting a few sections near the hairline before letting the rest fall naturally adds a neat, defined line near the face.
11. Cornrowed Locs
Locs braided into cornrow patterns close to the scalp offer a long lasting, low manipulation style that holds up for weeks.
12. Loc Updo With Braided Accents
A few small braids woven into an otherwise loose updo add extra dimension and detail to the overall shape.
Accessorized and Wrapped Styles
13. Locs With a Headwrap
A fabric wrap or scarf styled around the base of the hairline adds color and a bit of extra flair to any loc style underneath.
14. Locs With Beads
Small beads placed on the ends of individual locs add movement and a decorative, personal touch to the overall look.
15. Locs With a Statement Headband
A bold headband pushed back over loose or half up locs instantly elevates the style for a night out or special event.
Color and Length Focused Styles
16. Colored Loc Ends
Adding a lighter or brighter color just to the ends of the locs creates dimension and a fun contrast against the natural base color.
17. Long Flowing Locs
For those with longer, more mature locs, simply letting the full length flow freely shows off the natural beauty and movement locs develop over time.
Caring for Locs While Styling
Healthy locs make every style on this list look better, so a bit of regular care goes a long way. A lightweight oil applied to the scalp helps prevent dryness, especially around the roots where new growth happens. Retwisting or maintaining the roots on a regular schedule keeps the overall shape neat between styling sessions. A satin or silk scarf worn at night protects both the locs and any current style from unnecessary friction.
Choosing a Style Based on Loc Length
Shorter, newer locs often work best with simple styles like a low ponytail, a small bun, or wearing them loose, since there may not be enough length yet for more elaborate updos. Medium length locs open up more options, including half up styles, loc braids, and small accessorized details. Long, mature locs can handle nearly anything on this list, from a full mohawk to an elaborate pinned updo, since there is enough length and weight to hold more complex shapes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do locs need special products for styling? A lightweight oil, a light hold gel for edges, and a good leave in spray are usually enough for most loc styles.
Can short locs be styled into an updo? Yes, though the options may be more limited compared to longer locs. Small buns and pinned styles tend to work best at shorter lengths.
How often should locs be retwisted? This varies by hair growth and preference, though many people retwist every four to eight weeks to keep new growth neat.
Are loc styles suitable for formal events? Absolutely. Pinned updos, wrapped buns, and styles with added accessories all work beautifully for weddings and other special occasions.
Final Thoughts
Locs offer a wide and often underappreciated range of styling possibilities, from simple everyday looks to detailed, event ready updos. Whatever stage your locs are at, there is a style on this list worth saving and trying, from something quick for a busy morning to something a bit more elevated for a special day.
