When it comes to loc hairstyles, the options are endless. From sultry goddess locs to high pony buns, there’s something for everyone.
But first, you need to decide if you’re ready for the commitment of long-term dreads. If so, read on for tips and tricks to help you get started.
Boho Locs
Boho locs are a style of faux locs that take on a free-spirited bohemian look. These faux locs can be worn on short, medium, or long hair lengths to suit your personal preferences.
They are a great option for people who want to add protective styling to their natural hair without making the full-time commitment. They can also be a great way to test out the look before making the big switch to natural locs.
These styles are made by braiding or twisting hair to create a loose, distressed appearance. They can be worn in any length of hair and can be a lot of fun to wear!
A hat can be worn to keep your locs from moving around while you’re in the shower. This will help your styling last longer, and it can also prevent your hair from getting tangled up in the shower.
Another way to make your locs more secure is to wrap them in a towel after you wash them. This will keep them from moving around too much and it will prevent your strands from breaking off.
Locs can be a great way to get your hair out of your face and to show off your natural texture. You can also try out a color that matches your skin tone or personality, like a bold ombre.
To keep your locs looking fresh between washes, you can use a shampoo and conditioner that will lock in moisture. You can also add some nourishing essential oils to your hair between washes to boost its health.
If you’re not comfortable wrapping your own hair, you can always ask a stylist to install them for you. They will be more experienced at this type of installation and have training in the process.
They can be expensive though, especially if you want a complete look. You may need to spend as much as $400 for a waist-length style.
There are many different types of fake locs available on the market, but goddess locks are a popular choice. They look like classic fake locs but have a little bit of human/ synthetic hair dangling down from the bottom for a more bohemian style. They can be installed using the traditional wrap method or the crotchet method.
High Pony
High pony hairstyles are a versatile and easy way to create an updo for your locs. They look super-sleek and chic when worn slick or messy, and you can try them with almost any length of hair.
You can also go for a voluminous high ponytail that requires zero heat and only minimal maintenance, so it’s the perfect choice for women with natural hair. To get the look, use a gel or pomade to smooth and sleek your roots and then tie your strands into a high pony.
Another great way to achieve a voluminous high ponytail is to tease your locks. This is especially important if you have flat hair, as it will make your strands look more rounded and structured.
One of the most popular hairstyles for locs is a petal bun, and you can create this look by tying your dreads into a knot and then pulling them back to form a petal formation. This is a practical updo that will keep your dreads neat and tidy for a day or two before you need to visit the salon for a retwist and oil.
Aside from being practical, this is a style that looks very cute and can be dressed up with accessories. This is the perfect look for a night out with friends or a special occasion like a wedding.
If you’re trying to make your dreads stand out, consider using a different color. A pink or purple ombre can add some brightness and interest to your locks.
It’s also a good idea to consider adding some texture to your dreads when you’re wearing a bun, as it can help to add some dimension to your strands.
Another way to add texture is to wear your dreads in braids. This is particularly easy to do if you have box braids, as they can be pulled together into tight loops that can be pinned up and tied into a bun.
You can even take your braids and add them to a ponytail, like Amandla Stenberg did. Her slicked-back strands are beautiful, and she adds a little volume to her look by using a few baby hairs to wrap into a slight curl at the side of her face.
Twisted Locs
Twisted locs are a great way to add dimension and texture to your natural hair. They come in all shapes and sizes and can be worn as an updo or as a loose braid. They are also very easy to maintain and can be styled in a variety of ways.
When it comes to maintaining your twisted locs, the key is to be consistent. Retwist every three to six weeks, depending on your preference and how your locs grow. You can either retwist at your hairstylist’s or do it yourself.
It’s recommended that you try to retwist your locs yourself, so you can get a feel for the process and become familiar with it. However, if you’re not quite sure how to go about it, there are plenty of loc stylists who can help.
To begin, you should re-define the parting around your locs using a rat-tail comb to separate and define the hair. Then, take a piece of gel and pinch the new growth at your loc’s root, gently twisting it clockwise. This will help the strands from your loc’s twists become straight without buckling or curling over themselves.
Once you’ve done that, pick up another section of your loc and repeat the process, securing it in place with a rubber band. Once you’ve re-twisted your locs, be sure to keep them well moisturized so they don’t become dry or break down.
Another great tip for retwisting your locs is to palm-roll them on a regular basis. This will help the strands from the loc’s twists stay in place and will also help the dreadlock mature with a more uniform structure.
While it may be intimidating to retwist your own locs, with the right tools and tutorials, you can do it. The key is to be consistent, says Harris. Start with one section at a time and work your way up to the rest. If you find it difficult, start with a short section and take breaks throughout the process.
While these tips can help you retwist your own locs, remember that the process is time-consuming. It can also be painful, so take your time and make sure you’re comfortable with the process. If you’re not, you should consider getting a loctician to do it for you.
Braided Locs
Braided locs are one of the most popular styles of natural hair, and they’re easy to achieve. They take a bit of time to develop, so it’s important to keep them healthy and moisturized to avoid breakage.
You can wear braided locs on their own or with a regular ponytail for an everyday look. Locs are also a great way to get a new hairstyle for events.
There are many reasons people decide to loc their hair, from spiritual or cultural beliefs to purely aesthetic reasons. It’s a personal choice, so it’s important to do your research before you make a decision.
Some of the most common types of locs include comb coils, braided locks, and sister locs. These styles can be worn with or without a ponytail, but it’s best to find a style that works well for your individual hair type and routine.
Comb coils are a traditional method to start locs, which creates a cylindrical base from which they can form. This is a great way to begin your loc journey, but it’s not recommended for everyone — it can take months or years for the braided pattern to fully disappear.
Another option is to backcomb the braided pattern, which involves taking sections of your hair and tease them toward the roots with a comb to form knots. This can be easier for some hair types, but it can also result in stray strands that can unravel your locs over time.
You can also braid the top of your head to help prevent dreadlocks from growing out from underneath your braided locs. However, this can make your hair look more cylindrical than flat and it can be difficult to maintain.
To maintain a clean, healthy head of dreadlocks, it’s important to use a shampoo that is residue-free and rinses thoroughly. This will help prevent mildew from developing in your dreads, which is an unpleasant and dangerous condition that could require you to cut off your dreads.
You can also protect your dreadlocks from moisture damage and prevent them from breaking by using a hair oil before washing and rinsing. A hair oil will not only help your locs stay healthy and moisturized, but it will also give them a beautiful shine.