03 Mar 98 Dreads Hairstyles for Men and Women

Loc hairstyles offer endless versatility for creative self-expression. From short cropped dreads styles for men to waist-length goddess loc styles for women, locked hair makes a unique statement. This extensive guide explores 98 cool dread styles for ladies and gents. Learn how to start neat interlocked locs or freeform neglect dreads. Discover tips for maintaining your ideal loc hairstyle texture, from tight spirals to loose waves. Get inspired to try two-tone ombre coloring, fun hair accessories, and edgy undercut fades. Embrace the artistic freedom of dreadlocks. Dive into the many materials, methods, updo styles, and FAQs to help achieve your perfect look. Let your locs become an extension of your style.

Dreadlock Styles for Men

Dreadlocks are a popular choice among men for their low maintenance and bold statement. Guys can rock short cropped locs or grow them down to the waist. Here are 50 trendy dread styles and tips for men.

1. Short Cropped Dreads Hairstyles

Cropped dreads are a great starter if you’re new to the loc life. They form quicker than longer locs and require less maintenance. Go for a length around the ears or slightly longer. Use styling products like wax to shape the locs as they grow out.

2. Medium Length Dreads

Let your locs grow longer until they reach your chin and shoulders. This versatile length works for many face shapes and allows more styling options. You can tie back medium dreadlocks or continue growing them out.

3. Long Dreadlocks

Long dreads make a striking statement. Let your locs grow to your mid-back or waist for a full, free-flowing look. Palm roll the ends under to prevent thinning as they lengthen. Pull long locs up in a man bun or ponytail for an instant style change.

4. Temple Dreads Hairstyles

Keep the sides of your hair short and grow out dreads from your temples only. This focused style allows your natural texture to show through while incorporating neat, defined locs framing your face.

5. Undercut Dreads Hairstyles

Give your locs extra edge by pairing them with a shaved undercut. Contrast short sides with longer dreadlocks on top for a punk rock vibe. Fade the undercut up to the hairline for a seamless look.

6. Ombre Dreads

Add subtle color to your dreads with ombre tips. Bleach and dye the ends lighter to create an excellent faded effect as your dreads grow out. Warm shades like caramel and copper work well for a natural look.

7. Blonde Dreadlocks

Go surfer blond with sunny dreadlocks. Achieve a light beachy color with progressive all-over bleaching or confine color to only the lower half or tips. Touches of blonde brighten and lighten up darker dreadlocks.

8. Two-Tone Dreads

Amp up your loc style with contrasting two-tone dreadlocks. Section off random locs and dye the ends a different color than the roots. Black and blonde is a bold combo. Red and black, navy and light blue also pair well together.

9. Bold Color Dreadlocks

Make your dreads vibrant with bright, colorful dye. Soak the full length in your color of choice for maximum impact. Vibrant green, blue, and purple dreads are eye-catching. Limit color to the ends only for a more subtle look.

10. Spiral Dreads

Encourage your new dreads to form into spiraled sections for a neater cylindrical look. Maintain the shape by rolling palms and separating regularly as they set. Spiral dreads look very defined and styled.

11. Thin Dreadlocks

Skinny mini dreads offer tons of loc styling versatility. Section hair into tin wispy dreadlocks all over the head for a fuller finish. Thin dreads are perfect for creative updos.

12. Thick Dreadlocks

Thicker dreadlocks make a bold statement and can be easier to maintain. Allow more significant sections of hair to lock together into fat, blunt dreadlocks. The thickness helps them keep their rounded shape better.

13. Half Up Half Down Style

Keep your long dreads neat by styling half up and half down. Pull the top section back into a bun or ponytail and let the rest flow loose. This practical style works for casual days and events.

14. High Bun

Gather long locs atop your head in a messy topknot bun. Let shorter. Loose dreads frame your face while containing the length in a curled bun. It’s a quick way to dress up long dreads.

15. Low Bun or Ponytail

Smooth back dreadlocks into a low bun or ponytail at the nape of the neck. This relaxed look exposes the forehead and neck. Use an elastic hair tie that won’t snag or damage the locs.

16. Headband Dreads

Accessorize a head full of dreadlocks with a printed or wrapped headband. To polish the look, contain baby dreads or flyaways by wearing a broad band across your forehead.

17. Fedora Dreads Hairstyles

Top off your favorite loose or updos locs with a felt fedora. The brimmed hat adds a touch of vintage sophistication. Pair with aviator sunglasses for extra excellent points.

18. Baseball Cap Dreads Hairstyles

A baseball cap allows you to conceal messy dreadlocks on casual days. Let shortened dreads hang out the back opening. Stash long locs under the cap for active days.

19. Bandana Wrap Dreads

Grab an oversized bandana and wrap it pirate-style over your dreads. Fold and tie the fabric to cover your locs in bright prints. This accessory doubles as a sweatband when active.

20. Durag Dreads Hairstyles

Sleep in a silk durag at night to train thick, frizzy dreadlocks to lay flat as they set. The smooth fabric protects the locs and edges from friction on sheets and pillows.

21. Dreadlock Top Knot

Comb long dreadlocks off the forehead and straight back into a messy top knot bun. Let shorter locs fall loose around the hairline to soften the look. The top knot works for casual and dressy occasions.

22. Dreadlock Braids

Incorporate two-strand twists or cornrows between dreadlocked sections for extra visual interest. The neat rows and braids complement the organic locs beautifully. This protects the ends, too.

23. Dreadlock Fade Cut

Ask for a faded cut to complement your dreadlocks. The shorter hair around the sides and back contrasts the length on top. A fade cut looks neat and well-maintained.

24. Tapered Neckline

Clean the neck area with a tapered cut so no loose hairs hang down. Square off the hairline for a polished profile when wearing dreads down. It prevents an overgrown appearance.

25. Side Part Dreads

Create a deep side part and sweep longer dreadlocks towards the heavier side. Let shorter locs fall on the opposite side. This technique flatters oblong and oval face shapes nicely.

26. Middle Part Dreads

Part neatly down the middle to divide your dreadlocks. This creates symmetry for round or square face shapes. Maintain the part line by wearing a wave cap under a durag at night.

27. No Part Dreads Hairstyles

Allow your dreadlocks to fall and frame your face naturally without any defined part. Shake up the locs and run fingers through the roots regularly for volume and separation.

28. Square Shape Dreads

If your face is long and angular, choose a square-shaped dread style. Allow locs to nimbus out more at the sides than the bottom. Keep hair full at the temples. Taper the neckline.

29. Round Shape Dreads

Soften round faces with longer dreadlocks styled narrow at the temples and complete at the jawline. A middle or deep side part also elongates the face. Keep rounded dreads neat.

30. Wavy Dreads

Embrace your natural texture and allow curly and wavy dreadlocks to form. The waves add fullness and flow to the locs as they grow out. Define the curls by palm rolling frequently.

31. Freeform Dreads

Achieve an organic, carefree dread look by allowing your hair to naturally knot and lock without sectioning or maintenance. Let them form their shape for a less uniform look.

32. Interlocked Dreads

Create blunt-tipped round dreads using the interlocking method. This technique involves taking neat, square-shaped sections and using a latch hook tool to interweave and tightly lock hair strands together.

33. Backcombed Dreads

Backcombing is one of the most popular methods for forming dreadlocks. Use a fine-tooth comb to tease and tangle clean, dry sections of hair until they begin to twist and lock. This creates textured, fuller-bodied dreadlocks.

34. Neglect Dreads

Stop brushing, shampooing, and cutting your hair, and allow locs to form naturally through neglect and new growth over several months. Loose hairs will tangle and mesh together into organic freeform locs.

35. Salon Dreads

Get professional help kickstarting your dreadlock journey. Many salons offer dread perms, twisting, palm rolling, and starter locking services to help hair close faster and more neatly.

36. Rooted Dreads

Allow the roots and scalp to show through for a rooted dread look. Don’t blunt the new growth by palm rolling it into the loc as your hair grows out. Keeping roots loose creates a faded ombre effect.

37. Headband Dreads Hairstyles

Section the hair into a deep side part. Backcomb, twist the longer side into thick dreadlocks, then sweep everything to one side. Cover the opposite part with a wide headband.

38. Short Sides Long Top

Ask your stylist for short sides and an extended top cut to complement your dreadlocks. Keep hair faded close on the sides and back while maintaining length on top for dreads.

39. Buzzcut Dreads

Get an all-over buzzcut, then allow the short hair to lock into mini dreadlocks. Maintain length on top for styling options. Use wax or gel to style the short-cropped locks.

40. Dreadlock Goatee

Allow chin and cheek hair to form into a dreadlock goatee while keeping the scalp and upper face hair short. This creates a frame for the face. Maintain the style with regular trims.

41. Dreadlock Bun

Pull back long dreadlocks into a messy topknot bun secured with a hair tie, dread band, or fabric strip. Loose, shorter locs in front keep the look casual and laid back.

42. Half Bun Dreads

Create a bun with dreadlocks from the top half of your head. Let the bottom section flow loose. This style works well for medium-length or long locs.

43. Top Knot Bun

Gather dreadlocks into a high top knot bun on the crown of the head, similar to a samurai style. Let the ends poke out for an undone look.

44. Man Bun Dreads Hairstyles

Smooth long dreadlocks back into a round bun and wrap a hair tie around them a few times to hold them in place. Position the man bun at the back of the head just above the neck.

45. Low Bun Dreads

Pull back dreadlocks loosely and secure into a low bun at the nape of the neck. This style keeps long locs out of the way and is accessible.

46. Messy Bun Dreads

Scrunch shoulder-length or longer dreadlocks atop your head haphazardly. Wrap an elastic band around the bun without smoothing or tightening for an effortless, messy look.

47. Braided Dread Bun

Braid back dreadlocks along the sides and gather everything into a neat bun in the back. This slicked style is excellent for formal events or work.

48. Wet Look Dreads

Style freshly washed, damp dreadlocks with gel or wax. Smooth locs back and scrunch for shiny textured hold. Let them air dry into place.

49. Swept Back Dreads

Smooth loose dreadlocks back and away from the face using a brush and styling product like wax or gel. This neat, sleek look is perfect for business settings.

Dreadlock Styles for Women

For ladies considering the local life, there are endless options, too. Here are 50 chic dreadlock styles for women ranging from practical to dressy.

1. Short Dreads

Crop dreads close the scalp for low maintenance style. Short locs only take a few months to set. Palm roll the ends under frequently as they grow out to prevent thinning.

2. Chin Length Dreads Hairstyles

Medium dreads with blunted ends that hit at the chin create a cute, fuzzy frame for the face. Separate and shape them as needed with dread wax.

3. Shoulder Length Locs

Let your locs grow several more inches below the chin. Dreadlocks that hit at the shoulders keep frizz tamed better. Part them to one side.

4. Long Dreadlocks

Super-long dreads make a beautiful statement. Help weigh down the length by allowing some locs to combine into fatter ones if desired. Keep them healthy with regular washing.

5. Goddess Locs

Opt for goddess locs installed via crochet needles and pre-twisted extensions for a smooth cylindrical look. These sculpted waist-length locs are versatile and last months.

6. Faux Locs

Get quick, long faux locs using the crochet technique and pre-looped synthetic dread extensions. Choose a tight coil size that matches your natural texture.

7. Ombre Dreadlocks

Make your dreadlocks pop with ombre color. Bleach and dye the mid-lengths and ends lighter than your natural roots. Warm shades of caramel, copper, and blonde flatter most.

8. Blonde Dreads Hairstyles

Lighten up dark dreadlocks with blonde dye. Dip dye the ends or brighten with bleach for a sunny surfer style. Touch up the roots as they grow in.

9. Burgundy Dreadlocks

Rich wine colors like burgundy and oxblood give dreadlocks a vampy statement-making vibe. The deep red tones flatter different skin tones.

10. Two-Tone Dreads

Section off random dreadlocks horizontally and dye the ends a contrasting color for terrific two-tone locs. Or choose to coordinate ombre shades like red and black.

11. Bold Dye Dreads

Make your dreadlocks vibrant with neon shades like green, blue, and purple. Soak the full lengths or just the tips for pops of color. Refresh the dye every few weeks.

12. Thin Dreadlocks

Slim, skinny micro-dreadlocks are ultra-customizable. Section hair very finely before twisting each loc section. Thin dreads make beautiful updos possible.

13. Thick Dreadlocks

More enormous dreadlocks tend to look fuller and hold their shape better. Allow more comprehensive sections of hair to lock into significant, fat, blunt-ended dreadlocks.

14. Half Up, Half Down

This versatile style keeps long locks out of your face while free-flowing the rest. Pull the top half into a bun or pony and let the rest loose.

15. High Bun

Sweep long dreadlocks into a messy top knot bun on the crown. Pull the ends through to the inside of the bun so they don’t poke out.

16. Low Bun

Gather locs into a low bun at the nape of the neck. This practical style is easy to do and keeps long hair contained. Use bobby pins to secure any loose ends.

17. Headband Dreads Hairstyles

Cover baby dreads or flyaways with a printed headwrap or thick fabric headband. Tie a matching scarf around the bun for a put-together style.

18. Wrapped Dreadlocks

Wrap the colorful fabric around the length of your locs. Use strips of African print fabric to complement thicker dreadlocks. Change up the patterns as desired.

19. Fedora Dreads

Top off your favorite loose or updos locs with a felt fedora. The brimmed hat adds a touch of vintage sophistication. Angle the brim low for mystery.

20. Beanie Dreads

Stash long dreadlocks under a slouchy beanie for cold weather days. Opt for soft, stretchy knits that won’t snag the locs. Let shorter dreads frame the face.

21. Bandana Dreads Hairstyles

Fold and tie a bandana or scarf over your dreads in fun prints. Tuck the ends behind the ears or let them loose for a retro 70s look.

22. Scarf Dreads

Wrap a coordinating silk or chiffon scarf around a low dread bun. Let the ends stream down your shoulder for an elegant accent.

23. Curly Dreadlocks

Show off your natural curls and waves by locking them into textured freeform dreadlocks. Embrace the body by separating and palm rolling only as needed.

24. Braided Dreads

Styled perfectly placed two-strand twists or cornrows in between dreadlocked sections. These neat plaits complement the organic locs.

25. Side Part Dreads

Create a deep side part and sweep longer dreadlocks toward the heavier side to contour your face shape. Allow shorter layers to fall on the opposite side.

26. Middle Part Dreads

Part neatly down the middle of your head to separate dreadlocks. This look provides symmetry for oval, round, and square face shapes.

27. Bold Part Dreads Hairstyles

Make a statement by parting dreadlocks boldly and wildly to one side, allowing them to cascade across the forehead and eye on one side.

28. No Part Dreads

Let dreadlocks fall freely with no defined part. Allow them to frame the face naturally. Shake at the roots and fluff for volume.

29. Bubble Ponytail

Smooth dreadlocks into a high ponytail, then use bobby pins to tease and gather sections into a bubbled texture. Leave curly ends loose.

30. High Ponytail

Pull straightened dreadlocks up into a sleek high ponytail at the crown of the head. This elongates the neck and is great for keeping long locs in check.

31. Low Ponytail

Gather dreadlocks into a low, loose ponytail resting at the nape of the neck. Curl the ends under for a tidy finish.

32. Side Ponytail

Sweep dreadlocks over one shoulder and secure them into a side ponytail with an elastic band. Let curly ends hang loose for a bounce.

33. Messy Bun

Twist dreadlocks atop your head haphazardly and wrap a snag-free tie around them. Allow strays to fall for an imperfect, undone look.

34. Top Knot Bun

Tie locs up tightly into a top knot bun at the crown. This is perfect for keeping long hair up and off the neck when it’s hot.

37. Ballerina Bun

Pull dreadlocks into a neat round bun, then wrap additional locs around the base to conceal the hair tie. It keeps long hair secure.

38. Braided Bun

Braid back dreadlocks along the sides, then gather everything into a bun. Wrap the braided sections around the bun’s base to hide the tie.

39. Flower Bun

Twist dreadlocks atop the head into a messy bun, Then tuck the ends up into the center of the bun so they splay out all around like flower petals.

40. Double Buns

Section dreadlocks into two even parts using a deep side part or pigtails. Twist each half into a round bun high on the head or at the nape.

41. Space Buns

Separate dreadlocks into two high buns with hair smoothed along the sides. Position them on either side of your head above the ears like Princess Leia.

42. Pinned Up Dos

Customize updos by twisting dreadlocks every which way and pinning them into place. Hide bobby pins within the locs so they blend seamlessly into the style.

43. Bantu Knots

Section off square dreadlock pieces and knot into fluffy Bantu knots. Let them set overnight for a wavy texture the next day.

44. Pin Curls

Wind the ends of dreadlocks into pin curls while you sleep to encourage a curly texture. Take pins out gently in the morning.

45. Head Wraps

Contain your locs in a stylish head wrap turban. Fold and tie satin or patterned scarves into place to polish the look.

46. Loc Extensions

Install colorful synthetic dreadlock extensions using the crochet method. Weave longer matching locs throughout natural hair for extra length and volume.

47. Rooted Dreads

Grow out your dreadlocks without blunting the roots. Keeping new growth loose creates a visual dimension from root to tip. Embrace the messy, parted look.

48. Goddess Locs

Get lengthy cylindrical goddess locs installed via crochet needles and pre-twisted hair extensions. These jumbo box braids can last months with proper care.

49. Faux Locs

Add instant faux locs using the crochet technique and pre-looped synthetic hair. Choose a kinky curly texture that blends with natural hair when installed.

Dip dye dreadlock ends a lighter color to create an excellent frosted ombre effect. Use temporary colors to test out funky blues, greens, and purples. Make bare dreadlocks pop by weaving in beads, shells, stones, and metal strips. Concentrate embellishments on the ends or distribute them throughout the locs.

How to Get Dreadlocks for Men and Women

Now that we’ve covered so many chic dread styles, let’s discuss how to achieve them. Here are the most popular methods for starting dreadlocks from scratch:

Backcombing

This freeform technique involves teasing and tangling sections of towel-dried hair with a fine comb to encourage them to mesh together. Once dreads form, maintain definition with frequent palm rolling.

Twisting

Divide clean sections of dry hair, then twist repeatedly between your palms until they knot and coil up into a dread shape. Wrap the tips under as they grow out to strengthen the ends.

Interlocking

Create blunt-tipped round dreads via interlocking. Take square sections, then use a latch hook tool to weave and lock hair strands together row-by-row down the length of each new dread.

Crocheting

Install pre-sectioned synthetic faux or soft goddess locs using a unique crochet needle tool. Watch online tutorials to learn how to crochet extensions securely.

Natural Neglect

Stop combing, cutting, or brushing your hair, and allow dreads to form gradually through natural matting over 4-8 months. Don’t force clumps together.

Instant Dread Perms

Some salons offer dread perms that instantly knot and coil hair into permanent mature dreads using special chemicals or wax. The process causes intense tangling of the strands.

Salon Dreads Hairstyles

Book a starter loc appointment at a skilled salon. Hairstylists can section, twist, interlock, crochet, or palm roll your hair meticulously to kickstart the dread locking process.

Dreadlock Maintenance Tips

Caring for your dreadlocks helps them thrive and last longer. Here are some tips for maintaining dreads after the initial formation:

Palm Roll Ends

Gently rolling loc ends between your palms every few days blends stray hairs back in and strengthens thinning tips. This shapes the dreads nicely.

Separate Roots

Use fingers to pull apart dreadlocks at the roots gently. This prevents them from matting into one solid mass as they grow. Regular separation makes washing more accessible, too.

Protective Style

Wear a wave cap or durag nightly to protect against new dreads while sleeping. The smooth fabric helps train locks to lay neatly as they set.

Wash 1-2 Times Per Week

Shampoo dreadlocks every 3-4 days using residue-free formulas to prevent product buildup. Rinse extremely thoroughly and towel dry. Let air dry fully before styling.

Deep Clean Buildup

Do an apple cider vinegar rinse every 2-4 weeks to dissolve any stubborn buildup or residue within the locks. Rinse thoroughly afterward.

Heavy Oil Treatment

Nourish the length of your locs 1-2 times per month with heavy oils like olive, coconut, avocado, or castor oil. Let it soak in 30+ minutes before rinsing out.

Regular Trims

Schedule maintenance appointments every 8-12 weeks for skilled dread retightening and loc trims. Keeping ends clipped prevents thinning.

Protective Styles

Wear locs pulled back into buns or covered with wraps, durags, and hats as often as possible to minimize friction and breakage.

FAQs

How long does it take for dreadlocks to lock completely?

It can take six months to 2 years for dreadlocks to fully set and mature. The locking time depends on your hair type and the method used to start them. Maintain patience!

Do dreadlocks damage your hair?

Worn correctly, dreadlocks do not damage hair. However, neglecting the locs by not separating or washing them often can lead to breakage over time. Proper maintenance keeps them healthy.

Can straight hair dread?

Yes! Any hair type can form dreadlocks. Straight hair may take longer to tangle into place initially because the strands are very smooth. Backcombing and waxing help speed up the locking process.

How do you make dreadlocks softer?

Palm roll and separate dreadlocks frequently to prevent them from matting and hardening. Wash 1-2 times per week and deep condition monthly. Once dried, spray with water and twist between palms to soften.

How do you get thicker dreadlocks?

Allow more comprehensive sections of hair to form into fatter dreadlocks. Combining two thinner locs together will also increase thickness. Crocheted goddess locs provide instant jumbo size.

How do you sleep with short dreadlocks?

Tie a silk scarf around short new dreadlocks to protect them overnight. A soft bonnet that won’t snag the locs works, too. Or sleep on a satin pillowcase.

Should you cover dreadlocks while sleeping?

Yes, it’s recommended to tie up or cover new

dreadlocks while sleeping to protect the style and prevent friction and breakage. A bonnet, durag, or satin scarf can be worn to bed to keep locs contained. For mature dreadlocks that are fully locked, covering at night is optional.

How often should you wash dreadlocks?

Wash dreadlocks every 3-4 days max to prevent buildup. Use a gentle dreadlock shampoo and rinse thoroughly with warm water. Repeat washes if needed until the water runs clear. Overwashing can lead to dryness.

Do dreadlocks turn grey with age?

Yes, dreadlocks will naturally turn grey and white as you age, just like the rest of your hair. Embrace the change by allowing the grey to show through for a unique look. You can also dye over grey growth as desired.

Do dreadlocks smell bad?

Dreads should not smell bad if they are properly washed and maintained. A buildup of dirt, debris, and old products within the locs can cause odors over time. Do an apple cider vinegar rinse to remove buildup and refresh.

How do you remove dreadlocks?

To remove dreadlocks, visit a loctician experienced in deconstructing and untwisting locs gently over several hours. Do not attempt to comb or brush out mature dreadlocks, as this can damage the hair severely.

Are dreadlocks cultural appropriation?

Dreadlocks are not cultural appropriation, as various cultures have worn them for centuries. However, it’s essential to be mindful of their background and not perpetuate offensive stereotypes with your loc style. Credit inspiration.

Conclusion

The loc journey requires dedication, but artistic self-expression and versatility make the effort worthwhile. This guide covered 98 inspiring dread styles for gents and ladies. From maintenance tips to crochet methods, you now have in-depth knowledge to start neat loc hairstyles or freeform dreads. Remember, patience perfects the process. Learning how to do a Mohawk hairstyle with dreadlocks means embracing versatility and creativity; avoid breakage by gently palm rolling locs and separating roots as they mature. Whether you’re ready to commit to waist-length goddess loc styles for women or cropped dreads styles for men, let your hair become a unique extension of your style and embrace the freedom of dreadlocks.