23 Best Dreadlock Hairstyles [2024 Style Guide] (2024)

Most of the hairstyles for men and women we see today have been in existence for several decades, and one of them is dreadlocks. The roots of this radical hairstyle can be traced back to the Jamaican music genre, reggae to be specific.

It was used as an identification to the Rastafarian movement for both men and women alike. Dreadlocks hairstyles are quite versatile, and both men and women rock most styles.

Apart from Jamaica, the hairstyle is prevalent in Egypt, Ethiopia, and India, and some people believe that it originated in these three countries. how to don them to look fashionable and striking. Some are conventional styles, and others are fashionable looks from our present-day fashions. Take a peek.

1. Classic Dreadlock Hairstyle

It was a must to start with this dreadlock style as our number one hairstyle on our list because this is where everything started. They were the first style of dreadlocks to be rocked in the past.

It didn’t need a lot of attention to rock this style of dreadlocks. All that you needed is patience as you let your hair grow out long and braid itself naturally into natural dreadlocks.

A classic example of the classic dreadlock style is one rocked by the legendary reggae star Bob Marley, Lucky Dube, and other iconic reggae stars, both women and men.

These dreadlock hairstyles are quite common even today, being embraced by both men and women, and especially those who subscribe to the Rastafari subculture.

2. Short Dreadlock Style

This dreadlock hairstyle is becoming quite popular nowadays among men and women alike. Nothing oozes sophistication and cuteness than short dreadlocks! The short dreads have the same vibe like bob haircuts, but they incorporate more attitude.

Beautiful and effortless to maintain, you don’t have to wait for years to rock full short dreads. It is just a matter of months, and you don your complete style. And what’s great about this hairstyle is that the hair doesn’t need a lot of styling- the body, volume and texture required is built into your locks.

3. Very Long Dread Style

As the name suggests, this dreadlock style has extremely long locks (and when say incredibly long, we mean it). The length sometimes reaches the knee length. Well, this, again, is not for the shy ones. Undoubtedly, you need confidence to don such a long length of hair.

However, this extremely long length comes with benefits. One is that you can adjust the dreads to rock a different dread style. Secondly is that no chemicals needed to create it as long as you can grow long hair quickly.

However, with such long hair, you will face some challenges when it comes to maintenance. The hair needs close attention as negligence can make you look too ‘bushy.’ Besides, you need to be very careful when doing your daily chores; the hair can get stuck and hurt your neck!

4. Business Dreadlock Style for Men and Women

What do you do when dreadlocks are your first love, but then your profession is more anchored to the corporate world?

Well, you don’t have to dump the hairstyle that makes you happy, and you have been donning since your childhood in order to conform to your profession. You can choose a hairstyle that will make you blend well in the corporate world and, at the same time, keep your dreadlocks.

The business dreadlock style is suited for offices and the workplace. In most cases, men and women opt for this hairstyle when they cannot stand to lose their dreads because of the work environment.

The hairstyle is achieved by tightly braiding the locks on the top and then wrapping the thick dreads around the tight braids and into a sharp bum slightly above the neck.

5. Mid-Length Dreadlocks

See Also

35 Dreadlock Styles for Men Who Want Cool Locs (Best 2023 Dreads)61 Spectacular Dreadlock Hairstyles for Men with Short Hair45 Popular Dreadlocks Styles For Men in 202450 Short Dreadlock Styles with Fade Cuts for Men (2024 Update)

Tight and thin dreadlocks appear great when they are allowed to grow to medium-length. This is a refined style that oozes elegance and sophistication at the same time. If you think thick dreadlocks will divert attention away from your facial features, then this would be an ideal style for you.

Besides, it is a great look if you want to add hair accessories such as beads, shells, and rings to your hair. Being easy to maintain, this hairstyle won’t take much of your time.

6. Dreadlocks Paired With Cornrows

Until the late ’90s, cornrows were the talk of the town, and nowadays, we see the resurgence of this ’90s iconic hairstyle. Yes, it is making a big comeback into modern fashion.

When paired with dreadlocks, you get a neat, raised style with some parts of the scalp exposed between the ‘rows.’ The hairstyle combination appears striking and unusual. Depending on where you style the cornrows, this can be termed as a chic twist on the undercut.

7. Bohemian Dreadlocks

You cannot separate the spiritual realm from dreadlocks. They are already linked to spiritual vibes and natural beauty-that is all that the classic dreadlocks were all about; peace, love, and unity. Calling all free spirits! So, why not embrace this look and go entirely bohemian?

Incorporate nature-inspired additions such as beads, flowers, and shells and let your dreads talk for themselves. This dreadlock style is all about giving you a polished and early vibe, so it is an ideal style if that’s is your prevalence when it comes to jewelry and fashion.

8. Taper Fade Dreads

Fade cuts are common looks that go with most hairstyles, including dreadlocks. In this dreadlock hairstyle, the dreads are complemented with a taper fade and neat undercut.

The combination makes the haircut look quite official and hence, suitable for office just like business dreadlock style. The style is donned by both men and women, though men tend to rock it more.

9. Fishtail Dreadlocks

There are numerous ways to style your dreadlocks, and one of the most standout ways is to wear them in a fishtail braid. It is effortless to braid dreads compared to typical locks since the hair is already separated into distinct sections and features a lot of texture.

This is a fashionable dreadlock hairstyle for guys and women that infuse a romantic vibe to the entire hairstyle. Besides, it is a quick way to transform your dread style from day to night.

10. Mohawk Dreadlocks

We are always amazed by the versatility of the Mohawk hairstyle. The variations of Mohawk styles are endless as long as you are willing to experiment. Though this hairstyle doesn’t show rebelliousness, it shows a lot of sophistication thanks to the way the dreads are styled.

The short dreads on top are paired with an edgy undercut to ensure that the hairstyle is well-established. You can draw designs on the undercut part if you need an attention-grabbing look, but that is not much necessary as the Mohawk itself is a statement look.

This is a very sophisticated hairstyle, and as such, don’t try to DIY it at home. Always choose an expert to do it for you.

11. High Top Dreadlocks

High top dreadlocks are more similar to fade dreadlocks. The difference is that in high top dreadlocks, the hair is left longer on the sides rather than shaving it.

The dreads on top can be allowed to grow up to the length you want, but they appear great when grown to mid-length and swept to one side in the front. This adds structure and dimension to the entire look.

12. Yarn Dreadlocks

Just like wool dreadlocks, yarn dreads are protective styles. The difference is that, while in wool, dreadlocks involve the use of specific material to wrap the hair (sheep’s wool) yarn dreads use a variety of materials or threads.

So, if you are allergic to animal materials, then synthetic yarn would be appropriate for you. You will get all the benefits you get when using natural wool wraps, and the best thing is that it is available in different colors and textures.

13. Dread Twist

This dreadlock style brings together the protective power of both dreads and twists.

You can allow your dreads to remain long or just twist then to form an updo.

Twisting also can help dreads to form, though this technique works for guys with long and extremely textured locks.

The dreads also don’t form quickly as they do when you use other methods of dread creation.

14. Dread Updo Bun

There is no limitation when it comes to dreads versatility, and it is no news that dreads appear elegant when created into a bun. For buns, you can opt for a full bun, half-up, or half-down bun.

If you want a more defined look, you can let some strands hang on the sides or in front of your face, but not to hinder your sight.

Like most buns do, this dread updo will give you an impression of a long face, drawing your eyes up. As such, you would want to pair it with a beard, for men and ladies eye makeup, and bold brows will do the trick.

It is a great look for ladies and men wanting to reveal their golden hearings. This will also balance the top-big style excellently.

15. Faux Dreadlocks

Well, dreadlocks are not reserved only for men who can grow their hair long. If you are on the other side of the spectrum and you don’t want to rock short dreadlocks, then the faux locs would be an ideal choice for you.

This is also a great style for guys who don’t want to spend years growing their hair out to long lengths in order to rock dreadlocks.

You can achieve the look of real dreadlocks by telling your barber to braid your real locks and then wrap dreadlocks around it. Besides, you can crochet your faux locs into cornrows.

Faux dreadlocks offer all the benefits the other protective hairstyles provide since they cover your natural hair and, therefore, protect it from extreme heat, corrosive chemicals, and pollution.

16. Freeform Dreads

Since non-afro textured locks lack the right amount of texture, it is hard to achieve real dreadlocks. However, both Caucasians and people of color can develop freeform dreadlocks.

These dreads are normally known as ‘neglect dreads’ since they require no effort to style-just a lot of patience as they take time to ‘loc up’ and grow.

While Caucasian locks don’t form dreadlocks as fast as natural locks due to lack of texture, locks eventually form after some time.

In most cases, depending on the hair texture, dreads form on particular parts of the locks, while some parts stay loose and separated.

17. Dyed Dreadlocks

While dreadlocks appear great in a black hue, you can make your dreadlocks stand out by shading them in a bold color. The colors used to dye dreadlocks are not different from what you use for the ordinary locks.

The difference is that in dyeing your dreadlocks, you don’t have to comb the hue through. Rather, the dreadlocks should sup up the dye, so you should utilize a dye brush and literally paint on the color.

The dye may take some time to get absorbed completely into the dreads. So, if you are considering transforming your dreads, we recommend that you opt for bold colors such as red, green, violet, or blue.

These primary shades appear stunning on dreadlocks and give you an Afropunk look.

18. Half Up and Half Down Dreads

This is a universal dreadlock hairstyle for both men and women that can be styled for short and long hair.

To rock this style, start by creating half down dreads and tie them using a hair tie. Next, wrap the second section of dreads on top to create a half-up dreads.

Just like corporate dreadlocks, this hairstyle is also office-appropriate.

19. 4 Parts Dreadlocks

Appropriate for both men and women, the four-part dreadlock hairstyle is currently the talk of the town. However, to get a great look, consider looking for a professional to do it for you. If done by a professional, this hairstyle can give you several head-turns.

But the hairstyle is no so much complicated as it may seem. It involves growing out long hair and styling it into dreads. Two portions of dreads at the middle are created, separating the remaining dreads into two portions on each side.

In this kind of styling, you end up with four parts of dreadlocks.

20. Twisted Back Dreadlocks

If you don’t want your long dreadlocks to hang freely on the sides, you should opt for this hairstyle. In this look, the dreadlocks are tightly braided and wrapped neatly at the back.

The small dreads on top and front are braided into cornrows. Ensure that the locs on top and dreadlocks wrapped at the back are tightly braided to bring the style together.

21. Fishbone Dreadlocks

Unlike fishtail braids, fishbone dreads are all about braiding the locks at an angle, near the scalp, to form a pattern.

It brings together the art of braiding and daring attitude of dreads.

This dreadlock hairstyle looks awesomely elaborate and elegant while maintaining its roots.

22. Dreadlock Braid Style

Dreads are braided just the same way typical locks are braided. Your hair will even appear much thicker and hold the style even better than regular hair. A three-strand braid is the best way to braid your dreads if you don’t want to rock the conventional dread look.

This dreadlock hairstyle is ideal for special events such as weddings since it has a romantic vibe to it. For a classic look, braid your dreads in portions, instead of trying to braid the individual dreads.

23. Wool Dreadlocks

The first time wool was used on the dreads was intended to protect the hair from frizziness, little did they know that they were creating a classic variation of dreadlock hairstyle. Wool deadlocks are donned everywhere now, and surely, these hairstyles make a serious style statement.

You can dye your wool dreads with bold colors such as blue, green, or red or keep it cool with normal shades such as white, brown, or black. However, remember that wool dreadlocks will weigh your head down when damp, so you would want to wash them less regularly. When washing, make sure to use shampoo to keep your locks and scalp clean

Essential Tips for Healthy Dreads

Here are basic tips for growing vibrant and healthy dreadlocks

1. Choose the Best Locktician

This is vital, especially when starting to grow out your locks. You need a locktician who can advise you well and recommend the right products to use. Have a conversation with your locktician on your hairstyle objectives. For instance, an expert will advise you on the size of the initial locs and the final size of your dreads.

2. Give Your Scalp a Good Massage

Massaging your hair is not only refreshing, but it also stimulates the growth of your locks. You will be astounded by how quickly your locks will grow out, fueled by just the simple act of massaging your scalp for ten minutes every day, especially before you go to bed.

3. Don’t Re-Twist Your Locks Too Tight

It is fine to re-twist your locks, but then don’t overdo it. This can cause thinning and breakage at the roots, something you don’t want.

4. Night Care

Just like any other typical hairdo, you would want to sleep with a night scalf to avoid breaking your dreads. Locs are vulnerable to shedding, and it is vital to protect their edges as well as your scalp. Using silk nightcap protects your dreads from friction from the pillow and maintains the locks moisturized. So, make it a routine to sleep with a nightcap.

5. Patience Pays

Dreadlocks creation isn’t something you will achieve overnight. Creating locks is a journey, and the length of the journey varies for each individual. Some will achieve dreads faster compared to others.

For instance, guys with thick hair attain dreads faster than those with thin or fine hair. However, regardless of how long they may take, the locs will finally form. Just be patient and wait for your turn!

Conclusion

If you want to rock dreadlocks, make sure you choose a capable hairstylist. The reason is that dreads will not only appear fashionable when created by an expert but also they are unusual hairstyles (not like any other random style out there).

Today’s dreadlocks hairstyles are modified to complement today’s fashion, but most traditional styles are sported as retroversion.

Attention-grabbing, effortless to maintain, and full of attitude, dreadlocks styles are not meant for the faint in heart! For men and women with natural locks, they are considered a protective look since creating them doesn’t require the use of chemicals.

They are also great styles when it comes to moisture retention in your hair and doesn’t cause a lot of stress on your head.

However, dreadlocks are not the kind of hairstyles that you can get in a day. They need a lot of patience to rock a complete look. It can take years, but the results are appealing. So, if patience is not in your vocabulary, you should opt for faux locks.