Top 10 Dreadlock Hairstyles to Try In 2022
Dreadlocks have been in style for as long as we can all remember, but they have become increasingly more popular, trendy, and visible in media and television. From the legend Bob Marley to today’s icons like Jay Z, Snoop Dogg and Lisa Bonet, dreadlocks continue to grow in popularity in mainstream media.
As social media platforms like Instagram Reels and TikTok emerge, the latest beauty and hairstyle trends are just a click away. The dreadlocks hashtag has over 1 billion views on TikTok, showcasing different content, including tutorials on how to achieve the dreadlocks style and users’ journeys with locs. To help you find your next look, we’re here to guide you through the top ten new and trending dreadlock hairstyles, from short to long, straight to wavy, and freeform to traditional.
How are locs created?
Before diving into the latest and greatest styles, it’s important to first understand how to get dreadlocks, what the different types of dreadlocks are, and how to maintain them. Locs can be started using several different methods, including the braid technique, twists, comb coils, or palm-rolls. Locs go through five different stages during their formation process that takes about one to two years. Tighter textured hair typically locks faster than straight, looser textured hair.
What are the different types of locs?
There are many different styles and types of locs, including the sisterlock, microlock, freeform dreadlock, goddess dreadlock, braided dreadlock, and more. Your hair type, hair texture, hair length, and desired look can help to determine which dread style is best for you.
How do I maintain locs?
Contrary to popular belief, locs do require maintenance. If you are wondering how to take care of dreadlocks or how to get rid of buildup in dreadlocks, there are a few steps of care you must commit to if you want healthy, long locs. Two of the most important parts of taking care of your locs are your cleansing routine and drying your hair properly. These two steps are the foundation to creating a healthy scalp that will prevent buildup, damage, or breakage, and preserve your locs.
What products do I need?
To maintain your dreadlocks hairstyle, here are a few items you’ll need:
- Wax or cream
A dreadlock wax or cream product will help hold your hair in place, especially for those in the beginning stages of their loc journey and with looser textured hair.
- Residue-free shampoo
Traditional shampoos contain softeners and leave residue that can cause potential harm to your dreadlocks, so it’s important to find a “residue-free” shampoo, specifically made for deadlocks.
- Twist and lock gel
This product will help to smooth and nourish your locs while providing hold and minimizing frizz.
- Natural oil
Applying oil to your scalp every few weeks will provide your hair with the moisture it needs to stay healthy and shiny. Carrier oils (such as vegetable oil) contain the amino acids and vitamins your locs need to keep them refreshed and hydrated. Some common carrier oils include castor, almond, grapeseed, and jojoba oil.
Top 10 Dreadlock Hairstyles
The dreadlocks hairstyle is worn by some of the most prominent figures in the music, sports, and entertainment industry today. From red carpets to festival stages, the versatility of locs is so vast, and the celebrities we know best are the perfect example to show just that. Whether they are a vet or a rookie in their locs journey, or they’ve installed faux locs to protect their natural hair, these icons are pulling off some of the most innovative styles within the dreadlock community. And with the help of the right beauty professionals, you can too. Here are the top 10 dreadlock hairstyles trending in the beauty space that you can try at home or visiting your favorite stylist or salon.
Bubble Ponytail
Ava Duvernay took the red carpet at this year’s Met Gala with an edgy take on the ponytail, known as the bubble ponytail. The added texture and volume that this dread hairstyle requires is perfect for creating a dramatic, chic look. Pull your hair back into a regular ponytail and use elastic bands or your own locs to tie or wrap different sections of your ponytail until you reach the bottom of your hair. If you want to create even more volume in your ponytail, pull apart your locs within each section. This look is a show stopper on longer hair, but will also look great on medium-length hair.
Blonde Locs
Who hasn’t wanted to go blonde at least once in their life? For those who’ve always wanted to try it but are scared to go for it for fear that even a natural hair treatment won’t be able to recover their locs, look no further than up-and-coming R&B star Chloe Bailey, for your inspiration. Chloe transformed from a brunette to a blonde bombshell for the rollout and release of her debut single, “Have Mercy.” During an Instagram Live, she talked about wanting to try something new and fun with the blonde hair while still protecting her natural locs hairstyle. She revealed that she wrapped blonde hair extensions around her already existing locs to get this look. You can try this dreadlocks style no matter the length of your hair.
Half-Shaved
We had to mention this rockstar look that R&B singer, Kelela, has had since she’s stepped on the music scene. Another plus outside of looking cool with half your head shaved is it will be easier to maintain since you only have half the locs. If you don’t want to shave your hair, but still want to pull off this look, try pinning half of your hair back to achieve the same side-swept effect.
Half-Up, Half-Down
One of the most classic, yet popular braid hairstyles today involves half of your hair up and the other half down. Give your locs hairstyle of choice a little bit of character by trying a half-up half-down hairstyle, shown effortlessly by Ciara, in her faux dreadlock hair extension piece. This can be worn in so many different ways, like a ponytail, space buns, or a topknot. Depending on the occasion, this look can be dressed up to give a more formal look, or you can dress it down to give off a messy, chic look. This style looks great on medium to long hair and straight or wavy locs. Even the styles achieved using faux locs highlight the versatility of dreadlocks.
Space Buns
Halle always comes through with the most elegant loc hairstyles. This year, she continues to take all of her looks to new heights, but these adorable and trendy space buns have caught our eye in 2022. To achieve this fun updo, first part your hair down the middle into two sections. Create two ponytails with each section and wrap each ponytail around itself in a circular motion, until you’ve made a bun. Secure the ends of the hair under the back of the ponytail hair tie or tuck it into the rest of your bun.
Fade
Before Jaden Smith did the big chop, he pulled off some of the most fun dreadlock hairstyles that continue to live on. A fade is a style where two sides of the hair are cut while the top of your hair stays at the length of your choice. Dreadlocks with a fade will give the traditional locs look with an added edge to them, but it’s absolutely essential to find a stylist to help you achieve this specific look. You can style fades with both a short dreadlock look, as well as with long locs. This style offers the type of stylish and sophisticated look that the year 2022 calls for.
Pineapple with Bangs
Swae Lee is known for his unconventional hairstyles and gives off a “look great without looking like you’re trying too hard” vibe. Tie your hair up into a ponytail or bun and leave out the front bangs of your hair. If your natural hair is shorter toward the front to pull off this look, this is perfect for you. If the front part of your hair is too long, you can cut the front section of your locs to get bangs. If you don’t want to cut your bangs you can style faux bangs by folding each loc and wrapping it around itself, so it appears shorter.
Messy Ponytail
Like the rest of her family, Willow Smith sets trends in music, beauty, and fashion. Flip your head over and bring your hair slightly toward the top of your head. Tie your hair up using an elastic band. Pull out some of the shorter pieces of hair to create a bang and a more messy look. This messy ponytail looks beautiful on locs, especially with an added touch of colorful hairbands or jewels.
Freeform
Freeform locs are the original type of locs before civilization had the tools and products to form and style the many different types of locs we see today. They have become much more popular recently and can be seen on today’s most notable music artists, Jay-Z, J. Cole, and The Weekend. To achieve this look, simply allow your hair to naturally lock and form, without manipulating it into any pattern or direction.
Accessorized Updo
The Met Gala is always the perfect place to get a glimpse into the hottest styles of that year. Whether it’s a piece of jewelry or a hair clip, accessorizing is in this year. Put your hair into an updo, like a loose bun, ponytail, or half-up half-down, and add accessories of your choice. Teyana Taylor nails the accessorized look, but that probably comes as no surprise since she always comes correct.
We look forward to seeing all these fun styles on you next! Whether you are looking for the best dreadlocks Houston stylists offer or the best dreadlocks San Diego salons recommend, we have your covered at StyleSeat.
Sources:
https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/2015/04/86174/history-of-dreadlocks
