33 Dreadlock Styles for Women: Stunning Updos, Braids, and Curls for Every Occasion

Dreadlocks are more than just a hairstyle; they are a statement, a tradition, and a way to express individuality. Whether you’re new to the world of locs or looking to refresh your current style, 2024 brings a variety of dreadlock styles perfect for every occasion. From updos that exude elegance to more casual looks that embrace your natural beauty, there’s a dreadlock style for every woman, no matter her hair length, face shape, or personality.

The Versatile Mohawk Dreads

For those who love to blend edginess with a touch of sophistication, the Mohawk Dreads is a style to consider. This hairstyle involves shaving the sides of the head, leaving a striking line of locs down the center, creating a mohawk effect. It’s a bold look that’s perfect for women with short hair or medium-length dreads. The style beautifully frames oval and heart-shaped faces, adding a fierce edge to your overall look. With the right accessories, this hairstyle can be worn to both casual outings and more formal events, making it a versatile choice for 2024.

Creating the Mohawk Dreads is straightforward. The key is to keep the sides of your head clean-shaven, while the central locs can be twisted or braided to enhance the style. Tools like a quality edge control gel and a good razor are essential to maintain the look. For upkeep, a lightweight leave-in conditioner like SheaMoisture’s Jamaican Black Castor Oil Leave-In Conditioner can keep your locs moisturized without weighing them down.

Elegant Updo Bun for Black Locs

An updo bun is a classic hairstyle that never goes out of style, and it’s especially stunning when paired with black locs. This hairstyle involves gathering all your locs into a neat, high bun, creating a look that’s both elegant and practical. The updo bun is ideal for formal events like weddings, where you want to showcase the beauty of your locs while keeping them off your face. This style is particularly flattering on women with round or oval faces, and it works well with both long and medium-length dreads.

To achieve this updo bun, start by gathering your locs at the crown of your head and securing them with a strong hair tie. You can twist the locs around the base to create a tight bun, or you can leave them slightly loose for a softer, more romantic look. A holding spray can help keep everything in place, and using a moisturizing hair oil like the Carol’s Daughter Black Vanilla Moisture & Shine Hair Oil will keep your locs shiny and healthy.

Short Black Locs with Curls

Short black locs with curls offer a playful yet chic look, perfect for women who prefer shorter hairstyles. This style combines the natural beauty of locs with the soft, bouncy texture of curls, creating a dynamic look that’s both youthful and sophisticated. It’s a great choice for everyday wear, whether you’re heading to the office or out for a weekend brunch. The curls add volume and movement, making this style particularly flattering on women with square or round faces. Additionally, the natural texture of the locs paired with the curls creates a visually appealing contrast that’s sure to turn heads.

To achieve this style, you’ll need to create curls in your locs using a method that suits your hair’s texture—braid outs or bantu knots work well. Once your curls are set, a light-hold mousse can help define them, while a daily spritz of a water-based leave-in conditioner will keep your locs hydrated and frizz-free. For maintenance, consider a product like Cantu Shea Butter Leave-In Conditioning Repair Cream to keep your locs soft and moisturized.

Medium Length Locs with a Side Part

For those who prefer a more understated look, medium length locs with a side part are both stylish and easy to maintain. This hairstyle involves parting your locs to one side, creating a relaxed yet polished look that can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. The side part adds a touch of asymmetry, which is particularly flattering for women with oval or diamond-shaped faces. This style is perfect for casual settings, but with the right accessories, it can easily be transformed for more formal events.

To create this look, simply part your locs to one side and let them fall naturally. You can add a bit of volume at the roots using a root-lifting spray if you want more body. Maintaining this style is easy; just make sure to regularly moisturize your scalp with a product like Jamaican Mango & Lime No More Itch Gro Spray to keep your locs healthy and your scalp itch-free.

The Wedding Updo with Locs

For a special day like a wedding, an updo with locs can add the perfect touch of elegance and grace. This style involves intricately twisting and pinning your locs into a soft, romantic updo that pairs beautifully with a veil or a delicate hair accessory. It’s a versatile look that suits various face shapes, particularly round and heart-shaped faces, and it’s ideal for long or medium length locs. The style allows you to keep your locs out of your face, highlighting your features and ensuring all eyes are on you during the ceremony.

To create this wedding updo, start by sectioning your locs and twisting them into small buns at the back of your head. Secure each bun with bobby pins, then gather all the buns into a larger updo. A light-hold hairspray will keep everything in place, and for added shine, use a finishing spray like ORS Olive Oil Nourishing Sheen Spray. To maintain this style, a gentle wash with a residue-free shampoo like Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile Liquid Soap will keep your locs clean without stripping them of natural oils.

Long Locs with Braided Accents

For those with long hair, locs with braided accents offer a beautiful way to add texture and detail to your hairstyle. This look involves weaving small braids into your locs, creating a subtle yet intricate pattern that enhances the overall appearance of your hair. It’s a versatile style that works well for both casual and formal settings, depending on how you accessorize it. The braided accents add a bohemian touch to the locs, making this style ideal for outdoor events or festivals. It’s particularly flattering for women with long or oval-shaped faces.

To achieve this look, start by sectioning off small pieces of your locs and braiding them individually. You can then incorporate these braids into your larger locs or leave them as separate accents. A bit of hair wax can help keep the braids neat, while a scalp oil like Taliah Waajid’s African Healing Oyl will keep your scalp moisturized and your locs healthy.

Over 50 and Fabulous: Natural Ponytail Locs

Women over 50 can embrace their natural beauty with a ponytail of locs that’s both sophisticated and easy to maintain. This style involves gathering your locs into a low or high ponytail, creating a look that’s both youthful and elegant. The ponytail can be styled high for a more playful look or low for a more refined, classic appearance. This style is perfect for all face shapes, and it works well for both short and long locs.

To create this ponytail, gather your locs at the desired height and secure them with a sturdy hair tie. You can wrap a few locs around the base of the ponytail to conceal the hair tie for a more polished finish. For maintenance, a daily spray with a leave-in conditioner like Alikay Naturals Lemongrass Leave-In Conditioner will keep your locs hydrated and soft.

Black Locs Dreads with a Twist Out

For a look that combines the sleekness of locs with the definition of twists, the Black Locs Dreads with a twist out is a must-try. This style involves twisting your locs and then unraveling them to create a curly, textured effect that’s both modern and elegant. It’s a perfect style for special occasions or when you want to add a bit of drama to your everyday look. The twist-out adds volume and dimension, making it an excellent choice for women with round or heart-shaped faces.

To achieve this style, start by sectioning your locs and twisting each section tightly. Leave the twists in for several hours or overnight, then gently unravel them to reveal the curls. A light oil, such as argan oil, can help add shine and reduce frizz. To maintain the twist out, wrap your hair in a silk scarf at night to preserve the curls and reduce frizz.

The Medium-Length Updo with Curls

Medium-length locs can be styled into an updo with curls for a look that’s both elegant and full of texture. This style involves pulling your locs into a loose updo and allowing the ends to curl, creating a soft, romantic effect. It’s perfect for weddings, date nights, or any occasion where you want to feel extra special. This style works best on women with oval or heart-shaped faces, and the curls add a touch of softness to the overall look.

To create this style, gather your locs into a low updo at the nape of your neck and secure with pins. Allow the ends of the locs to curl naturally or use flexi rods to create defined curls. A moisturizing curl cream, such as the Camille Rose Naturals Almond Jai Twisting Butter, can help enhance the curls while keeping your locs hydrated.

Chic Locs with Side-Swept Bangs

For a touch of modern sophistication, consider locs styled with side-swept bangs. This hairstyle involves cutting or styling the front section of your locs into soft bangs that sweep across the forehead, adding a youthful and trendy element to your look. The side-swept bangs can soften angular features, making this style especially flattering for women with square or diamond-shaped faces. It’s a great choice for both everyday wear and more formal occasions, offering versatility and a bit of flair.

To achieve this look, simply part your locs to the side and style the front section into bangs. You can use a little gel to keep the bangs in place and avoid frizz. Regular trimming will help maintain the length and shape of the bangs, and a lightweight leave-in conditioner will keep the bangs soft and manageable.

Braided Top Knot with Locs

The braided top knot combines the structure of braids with the elegance of a locs updo, creating a stunning look that’s perfect for both formal and casual occasions. This style involves braiding sections of your locs and gathering them into a high bun at the top of your head, giving an elevated appearance that’s chic and practical. The braided top knot works exceptionally well for those with medium to long hair, and it’s particularly flattering on oval and heart-shaped faces. It’s a great choice for events like weddings, where you want to keep your locs neat yet stylish.

To achieve the braided top knot, start by braiding sections of your locs from the roots to the tips. Gather the braids into a bun and secure them with bobby pins or a strong hair tie. A setting spray can help keep the braids in place, and using a hair serum like OGX Nourishing + Coconut Milk Anti-Breakage Serum will keep your locs smooth and shiny.

Half-Up Half-Down Locs with Braid Accents

The half-up half-down style is a timeless choice that allows you to show off the length of your locs while keeping your hair out of your face. This style is elevated with the addition of braided accents, giving it a touch of sophistication and flair. It’s perfect for casual days out or semi-formal events, offering versatility and a hint of playfulness. This look is great for all face shapes, and it works well with medium to long locs, enhancing your natural texture while adding a bit of structure.

To create the half-up half-down style, section off the top half of your locs and secure them in a loose bun or ponytail. Add small braids throughout the locs for added detail. A lightweight leave-in conditioner can keep your locs looking fresh, and a shine spray will add the final touch to this effortless style.

Faux Locs with Beaded Ends

Faux locs with beaded ends bring a unique and cultural touch to your hairstyle, allowing you to experiment with the look of locs without the permanent commitment. This style involves installing faux locs and adding beads at the ends, giving a bohemian vibe that’s perfect for festivals, vacations, or everyday wear. The beads add weight and movement, making this style especially flattering on long locs and ideal for heart and diamond-shaped faces.

To achieve this look, faux locs are installed using synthetic hair, which can be braided or twisted into your natural hair. Once installed, add beads to the ends of the locs. Beads can be secured with small rubber bands or thread. A conditioning spray like Jamaican Mango & Lime Tingle Spray will keep your scalp refreshed and your locs looking vibrant.

Low Side-Swept Locs with Waves

A low side-swept style with waves offers a soft, romantic look that’s perfect for evening events or a day out with friends. This style involves sweeping your locs to one side and allowing the ends to curl into gentle waves, creating a fluid, feminine silhouette. The side-swept waves add an asymmetrical touch that’s particularly flattering on round or oval faces, making it a popular choice for women who want a softer, more relaxed appearance.

To achieve this look, part your locs to one side and use flexi rods or a twist-out method to create waves at the ends. Secure the locs to one side with a decorative pin or clip. A curl-defining cream like Aunt Jackie’s Curl La La Defining Curl Custard can help enhance the waves while keeping your locs soft and manageable.

High Ponytail Locs with Wrapped Base

The high ponytail with a wrapped base is a striking and bold look that emphasizes the length and volume of your locs. This style involves gathering your locs into a high ponytail and wrapping a few strands around the base to conceal the hair tie, creating a clean, polished appearance. It’s ideal for long locs and works well with all face shapes, adding height and elegance to your overall look. This hairstyle is perfect for both casual days and more glamorous nights out.

To create this high ponytail, gather your locs at the crown of your head and secure them with a sturdy hair tie. Wrap a few locs around the base and tuck the ends underneath. A holding gel can keep everything in place, while a scalp moisturizer like Mielle Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil will nourish your scalp and keep your locs looking healthy.

Natural Locs with Colorful Wraps

For a playful and personalized touch, consider styling your locs with colorful wraps. This style involves wrapping sections of your locs with vibrant threads or yarn, adding pops of color that reflect your personality and mood. It’s an ideal look for summer festivals, concerts, or when you simply want to add a creative touch to your everyday style. The colorful wraps are especially flattering on medium-length to long locs, and they work well for all face shapes.

To create this style, select a few locs and wrap them with colorful thread, starting at the roots and working downwards. You can mix and match colors for a more eclectic look or stick to a single color scheme for a coordinated appearance. To keep your locs soft and manageable, use a hydrating spray like Camille Rose Cocoa Nibs & Honey Ultimate Growth Serum.

Loc Petals Updo

The loc petals updo is a creative and artistic style that showcases the beauty of your locs in a floral-inspired design. This intricate updo involves twisting and pinning sections of your locs into petal shapes, creating a visually stunning updo that’s perfect for special occasions such as weddings or proms. The petal design adds depth and dimension, making it a standout style that’s particularly flattering for oval and heart-shaped faces.

To achieve this look, section your locs into small twists and pin each twist into a petal shape using bobby pins. Continue until the entire updo resembles a blooming flower. A strong holding spray will keep the petals in place, and using a shine serum like Mielle Organics Mongongo Oil Pomade-to-Oil Treatment can add a glossy finish to your locs.

Locs with Undercut Design

For a daring and modern twist on traditional locs, consider pairing them with an undercut design. This style involves shaving a pattern or design into the undercut section, adding a unique and edgy element to your overall look. The locs can be styled in various ways—pulled up, left down, or swept to the side—allowing you to showcase the undercut design. This style is great for those with short to medium-length locs, and it works particularly well for women with round or square face shapes.

To achieve this look, visit a skilled barber who can create a design that suits your personal style. The rest of your locs can be styled in any way you prefer. To maintain the undercut, regular trims are essential, and a moisturizing shampoo like TGIN Moisture Rich Sulfate Free Shampoo will keep your locs soft and your scalp hydrated.

Locs with Spiral Curls

Locs styled with spiral curls offer a glamorous and voluminous look that’s perfect for nights out or special occasions. This style involves curling the ends of your locs into tight spirals, adding texture and bounce that make the hair appear fuller and more dynamic. It’s an ideal style for women with medium to long locs and works particularly well for those with oval or heart-shaped faces.

To create this look, use perm rods or curling wands to curl the ends of your locs. Allow the curls to set overnight or use a hooded dryer for faster results. A curl-enhancing mousse like DevaCurl Frizz-Free Volumizing Foam will help keep the curls defined and frizz-free, while a daily spritz of leave-in conditioner will maintain softness and shine.

Crown Braid Locs

The crown braid locs style is a regal and sophisticated updo that involves braiding the locs around the crown of the head, creating a halo effect. This elegant look is perfect for formal events, such as galas or weddings, where you want to make a grand impression. The braided crown adds a touch of romance and charm, making it a versatile style that flatters all face shapes, particularly round and heart-shaped faces.

To achieve this style, start by sectioning your locs and braiding them around the perimeter of your head, securing the braid with pins as you go. You can tuck the ends of the braid or let them cascade down for added drama. A light hold gel will keep the braid neat, and a shine spray will add a beautiful finish to this enchanting updo.

Conclusion

These dreadlock styles are just a glimpse into the countless ways you can wear your locs in 2024. Whether you’re looking for something bold and edgy or elegant and refined, there’s a loc style out there to match your personal taste. We’d love to hear which styles you’re excited to try or any of your own suggestions. Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let’s keep the conversation going!