If you’ve been thinking about locking your hair or just switching up your current loc style, you’re in the right place. Dreadlocks are bold, clean, and full of personality—and what I love is that they let you express your vibe your way. Whether you like your hair short, colored, faded, or with a little design, there’s a style here with your name on it. Let’s get into these fresh dread styles you can totally rock.
Short Top Head Dreadlocks With Fade Design
What I like about this one is how clean and sharp it looks while still letting you play with your natural texture. You’ve got your locs on top, then that fade on the sides brings all the focus upward. You should ask your barber to add a line or symbol if you want that extra flair.
Copy the look: soft_cutz_no1
Black Dreadlocks with Blonde Tips
If you like making a statement without doing too much, this style is for you. The blonde tips give your locs some personality while keeping the base dark and simple. You can bleach the tips at home or have a stylist do it—it’s your call, but you should deep condition after!
Copy the looks: soft_cutz_no1
Top Head Rasta Dreadlocks
This one’s giving roots, culture, and cool all at once. You’ve got the traditional Rasta vibe but styled in a modern, high-top way. What I like is that you can grow it out or keep it short—it still looks good. You should oil your scalp regularly to keep it healthy and flake-free.
Copy the look: soft_cutz_no1
Afro Dreadlocks- Dreadlocks with Afro Scalp
I love this combo because it lets you show off your locs and your texture. You’ve got the full afro at the roots, then the locs build up from there—it’s super natural. You should try this if you’re just starting your loc journey and want a low-key but dope look.
Copy the look: tenokusthebarber
Light Brown Color Dreadlocks with Undercut Design
Light brown locs always look good against melanin—trust me. Pair that with an undercut, and now you’ve got a clean, stylish twist on the classic. What I like about this is how the color makes your locs pop without being too bold. You should touch up the color every couple months to keep it fresh.
Copy the look: tenokusthebarber
Half-Side Rasta Dreads
This one is for the trendsetters. You’ve got your locs on one side, and the other side faded or shaved—it’s giving balance with attitude. You can even dye the locs or add a few beads. You should try this if you want something eye-catching but still easy to manage.
Copy the look: tenokusthebarber
Cornrow Dreadlocks
This one’s such a vibe! Cornrowing your locs keeps them neat and pulled back, perfect if you’re trying to avoid your hair getting in your face. What I like is that it blends two classic styles. You should moisturize your scalp before and after braiding to keep it from drying out.
Copy the looks: zilmarley_bluesman
Twisted Dreadlocks with High Fade
Twisting the locs adds a little texture and definition that I really like. Then that high fade just sharpens everything up—perfect for when you want to look clean and stylish. You should retwist every few weeks to keep that fresh look going strong.
Copy the look: amanfour_barbers_palace
Top Head Locs with Smooth Fade
This one’s perfect if you want a light, breezy style. The locs are centered up top and the sides are faded smooth—it’s low maintenance but still makes a statement. You should keep the fade touched up every two to three weeks for that crisp finish.
Copy the look: amanfour_barbers_palace
Short Locs with Taper Sideburns
This cut is all about details. What I like is how the taper on the sideburns gives it that polished feel while keeping the locs short and neat. You should add a little shine spray to your locs for that healthy glow without weighing them down.
Copy the look: amanfour_barbers_palace
Thin Locs with Fade Line Design
Thin locs are perfect if you want a clean, uniform look. Add in a fade line design and it takes it up a level. What I like is that it gives you room to be creative without doing too much. You should sleep with a satin scarf or durag to keep it neat overnight.
Copy the look: mole_de_barber
Short Locs with Clean Fade + Side Burns
This one’s perfect if you like things tidy. The short locs keep it lightweight and breathable, while the fade and sideburns give it shape. You should go for this if you want something you can wear everywhere—from work to the weekend.
Copy the look: mole_de_barber
Short Locs with Drawing Design
This cut turns your hair into art! I’m talking about creative designs shaved into the sides with your short locs sitting right on top. What I like about this is how personal it feels—you can ask for flames, stars, whatever fits your style. You should refresh the design often to keep the look sharp.
Copy the look: mole_de_barber
Half-Head Locs with Star Taper Design
This style screams cool and creative. You’ve got your locs styled on one half, and a bold star taper design on the other. What I like is that it’s unexpected and unique. You should definitely try this if you want to stand out from the crowd.
Copy the look: ongod_debarber
Half-Head Locs with Race Car Taper Design
This one’s fast and fierce—literally. The locs are chill, but the taper design brings that “vroom-vroom” energy. What I like about this is that it feels playful but still grown. You should show your barber a reference pic to get it just right.
Copy the look: ongod_debarber
Half-Head Locs with Funky Taper Fade Design
This look is wild in the best way. The funky taper design gives it that extra boost of creativity, while your locs stay neat on top. What I like is that it’s bold without being too loud. You should get it lined up often to keep those edges fresh.
Copy the look: ongod_debarber
5 Tips for Maintaining Your Dreadlocks
- Don’t Overwash Your Locs: You should keep your scalp clean, but overwashing can dry out your hair. Aim for once every 1–2 weeks with a residue-free shampoo.
- Keep Your Scalp Moisturized: What I like to do is use light oils—like tea tree or jojoba oil—to keep my scalp from getting itchy. You should massage it in to stimulate growth too.
- Retwist, But Not Too Tight: You should retwist your locs every few weeks, but don’t pull too tight or too often. It can stress your roots and cause breakage.
- Cover Up at Night: You should always sleep with a satin or silk scarf or durag. It helps your locs stay clean, reduces frizz, and keeps your style looking fresh.
- Be Patient with the Journey: Dreadlocks take time to mature, so don’t stress if yours look messy at first. What I like to say is—trust the process. You should give it a few months and watch the transformation.
Final Thoughts
There’s something powerful about a man rocking locs. Whether you’re going for a sharp fade, bold colors, or custom designs, dreadlocks let you show the world who you are. I hope this gave you some fresh ideas and reminded you that your hair is a part of your story. So choose a style, own it, and rock your locs with confidence.