60 Hottest Men’s Dreadlocks Styles to Try

Dread styles for men are powerful, stylish, and deeply connected to African heritage. More than just a hairstyle, locs represent identity, culture, and self-expression. Whether you want a dramatic transformation or a low-maintenance protective style, dreadlocks offer endless versatility. Below, you’ll find trending men’s loc styles, length ideas, creative techniques, and essential maintenance tips to help you achieve your best look.

What Are Dreadlocks?

Dreadlocks, also known as locs, are rope-like strands of hair formed by techniques such as palm rolling, backcombing, crochet methods, interlocking, or twist-and-rip. Depending on the method and maintenance routine, locs can look freeform and natural or polished and professional with defined parts and patterns.

For men, dreadlock styles are a strong form of cultural expression. With the right size, shape, and length, locs can shift from simple protective hairstyles to bold, fashion-forward statements that stand out more than any accessory.

Classic Locs

Classic locs are often the starting point for many men. These uniform, rope-like strands are created through twisting or braiding and are known for their clean, timeless appearance. They work well on various hair textures and lengths, giving the hair a neat, controlled, and defined look while still honoring traditional loc culture.

Dread Styles for Men Trending

This year’s most popular dread styles for men focus on individuality and confidence. From thick traditional locs to modern instant loc techniques, today’s trends blend cultural roots with creative styling.

Freeform Locs

Freeform locs develop naturally with minimal manipulation, allowing your hair to lock on its own. This results in unique, organic patterns based on your hair texture and growth. It’s a low-maintenance style that celebrates natural beauty and authenticity.

High-Top Fade with Locs

This modern style combines short faded sides with longer locs on top. The sharp contrast creates a clean, stylish silhouette while keeping the cultural essence of dreadlocks intact. It’s ideal for men who want a neat but expressive look.

Mohawk Locs

Mohawk locs feature a bold strip of dreadlocks down the center of the head with closely shaved or faded sides. This edgy style makes a strong visual impact and draws attention to the length and texture of the locs.

Faux Locs

Faux locs use extensions to mimic real dreadlocks, giving you instant length and volume without long-term commitment. This protective style is perfect for experimenting with the loc look before starting permanent locs.

Ombre Locs

Ombre locs transition from darker roots to lighter ends, creating a gradient color effect. This adds depth, highlights length, and brings movement and personality to your dreadlock style.

Butterfly Locs

Butterfly locs have a softer, textured appearance with loops and waves throughout the strands. They create a relaxed, bohemian vibe and are great for men who prefer a less structured, more artistic look.

Barrel Twists

Barrel twists are created by wrapping locs around each other into large, rope-like twists. This style adds volume and dimension while keeping locs neatly arranged and protected.

Skinny Locs

Skinny locs are thin, tightly formed dreadlocks that offer a more refined and professional appearance. They’re perfect for men who want subtle, lightweight locs that still deliver style and versatility.

Wick Locs

Wick locs (or wicks) are extremely thick locs that can be several inches wide. Popular in parts of the Southern U.S., this bold style makes a dramatic statement and showcases strong individuality.

Popular Dreadlock Styles for Men

These widely requested styles offer something for every personality and lifestyle.

Microlocs

Microlocs are very small locs that look natural and flexible. They can be worn loose, tied back, or styled into updos, offering maximum styling versatility.

Sisterlocks

Sisterlocks are tiny, uniform locs installed in a precise grid pattern. This style requires a trained consultant but results in a lightweight, elegant look with lots of movement.

Crochet Locs

Crochet locs are created using a crochet needle to instantly form locs. This method gives immediate results without waiting for the natural locking process.

Rope Twist Locs

Rope twist locs have a sleek, twisted appearance and can be worn as a temporary style or used to create textured, curly locs later.

Basket Weave Locs

This intricate style weaves locs in an over-under pattern, forming a basket-like design. It works best on medium to long locs and stands out for its artistic detail.

Viking Locs

Viking-inspired locs are often pulled into ponytails or braids and decorated with beads or wraps. This rugged, warrior-style look blends cultural influence with bold styling.

Florida Wicks

Florida wicks are large, thick locs formed by combining multiple locs together. This dramatic style creates heavy volume and a strong visual presence.

Jumbo Locs

Jumbo locs are thick, substantial dreadlocks that create a bold and powerful appearance. They work best on dense, coarse hair and require less time to install.

Dreadlock Styles by Length

Your loc length plays a big role in styling options and overall appearance.

Short Locs

Short locs are manageable, lightweight, and great for beginners or professionals who prefer a clean, low-profile style.

Medium-Length Locs

Falling around the shoulders or collarbone, medium locs offer styling flexibility without the heaviness of very long locs.

Long Dreadlocks

Long locs create a dramatic, eye-catching look and allow for the most styling versatility, including buns, ponytails, and braids.

Creative Styling Techniques for Locs

Two-Strand Twists

This technique twists two locs together, creating a rope-like texture and a defined, protective style.

Braided Locs

Locs can be braided into cornrow-like sections for a neat, structured style that adds texture and dimension.

Half-Up, Half-Down

This style pulls the top locs back while leaving the rest loose, balancing volume and length.

Man Bun Locs

Gathering locs into a bun at the crown or nape creates a practical yet stylish look, especially for longer locs.

High Ponytail

A high ponytail lifts locs away from the face, highlighting facial features and creating a sleek silhouette.

Dreadlocks with Modern Haircuts

Blending locs with modern barbering techniques creates a fresh, updated style.

Fade with Locs

A fade on the sides and back creates contrast with the textured locs on top, delivering a sharp, contemporary finish.

Undercut Locs

Undercut Locs Shaved or closely cropped sides paired with long locs on top create a bold, high-contrast hairstyle.

Taper Fade

A taper fade offers a gradual transition from longer locs to shorter sides, keeping the look clean and professional.

Color Ideas for Men’s Dreadlocks

Blonde Dreads

Bleached or honey-blonde locs create striking contrast and make your style stand out.

Red Highlights

Burgundy or crimson tones woven into locs add warmth and depth without fully changing your base color.

Styling Dreadlocks by Position

Side-Swept Locs

Sweeping locs to one side creates asymmetry and frames the face in a stylish, dramatic way.

Middle Part Locs

A center part divides locs evenly, creating a balanced, symmetrical look.

How to Form and Maintain Dreadlocks

Starting locs requires patience and commitment. Beginners often start with comb coils, while more advanced methods include interlocking or crochet techniques.

Washing Routine

Use a residue-free shampoo every 1–2 weeks to prevent buildup. Always dry your locs completely after washing to avoid odor or mildew. A microfiber towel or hooded dryer helps reduce frizz and keeps locs fresh and clean.

Moisture & Scalp Care

Keep your scalp hydrated with lightweight oils and use a loc-friendly spray to prevent dryness. Regular scalp care reduces itching and supports healthy hair growth.

Retwisting

Depending on your style, retwist your locs every 4–8 weeks to maintain neat parts and prevent excessive matting at the roots.