Locs can be loved at any maturity stage, including baby locs. The *parting pattern* is important. Having diamond shapes or brick patterns can create more versatile styles than having straight parts. Your hairstyle options will change as your locs change. Matured locs can create styled buns and braided updos, while starter locs should stay in low-tension styles that won’t open the locs and make them pop. For those whose edges could use a little help, Aloe and Flaxseed edge gels are great options as they will help lay your edges without putting too much strain on your roots. Now that you are ready to embrace your locs with styles that highlight them, these tips are a wonderful place to start!
Most people don’t pay attention to how the styling of your locs influence the way the locs flow while you walk. That flowing movement contributes to the overall aesthetic. One of my clients thought her locs looked too still so she felt she needed extensions to increase the length of her locs. All we did was change her part to the other side, do an upper half ponytail, and she pulled down some pieces to frame her face. When she caught her reflection she started crying because she finally felt her locs had movement. That is what loc styling is about. It is about identifying what your hair is already doing and making minor adjustments to let it flow in a way that helps you gain confidence.
And as for the pictures above, keep in mind there is no correct way to style locs and people who think otherwise definitely haven’t spent enough time with their locs. Some looks can be done in about 5 minutes, if not less, and others may take a bit more time, but the common goal is to make locs the star of the show. These are not tutorials, but pick and choose as you like as this will typically be the most inspired.
#1: That Easy High Bun With the Loose Pieces That Make It
The face framing pieces on the bun put this style on a whole new level, and that’s a compliment! The bun is also super simple, just grab and wrap, but the soft face framing pieces take the look from “I’m running errands” to “I’m running errands and I look amazing!” If you want to look put together without investing too much time into styling your hair, I suggest this look. If you wrap it at night, this look will last for days. The best part about this look is that the messier the bun, the better it will be! Don’t overthink it.
#2: Golden-Wrapped Twists That Actually Catch the Light
I really love the gold accents on the twists; metal additions can look cheap, but these ones are placed with elegance. The twists have a shiny definition which means they were done on moisturized hair, likely with a lightweight loc oil since the moisture isn’t greasy. This style does take time, so bring something to keep you occupied if you can get fidgity after the first hour. Overall, it is a gorgeous style and will last 2-3 weeks with no maintenance.
#3: Flowers and Beads on Long Twists, and It Actually Works
I won’t lie, I always get skeptical when I see reference photos with accessories interwoven into their locs. In this case though, the floral and beaded detailing seem to be more intentional and less overdone. The length is gorgeous also and goes well beyond the shoulders. The coily texture here provides enough fullness to the twists that no products are needed. If you are considering this for an occasion, or just because you want to treat yourself on a Tuesday, just know that the accessories should be lightweight so they don’t weigh down your locs. It shouldn’t be too much to ask, but you will likely need to do some retwisting to keep everything looking this neat.
#4: Short Locs With That Perfectly Undone Texture
It’s so refreshing to see someone with shorter locs who clearly loves their look and doesn’t constantly say things like, “When will they be long enough to do something with?” Because guess what? She is *actually* doing something with them. The ends being a little frizzy gives them personality and adds to the lived-in, effortless vibe. The warm undertone of her hair color really looks good with her skin tone. The length of these locs is right above the shoulders which is super flattering on a lot of people. The only trade-off with shorter locs is that, since there is less weight holding everything in place, retightenings are needed a little more often.
#5: That Auburn Color on Shoulder-Length Locs, the One Everyone Asks About
The auburn hue is interesting because it appears to change depending on the lighting. In darker environments, the tone seems richer, however, it can get almost coppery in bright places, like the outdoors. I appreciate that sort of complexity! Another great thing about this style is the incredible density and thickness of the locs. They won’t create a bulky appearance. The subtle gradient from root to tip gives it that dimension that you would expect from more advanced coloring. Saying this, it is important to have realistic expectations. Try to contain the excitement about your new style for now – a lot of effort and commitment is required to keep the color on locs. Touch ups to the color are going to be required. You will need to be purposeful about moisture and protection to keep the color. Otherwise, it may take on a color that is less desirable and definitely not what you paid for.
#6: Soft Brown Shoulder-Length Locs That Just Feel Easy
I can’t pin down the exact reason, but light brown locs always look great. They’re the warmest color from what I can see, plus, they suit every skin tone. The only issue might be the texture and looseness of the locs. If you’re just stepping out to grab coffee or you’re going all out, the locs should look good. The thickness is on point! When they’re healthy enough to be full but not so full that they take forever to dry, it really makes a difference. They could be retwisted, and a lightweight oil could also help, but that’s a given for any loc style that’s worth it.
#7: Those Fiery Orange Tips on Dark Locs, When You Want to Be Bold
This hair color is really nice! The way the roots are deep brown and then transition to a warm glowing orange is beautiful. This is a great color choice for someone who wants to do something fun to their hair without going too crazy. The length is also a good choice because it will be easier to manage with such a bold color. It will be less work to take care of because the color will make your hair routine more difficult. If you have locs, be sure to keep them moisturized. Their ends will get drier than the rest of the hair, and crunchy tips will not good with this color!
#8: Natural Mid-Length Locs With That Relaxed, Unbothered Look
Thank you for the confidence you put into your style. I love the uniqueness of your locs as well as the confidence crafted into the style. The look exudes confidence and relaxation that some other polished locs can’t capture. It also provides versatility! The locs look great worn up and down. A coarser hair type with a great shape holds product less because the hair texture creates the shape. Less product is ideal to avoid a build-up on the scalp. Overall I would recommend this style for all of the reasons stated.
#9: Long Red Locs Pulled Into a Half-Up Twist
The vivid red hue of these hair locs is an excellent choice. This shade is saturated enough to look purposeful and not too bright. The half-up twist is a clever way to highlight the length and color of the hair and keeps the locs out of the wearer’s eyes. The front twist is a great way to keep the look overall casual. The locs that hang freely are gorgeous and show off the ideal balance of length and density. A color this saturated takes extra maintenance so be sure to use a color-safe moisturizer and wash the hair less frequently. The results will definitely be worth it!
#10: High Bun With Loose Strands and a Lot of Texture
This style is similar to the first high bun but, the texture is more defined and adds more visual weight to the style. I think this is better suited for thicker locs, as it looks more proportional compared to styles where it feels like you’re just trying to contain a lot of hair. The loose strands around the face look softer and seem more deliberate, as if they were intentionally placed where they are. To add a signature touch consider coloring the ends of a few strands, but it’s lovely as is. Just a reminder not to pull the bun too tight as it can lead to tension headaches and thinning of the edges which is not worth the trouble for any style.
#11: Long Ombre Locs With Caramel Ends and Curly Tips
I love the color work here as well as how the gradient from brown to a deeper caramel is much more gradual and looks less like a dip bleach job. The curled ends create a playful bounce and movement to the style which I feel a lot of loc styles tend not to have since locs tend to hang straight like that. The color and the curled ends will unravel so you will have to keep up with that and it is not a low maintenance style. If you are up for the commitment though, this style really does a beautiful job framing your face and is especially great for rounder face shapes with all the length and movement.
#12: A Twisted Bob With a Clean Part, Simple and Sharp
In addition to the uniform, precise twists, and the neat center part that bob length perfectly frames the face, provides a clean, polished and intentional touch to the overall look. I think small, decorative pieces, like cuffs or rings, would add to this and not take away from the clean aesthetic. Although the twisting method is a lengthy process, it is certainly worth it because it will endure for a long time.
#13: High Textured Bun With Braided Detail in the Back
The back-braided sections on this bun create a unique look that sets it apart from the rest. They help add a more refined and structured look to the style. Long styles can look difficult, but once you know how to do it, it comes together really easily. Because of this, it makes the style easy to change around to suit a different outfit and occasion. Most importantly, this style works best on coarser hair since the braids need to grip, and while the different upkeep on the braids vs the bun is a trade-off, the end result is worth the time in the chair.
#14: Long Natural Locs With Just a Touch of Honey in the Color
These locs make me want to encourage people to stop overthinking growing their hair out. Once you reach this length, locs become even more unique and striking. As for the lighter brown color, along with those subtle honey highlights, it provides the perfect contrast to avoid looking too flat. And we all know that longer locs tend to look dull and uniform, but that’s not the case with these. It is easy to see the thickness and health of these locks. Just know that longer locs come with a lot of weight, and in the summer, it can feel like you’re wearing a scarf you don’t want. That’s something to consider if you’re thinking about growing your hair out this long!
#15: Twisted Updo With That Fun, Piled-High Silhouette
I love how effortless this looks! I appreciate how much planning went into this style. The added height created by the medium length twists is amazing. The look remains interesting and doesn’t get too top heavy. For rounder faces, this technique of using upward volume is great as it truly elongates the appearance of the face. Low maintenance styles are great and aside from the maintenance with the twists, this is it. You want your twists to look intentionally fuzzy as opposed to textured lines, so you’ll want to do some upkeep every couple weeks to make sure they don’t cross over to that side.
#16: Mid-Length Locs With Blonde That Actually Looks Good
I think some people may feel that highlighting locs is a bridge too far. Usually, I think most of those looks can be described as washed out. This is one of the rare instances it actually works. The blonde here is really well blended with a darker base, and the result is more of a contrast, but in an interesting way that creates dimension. The root layers are a little more uncommon in mid-length styles, and they add texture and some visual interest that is less commonly seen. Overall, the thickness is just right, looking full without being overly heavy. If you pursue this avenue, please remember that you will need to take some extra care when it comes to the color treated locs. This means that you will need to do some gentle handling, and then some gentle deep conditioning. Bleach and locs do not make for easy care, so you will need to keep both very happy.
#17: Curled Twists With That Soft, Full Look
The curled ends on the twists really enhance the soft look of these loc styles, and I think that is what makes them special. They look very beautiful while a lot of the styles out there, look very stiff and structured. The neat parts add a bit of polish and the shoulder length is flattering on most people. The twist definition will loosen and some people even like the look a few days in when it is softer and more blended, so don’t worry when the style evolves, that is part of the charm.
#18: Short Locs With a Flower, Because Why Not
I think more people should consider wearing flowers in their hair, and this example shows how a small floral accessory can change the vibe of a simple, short loc style. These shoulder-length locs have a wonderful density and natural texture, so a flower makes the style look more intentional, as opposed to just wearing a typical loc hairstyle. This style is very low maintenance, you will probably just have to do some re-twisting on the ends every once in a while to keep the shape looking clean. While shorter locs can be a little more limiting in terms of styling options available, it is oftentimes a nice change to have fewer decisions to make. You won’t find yourself spending twenty minutes in front of the mirror trying to decide what to do.
#19: High Ponytail With Warm Highlights That Has Energy
If you want a hairstyle that will bring out your fun and playful side, you can’t go wrong with high ponytails and warm highlights! The length you have is perfect for a ponytail; it’s long enough to create movement and, with that perfect density, it’s not to too much to weigh everything down. Just be careful with how tight you pull the ponytail at the base because ponytails like this can create a lot of tension on the edges and roots. It may be a good idea to use a soft satin scrunchie instead of an elastic. Also, take breaks from updos to give your hair a rest!
#20: Long Locs With Natural Texture and That Healthy Shine
Some people display self-care in their appearance by having locs. While some people think the shine in this person’s hair is due to product buildup, or a filter, this person has naturally moisturizing hair. The care that goes into this person’s hair looks much better than any attempt to get a filter aesthetic. The refined length of this person’s hair shows the effort put into maintaining the personality of each loc while keeping them looking cohesive. Each loc is thickly packed with hair so that the individual strands do not flow freely, but rather create a solid mass. Longer locs require a good amount of patience and effort to achieve, and frizz management will be an expected part of your routine. The good news is that the result will be a stunning, effortless look.
#21: Curly Loc Updo With Red Tips That Pop
I imagine the creator of this look had tons of fun. The playful contrast in red tips and locs being stacked up high is amazing. The natural texture of the locs gives a lot of volume and with the right product, it’ll hold shape. If you want to maintain the bright tips, you’ll need to touch up the color every three weeks. Round faces benefit a lot from this style as the height and volume provide a really flattering lengthening effect.
#22: Braided Roots With Geometric Parting, For When You Want Art
The braiding patterns created at the roots are stunning. This type of artistry requires knowledge of hair movement across sections and a fair amount of both skill and patience. The mid-length locs are beautifully defined and volumized to create a balanced contemporary take on the style. I want to mention that styles incorporating tight braided roots are important to maintain as they can create a lot of tension. If your scalp tends to be sensitive, the tight braiding required for the geometric design may be too uncomfortable. Overall, this is a strong style if you can handle it!
#23: Clean High Bun With Auburn Highlights Peeking Through
This bun pulls focus on detail because the auburn highlights are blended with the darker base so it becomes subtle until the hair is pulled up like this, but that is what makes it interesting. The density is medium which is perfect for a bun this polished because it gives fullness without the bulk, and everything sits nicely on top without it looking like it is trying too hard to stay there. It is the kind of style that doesn’t need adjustments for work or dinner, and that is a massive compliment to a hairstyle. Just be careful not to secure it too tight at the base, rotate the bun and place the base higher and your scalp will thank you.
#24: Half-Up Locs With Ombre That Flows
From an aesthetic point of view, this ombre technique is very effective as it allows the wearer’s hair to visually appear longer by blending the dark shades to the light ones in a more seamless and sophisticated manner, without any harsh lines or abrupt changes in color. The addition of a half up crown braid lends an element of sophistication to an otherwise simple style. The length, in addition to the ombre effect, is very romantic and ethereal and is a vibe that is rarely seen with locs, but definitely should be! The texture of the locs is medium which helps to accentuate the individuality of each loc, something that is part of the beauty of locs. This look is so lovely and while the braided crown will loosen and the color will need touch ups, this style is such a moment when it’s fresh.
#25: Short Defined Locs With Blonde Highlights That Feel Young and Fun
It is nice to see so many neat little locs getting their own definition. The style looks great, and the way highlights have been placed is a bit bright but great job keeping the colors blended with the naturals. My favorite part about short locs is that they will always age well. This is a fresh style and I love the subtle vibe that you’re not too serious about it, which is great. These locs will dry quickly because they are medium density, and because they are short you won’t have to spend too long styling them in the morning. They will require a bit of upkeep to keep them looking intentional and stylish, but it doesn’t get much easier than this.
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