Dreadlocks, also known as locs, are among the most fashionable hairstyles for men, primarily due to their innovative nature. And as a bonus, they also have cultural value, which makes them even more eye-catching.
If you are just starting your loc journey or wondering how to style your dreads, worry not because there are a multitude of styles available. Locs can be done in freeform, natural styles, or sleek and polished styles for both men and women.
The secret to nailing any loc style is personal confidence and proper maintenance. Here is a comprehensive guide of the most common loc styles for men and why they are appealing.
Classic Dreadlocks
This style is the most favored loc styles for men because it is less difficult to achieve, making the classic dreadlock style one of the most versatile men’s hairstyles. The classic dread style grows locs without major work to give them shape.
It is also true that classic dreadlocks can be of any length, ranging from short to very long. Although traditional dreadlocks do not need to be styled often, they require regular washing, moisturizing, and retwisting to minimize frizz and maintain excellent cleanliness.
The best thing about this hairstyle is that it is original; no two heads of hair with locs can ever look the same. With time, classic dreadlocks gain a distinctive texture that enhances their beauty and style even further.
High-Top Dreads
Men who want to add an edgy touch to their dreadlocks have found contentment with high-top dreads.In this style, dreadlocks are kept on the top of the head while the sides and back are shaved or faded. The sharp, edgy look of high-top dreads makes them simple to clean while still offering an impressive appearance.
Many men prefer high-top dreads because they can be styled in numerous ways. The dreads can be worn loose, pulled back into a ponytail, or braided for a different look. The faded sides also add to the style, as it looks tidy and neat. This hairstyle can be worn to professional and casual events.
Two-Strand Twists Locs
The two-strand twist-loc style is a great hairstyle for men who want to put some more volume on their dreadlocks. This style consists of two locs being twisted together, which gives a thick rope-like appearance.
You can perform two-strand twist locs on both long and short locs, making this technique flexible for anyone on the loc journey. This method’s advantage is that it minimizes frizz and allows the neatness of the hair to last longer.
Leave the curls for two weeks to conceal the dreads, then remove them to reveal well-defined dreadlocks. The approach is ideal for gentlemen who enjoy styling their hair differently without losing their locs. Maintaining the twists requires frequent re-twisting, but overall, this technique adds a creative twist to traditional locs.
Short Starter Locs
For men who are in the early stages of forming dreadlocks, short starter locs are best, as they are the beginning of any loc journey. During this period, you manipulate the hair into small coils, twists, or braids, which will later develop into fully formed locs.
You have to wait while starter locs form and lock into place, but they are an exhilarating stage of the loc journey. The short locs stage is a challenging and exciting part of any loc journey.
An important aspect of starter loc maintenance is keeping them as neat as possible to set up excellent foundations for their development. To protect the locs from unraveling, regular maintenance is necessary, including retwisting, moisturizing, and putting on something to cover them while sleeping.
Dreadlock Ponytail
Another way to style locs is a dreadlock ponytail. This is one of the simplest hairstyles that puts locs in a ponytail on top or back. Men love this style because it keeps hair out of the way and looks neat and put-together.
There are different ways in which one can carry dreadlock ponytails, such as low, high, or sideways. It is perfect for both casual and workplace environments, as it makes one look professional and clean. Soft hair ties are essential in maintaining healthy locs, since these can break or cause tension to the hair.
Read More: Mahogany Hair Color Inspiration
Conclusion
Loc styles for men are incredibly diverse, allowing individuals to express their personality, culture, and creativity through their hair. There are many styles men can choose from, such as classic dreadlocks, high-top dreads, braided locs, and freeform styles. The secret to maintaining stunning locs is ensuring proper hair care, which includes regular washing, moisturizing, and retwisting the hair when necessary.