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Give your locs a fresh twist with these standout styles
Locs have become a signature look for men aiming for longer hairstyles—and it's easy to see why. They're stylish, flexible, and timeless. When cared for properly, locs can last for years and offer a powerful form of self-expression. From clean and classic to bold and creative, this guide features over 50 different ways to style your locs and keep your look sharp.
How-To Steps
Rope Twist Locs
Rope twists deliver a polished, stylish finish suitable for any occasion. With their tight, smooth texture and laid-back hang, rope twists are perfect for both formal and casual settings. Choose thick twists for a bold, defined look or go with thin twists for a subtle touch. Thin rope twists typically last about two weeks, while thicker ones—often called Senegalese twists—can last from eight up to 16 weeks depending on maintenance.
- Use rope twists to create curls in your locs after removing them.
- Keep your roots moisturized and wear a silk bonnet at night to extend their lifespan.
Classic Locs
Classic locs are a timeless staple that have stood the test of time. Known for their casual yet bold length, they’re a protective style that celebrates culture and individuality. You can style them in endless ways—pull them into a ponytail for a sleek look or stack them in a high bun for a dramatic flair.
- Locs have been traced back to 2500 B.C. and were found on mummified remains in Ancient Egypt.
- Well-maintained locs can last for years. Wash them weekly with a natural, residue-free shampoo and condition thoroughly to keep them strong and healthy.
Barrel Twists
Barrel twists bring volume and texture to your locs. This style involves intertwining your locs to form thick, barrel-like rolls cascading down the back. You can customize the number of barrels based on how full you want the look and how much tension your hair can take. To prevent tangling, remove this style after six weeks, as the twists may begin to loosen and knot.
Braided Locs
Braiding your locs offers a cornrow-like style with added length. Unlike traditional cornrows that sit tight against the scalp, braided locs gather locs from across the head and pull them into defined sections. This allows for a freer flow, giving your locs room to move while maintaining a neat, braided appearance.
Jumbo Loc Braids
Jumbo loc braids bring bold texture and a dimensional feel to your hairstyle. To create this look, part your hair and braid each section into thick, standout loc braids. They look stunning when worn loose but can also be tied into a low ponytail for a weighty, pulled-back effect.
- Keep this style in for two to eight weeks based on how defined you want your individual locs to stay, as they may begin to tangle with new growth.
Basket Weave Locs
Basket weave locs offer a detailed, creative twist to your routine style. They’re formed by looping locs over and under each other in a basket-like pattern. Perfect for mid-length to long locs, this style stands out while keeping your hair secure. For longer locs, try styling them into a basket-woven bun or ponytail to stay cool and polished.
- You can wear basket weave locs as long as you’d like, but a 4–6 week limit is ideal.
- To maintain the style, remove it after a few weeks and get a fresh retwist.
Wick Locs
Wick locs are bold, thick, and full of character. This style is created by crocheting clumps of hair into large, cylindrical locs that stand out. Wick locs tend to be gentler on your hair compared to traditional locs and offer a more natural, textured appearance. Since they’re considered a permanent style and hard to reverse, make sure you’re fully committed before choosing wick locs.
Cornrow Locs
Cornrow locs fuse two iconic styles into one bold look. These locs are grouped into sections and braided toward the back of the head, creating volume and structure. The exposed bases highlight the parting pattern, while the layered locs on top provide contrast. To prevent scalp stress or breakage, it’s best to take them out within two to eight weeks.
Freeform Locs
This unique style allows your hair to naturally form locs over time. To start freeform locs, simply let your hair be—no combs, no manipulation. In about three to five weeks, locs will begin to take shape, and full maturity can take one to two years. Occasionally, locs may merge together; to separate them, gently pull them apart from the root upward.
- Coarser textures usually loc up faster.
- Freeform locs are truly one-of-a-kind since they reflect your individual hair type. For a style that’s uniquely yours, go with the freeform journey.
Freeform Afro Locs
Freeform afro locs blend volume and natural texture for a bold look. This style combines thick locs with an afro base, offering room for personal flair. Try tying them up with a scrunchy or scarf for a pineapple-style updo. Starting afro freeforms is all about letting your hair do its thing. Expect initial loc formation in three to five weeks, with full maturity taking one to two years based on your hair’s texture and care.
- Add a sharp touch with a clean afro fade that blends into your locs.
Chunky Locs
Transform your mature locs into a fuller, chunkier style. If your locs are already long and developed, you can go chunky by letting them grow out without frequent retwists, or ask a loctician to combine them for a thicker look. To maintain neatness, stretch your retwist to six weeks instead of the usual four. When styling chunky locs, avoid tight or tension-heavy styles to protect the health of your roots and strands.
Locs with a fade
Make your hairstyle pop with a bold fade and loc combo. Adding a fade beneath your locs creates a striking contrast between the trimmed sides and the full texture on top. This works especially well with longer locs and puts the spotlight on your fresh fade. For added emphasis, wear your locs up in a high ponytail or bun.
- This look lets you customize the side length and adds serious style versatility.
Locs with an undercut
Let your locs stand out with the clean edges of an undercut. This cut starts at the temples and is buzzed down to the ears, creating a sleek base that enhances the length and fullness of your locs. While it resembles mohawk locs, the longer strands give it its own vibe. For a chill, stylish appearance, wear your locs down with an undercut.
Skytop locs
Skytop locs are all about highlighting the crown of your head. Similar to styles like undercuts or fades, skytop locs involve shaved or closely cropped sides with the locs focused entirely at the top. The sides usually feature a high fade, allowing the locs to sit just above the crown and elongate your silhouette. Let them grow out for a fuller look with fewer layers.
- Style them in a high ponytail to enhance their upward flow and keep the look clean.
Low pony locs
Low pony locs deliver a laid-back yet polished vibe. Pulling your locs into a low ponytail keeps them neat and away from your face, offering a clear view of your features. This simple style also contrasts the top and bottom of your head, adding dimension to your look.
High pony locs
Pull your locs up and out of the way with a high pony. A high ponytail not only keeps your hair from bothering your face, but also creates the illusion of height by drawing attention upward. It’s a great option for both comfort and style.
Mid-length locs
Mid-length locs offer the perfect balance of style and simplicity. They’re long enough for versatile styling—try a high ponytail or a top knot bun to elongate your silhouette. For extra edge, combine them with a sharp fade to keep your look clean and modern.
Short locs
Start your loc journey with confidence. Short locs may not have the length for elaborate styles, but they’re ideal for discovering how your hair takes to locs. They create a bold, textured look without being too heavy.
- Try styling short locs into mini space buns to keep them tidy and playful.
Short locs with a taper
This style is sharp, fresh, and full of character. Short locs paired with a taper create a clean, shaped look that highlights the natural texture of your hair. The taper trims down the sides, giving your hairstyle structure while keeping the focus on your locs. As your locs grow, you can either maintain the taper or switch things up with an undercut.
Pigtail locs
Add a playful twist to your locs with pigtails. Split your locs into two sections and secure each with a rubber band or hair tie on either side of your head. This gives your style a light-hearted, fun vibe. Just keep in mind that wearing pigtails too long might train your hair to grow in that pattern permanently.
Curly locs
Curly locs bring volume and flair to your style. You can achieve curly locs by using rollers or perm rods, wrapping your locs tightly and letting them sit. For heat-free curls, go with two strand twists and unravel them after a few days.
- The longevity of your curls depends on how tightly they’re set—most will hold until your next wash.
Wavy locs
For a softer, less defined curl, try wavy locs. Wavy locs offer a relaxed, yet stylish look that’s both simple and stunning. Achieving this look is easy—just use rollers or perm rods and loosely wrap your locs around them. If you prefer to skip the tools, try creating two-strand twists on wet hair and unravel them after two days for effortless waves.
Viking locs
Channel a fierce, warrior-inspired style with Viking locs. This look features thin to medium locs gathered into a ponytail or braid, offering a bold, tough appearance. Named after the braided hairstyles worn by Celts and Vikings, these locs echo the warrior spirit of those ancient cultures, with their roped texture evoking a sense of strength and resilience.
Spiked locs
Add texture and volume to your locs with a spiked look. This style works particularly well if you're in the early stages of developing your locs and want to skip that “awkward phase.” Pairing an afro with locs that protrude gives this unique spiked effect. To keep the style sharp, make regular visits to your barber and loctician for trims and retwists. Since your locs are probably still in their starter phase, make sure to retwist them every four weeks.
Side-swept locs
Give your locs a chic sideward swoop. Side-swept locs shift the style to one side of your head, leaving the other side exposed. With proper care, this look lasts the typical four to six weeks. Don’t forget to keep one side neatly trimmed for a fresh and sleek finish.
- This style brings back the bold, edgy side bangs that were popular in the 2010s.
Comb coils
If you're beginning your loc journey, comb coils are a great way to start. For those looking to start their locs, comb coils help your hair form evenly as it matures into proper locs. These are perfect for those with short hair wanting to experiment with locs, as they set the foundation for your locs to grow and mature naturally.
Top knot locs
Keep your locs elevated with a top knot. A top knot gathers your locs at the crown of your head, tying them tightly into a high knot. This style creates a sleek and polished look, as your locs are wrapped securely. When styling your locs in a top knot, be cautious not to tie them too tightly to avoid unnecessary tension that could lead to breakage.
Loc knot
For a full, textured appearance, try loc knots. Loc knots involve twisting your loc into a small, rounded knot and securing it with a rubber band. Then, you gather more locs and wrap them together to form a chunky, bubbly knot. For those with longer locs, loc knots give a unique, short-appearing look.
- Customize your loc knots with colorful rubber bands, decorative yarn, or even beads for an extra pop.
Half-up, half-down locs
This style keeps your locs away from your face while still showcasing length. Opting for half-up locs gives you the best of both worlds. You can style the top of your hair while leaving the lower half to flow freely. If you're unsure how to style the top, consider options like Bantu knots, high space buns, or a top knot for a polished finish.
Faux locs
Faux locs offer a quick way to achieve long locs. Faux locs involve attaching synthetic hair extensions to your natural hair, creating the appearance of locs without the long wait. This protective style reduces stress on your natural hair and lasts for about 12 weeks. Faux locs start to look even more natural as time passes, making them ideal if you're looking to skip the waiting phase for mature locs or want longer hair in a flash.
- Add metal hair tubes to your faux locs for an extra touch. You can also style them in a braid or ponytail for a more classic look.
EXPERT TIP
Courtney Foster
Licensed Cosmetologist
Licensed Cosmetologist
Water can help soften your synthetic locs. To soften faux locs, try the hot water method. Mist your hair with warm water and then apply a light oil to the locs for a smoother feel.
Fishtail braid
This timeless style lets you showcase your locs in an elegant yet dynamic manner. The fishtail braid involves weaving your locs from one side to the other, creating a striking braid pattern. You can create multiple fishtails by sectioning your hair.
- Be mindful of the tension when creating this style. If the braid feels too tight, inform your loctician to avoid hair damage.
Space buns
For a futuristic, sci-fi vibe, rock your hair in space buns. To create space buns, twist your locs into two buns on either side of your head, inspired by Princess Leia from Star Wars. For long locs, go for larger buns. If your locs are shorter, opt for spiky space buns for an edgy look.
Locs with a line-up
For a polished and sharp style, pair your locs with a line-up. This combination creates clean, defined edges and enhances the fresh look of a recent retwist. Looking for a way to make your locs stand out? Add a line-up to elevate the sharpness and clarity of your look.
Beaded locs
Inject some color and style into your locs with beads. Whether your locs are short, medium, or long, beads can bring a fresh dynamic to your hairstyle. Large, wooden beads make a bold statement, while small, delicate beads provide a more subtle flair. For a mysterious and chic appearance, try adding a few gold beads.
Wrapped locs
Show off your creativity by adding accessories to your locs. There are endless ways to personalize your locs with fun and unique accessories. Try wrapping a strand of blue yarn around one of your locs for a vibrant color boost. For a bold, yet simple look, wrap red and white yarn around your locs for an effortlessly edgy style. Not into yarn? Metallic or gold hair accessories can add a touch of sparkle and elegance.
- Color your locs without the commitment of dyeing by using colored yarn.
Locs with a blowout fade
For a head-turning look, combine locs with a blowout fade. A blowout fade creates the illusion of hair that’s blowing outward, adding volume and contrast to your locs. This combination provides a sharp, defined appearance that’s both smooth and striking.
- Enhance the blowout fade by tying your locs into a loose ponytail for added focus.
Locs with a front taper
Use a front taper to enhance your hairline. While locs styles typically attract attention to your locs, a front taper ensures a balanced focus between your locs and hairline. By trimming the front taper low, it eliminates the bulkiness that may appear around the hairline as your locs grow out. The result is a sharp, clean contrast that accentuates your edges, giving you a polished, crisp appearance.
Combed back locs
Highlight your forehead and keep your locs out of your face by combing them back. Combed back locs offer an easy change in style. You can tie your combed back locs into a ponytail for a neater look or let them flow freely. A fresh edge up can make your forehead stand out and give your sides a sharp, crisp finish.
Box braids over locs
For a low-maintenance, protective hairstyle, try box braids over locs. Box braids over locs involve sectioning your locs into smooth, even boxes, then braiding them to create a textured look. This adds a fresh layer of style to your locs, making it a perfect choice for those seeking a dynamic, low-effort look.
Marley twists
Marley twists offer a quick way to achieve thick locs. This protective style reduces tension on your scalp while still allowing for a loc-like look. Marley twists involve wrapping two strands of hair around each other, and you can use either natural hair or synthetic extensions. These twists are designed to resemble regular locs and can last up to two months.
- Avoid keeping Marley twists in for more than two months to prevent breakage and tension alopecia.
- Get creative by adding beads or yarn to your Marley twists for extra flair.
Locs with a bandana
Use a bandana to keep your locs away from your face and add a touch of style. A bandana is a great accessory for keeping your locs pulled back and spicing up your look. For a bold, edgy vibe, pair a bandana with a loose outfit and mid-length locs. For a more relaxed vibe, style your bandana as a headband, placing it on your hairline.
Colorful locs
Give your locs a playful touch by dyeing them in multiple colors. You could dye your locs half black and half white for an edgy, alternative look. Try a combination of blue and red for a patriotic flair, or mix multiple hues to express your vibrant and eccentric personality. Keep in mind that over-dyeing your hair can lead to damage and breakage, so limit how often you dye your hair for the healthiest results.
Bleach blonde locs
If you want a striking, fresh appearance, consider going blonde with your locs. Bleaching your locs results in a beautiful golden hue that really grabs attention. Rappers like Young Thug, Lil Uzi Vert, and Playboi Carti have rocked blonde locs during some of their most iconic music eras, with fans attributing their look to the energy of their music. Blonde locs are perfect for anyone looking to exude confidence and a bold vibe.
- Pair blonde locs with white outfits for an even sharper look!
Silver locs
For a sleek and sophisticated style, try silver locs. Silver locs are understated yet attention-grabbing, offering an elegant touch that can complement any outfit. They also have a timeless quality, as they resemble gray hair, giving you a mature, polished look. Silver locs are perfect for a clean, fresh appearance.
Crimson locs
If you’re after a bold, unconventional look, go for crimson locs. Crimson locs are often linked to punk and edgy styles, especially after rapper Playboi Carti flaunted them during the release of his album 'Whole Lotta Red.' Add a fiery touch to your style and make a statement by dyeing your locs crimson.
Ombre locs
Ombre locs are a youthful style that blends light color with your natural locks. To create a striking contrast, dye the tips of your locs in ombre shades. You can opt for a subtle ombre effect by only dyeing the tips or go all in and color your entire set of locs. As your hair grows, the color in your locs will gradually lower.
- It’s best to wait at least six to eight weeks after using another color before applying ombre to avoid damage.
Purple locs
Purple locs capture a sense of vibrancy and youthfulness. These eye-catching locs gained popularity in 2016, especially after rapper Lil Uzi Vert rocked them during his rise to fame. Purple locs can be styled in a variety of ways but are most commonly seen in short to mid-length cuts. Their bold color is sure to draw attention wherever you go.
White locs
For a striking and pure appearance, go for white locs. Achieving white locs requires bleaching your hair. It’s best to seek a professional loctician for this process, but if you want to bleach your hair at home, apply the bleach evenly through each loc. Let it sit for 30 minutes before rinsing with cool water and washing with a clarifying shampoo. Repeat this process until your locs reach a white shade.
- Be cautious when bleaching your locs, as frequent bleaching can lead to damage and breakage.
Short locs with a fade and shaved line
If you desire sharp sides with a textured top, this look is perfect for you. Short locs add texture on top and can act like bangs if you have some length. The fade and shaved line create a playful, edgy vibe. This style is ideal for showcasing your creative and bold side.
- To highlight the fade, pull long locs back into a ponytail that flows downward.
Locs with a man bun
Keep your locs out of your face by styling them into a man bun. The way you wear this style depends on how long your locs are. For shorter locs, create a man bun that lets your locs drape over the back of your head. For longer locs, gather them into a larger bun that sits atop your head.
- To enhance the masculine vibe, pair this look with a beard.
Mohawk locs
The shorter sides let your locs take center stage on top. To create mohawk locs, pair a fade on the sides with long locs on top. Depending on the type of fade, the sides can either blend seamlessly into the locs or fade dramatically into the temple, giving you an edgy, bold look. Style your mohawk locs forward for a striking fringe.
- For a Viking-inspired touch, gather your locs into a braid.
Micro locs
Micro locs offer a precise and refined hairstyle. About the width of a shoelace, micro locs can create hundreds of individual locs. This allows for numerous styling options since the finer texture adds versatility. To achieve micro locs, twist small sections of your hair tightly into similar coils. For a fun, dynamic look, gather your micro locs into four low ponytails. Alternatively, pull them into a tall ponytail to create the illusion of extra height.
Bantu locs
This distinctive, circular style is deeply rooted in cultural history. Bantu knots trace their origins back to the Zulu tribes of Southwestern Africa, with a tradition that spans over a century. To create Bantu locs, divide your hair into sections, then wrap each loc around its base to form a spiral knot. You can either completely wrap your locs to form a large knot or leave them partially wrapped for a stylish half-up, half-down look.
