How long can you keep a loc'd hairstyle in?

"It's safe to keep a loc style for about four to six weeks," Courtney says. "Anything longer than that will run the risk of having the locs start to loc together to create bigger locs —which may not be the desired result."

What are the best hairstyles for starter locs?

"I’d honestly say cornrow locs or loc twists would be the best. While the hair is still loc’ing itself up, it’s best to have it in a secured style to prevent it from unraveling," Fowler says.

What hairstyles are best with more mature locs?

"When locs are more mature, that’s when you have the most freedom to do whatever style you want," Fowler explains. "I love a high ponytail or an updo, typically because more mature locks tend to be very long and you want something that will stay out of your face."

17 Loc'd Hairstyles That Are Jaw-Droppingly Gorgeous

Chloe Bailey and Halle Bailey — Emma McIntyre / Staff/ Getty Images

In This Article

Frequently Asked Questions Fringed Loc'd Space Buns Loc'd Ponytail Blonde Locs Loc'd Bun Multicolored Bob Yellow Bubble Ponytails Beaded Locs Loc'd Pigtails

Wrapped Locs Green Locs Bantu Locs Curly Locs Loc'd High Ponytail with a Twist Mini Fishtail Braid Shaved Sides Elegant Top Bun Loc'd Pompadour

Natural hair is magical. We can curl, coil, straighten, braid, twist, and loc it. Locs have and will always be a beloved hairstyle and journey that people feel called to for many reasons. Like other forms of natural hair, locs are versatile, offering up a wealth of style options. Superstars like Whoopi Goldberg, Lisa Bonet, Erykah Badu, and Chloe and Halle Bailey continue to show how beautiful locs are, on and off the red carpet.

Meet the Expert

Erinn Courtney is a Los Angeles-based StyleSeat hairstylist and loctitian who has worked with clients like Big Sean, Willow Smith, and Storm Reid.
Geneva Fowler is the lead braid stylist at BEAUTYBEEZ.

Check out these 17 loc'd hairstyles that are jaw-droppingly gorgeous and fun.

01 of 17

Fringed Loc'd Space Buns

This fringed space bun look is serving us the ’90s, and we love it. This style can work well for those in the teenage stage and beyond. "This is a great style for starter locs, as they tend to shrink as they mature," loctitian Erinn Courtney says. "Shorter locs make great bangs and are super cute in space buns. "

02 of 17

Loc'd Ponytail

Halle Bailey wears long twisted locs in a high ponytail and subtle radiant makeup — @hallebailey

"The Bailey sisters are my favorite reference for the versatility in loc styles," says Geneva Fowler, the lead braid stylist at BEAUTYBEEZ. "Halle’s loc twist/high ponytail is super elegant and the best part is when she takes it down, it’s going to be wavy. So essentially, two styles in one!"

Byrdie Tip

"This style is best for longer matured locs so that there's enough length to waterfall down from the high ponytails," Courtney says. "Be sure not to pull the ponytails too tight so that the edges aren't compromised."

03 of 17

Blonde Locs

Blonde locs paired with a gold hair accessory make this simple half-up, half-down style pop. "Coloring locs can be tricky because locs are an accumulation of living and dead hair," Courtney says. "This color is best for hair types that are thick and strong. Thin hair strands can get very weak and break when colored a lighter color."

04 of 17

Loc'd Bun

Creating a loc'd top knot can take less than five minutes. However, the technique is important depending on the length of your hair. This tutorial from Be Spiffy Be You is perfect for anyone looking to try a top knot.

Byrdie Tip

Avoid the temptation to re-twist often, as overdoing it can lead to thinning locs and breakage.

05 of 17

Multicolored Bob

Woman with loc'd micro-bob with rainbow ends and fresh makeup look — @astoldbybrittanyd

A bob works well on a variety of hair types, including locs. Here, Brittany takes her cropped locs up a notch with multicolored tips to add her unique perspective to the classic bob. You can recreate this multi-toned moment with a temporary color option like hair paint wax, but if you want a permanent look, bleaching the ends may be required. For that reason, we recommend consulting with your loctician to ensure your locs stay healthy.

06 of 17

Yellow Bubble Ponytails

Woman with long yellow locs in high bubble pigtail hairstyle — @cocodidthat

These bright yellow bubble ponytails are showstoppers. If you look closely, each bubble is created by taking an individual loc and gently securing it down the length of the hair. "Bubble ponytails are great for locs that are small and long," Courtney says. "The smaller the loc is in size, the more it's able to mimic loose hair and can achieve this style. If your locs fall down your back in a high ponytail, this style is definitely doable."

07 of 17

Beaded Locs

Woman with mid-length red-orange locs with beaded ends — @kerajaay

One of the simplest ways to add something new to your hair routine is by adding accessories. In this case, beads are the "something new." These wooden beads are a perfect fit if you're ready to try on some accessories. To secure the beads, skip the rubber bands and go with Goody's Ouchless Polybands.

08 of 17

Loc'd Pigtails

Chloe Bailey wears long, wavy locs in high pigtails with silver thread and face-framing section — @chloebailey

Pigtails aren't just for grade school. To re-create the texture we see here, try an overnight twist or braid-out. Then unravel the twists, create a side part with a face-framing bang section, and secure two ponytails. For added flair, add sliver or gold string or ribbon to accentuate each pigtail.

09 of 17

Wrapped Locs

Janet Jackson's Poetic Justice look is forever iconic and can work with box braids and locs alike. If you're worried about dryness, wrap a silk scarf under the white fabric of your choice. "Wrapped locs will forever be a timeless favorite —just beautiful and elegant," Fowler says. "It's a great way to make your hair look cute while secretly deep conditioning it on the go."

10 of 17

Green Locs

These loc'd space buns have us green with envy. A bright hair color always makes a style stand out. "I love when people play with color with their locs. It’s so fun," Fowler says. "I think it’s important to remind people that locs aren’t a style where you’re stuck looking the same every day. There’s so much freedom to express yourself!"

Byrdie Tip

For temporary color, hair paint wax will help you achieve a colorful look without the permanent commitment or potential hair damage.

11 of 17

Bantu Locs

Woman with locs in bantu knots hairstyle — @lyrette_

Bantu knots are the ultimate protective style and are easy to recreate without much fuss. To keep the hair secure, add bobby pins to the length of the hair. "Bantu knots are great for locs that are thinner, smaller in size, and not so long," Courtney says. "The thicker/longer locs create too much mass for Bantu knots to be comfortable."

12 of 17

Curly Locs

Woman with curly ombre locs in half-up hairstyle with fresh, radiant makeup look — @shaniciaboswell

To add curls to your locs, refresh your style with a product of your choice and roll the ends with perm rods. To dry and set the look, sitting under the dryer or air-drying are both options, depending on your time constraints.

13 of 17

Loc'd High Ponytail with a Twist

Willow Smith wearing a high loc'd ponytail — Rich Fury/Getty Images

Take a cue from Willow Smith and (literally) add a twist to your high ponytail. Not only is it a great way to keep shorter, front locs out of your eyes, but it adds a ton of visual interest to an otherwise standard hairstyle.

14 of 17

Mini Fishtail Braid

Lisa Boney wearing braided locs with a hat — Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images

For those days when you just really can't be bothered to do your hair but you also want to look like you gave an effort, take a cue from Lisa Bonet. Her mini loc'd fishtail braid is proof that sometimes the best things come in small packages—and it's also super easy to do.

15 of 17

Shaved Sides

Kelala wearing locs and a shaved head — Peter White/Getty Images

Shaved sides are definitely a commitment, but one look at Kelala's shaved side with her long loc'd lob has us really thinking about taking the plunge. One thing to keep in mind—if you want the look to stay neat, have your barber on speed dial, or learn how to shave your head yourself.

16 of 17

Elegant Top Bun

If you have super long locs and are looking for inspiration for your next wedding or formal event, allow us to recommend Ava Duvernay's sleek top bun. To take the look to the next level, make sure you slick down your edges with an edge control.

17 of 17

Loc'd Pompadour

One of the main reasons why people are afraid to loc their hair is that they think the style isn't versatile. One look at actress Shanola Hampton's pompadour should but that rumor to rest. This style is one that is perfect for all occasions—formal, a laid-back brunch, or a night out with the girls.

"Locs are very versatile and can be styled in so many different ways such as braids, twists, buns, cornrows, and even curls," says Courtney. "Extensions can be added to locs to make them longer—and locs can even be disguised in box braids."

FAQ

How long can you keep a loc'd hairstyle in?

"It's safe to keep a loc style for about four to six weeks," Courtney says. "Anything longer than that will run the risk of having the locs start to loc together to create bigger locs —which may not be the desired result."
What are the best hairstyles for starter locs?

"I’d honestly say cornrow locs or loc twists would be the best. While the hair is still loc’ing itself up, it’s best to have it in a secured style to prevent it from unraveling," Fowler says.
What hairstyles are best with more mature locs?

"When locs are more mature, that’s when you have the most freedom to do whatever style you want," Fowler explains. "I love a high ponytail or an updo, typically because more mature locks tend to be very long and you want something that will stay out of your face."

17 Loc'd Hairstyles That Are Jaw-Droppingly Gorgeous

Fringed Loc'd Space Buns

Loc'd Ponytail

Blonde Locs

Loc'd Bun

Multicolored Bob

Yellow Bubble Ponytails

Beaded Locs

Loc'd Pigtails

Wrapped Locs

Green Locs

Bantu Locs

Curly Locs

Loc'd High Ponytail with a Twist

Mini Fishtail Braid

Shaved Sides

Elegant Top Bun

Loc'd Pompadour

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