Dreadlocks, or simply “dreads,” is a hairstyle that involves matting or braiding hair into long, ropelike strands. This style is often associated with Rastafarian culture but has been adopted by people from a variety of backgrounds.
To achieve dreadlocks, hair is typically washed with residue-free shampoo, then sectioned and twisted or braided. Over time, the hair strands become matted and lock together to form the characteristic dreadlocks. This process can take several months to a year, depending on the hair’s texture and length.
Dreadlocks can be styled in a variety of ways, including updos, ponytails, and half-up styles. They can also be decorated with beads, shells, or other embellishments. However, it’s important to note that dreadlocks require regular maintenance to prevent matting and keep them clean and healthy.
Dreads Hairstyles for Women
Here are 20 popular dread hairstyles along with instructions on how to achieve them:
#1. Classic Dreadlocks:
This style features long, thick dreads that are typically left loose. To achieve this style, wash your hair with residue-free shampoo and let it air dry. Then, section your hair into small pieces and twist or braid each section. Allow the hair to lock and mat over time.
#2. Half Up, Half Down Dreadlocks:
This style features dreads pulled up into a half updo while the rest of the dreads hang loose. To achieve this style, pull the top section of your dreads up into a ponytail or bun and secure it with an elastic or hair tie.
#3. Dreadlocks Updo:
This style features dreads twisted or braided into an updo. To achieve this style, gather your dreads at the top of your head and twist or braid them into a bun or knot. Secure with hair pins or clips.
#4. High Ponytail Dreadlocks:
This style features dreads pulled up into a high ponytail. To achieve this style, gather your dreads at the crown of your head and secure with an elastic or hair tie.
#5. Short Dreadlocks:
This style features shorter, thinner dreads that are typically left loose. To achieve this style, wash your hair with residue-free shampoo and let it air dry. Then, section your hair into small pieces and twist or braid each section. Allow the hair to lock and mat over time.
#6. Fauxhawk Dreadlocks:
This style features dreads pulled up into a fauxhawk style. To achieve this style, section the middle of your hair into a narrow strip and pull the dreads up into a pointed peak.
#7. Side-Swept Dreadlocks:
This style features dreads swept to one side of the head. To achieve this style, part your hair on one side and sweep the dreads to the opposite side.
#8. Colored Dreadlocks:
This style features dreads that have been dyed a bright color. To achieve this style, dye your dreads with a bright hair dye.
#9. Thin Dreadlocks:
This style features thin dreads that are typically left loose. To achieve this style, section your hair into small pieces and twist or braid each section. Allow the hair to lock and mat over time.
#10. Double Bun Dreadlocks:
This style features dreads pulled up into two buns at the top of the head. To achieve this style, divide your dreads into two sections and twist or braid each section into a bun.
#11. Braided Dreadlocks:
This style features dreads that have been braided. To achieve this style, divide your dreads into small sections and braid each section.
#12. Dreadlocks with Bangs:
This style features dreads with a fringe of bangs in the front. To achieve this style, section the front of your hair into a fringe and leave the rest of the dreads loose.
#13. Side Bun Dreadlocks:
This style features dreads twisted or braided into a bun on one side of the head. To achieve this style, gather your dreads to one side of your head and twist or braid them into a bun.
#14. High Bun Dreadlocks:
This style features dreads pulled up into a high bun on top of the head. To achieve this style, gather your dreads at the crown of your head and twist or braid them into a bun.
#15. Dreadlocks with Undercut:
This style features shaved sides and back with dreads on top. To achieve this style, shave the sides and back of your head and leave the dreads on top.
#16. Low Bun Dreadlocks:
This style features dreads twisted or braided into a low bun at the nape of the neck. To achieve this style, gather your dreads at the nape of your neck and twist or braid them into a bun.
#17. Mohawk Dreadlocks:
This style features dreads pulled up into a mohawk style. To achieve this style, section the middle of your hair into a narrow strip and pull the dreads up into a pointed peak. Shave the sides of your head for a more dramatic look.
#18. Twisted Dreadlocks:
This style features dreads twisted into rope-like strands. To achieve this style, twist your dreads into a rope-like strand and secure the ends with a hair tie or elastic.
#19. Dreadlocks with Tapered Sides:
This style features dreads on top with tapered sides. To achieve this style, gradually taper the sides of your hair with clippers or scissors, leaving the dreads on top.
#20. Dreadlocks with Highlights:
This style features dreads that have been highlighted with a lighter color. To achieve this style, dye your dreads with a lighter hair color or add highlights with foil or a highlighting cap.
No matter which dreadlock hairstyle you choose, it’s important to keep your hair clean and well-maintained to prevent matting and breakage. Regular washing, conditioning, and moisturizing can help keep your dreads looking healthy and beautiful.