30 beginner short loc styles for women that are simple but stylish

30 beginner short loc styles for women that are simple but stylish

Even though short loc hairstyles for women are not as noticeable as other loc hairstyles, they have many advantages over longer dreads. Short dreadlocks are much easier to maintain and style than long ones. Kemi Lewis, the founder of KL's Naturals, offers insights into diverse styling techniques and effective maintenance tips tailored specifically for short locs/dreadlocks.

short loc styles
Photo: @shalomshatorrica, @ebonymitchell on Facebook (modified by author)
Source: UGC

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Dreadlocks are a hairstyle that has always piqued the interest of others due to their distinct beauty. Even though they have been around for decades, dreadlocks continue to garner a lot of well-deserved attention.

Beginner short loc styles for women

Beginner short dreadlocks styles for ladies range from baby locs to super dreaded yarn and everything in between. Here are some simple but stylish beginner short loc styles for women in 2024.

1. Side-swept braided locs

One of the best and simple beginner short dread hairstyles is this. It exposes your face on one side and is flirtatious but straightforward to create. It's casual until you add decorations, such as fancy pins, to the locks. A more intriguing texture can be made by braiding or twisting smaller twists.

Read also

Knotless braids with curls: 30+ ideas to try on hair of any length

2. Double buns locs

beginner short dread hairstyles
Photo: @lefydreadlocks_art on Instagram (modified by author)
Source: UGC

Start with this double bun hairstyle if this is your first time wearing locs, and you love to explore too wild hairstyles. You can colour them green or purple or combine the two hues for a strikingly different appearance. If you enjoy being bold, this is an excellent option for you.

3. Coloured locs with an updo style

short dreads styles for ladies
Photo: @ebonymitchell on Facebook (modified by author)
Source: UGC

One of the best things about locks is that they look cool and trendy, whether you have natural dreadlocks or faux hawk dreads. In addition, you can add some contrast to your hairstyle by doing an updo.

4. Mohawk style

Mohawks appear cocky and stylish in their variations, and dreadlocks are no exception. Mohawk hairstyles are popular because they provide many styling options for the top while requiring little maintenance on the sides.

5. Thick locs

short loc styles for women
Photo: @hermasterpiecesbeauty on Facebook (modified by author)
Source: UGC

This multipurpose style looks best when executed with care and precision. It should be neat, accurate, and well-groomed. If you have very soft hair, doing thick will help your locs stay intact and undamaged.

Read also

30+ awesome Crazy Hair Day ideas for a fun time at school

6. Sisterlocs

Another trendy and among the most fashionable dreadlocks styles for ladies with short hair are the simple sister locs. They are a little thin and are created without using any hair care products utilizing a proprietary locking procedure. You can choose this permanent style if you want a look that will last for a long time.

7. Sponge method

hairstyles for short locs
Photo: @lefydreadlocks_art on Instagram (modified by author)
Source: UGC

The sponge beginning loc technique is perfect if you have short hair and dislike incredibly defined exact sections. Your loctician will help your hair loc together by gently gliding a hair sponge over the top of your hair in small circular motions. This will give you a softer, less-designed loc appearance.

8. Freeform locs

Freeform locs are classic loc styles for short hair that take on their unique shape and form. Rather than beginning with a deliberate style, this variation of the starter loc develops organically with little twisting or manipulation.

Read also

33 easy black toddler hairstyles that any parent can master

9. Half-up twisted dreads

This dread style's intricate details appear elaborate and cool. The dread hairstyle is a great eye-catcher, thanks to the combination of updo twists and freely hanging dreads.

10. The professional look

styles for short locs
Photo: @ebonymitchell on Facebook (modified by author)
Source: UGC

When you need to fit your hairstyle into a professional environment, pull them into a crown style. Whether you choose a big or medium crown depends on your personal preferences and the style of your dreads. To add a splash of colour to this low-key look, dye your hair a bleach blonde with some beads.

11. Curly dreadlocks

short dreads styles for ladies
Photo: @frankdreadlocs on Facebook (modified by author)
Source: UGC

Working your dreads into curls can give your hair a playful and flirtatious feel. This is one of the most popular short dreads styles for ladies. Hair rollers, setting lotion, braids, and other styling tools can create the curls.

12. Brown dreadlocks

You don't need to worry about your loc styles as much. You can simply style them in a laid-back manner and dye them brown.

Read also

60 interesting short dread styles for men to try out this year

13. Dread bun updo

loc styles for short hair
Photo: @frankdreadlocs on Facebook (modified by author)
Source: UGC

Wearing your dreads neatly pulled up into a tight bun is an elegant style suitable for any occasion. It's also a way for ladies to style their dreads to look office-worthy. It, like any other bun hairstyle, emphasizes your slender neck.

14 Dyed dreadlocks

short dreads styles for ladies
Photo: @frankdreadlocs on Facebook (modified by author)
Source: UGC

Dyed dreads are adorable. Combine your dreads into a neat twist to add an extra look for a stunning effect. This is one of the best short dread styles for women in college.

15. Pineapple dread style

styles for short locs
Photo: @frankdreadlocs on Facebook (modified by author)
Source: UGC

Apart from their edginess, dreadlocks are also known for their versatility. There are numerous ways to style your locs and a pineapple hairstyle is stylish and sophisticated.

16. Thin locs

short dread styles for women
Photo: @frankdreadlocs on Facebook (modified by author)
Source: UGC

If you're a woman who doesn't mind standing out in a crowd, thin locs are the way to go. The style is quite challenging to achieve and requires a lot of upkeep. However, it is well worth it because you will be showered with compliments.

Read also

Long Fulani tribal braids: 30 beautiful styles to try out

17. Messy short dreadlocks

Allow your dreads to grow out naturally unkempt with little to no style help if you want authentic aboriginal vibes.

18. Urban dreads

Choose urban dreads to express your admiration for the powerful beat of the megacity. They appear carefree and effortless, yet up close, you can see how intricate this hairstyle is.

19. Yarn dreads

short loc styles for women
Photo: @tene'shairbraiding on Facebook (modified by author)
Source: UGC

Using yarn to wrap your hair has the same effect as using wool. Synthetic yarn, available in different textures like silk, provides all the advantages of natural yarn without any drawbacks, making it an excellent alternative for people sensitive to wool.

20. Boxed faux locks

short dread styles for women
Photo: @naijahairstyle, @mwizukanji on Facebook (modified by author)
Source: UGC

You may achieve the perfect streetwear look using artificial dreads. Your natural hair will be braided and wrapped in lovely, natural-looking locks. These replicas will provide you with all those advantages without any effort, whether they are fashioned from synthetic or natural hair crochet threads.

Read also

Latest abaya styles for ladies in Nigeria: find the design for you

21. Dreadlock Bantu knots

dreadlocks styles for ladies with short hair
Photo: @Kreations on Facebook (modified by author)
Source: UGC

Bantu knots with dread are one of the women's most attractive hairstyles for short locs. The best part about the look is that it is simple to section and secure with rubber bands.

22. Two-strand twists

styles for short locs
Photo: @stylesbylisasalons on Facebook (modified by author)
Source: UGC

Two-strand twists are an excellent choice for an easy-to-maintain dreadlock style. It is one of the most basic beginner short dreadlocks styles for women. Another great feature of the style is that it is less likely to fall overnight after the first wash.

23. Baby locs

Baby locs are the most basic beginner style for anyone who wants long locs. With ease and finesse, you can style your baby locs to match your swag.

24. Comb coils

short dread styles for women
Photo: @locsandwaters on Instagram (modified by author)
Source: UGC

You can achieve this look by simply spinning small sections of your hair with the teeth of a rattail comb. To keep this look, moisturize frequently and wear a headscarf at night.

Read also

40 ideas for knotless braid hairstyles to wear and be trendy in 2024

25. Simple bun

Female styles for short locs look amazing when rolled up into a chic and elegant dreadlock bun that can be worn to a formal dinner, wedding, or any other black tie event.

26. Dreadlock bangs

styles for short locs
Photo: @ebonymitchell on Facebook (modified by author)
Source: UGC

One of the benefits of having extremely short dreadlocks is that you can wear bangs. Bring most of your hair to the front of your head to create bangs.

27. Criss-cross dreadlocks

short loc styles
Photo: @frankdreadlocs on Facebook (modified by author)
Source: UGC

This style will look more feminine if you leave the back section of your hair out. Plus, it gives your hair some much-needed breathing room.

28. Dark black dreadlock

short dreads styles for ladies
Photo: @shalomshatorrica on Facebook (modified by author)
Source: UGC

Short dreadlocks look stunning, especially in their natural dark black colour. This look is formal and stylish, perfect for evening gowns and special occasions.

29. Bob faux locs

short dreads styles for ladies
Photo: @zee_faux_locs on Instagram (modified by author)
Source: UGC

Bob faux locs is a trendy and protective style that can be used as a transition phase to growing out one's current hairstyle. This modern look and technique easily protect one's hair.

Read also

70+ cool braided hairstyles for black women to try in 2024

30. Simple styled

dreadlocks styles for ladies with short hair
Photo: @shalomshatorrica on Facebook (modified by author)
Source: UGC

Anyone starting to grow dreadlocks must go through the difficult phase of starter locs. However, you can rock your locs with ease and finesse at any given time.

Tips from the expert

Kemi Lewis, founder of KL's Naturals, shared in a discussion with Legit.ng that the styling techniques for creating short locs or dreadlocks vary depending on the specific type of locs the client desires. To illustrate, Kemi provided an example:

If micro locs, I would go the route of interlocking so the hair does not easily unravel. For regular sized locs, the comb twist method will probably be my preferred option.

Kemi further said that to ensure the freshness and vitality of short locs or dreadlocks, she recommends the following:

  • Avoid heavy creamy products to prevent build-up and dirt.
  • Keep the hair moisturised with rosewater.
  • Ensure to keep to scheduled retie/re-loc appointments to prevent matting at the roots.

Read also

Rock these amazing short hairstyles for black women in 2019

In her expert opinion, Kemi highlights a three-step approach for those aspiring to maintain this hairstyle:

  • Decide on the preferred type of locs and be committed to maintenance and care.
  • Seek a professional loctician who is skilled in the art and can offer proper guidance.
  • Undergo necessary hair treatment, trimming, and optional colouring before initiating the locs.

With one's natural beauty and aura, short loc styles convey a sense of authenticity, earthiness, and comfort. However, you must be creative if you want fancy dreadlock styles appropriate for your short hair.

READ ALSO: Top 50 best hairstyles for girls with pictures

Legit.ng recently published a list of the top 50 best girls' hairstyles. Every little girl desires beautiful hairstyles that set her apart from her peers. Through African hairstyles, you can make your child's fantasies come true and inspire her to love her ancestors.

Decorate your child's hair with something more creative than the same old hairstyles she wears year after year. Some saloon styles are pricey, but your daughter is worth every penny.

Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Peris Wamangu avatar

Peris Wamangu (Lifestyle writer) Peris Wamangu is a reporter who also has experience working as a content writer for three years. She joined Legit 's team in 2021. Peris graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Nairobi in 2019. She enjoys writing about various topics such as fashion, currency, biographies, entertainment and business. In 2023, Peris finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques. Email: wamanguperis@gmail.com

Mary Ugbodaga avatar

Mary Ugbodaga (Lifestyle Journalist) Mary Ugbodaga is a Legit.ng journalist with 7 years of experience in journalism and media communications. She graduated from Covenant University in 2018 with a Bachelor's degree in Mass Communication/Media Studies. Mary previously worked as a journalist at TheCable, CNBC AFRICA, Voice of Nigeria, KPMG Nigeria. Email: mary.ugbodaga@corp.legit.ng.