Loc styles for men are a game-changer, turning a simple hairstyle into a powerful statement of style and identity. From sharp, well-groomed locs to bold, freeform styles, the right look can elevate your presence instantly.
This guide breaks down 15 top loc styles, the best methods to start your loc journey, expert maintenance tips, and quick fixes for common issues.
You’ll also get insider grooming advice, product recommendations, and styling tips to keep your locs looking fresh. If you’re ready to upgrade your look and embrace a signature loc style, this is the ultimate guide you need.
Here are the top 15 loc styles for men that will inspire your next look:
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1. Classic Retwisted Locs
A staple for gentlemen who prefer neat, structured dreadlocks, classic retwisted locs are achieved using a loc gel and palm-rolling technique for a polished finish. This look suits professional settings and pairs well with a tailored suit or business casual attire.
Inspired by Jay-Z and Future, these masculine locs exude timeless sophistication. Best for medium to thick hair, they complement oval and square face shapes. Maintain with residue-free shampoo, retwisting cream, and scalp oil.
This simple loc style for men seamlessly blends into modern and professional aesthetics, making it ideal for daily wear and special occasions alike.
2. Freeform Locs
For men who embrace natural growth, freeform locs require minimal styling and no frequent retwisting. Simply wash, moisturise, and let them lock naturally.
This effortlessly cool and artistic style, worn by J. Cole and Bob Marley, fits laid-back, streetwear vibes with oversized hoodies and distressed jeans. Ideal for coarse or kinky textures, freeform locs work well with long beards for a rugged look.
Maintain with moisturizing oils and scalp treatments. Perfect for casual wear and creative professions, these masculine dreadlocks offer a blend of Rastafarian roots and modern hip-hop aesthetics.
3. High-Top Locs
A trendy, sharp look, high-top locs combine tapered sides with medium-to-long dreadlocks on top. Achieved by crochet or twist-start methods, this style pairs effortlessly with streetwear fits—think puffer jacket and ripped jeans.
Favoured by Playboi Carti and Offset, high-top locs give a bold, edgy aesthetic. Best for thick, dense hair, they enhance angular jawlines and oval face shapes.
Regular moisturizing spray and edge control keep the fade crisp. This look is ideal for fashion-forward men who love a street-style, modern aesthetic.
4. Two-Strand Twist Locs
A stylish yet low-maintenance option, two-strand twist locs involve twisting two dreadlocks together for a thicker, rope-like look. Created with locing butter or gel, they’re perfect for professional and casual settings alike.
Inspired by ASAP Rocky, this style complements beard styles from stubble to long beards. It suits oval and round faces and works best with fine to thick textures.
Pair with a leather jacket and combat boots for an urban edge. Ideal for special occasions and everyday wear, maintain these locs with hydrating oils and silk wraps at night.
5. Barrel Twists Locs
A fresh take on twisted loc styles, barrel twists are achieved by rolling and pinning multiple locs together, creating a thick, coiled design. This structured style is great for formal events and pairs well with button-down shirts and loafers.
Popular among masculine style icons like Snoop Dogg, it’s best for medium to long locs and square face shapes. Keep it neat with retwisting cream and holding spray. Perfect for men who want classic-meets-modern aesthetics, this look is bold, confident, and timeless.
6. Microlocs
For men who prefer a refined, lightweight loc style, microlocs are perfect. Achieved using interlocking or two-strand twists, these thin, uniform dreadlocks create a sleek and versatile look.
Inspired by Damian Marley, they pair well with tailored blazers or fitted T-shirts and jeans. Best for fine to medium hair textures, microlocs suit oval and round faces. Maintain with lightweight scalp oils and daily hydration sprays.
This low-maintenance and professional loc style blends seamlessly with minimalist and urban aesthetics, making it perfect for office settings and everyday wear.
7. Loc Ponytail
A versatile and stylish option, a loc ponytail involves pulling long locs back using a hair tie or loc band. This look is effortless yet bold, inspired by Lil Wayne and Damian Marley. It pairs well with streetwear hoodies, cargo pants, and high-top sneakers.
Best for long, thick locs, it complements angular face shapes. Maintain with moisturizing oils and elastic-free hair ties. This classic yet modern dreadlock style works for both casual hangouts and formal settings, making it a must-have masculine loc style.
8. Undercut Locs
A bold fusion of fades and locs, undercut locs involve tapering or shaving the sides while keeping the top long. Achieved by crochet or retwisting techniques, this edgy, high-contrast look is inspired by Travis Scott.
This loc style for men with fade pairs well with streetwear bomber jackets and ripped denim. Perfect for square and oval faces, it enhances jawlines and works best with thicker loc textures.
Maintain with scalp oils and regular edge-ups. This modern, stylish loc look fits trendsetters and fashion-forward men, making it a staple in hip-hop and urban aesthetics.
9. Loc Bun
A timeless and practical hairstyle, the loc bun is achieved by twisting and wrapping long locs into a top or low bun. Inspired by Lenny Kravitz, this sleek, professional look suits formal outfits like button-downs and dress shoes.
Best for long locs and oval faces, it maintains its structured appeal with loc butter and firm-hold gel. This Loc style for men with long hair is perfect for business meetings and elegant events, making it a versatile, masculine dreadlocks choice.
10. Dyed Locs
For men looking to add colour and personality, dyed locs involve bleaching or tinting locs with hues like blonde, red, or blue. Achieved with hair-safe dyes and conditioning treatments, this look is inspired by Lil Durk and XXXTentacion.
It pairs well with bold outfits like patterned shirts and sneakers. Suitable for medium to thick locs, it enhances any face shape.
Maintain with color-protecting shampoos and deep-conditioning masks. This expressive, artistic loc style fits men who love statement hair and street fashion.
11. Loc Knots
A creative and intricate loc style, loc knots are achieved by twisting locs into tight spirals and securing them with bands or cuffs. Inspired by Busta Rhymes, they pair well with edgy streetwear and graphic tees.
12. Braid Locs
Best for thicker locs, they complement round and square face shapes. Maintain with hydrating mists and strong-hold gel. This bold, artistic dreadlock style is ideal for festivals and high-fashion looks, giving an urban-meets-tribal aesthetic.
A blend of braiding and locs, braid locs involve plaiting three locs together for a woven effect. Achieved using moisturizing gel and light hold cream, this style suits athletic and trendy men. Inspired by Snoop Dogg, it pairs well with sporty tracksuits and sneakers.
This is the best medium-length male loc style that suits all face shapes. Maintain with light scalp oils and silk wraps at night. This stylish and practical dreadlock style is perfect for sports, casual hangouts, and music-inspired aesthetics.
13. Mohawk Locs
A high-impact, edgy loc style, Mohawk locs involves shaving the sides and leaving a strip of locs down the center. Achieved with crochet or freeform techniques, this look is inspired by Lil Uzi Vert and pairs well with leather jackets and combat boots.
Best for thick hair, it complements strong jawlines and oval faces. Maintain with scalp oils and occasional re-shaping. This daring, rebellious loc style fits punk, hip-hop, and streetwear aesthetics, making it perfect for concerts and nightlife.
14. Semi-Freeform Locs
A balance between neat and natural, semi-freeform locs involves minimal retwisting while keeping the roots structured. Inspired by J. Cole, they pair well with bohemian and casual fits. Best for coarse, thick textures, they suit all face shapes.
Maintain with hydrating scalp treatments and light oils. This low-maintenance, masculine dreadlock style blends well with creative and artistic aesthetics, making it perfect for musicians, poets, and free-spirited men.
15. Wick Locs
A bold, thick dreadlock style, wick locs are achieved by combining multiple locs into thick, cylindrical sections using rubber bands or crochet techniques. Inspired by Kodak Black, they pair well with oversized tees and streetwear sneakers.
Best for thick, coarse hair, they suit square and oval face shapes. Maintain with hydrating oils and scalp massages. This modern and rebellious loc style fits men who love statement hair and high-impact aesthetics.
How to Start Locs for Men?
Starting locs is all about choosing the right method that fits your hair type and style preference. Comb coils work best for Type 4 hair, giving you neat, structured starter locs. If you have looser curls, the twist & rip method creates a more natural, textured look.
For long-lasting, low-maintenance locs, interlocking keeps them tight and secure, making them perfect for active men. If you prefer a freeform look, let your hair loc naturally with minimal manipulation.
Keep your scalp clean with sulfate-free shampoos, moisturize with light oils, and use lightweight gels to avoid buildup. Patience is key—your loc journey is just beginning!
Best Maintenance Routine for Loc Styles
Keeping your locs fresh and healthy takes the right routine, and consistency is key! Beginners should wash every 2-3 weeks to prevent unravelling, while mature locs thrive with weekly cleansing using clarifying or moisturizing shampoos.
Hydration is a must—use jojoba, coconut, or castor oil to prevent dryness and itchiness. Retwist every 4-6 weeks based on your loc type, choosing palm rolling for a natural look or interlocking for a longer hold.
At night, protect your locs with a silk bonnet or durag to reduce frizz and swap cotton pillowcases for satin to prevent lint buildup. Stay consistent, and your locs will flourish!
Common Loc Problems & Solutions
Even the best-maintained locs face challenges, but with the right care, you can keep yours healthy and strong. If your locs are thinning or breaking, it’s likely from over-manipulation, dryness, or too much tension—strengthen them with castor oil and avoid tight styles.
Buildup and residue from heavy products or hard water can make locs look dull, so use a clarifying shampoo and an apple cider vinegar rinse to keep them fresh.
If scalp itching or dandruff is an issue, try tea tree oil and regular scalp massages for moisture and circulation. With the right routine, your locs will always look flawless!
Conclusion
Loc styles give you the freedom to express yourself, whether you prefer sleek, structured looks or bold, freeform vibes. The key is finding a style that matches your personality, lifestyle, and grooming routine.
From classic two-strand twists to edgy high-top locs, there’s a style for every man. Personally, I love barrel twists and braided locs—they’re stylish, versatile, and always stand out!
FAQs on Loc Styles for Men
- How long does it take for locs to mature?
Locs typically take 12 to 24 months to fully mature, depending on your hair type and maintenance routine. Tighter textures loc faster, while looser curls take more time.
- Can you undo dreadlocks?
Yes, but it’s time-consuming. Use a conditioner, detangling spray, and a fine-tooth comb to slowly unravel each loc. Older, tighter locs may require cutting for removal.
- What’s the best loc style for beginners?
Comb coils and two-strand twists are great for beginners, offering a defined structure while allowing hair to loc naturally. Freeform locs work for those who prefer low-maintenance styling.
- Do locs damage hair?
No, if properly maintained. Over-twisting, excessive tension, or product buildup can cause thinning and breakage. Keeping your locs moisturized and protected prevents damage and promotes healthy growth.
- How can I make my locs grow faster?
Keep your scalp clean and moisturized, massage with castor or rosemary oil, and avoid excessive retwisting. A healthy diet and proper hydration also encourage stronger, longer locs over time.
