30 Best Dreadlocks Styles for Men: Different Types of Dreads

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Dreadlocks hairstyles for men are not just timeless; they are a bold statement of style and personality. Renowned for their uniqueness and intricate beauty, dreadlocks are favored by both men and women and remain highly popular today.

If you’re considering adopting this distinctive look or simply exploring different dreadlock styles for a fresh appearance, our guide offers a diverse selection of options tailored to meet your needs. Discover how to embrace and rock dreadlocks with confidence!

1. Classic Dreadlocks

The easiest to pull off when you have dreadlocks? Simple, tried and true, classic dreadlocks hairstyle. You don’t have to do much work to achieve this look. Simply let your luscious locks hang free and you’ll look amazing.

Classic Dreadlock styles for men
@gregoryhunte1 / Instagram

2. Twist Dreadlocks

Twists are a different type of dread style. Dreadlocks are ropes of hair while twists are two strands of dreads twisted together. While both styles are roped, you can opt for twists if you’re wanting dreadlocks with a more unique look. 

Twist Dreadlock styles for men
@napster_ncs / Instagram

3. Low Ponytail Dreadlocks

All you need is a hair tie to pull off a low ponytail with dreadlocks, a great option to keep the hair out of your face, while still being low maintenance. Depending on the length and heft of your dreadlocks, make sure you find a strong hair elastic. 

Dreadlock Styles for Men
@mr.erickcedeno / Instagram

4. Braided Dreadlocks

Braided dreadlocks are not unlike cornrows, however, cornrows are achieved by gathering small parts of the hair at the scalp and creating a braid; dreadlocks are thicker (or thinner) dreaded hair braided together. This look can be created all over the head or braided only on the scalp and transition to classic dreads.

Braided Dreadlock styles for men
@stylezbyjsp / Instagram

5. Short Dreadlocks

Still in the process of growing out your dreadlocks to your desired length? No problem! You can still rock one of the best dread styles for men when your hair is short. 

man with short dreadlocks
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6. Curly Dreadlocks

When it comes to types of dreadlocks for men, keeping your hair curly is a great way to provide a more textured look to the classic style. This technique will look great at any length. 

Dreadlock Styles for Men
@wyldlocs / Instagram

7. Long Dreadlocks

Getting more length on your dreadlocks will take commitment but the payoff is worth it. While growing out your dreads don’t forget regular maintenance is a must for healthy hair. Hair oil works to keep the scalp and hair healthy, and it’s recommended to tie your dreadlocks up at night or try a silk pillow. 

Dreadlock Styles for Men
@wyldlocs / Instagram

8. Criss-Cross Dreadlocks

Similar to basketweave dreadlocks, criss-cross dreadlocks are created by crossing several strands of hair over each other to create a criss-cross look. This look is achievable with classic dreadlocks, and it’s a great way to change up your hairstyle. 

Dreadlock Styles for Men
@_rete_otantik971 / Instagram

9. Dreadlocked Rows

There are various types of rows you can incorporate into your dreadlocks hairstyle. Rows can be twisted or braided into your scalp and be as thin or as wide as you want them, we all know variety is the spice of life. Working with your hairstylist will be the best way to discover a new way of styling your dreadlocks. 

Dreadlocked Rows
@lyndell_44 / Instagram

10. Mohawk with Dreadlocks

Feeling wild and looking for men’s dreadlocks styles outside of the box? Change your dreads style to a mohawk and you’ll never look back. The sides of your head can be shaved completely or worked into a high-fade; just ensure your dreadlocks go down the entirety of your head to maintain a classic mohawk look. 

Mohawk with Dreadlocks
@crazyfooldread / Instagram

11. Basket Weave Dreadlocks

Basketweave dreadlocks work with any length. To have the cleanest outcome, you will want to seek out a hairstylist or have someone you trust weave your locks into this intricate style.

Basket Weave Dreadlocks
@dreadlocksspecialist / Instagram

12. Ombre Dreadlocks

Either dyed completely or ombre (one color slowly fading into another, usually going dark at the roots and light at the tips of the hair), you absolutely can dye your dreadlocks. You’ll need to take extra care of the moisture levels in your hair beforehand, dry or brittle hair is more likely to break when treated with hair dye.

Ombre Dreadlocks
@bakariwilliams_ / Instagram

13. Dreadlocks with Undercut

There is no denying that undercuts are a trendy hairstyle for men, and having dreadlocks with an undercut is no exception. Elevate this look by pulling your dreadlocks into a high bun or half-top knot.

Dreadlock Styles for Men
@koffi.w / Instagram

14. Dreadlocks with Man Bun

It’s difficult to find a hairstyle that doesn’t lend its hand to a man bun, and that includes dreadlocks. Whether you wear it higher on your head or in a low bun, is a clever way to keep your hair away from your face in the gym or spice up your look for a formal event.

Pulled Back Know Dreadlocks
@michaelthomasd / Instagram

15. Chunky Dreadlocks

When your dreads are more mature, you can start encouraging larger dreadlocks, making them ‘chunky.’ There are many ways different styles can be incorporated into this look, especially by creating a mixture of thin and thick dreadlocks. 

Dreadlock Styles for Men
@bamskelly / Instagram

16. Half Up Half Down Dreadlocks

Want to wear your dreadlocks down but need to get some of the hair out of your face? Pull back the desired amount of hair you’d like out of your face and tie it up, a super simple everyday look for men with dreadlocks. You can even use your own dreads to tie your hair back instead of a hair tie. 

Dreadlock Styles for Men
@gregemmanuell / Instagram

17. Top Knot Dreadlocks

Pulling back all of your dreadlocks into a bun or knot at the top of your head is another easily achievable dreadlocks hairstyle. It’s cool, it’s effortless, and it’s comfortable. Perfect for any occasion. 

Top Knot Dreadlock Styles for Men
@alphacamara.c / Instagram

18. High-Ponytail Dreadlocks

When you pull back your dreadlocks, you don’t necessarily have to style it into a bun or knot. Pulling up your dreadlocks into a ponytail is a timeless style. You can pull off this look no matter what length your dreadlocks are.

High Ponytail Dreadlock Styles for Men
@tat_koumb / Instagram

19. Short Knotted Dreadlocks

Dreadlocks can be formed into small, short knots, known as Bantu knots. This hairstyle was originated by the Zulu people in South Africa. These knots signify pride, power, and beauty. The process of creating Bantu knots includes sectioning off a piece of hair, twisting it, and stacking it so it creates a small knot.

Short Knotted Dreadlocks
@nickiss0n / Instagram

20. Half Shaved Hair with Dreadlocks

Indecisive? Like the right side more than the left? Switch up your style and shave one side of your hair. Simple with minimal upkeep, this is a great way to still have length and freshen up your style.

Half Shaved Dreadlock Styles for Men
@davoncarey / Instagram

21. Long Braided Dreadlocks

Braiding your dreadlocks is easiest if you have been growing them out for a while, and it’s one of the easiest ways to refresh your look. If you’re looking to switch it up try braiding some dreadlocks and leaving others normal to create different textures. 

Long Braided Dreadlocks
@dreadlocksspecialist / Instagram

22. Freeform Dreadlocks

About as easy as it can get, for thick, tight curls this can simply be achieved by leaving your hair to grow out. The outcome should leave you with different dreadlocks all over your head.

Freeform Dreadlock Styles for Men
@hella_organic / Instagram

23. Labyrinth Dreadlocks

Labyrinth dreadlocks are similar to traditional ones. They are different in that the dreads are formed a little bit further apart on the scalp. These long, chunky dreadlocks are a great look for those who have been growing out their dreadlocks for a long time. 

Dreadlock Styles for Men
@eyenesta / Instagram

24. Side Swept Dreadlocks

Side-swept dreadlocks are most easily achieved by having one side of the head shaved. If you’re not looking to commit to shaving half your hair off draping your dreadlocks to the side will work as well.

Side Swept Dreadlocks
@dreads_ua / Instagram

25. Comb Back Dreadlocks

Getting the hair out of your face in many situations is priority number one. If your dreadlocks are long enough to pull back you’re good to go, if not try a hairband. 

Comb Back Dreadlocks
@ashthedarkskin / Instagram

26. Dreadlocks with Pigtails

If you’re looking to separate yourself from the pack a simple ponytail or man bun isn’t going to do the trick. The next frontier will be pigtails, double the fun. 

Dreadlocks with Pigtails
@locks_by_coppet / Instagram

27. Cornrows and Dreadlocks

A classic style, cornrows are a great option for men with dreadlocks. While you can go for a more traditional look with cornrows, they also give you lots of room to experiment with. 

Cornrows and Dreadlocks
@braidsbyjackie / Instagram

28. Dreadlocks with Taper Fade

The fade is a great way to add some personality to your dreadlocks. You may need to sacrifice a bit of your hair around your temples but the final result will be worth it. 

Dreadlocks with Taper Fade
@king.fletcher / Instagram

29.  Dreadlocks for Medium Length Hair

You can make any length of dreadlocks work for you, keeping them around shoulder length allows you to have the versatility to put your hair up or leave it down without being too weighed down. Medium, long, or whatever you can think of you’ll find the best option for you. 

Dreadlocks for Medium Length Hair
@christianugo / Instagram

30. Spiky Short Dreadlocks

Maybe you’re just beginning your dreadlocks journey or looking to keep it simple. Either way keeping your dreadlocks short will always look stylish.

Spiky Short Dreadlocks
@crazyfooldread / Instagram

Dreadlock Styles for Men FAQ:

How to style dreadlocks

You can achieve dreadlocks the natural way by letting your hair lock-up on its own. You can also create dreadlocks by twisting strands of hair around each other. Dreadlocks look great styled up in a ponytail, a bun, or even just down hanging past your shoulders. 

How long does it take to get dreadlocks?

It depends on your hair texture. Growing out your dreadlocks could take anywhere from 10 months to two years. Synthetic dreadlock extensions are also an option if you want dreadlocks quickly. These can last up to three years. 

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