When it comes to beauty trends recently, we must talk about dreadlock hairstyles for women. It’s like fresh air in the morning! They can protect your hair while still keeping super cool look. If you decide to spice things up, believe us, we’ve done all the hard work for you. Scrolling down to find the best dreadlock style to try!
5 stages for dreadlock hairstyles for women
Embracing dreadlocks is a journey that unfolds in stages, each with its own unique charm and challenges. Whether you’re starting from scratch or maintaining mature locs, understanding these five key stages will help you navigate the process with confidence. From the initial baby locs to fully matured, well-defined dreads, this evolution reflects not only hair transformation but also personal growth and self-expression. Let’s dive into the five essential stages of dreadlock hairstyles for women and how to care for them at each step.
Starter
Depending on how fast your hair grows and hair type, the starter stage can last from 3 – 6 months. You can choose braids, comb coils, two-strands twists to start your locs. These locs can break off if the section is too small. This stage may be difficult when shampooing because the hair keeps coming. You can do nothing but let them!
Budding
You can maintain the style you choose or change loc sizing in the budding stage. During this phase, you might notice that your hair matte or stick together at the top of the loc after shampooing. However, it’s normal and you have to consistently clean your hair to avoid scalp problems. Budding phase can last from 6 – 12 months.
Teen
In the teen stage, your locs start to define their form. This is the best time to try any hair accessories you think suits, such as headbands, bannada,…You can play around a bit and imagine your future personal style. This stage can last from 12 – 15 months and don’t forget to carefully use hair products.
Mature
When your locs finally firm – it’s mature stage (about 15 – 18 months). During this period, you won’t have to retwist the new growth often because the locs are thick enough to support themself. You’ll be able to enjoy a hair care routine by now.
Rooted
In this final stage, the locs will feel heavier while more slender at the same time. The rooted phase can last from 18 – 21 months. At this point, you’ll be able to trim or just let them grow as usual.
Now you know all about the process of dreadlock hairstyles for women, ready for the best part?
Top 7 dreadlock hairstyles for women
Dreadlocks are more than just a hairstyle—they’re a symbol of individuality, culture, and self-expression. With endless ways to style and personalize them, dreadlocks offer versatility for every occasion, from casual everyday looks to elegant formal styles. Whether you’re new to locs or looking for fresh inspiration, we’ve compiled a list of the top 7 dreadlock hairstyles for women that highlight beauty, creativity, and confidence.
Traditional dreadlocks
The main reason why we all love traditional dreadlock is because it works well on long hair and short hair for women. However, unlike other dreadlocks, with their thickness – about 5 – 14mm per locs, you can do nothing except using Bantu knot to achieve curl. Or just keep it as normal. You decide!
Freeform dreadlocks
Freeform really means the free kind. When you decide to choose this kind of deadlock, you have to prepare for unpredictable development of your locs. It actually isn’t bad thing. At the end of the day, your hair will surprise you. There is a meaning behind that is love the beauty of natural hair in whatever its shape – it belongs to some kind of spiritual side.
Microlocs
Microlocs are favored by many women because of their thin appearance. These small locs may slow down your styling process in the first time but the result is always beautiful and bold. We’re not going to blame you for this late! Besides, you can transform your locs into braids or ponytails.
Sisterlocs
Unlike traditional drealock, sisterlocs usually need smaller section of hair and require special tool when styling start from the end of your hair. That’s why you need a professional to do it (the process is trademark), therefore, the price can’t be cheap. However, sislocs are preferred over others dreadlock hairstyles for women because of versatility: up-dos, curls, even highlights!
Twisted dreadlocks
We can say twisted dreadlocks are one of the best dreadlock hairstyles for women ever! The locs usually are twisted like the ropes and put it aside, giving you an elegant yet chic hairdo. You can even experiment with curls just like Halle Bailey – you’re on the headlight today! Don’t worry if your natural hair can’t do it, hair extensions can get your desire.
Dreadlock Bantu Knots
Dreadlock bantu knots have been worn by African women for many years. “Knot” doesn’t mean something large or big, bantu knot is actually small, coiled bun. To achieve this, just twist from the root toward the end and secure it by hair clip or tuck the ends under your hair to keep the shape. Spray them with fun colors to make it your own!
Dreaded Bangs
We usually see the dreadlock without bangs and take it for granted. It’s because you haven’t seen dreaded bangs! Trust us, when you’re rocking them, no one will be able to look away from your stunning dreadlocks.
Dreadlocks caring tips
The hair care routine should start at the first stage and continue to mature stage, here are some tips for maintaining your dreadlocks:
- Remove build-ups and keep dreadlocks clean by washing hair once every 2 – 4 days.
- Using warm water when shampooing.
- Put the shampoo on dreadlocks and scalp for about 1 – 2 minutes to ensure all dirt and build-ups are removed.
- After washing, squeeze water out of dreadlocks.
- When you feel the locs are loosen, vist professional loctician to retiwst.
- Use a spray-on moisturizer to keep dreadlocks more shiny and healthy.
- Rehydrate your locs and scalp once every 1 – 2 months by using special treatment, such as hot oil treatment.
FAQ
Why do women wear dreadlocks?
Having dreadlocks is the greatest way to keep healthy hair and preserve its natural moisture. Although some people will stay away from this style due to taking a long time to form and grow, with the list of dreadlock hairstyles for women above, you can have your own beautiful dreadlocks from your natural hair. After all, dreadlock is just a gogerous hairstyle and it’s very unique. In the morden world, when women have more freedom to express themself, I can bet dreadlocks will be a hot trend sooner or later.
Which hair is good for dreadlocks?
All types of hair can do dreadlocks but hair texture decides how long it will take. Straight or fine hair might take a long time while loc with curl hair faster. However, in some cases, if your actual hair can’t do the style you want (because of texture or the length, we have lots of reasons), we recommend you use hair extensions. Don’t know which ones suit you? Jenhair can help!
Are dreadlocks fake hair?
You can make the dreadlock from your own hair or use hair extensions to create perfect dreadlock hairstyles for women. There are two popular types: human hair and synthetic hair (this actually is dreadlocks “fake” hair you’re mentioning). To protect your healthy hair, carefully consider brands before buying anything.
How often should I retwist my dreadlocks?
Most people believe that the locs should be retwisted every four to twelve weeks. However, it depends on what stages you’re in, for instance, in the starter stage, the locs can retwist every two or three weeks in the first month or two months. Consult the hairstylist for the exact time! In addition, a general rule is when you don’t see your scalp anymore, it’s time to retwist. However, freeform dreadlocks can’t apply this rule because they weren’t defined at the roots.
Conclusion
If you thought dreadlock were a hairstyle for those with thick natural hair, you might want to rethink. Many kinds of hair extensions can help solve this problem, you can have whatever dreadlock you need. Sometimes, the gap between the best dreadlock hairstyles for women with you is just a click. Contact Jenhair to slay your own!
Read more:
- Top 20 Box Braids Hairstyles for Black Women in 2025
- What is 4C hair? Is 4C hair high maintenance? How to Recognize
- Learn How to Make 5 Stunning Black Hair styles for newbie
- Highlight Styles For Black Hair: Guide To Level Up Natural Beauty
Celebs with Dirty Blonde Hair – A Style Icon Trend
Highlight Styles For Black Hair: Guide To Level Up Natural Beauty
What Is Cognac Color Hair? Finding Your Perfect Hair Shade
