There is no need to be in a style rut when wearing dreadlocks, because there are many different dreadlock hairstyles for black women. Dreadlocks are considered one of the natural black hair styles that can be styled in virtually any way that is achieved by wearing box braids. Dreadlocks that are thinner are easier to style than thick dreadlocks because they can be maneuvered more easily.
Short Dreadlock Hairstyles for Black Women
Shorter dreadlocks or dreadlocks that are maturing are the most challenging to style, primarily because the wearer may be just getting accustomed to styling dreadlocks. It is also challenging to style shorter dreadlocks because it is a little more difficult to grasp the hair and hold the style with shorter dreadlocks. The benefits of having shorter dreadlocks is that it doesn't take the hair as long to dry, either air drying, with a blow dryer, or under a hooded dryer. Curls also tend to last longer in shorter dreadlocks than in longer dreadlocks.
Bantu knots are a good easygoing style for shorter dreadlocks. There are several different techniques to create bantu knots, such as:
- Take about four or five dreadlocks (depending on the thickness) and twist them together.
- Fold the dreadlocks down as though folding them in half into a downward loop.
- Coil the free ends around the dreadlocked loop.
- Tuck the ends of the hair down into the knot.
An even simpler bantu knot style for shorter locks can be achieved by taking about three or four dreadlocks and wrapping two dreadlocks around the base (bottom) of the dreadlocks to get a tiny dreadlocks pixie ponytail. Just tuck the ends of the hair that is wrapped around the dreadlock into the band created by the dreadlocks.
Styles for Medium Length Dreadlocks
Medium length dreadlocks that reach to your neck or just barely brush the shoulder have a huge range of styles that can be achieved. It's fun to add texture to dreadlocks by braiding or twisting them.
Zigzag Crinkles
Here's how to make zigzag crinkles in mid-length dreadlocks:
- Wash and condition the hair as usual.
- Tightly braid the hair into single plaits while it is still wet. The hair must be wet for the crinkle to hold.
- Dry the hair by letting it air dry or dry it under a hooded dryer. It can take hours for the hair to dry using either method, depending on the thickness of the hair.
- When the hair is completely dry, deep down into the dreadlock, unravel the braids to reveal the crinkles.
Flat Twist Style
Flat twists are a versatile style for dreadlocks and can look great with medium-length dreadlocks. Here's how to flat twist:
- Take one or two dreadlocks at the front or side of the hair and twist them together.
- Twist the dreadlocks towards the back of the hair, picking up an extra dreadlock on the side as you go.
- Twist the hair about halfway to the back of the head and secure the flat twist with a rubber band. Choose black rubber bands that will not snag or break hair.
Hair that is medium length can also be curled on flexible rods or hair curlers (use the skeleton of the old-fashioned sponge curlers) for curls. It is even possible to curl hair using pipe cleaners! Use your imagination to find a styling method that works for you.
Styles for Long Dreadlocks
Longer dreadlocks can be versatile as well. Longer dreadlocks are challenging to style because the hair is heaver and it is a little more difficult to keep the hair in an updo. The positive is that the hair can be used to secure itself in some instances. Longer dreadlocks, waist length or below, may cause tension on the neck when the hair is worn up, high up on the crown. Choose updo styles that lift the hair up to the nape of the neck or a little bit above. Here is a simple dreadlock style that can be transformed into an updo or worn down.
- Flat twist or braid the hair into cornrows about halfway to the back of the head.
- Secure the ends with rubber bands.
- Wrap loose dreadlocks around the hair to form a dreadlock ponytail.
- Tuck the loose ends into the base of the ponytail.
- The ends of the hair can be crimpled or curled (by braiding the hair or setting the hair on curlers).
Whether you have short, medium, or long hair, there are ample dreadlock hairstyles for black women to choose from. Have fun experimenting to find your style and don't dread styling dreadlocks!.
