Collage showing 13 different dreadlock styles for Black men, including dyed dreads, twisted styles, and barrel twists.

13 Dreadlock Styles for Black Men

Hey brothers, if you’re thinking about getting dreads, and want a good style. 

This guide’s for you.

Let’s go over 13 dreadlock styles every Black man should try.

Dread Styles for Black Men

Two-Strand Twists

Two-strand twist dreadlocks for Black men featuring medium-length twists with clean parting and defined texture.
Two-strand twist dreads for Black men featuring clean middle parts and medium-length twists for a fresh, defined look.

These are perfect for starting your loc journey and are one of the most popular ways to begin.

You can go with smaller parts for thinner locs or larger ones for a chunkier look.

If you’re looking for something easier to manage, check out this guide on 9+ low-maintenance hairstyles for Black men.

Once you’re done reading, come back here for the rest of the dread styles.

Barrel Twist Dreads

Barrel twist dreads for Black men featuring tight, interwoven twists with clean parting and a fresh taper fade.
Barrel twist dreads styled in a pulled-back look with defined sections and a clean pattern across the scalp.
Close-up of barrel twist dreads with neat parting and symmetrical twist pattern for a clean, protective style.

Before getting this style, keep in mind that barrel twists can hurt and take longer to do than two-strand twists.

They also don’t last as long, so make sure to factor that in before you get them.

If you’re thinking about pairing your new barrel twist style with some tattoos, here are three guides I recommend checking out:

35 Chest Tattoos for Black Men

36 Neck Tattoo Ideas for Black Men

30 Forearm Tattoo Ideas for Black Men

Dyed Dreads

Here’s probably the section most of you came for, the colors.

We’ll go over a few of the most popular options:

Red Dreads:

Red dreadlocks for Black men featuring shoulder-length dyed locs and a faded side profile for a bold, modern look.
Medium-length red dreadlocks on Black men, showcasing warm-toned dyed locs with natural texture and volume.
Bright red dreadlocks on Black men, featuring short curly locs and long straight red dreads with full coverage.
Dark and bright red dreadlocks for Black men, showing freshly twisted and neatly sectioned dyed locs.
Short red two-strand twisted dreadlocks on Black men, showing clean parts and a fresh retwist look.

Ginger Dreads:

Ginger dreadlocks on Black men featuring warm orange tones and medium-length locs styled naturally.
Ginger and orange-toned dreadlocks on Black men, featuring medium-length locs with clean retwists and fade cuts.
Short ginger dreadlocks on Black men with natural texture and volume, styled loosely for a casual look.
Medium-length ginger dreadlocks on Black men with bright copper tones, styled with natural movement and volume.

Honey-Brown Dreads:

Honey-brown dreadlocks on Black men featuring short to medium-length locs with warm brown tones and textured styling.

Blonde Dreads:

Blonde dreadlocks on Black men featuring medium-length locs with light golden tones and clean fade styles.
Long blonde dreadlocks on Black men with full, thick locs and bright platinum-blonde color under natural light.
Short blonde dreadlocks on Black men featuring light golden and sandy tones with medium thickness and defined texture.

Brown/Black Dreads:

Brown and black dreadlocks on Black men featuring two-tone locs with highlighted brown tips and shoulder-length styles.
Brown and black dreadlocks on Black men featuring long two-tone locs with light brown tips and natural black roots.
Brown and black dreadlocks on Black men with medium-length two-tone locs styled in a bun and loose twisted pattern.
Two Black men with brown and black dreadlocks, featuring long two-tone locs with light brown highlights and dark roots.
Black men with brown and black dreadlocks, showing medium-length highlighted locs styled casually with hats and accessories.

Pick any of these colors, but remember, dyeing your dreads is best done before a retwist or before locking up.

If you work in corporate America or want a more toned-down look, check out this corporate haircut guide for Black men.

It covers 10+ professional haircut options you can wear.

Tied-Back Dreads

Two Black men with tied-back dreadlocks, featuring medium-length locs pulled into ponytails and half-up styles for a clean, versatile look.
Two Black men with tied-back dreadlocks, one featuring an updo ponytail with a fade and the other wearing loose tied-back locs for a relaxed style.
Two Black men with short tied-back dreadlocks, featuring semi-freeform and ponytail styles that highlight texture and shape.

These dreads are perfect for styling and give a younger look for Black men between 18–34.

If you’re a little older, check out these 11+ hairstyles for older Black men first.

Then come back here to explore the rest of the styles.

Braided Dreads

Two Black men with neatly braided dreadlocks, showcasing medium-length locs styled in thick, symmetrical braids for a polished and protective look.
Two Black men wearing thick, neatly braided dreadlocks with a middle part, styled for a clean, streetwear-inspired look.

High-Taper Dreads

Two Black men with high taper dreadlock styles featuring sharp fades and tied-up locs for a clean, edgy look.
Two Black men with high taper dreadlock styles featuring clean fades and tied-up locs for a fresh, defined look.

High-tapers are perfect if you want a clean, fresh cut to go with your dreads.

But if you’d rather save on haircuts and keep things simple, a full head of dreads is the way to go.

I cover full-head styles further down.

Drop Fade Dreads

Two Black men with drop fade dreadlock styles featuring low faded sides and detailed loc parting for a sharp, modern look.

Freeform Dreads

Two Black men with freeform dreadlocks featuring natural growth patterns and unmanipulated textures for a raw, organic style.
Freeform dreads on Black men featuring a high-volume look and a natural, unmanipulated style inspired by J. Cole and modern dreadlock trends.
Freeform dread styles for Black men showing natural, unmanipulated locs with medium to long length and loose texture.

Freeform dreads are low maintenance since you just let your hair grow naturally without manipulation.

They’re perfect if you’re trying to hide a receding hairline or thinning areas.

If that’s something you’re dealing with, check out this quick guide on slowing down hair loss in Black men here.

Three-Strand Dreads

Three-strand dread styles for Black men featuring thick, defined twists with clean parting and a polished, protective look.
Three-strand dreadlocks for Black men with thick parts and tight, twisted sections for a clean, detailed finish.

Full-Head Dreads

Full-head dreadlocks for Black men with medium-length locs evenly covering the scalp for a balanced, natural look.
Full-head dreadlocks for Black men featuring medium-length locs with a natural, even layout and soft texture.

If you’re looking to save money, I’d pick this right here. 

You can skip the haircuts, and still look good.

Short Dreads

Short dreadlock styles for Black men with clean, shaped edges and natural curls for a neat everyday look.
Short dread styles for Black men with a clean fade and textured finish, offering a modern and low-maintenance look.
Short dreads for Black men with a natural layered look and front fringe, giving a casual yet stylish appearance.
Short dreadlock styles for Black men with layered bangs and a natural finish, great for a clean everyday look.

Wicks

Wick dreads for Black men featuring thick, long locs with a bold and natural look.
Wick dreads for Black men with thick, freeform-inspired locs, featuring both short and long versions for bold individuality.
Wick dreads for Black men featuring bold, thick locs with unique shapes and creative parting styles.
Wick dreads for Black men showing thick, sculpted locs with creative shapes and bold personality.

Comb Coils

Comb coil starter locs for Black men featuring short, defined coils that are perfect for beginning a dreadlock journey.
Comb coil locs for Black men featuring medium-length twists with clean parts and a neat, defined look.

These are perfect for starting up your locs, similar to two-strand twists.

Dread Maintenance & Aftercare Tips

  • Wash and moisturize regularly to avoid buildup or dryness. 
  • Use light oils like jojoba or coconut, and sleep with a durag or bonnet to protect them. 
  • Don’t over retwist; let your roots breathe so your dreads stay strong.

For more braided looks and cornrow inspiration, see my A$AP Rocky and Travis Scott hairstyle guides.

Dread Hairstyles FAQ

How often should I wash my dreads?

You should wash your dreads every 1–2 weeks depending on your lifestyle.

Use a residue-free shampoo to keep your scalp clean without causing buildup.

How do I keep my dreads from thinning?

Avoid over-retwisting and heavy products.

Keep your scalp moisturized with lightweight oils and give your roots time to breathe between styles.

Can I dye my dreads without damage?

Yes, but prep is key. Make sure your hair is clean and well-moisturized before dyeing.

Always deep-condition afterward to prevent breakage.

How long does it take to start dreads?

It depends on your hair type and method. Two-strand twists or comb coils can lock within a few months, while freeform styles take longer.

2 Comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *