Locs have a life all of their own. From large and imposing to relaxed and casual, there are few hairstyles that take advantage of the special properties of type 4 hair.
Springiness, kinkiness, and durability are some of the benefits of having thick hair. But locs can be elegant and beautiful too. And neck length loc styles for short hair are not only versatile and lovely. You can also mold them to suit your type and preference.
Neck length loc styles for short hair Overview
What are locs hairstyles?
Locs, also known as dreadlocks, is a visually impressive hairstyle. Locs are made by carefully twisting and braiding one’s hair to create rope-like strands of hair.
While locs are already great-looking on their own, these can be further enhanced via different styling methods. Depending on your hair type or the look you want, you can use locs to add volume to fine hair or make thick, strong, and straight braids out of your kinky hair.
Attractive Women’s Neck Length Loc Styles
Big and long locs probably come to mind when you think of the word “dreadlocks.” However, neck length loc styles for short hair can be just as, if not more, effective at making an impression. Well-groomed and short locs are great for more professional environments, while neck-length loc styles for short hair strike a happy medium between a neat look and an elegant and refined appearance.
For women wanting to create neck length loc styles for short hair but have been hesitant to make the plunge, here are some ideas for you to try out on your own.
Bubble Braids
Bubble braids get their name from the multiple scrunchies, plastic bands, bows, lace, or other tightening tools that section off hair, creating various “bubbles” in hair. While bubble braids are chic on their own, coupling this style with locs creates an even more standout look.
This process may sound simple, and indeed it is, but you should be extra careful if you’re planning to do this with your locs. Go softly and gently, and use hairspray before you style your bubble braids – this will make your hair smoother, softer, and less resistant to your styling!
Neck Length Microlocs (Coil Starter)
Many people tend to go for size when it comes to locs. After all, large locs, such as giant lemonade braids, are a sight to behold. Yet the opposite end of the spectrum – microlocs – can be just as stunning, if not more so. Microlocs are one of the most overlooked yet beautiful neck length loc styles for short hair.
With this hairstyle, it’s all in the name. Microlocs are very small locs made by twisting and braiding smaller sections of hair. This leads to an elegant and fashionable look. Microlocs also boast incredible versatility, being easy to match with many different styles of clothing, colors, and social scenarios.
On the plus side, microlocs are also great starter locs for men or women because of how simple they are to make. Most, if not all, microlocs are done via the two-strand twist. As you can imagine, this can also take a very long time. If you don’t have the patience to do the entire micro loc process yourself, you can always seek the help of a stylist.
Medium Length Blonde Braids with Accessories
Accessories and dyes can do wonders for the many neck length loc styles for short hair.
When it comes to dyeing locs, you can go for either just the tips or the whole loc. But whichever way you’re dyeing your locs, be sure to use a dye that’s gentle on your hair. This is true for any dyeing process, but locs can be delicate – so dye with a light touch. If you’re new to dyeing your hair, darker and warm blonde is a safe color to start with
Additionally, neck length loc styles for short hair work best with natural-looking ornaments. Items such as beads, shells, and rings can work wonders when it comes to enhancing your look. Some of these accessories have a more practical purpose; dreads with beads, for example, can be used to straighten and tame mature locs to make maintenance easier.
Neck Length Loose Red Braids
Speaking of dyes, how about some dyed loose neck-length braids? Blonde dye and accessories are great, but red braids are a whole different story when it comes to neck length loc styles for short hair. They also fit right into the color spectrum, as black hair works best with darker, warmer colors.
Red hair works well with many neck length loc styles for short hair, but the loose braid is one of the best styles that go along with this color. Loose braids refer to unplaited ends, which aren’t as secure as other braids. This leads to a more casual, approachable look that still brings that wow factor to the table.
Short Twists and Dreads with Undercut
It’s not just men that benefit from an undercut. Daring women who choose to complement their neck length loc styles for short hair with a shaved side and back will find that this style works to emphasize their short locs, which may be precisely what you’re going for.
Keeping the rest of your hair shaved short naturally draws attention to the centerpiece of your hairstyle, namely, your locs. This style can be further enhanced by dyeing or using accessories, as the contrast between the undercut and your luxurious locs works wholly to your advantage and can give you the oomph factor that you’re looking for.
If you’re going for this short twist style, be sure you’re giving yourself an undercut, not a fade. To that end, you’ll need to use just one guard comb with your clippers to ensure a uniform cut on all sides. If you’re not confident in your ability to maintain a clean, consistent cut all throughout (which is more complicated than it looks!), you can seek the help of a stylist.
Neck Length Boho Braids
Bohemian box braids, also known as boho braids, are one of the best neck length loc styles for short hair for creating the appearance of thick, voluminous hair. You can achieve this look by leaving your neck length braids ends unplaited or creating alternating curly hair. This look also gives off a casual, chic look while being easy to maintain
Despite the apparent looseness of boho braids and their natural beauty, this is one of the more complex neck length loc styles for short hair to pull off. Even if they look loose and free, they require much maintenance and work, and poorly-made boho braids can tangle a lot. Unless you’re an old hand at styling your own hair, I’d strongly advise going to a stylist for this one.
Half Tribal Up Half Down Braids or Locs
While we’re on the topic of contrasts, the right blend between organized and loose makes for one of the most effortless neck length loc styles for short hair. The half tribal, half-down braids style is a great way to blend styles and create a look uniquely you.
If there’s a hairstyle that shines solely through versatility, it’s this one. Combine these with your tight or loose locs and a casual (or even unplaited, if that’s your thing) back, and you’ve got a strong candidate for one of the best neck length loc styles for short hair.
Twist Out Locs – Neck Length
Despite all the neck length loc styles for short hair that use contrast, such undercuts and locs, or the half up and half down hairdo, sometimes simple is best. And when it comes to short locs, few things are as easy as the original twist out.
Twist-outs both look and feel great, but they do require some work. You’ll need to use a careful blend of moisturizing and drying to achieve the “out” of the twist out. There are a lot of online resources that teach you how to do this, though, and the excellent end result is well worth the effort.
Cornrows on Medium Hair Length
Simple cornrows are an excellent way to test out how your hair will look in locs. They’re easy to make, not too demanding on your strands, and look beautiful on their own, making them one of the best neck-length loc styles for short hair.
Because of their simplicity, it’s very easy to expand on the cornrows. Braid your hair as ornately or as simple as you want, and you can even use accessories for some extra punch.
Bob Braids
Combining a bob with some locs results in bob braids, one of the easier neck length loc styles for short hair to make and maintain.
Despite its simplicity, this style offers a lot. Whether you want to go for refined braids to accentuate your neck or highlight the locs themselves via the use of carefully placed accessories, the bob braid can serve almost any purpose you need.
FAQs About Neck Length Loc Styles for Short Hair
How often should I wash my locs?
This depends on how active you are and how oily your hair is. If you find that you sweat a lot or have oily hair, it’s advisable to thoroughly cleanse your locs with a good shampoo for locs once a week. But if your hair doesn’t get that dirty, you can wash it once every 2-3 weeks.
How do I protect my locs when sleeping?
You can wear a scarf, or better, a durag to cover your locs as you sleep.
Why are locs classified as a protective hairstyle?
The less you touch your hair with harsh shampoos or other chemical treatments, the better. Because locs hold their shape for a very long time, chances are you won’t need to wash or detox them very often.
Your Locs, Your Canvas
Now you’ve seen the potential hairstyles that you can rock. All that’s left now is that last bit of courage to take the plunge into the world of neck-length loc styles for short hair. Always remember, though – when it comes to braids and locs, treat your hair gently and listen to what it has to say.
Mel is a licensed Chemist in New Jersey who has worked in several cosmetics companies and has years of experience formulating hair care and beauty products. She uses her knowledge in cosmetics to distinguish and find the best products to recommend to Union Of Barber’s readers. When Mel’s not writing, you can find her walking her dogs or cooking and baking at home!
