Short dread styles for men have roots in many cultures, from ancient India to the Rastafari movement in Jamaica. The word itself was coined by Rastafarians in the 1950s and refers to ‘living in dread of god’. In recent times, dreadlocks have become a representation of a free, natural and bohemian spirit. You can get dreadlocks through the natural or freeform method. They can also be started in a salon through braiding, coiling, or twisting the hair.
Another popular method is backcombing the hair and using dread-wax to hold the dread. Those who have short hair can start dreading their hair once it is around two inches long.
There are fairly simple methods using hair wax that can shape starter dreads in a single session, though locs take months to fully mature. So, let’s look at 26 short dreadlock styles for men.
Men’s Best Short Dreadlock Hairstyles
We have collected here some popular short dread styles for men to rock. Check out below:
1. Dreads with a Bandana
Dreadlocks look stunning on men, and they are so versatile. Even if they’re short, you can still find ways to style them. Get a bandana and place it on the forehead, slightly lifting up the hair and taking it away from your eyes.
2. Block Cut with Dreads
This short dread style for men uses the same cut as the block cut. However, instead of shaping the hair like a box, with all the corners, you’ll be changing the approach for this hairdo. Using your fingers, roll small sections of hair. They have to look like small spikes.
3. Sombre Dreads
Sombre dreads pair a subtle color fade with short locs, and they are quite easy to maintain. Make sure you wash them and add a moisturizer. Also, care for your scalp because you don’t want to get dandruff or flakes on your clothes.
4. Rolled Dreads
Rolled dreadlocks look like the usual dreads and maybe even cuter. Part your hair into small sections and roll each section. This works perfectly if you already have thick curly hair. Each dread will look like a tight ringlet. You can arrange them however you want, on one side, or wear them like curtain bangs.
5. Spiky Coily Afro
When your hair is coarse, there are a few quick ways to style it. Firstly, you need some moisturizer. Take small sections of your hair and just roll the tips using your fingers. Because of your hair’s texture, this hairstyle will resemble dreadlocks.
6. Two-Strand Twists with Short Bangs
Do a bowl cut with shorter bangs than the rest of the trim. For the sides, pick a razored cut or a fade. Section the longer parts and create two-strand twists. Also, opt for a mustache to contour your mouth and long sideburns.
7. Light Brown Locs with Shaved Sides
A bowl cut is a great base for this short dread style for men. Your blonde or brown natural hair color will stand out and so will your dreads. Use the trimming machine for the sides and back and keep a clean, shaved face.
8. Side-Swept Blonde-Tipped Locs
This whole look is so cool and fresh. First, get a haircut with a medium fade on the sides and in the back. The longer remaining top will be transformed into short dreads. If your skin tone is darker, you can brighten the whole look with some blonde.
9. Curtain Dreads
Short dread styles for men can even resemble a bowl cut with curtain bangs. Get the haircut and go further by sectioning the longer top into small parts. Braid these sections or create dreadlocks.
10. Short Dreadlocks with a Fade and Beard
Short dreadlocks with a fade offer a clean yet edgy look. You can choose exactly what kind of a fade you want to pair with your dreadlocks. A tapering fade will not show too much scalp and create a nice smooth look.
11. Zig Zag Braids With Dreadlocs
You can braid your dreadlocks to stand out of the crowd. It creates a gorgeous texture that you can’t help but admire. The dreads can be thin, large or super intricate. Here is a fishtail braid that looks kickass.
12. Swept-Back Locs with a Lineup
These short locs are swept back from a defined hairline. Locs can be thin or thick based on your personal preference, and established locs can be braided to create more texture and depth.
13. Dyed Dreads
Add a pop of color to your head by dyeing your hair before getting dreads done. Colored dreadlocks never go out of style and they are great for changing things up a little. Pick out a color that reflects your personality. Go bold or go home.
14. Tousled Locs with Long Bangs
After looking at so many different styles let’s take a breath and appreciate dreads in their natural glory. Without any undercuts or fading, manbuns or ponytails, free and messy short dreads look absolutely breathtaking. It creates a simple earthy boho look while also making a powerful statement.
15. Crisscrossed Dreadlocks
Even with a short length of dreadlocks, you can have fun with different styles. One such look could be the crisscrossed dreads that are insanely cool but also very neat. You can limit this style to just the top of your head like in the picture. This would create a cleaner look.
16. Beaded Dreadlocks
If you want some Jack Sparrow inspired dreadlocks, then you’ve got to accessorize a little. And don’t worry, short dreadlocks are just fine for your favorite pirate look. Just weave in some beads to jazz up your dreaded hairstyle.
17. Curly Dreadlocks
Tired of looking at dreads on straight hair or curly hair that turn straight after getting dreads done? You can get curly dreadlocks too.
18. Center-Parted Loc Bob
Looking for a simple look that’s still stylish? Part hair in the center before you dreadlock hair to get a symmetrical look.
19. Swept-Back Blonde Locs
A small dark goatee looks great with this men’s dreadlock hairstyle. The locs are thin and swept back, contrasting with the closely cropped sides.
20. Loc Top with a Layered Nape
Not sure if you want to go the full monty with dreads? Try dreadlocks on just the top half of hair, leaving the bottom half short but natural. Give your dreads an asymmetrical style by leaving front pieces longer than the back.
21. Spiked Dreadlocks
Why have a normal mohawk and regular dreads when you can have both? Use product to help your dreadlocks stick straight up and add a high fade for extra detail.
22. Spiked Loc Top with Loose Hair at the Back
Where do we even start with this men’s dreadlock hairstyle? This look shows how you can combine spiked dreadlocks with loose hair in the back and faded sides for a look we’re sure no one else will have!
23. Locs with a Headband
Do you hang out at the basketball court with the guys a lot? Wear your favorite sports headband with thin dreadlocks. No one will mess with you when you’ve got this look!
24. Short Spiky Coils
Many men look for ways to cover up a wide forehead, but there’s no need to worry about that when you’ve got short spiky coils that pull everyone’s attention up!
25. Short Dreadlock Mohawk
Making a mohawk out of dreadlocks puts a whole new spin on the punk style. The style is perfect if you have short hair and faded sides help ensure you don’t have your work cut out for you in the morning!
26. Twin Loc Rows with Silver Cuffs
If you’re a man with black hair, you’ll love how silver hair cuffs accent the thick dreadlocks seen here. As the sharp line up proves, there’s no limit to how far you can go with detail on a men’s dreadlock style!
