Faux locs are great saviors for women who like volume but whose hair is not strong and thick enough to create impressive hairstyles. While they might take a long time to weave in, the result is truly stunning.
There are several interesting and fairly easy ways to style faux locs. Most of them have to do with braiding. Knowing how to do good cornrows and wielding a latch hook can lead you to create a truly unique hairstyle using faux hair extensions. Real locs might take years to form, while faux locs can be installed in a single session. Which one will you choose?
What Are Faux Locs?
Faux locs are a trendy protective hairstyle that offers the look of dreadlocks without the commitment. They’re similar in appearance and texture to traditional locs but don’t require the same level of upkeep and typically last six to eight weeks, sometimes up to three months depending on the method, before you’ll need to take them down.
This style can use loc extensions crocheted into your natural hair, either in individual braids or cornrows.
How To Install Faux Locs
Installing faux locs can be time-consuming, depending on the number of extensions and overall volume you want to achieve. While individual braids allow the locs more freedom of movement, cornrows don’t require you to wrap your natural hair.
Alternatively, you can save time and achieve a more authentic look by using cornrows at the crown of your head and individual braids along the hairline.
Individual Braid Method
Follow these instructions to install faux locs using the individual braid method:
- Start with clean, well-moisturized hair that is tangle-free.
- Working in 1- or 2-inch sections, use a rat-tail comb to separate your hair. Apply a leave-in conditioner to each strand, then braid from root to end.
- Create a hole in one end of an individual loc.
- Push an open crochet needle through the base of your braid.
- Attach the hole you created in the loc to the hook and close the latch.
- Use the crochet needle to pull the loose end of the loc through the hole.
- Tighten the loc close to your scalp, paying close attention to how comfortable the extension feels. Too much tension along your hairline can make your faux locs look stiff and damage the hair root.
- Working from root to end, unravel the loc and wrap it around the braid. Continue this process for every section of hair.
- Seal the end of the loc by rolling it tightly in the palm of your hand, then burning the end with a lighter or applying a small amount of nail glue.
Watch The Following Tutorial to Learn How to Install Individual Faux Locs
Cornrow Method
Follow these instructions to install fake locs using the cornrow braid method:
- Start with clean, well-moisturized hair that is tangle-free.
- Plait your hair into cornrows.
- Create a hole in one end of an individual loc.
- Push an open crochet needle through one section of the cornrow, close to your scalp.
- Attach the hole you created in the loc to the hook and close the latch.
- Use the crochet needle to pull the loose end of the loc through the hole.
- Tighten the loc against your scalp until it feels secure and comfortable.
- Continue working down the row, leaving space between locs to avoid adding too much weight and volume to your hair.
- Seal the end of the loc by rolling it tightly in the palm of your hand, then burning the end with a lighter or applying a small amount of nail glue.
Popular Faux Locs Hairstyles
Women who try faux locs keep them for a long time. Comfort and maintenance needs depend on how this hairstyle is installed and cared for. The impressive volume the locs provide is worth all the hassle. Black women love the faux locs hairstyle but only if they are attached correctly.
If you are not sure you can install the faux locs yourself, it would be better to ask for professional help. Since locs can stay attached for weeks, a salon visit won’t take a toll on your wallet.
1. Locs with a Raised Side Swoop
The more volume you make, the heavier your hair will be. Consider whether or not you are ready to wear this voluminous mane on your head. Too much heavy hair can lead to headaches and neck problems.
2. Fine Locs with Wavy Ends
Fine locs create a full, textured look. Consider differently colored strands for contrast.
3. High Ponytail
When it comes to faux locs there are countless ways to style them. Consider this look for instance where deep red strands are incorporated among the black ones for a highlighted appeal. Curl the ends before securing the hair in a high ponytail and finish off with chic hair cuffs.
4. Golden Brown Side Bun
African-American ladies who are bored of their black mane can try out light-colored hair extensions for a change. Consider these golden brown locs for a contrasting color. Wrap the strands around with a deep side parting into a jumbo bun at the back behind one ear. Voila!
5. Frosted Tips
Faux-loc extensions can recreate this black-to-blonde ombre look without permanently coloring your own hair. Choose extensions of a medium thickness with the black top transitioning into a platinum blonde tinge at the ends. Curl the tips for a chic finish.
6. Loc Updo with a Headwrap
A headwrap can hold a loc updo while leaving a few strands loose around the face. Clip the caramel strands up at the back with the ends falling over on the face or keep them away with a head bandana sparing one or more locs to accentuate the face.
7. Jumbo Locs with an Undercut
Have a glance at this bold hairstyle to sport an undercut with utmost confidence. Choose the chunkiest locs available and attach them on the top to fall over the clipped sides. Keep in mind the weight these extensions will put on your head before getting them.
8. Textured Locs with Silver Streaks
Make an ordinary style look special by mixing shiny silver strands with the black ones for a dichromatic appeal. Go for as much length as you want and wear the hair loose with a simple center parting. Accessorize with hair cuffs and beads.
9. Messy Updo
Faux locs add considerable volume to any hairstyle. Recreate this look ideal for the summer by going for medium-thickness strands and adding tight curls to the tips. Clip them up at the back to fall on both sides of the head with side-swept bangs framing the face at the front.
10. Long Locs with Blonde Spiral Ends
Black women with natural curly coils can opt for this look. It is better to get the style done by a professional in order to get a perfect mess of curls and dreads. Ask for a hint of blonde on the tips for a highlighted effect. Side-tousle the hair and you are done.
11. Black-and-Blonde Split Loc Bob
Get noticed from a distance with this funky hairstyle featuring locs in two contrasting shades. Add black strands on one side of the head with milky blonde strands on the other side. Wear the hair loose creating the appeal of a two-toned dreaded bob.
12. Jumbo Burgundy Ombre Locs
Don’t commit to a single color when there is the possibility of combining various shades together. Pair an undercut with extra thick strands on the top, featuring a chic black to burgundy gradient, falling over on one side of the face. Short, sassy, and low-maintenance, what more can one ask for?
13. Voluminous Face-Framing Locs
For this full, face-framing look, let the locs fall on either side of the face. If using extensions, discuss the attachment method with a stylist.
14. Half-Up Loc Bun with Gold Cuffs
There are so many accessories to be used with dreadlocks, but the most popular ones are golden cuffs. Enjoy a new style by adding a few cuffs to your mane. They look truly fabulous and suit any style.
15. Silver Locs
The silver color is becoming more and more popular. Dyeing your own hair silver is not a great idea while using silver faux locs is a perfect choice. Make silver highlights or enjoy a full head of silver hair.
16. Long Center-Parted Locs
Neat, long locs frame the face and fall over both shoulders. If you like this length, consider the maintenance time before choosing the style.
17. Center-Parted Black Locs
The neat attachment is often the most important thing when it comes to faux locs. Making it seem as if you have natural dreadlocks is an art not all girls can master. You might want to consider professional assistance.
18. Side-Swept Fine Locs with Wavy Ends
When you attach the locs, you can let your imagination run wild. From buns to braids, and from messy to neat. Do whatever you wish as long as you follow the care routine. Faux locs are great for any hairstyle.
19. Faux Locs with Bangs
One of the rare approaches to dreadlocks is to create bangs. Faux strands are woven in to make short bangs. As your hair grows, the bang gets longer but the overall image doesn’t lose the zest.
20. Center-Parted Locs with Gold Cuffs
If you are not sure what type of faux locs to get and which hairstyle to create, you can always go for the classics. The length of the locs you choose is up to you. The longer they are, the more impressive you’ll look.
21. Golden Loc Top Knot
If you are a fan of amazing updos, you’ll appreciate the room for imagination the locs give you. The buns become even more impressive when you make them using dreadlocks, and even more colorful when you choose blonde locs.
22. Loc Mohawk with Shaved Sides
If you like standing out of the crowd, classic faux locs should be forgotten. Consider shaving or tapering your side and using locs to create the most amazing mohawk crest in the world. It’s up to you!
23. Platinum Loc Updo with a Rolled Front
Dark-skinned girls often look fantastic with light hair. Locs are a wonderful opportunity to see how blonde hair looks as part of your image. Try all shades of blonde by using highlights.
24. Wide Loc Bun with an Undercut
While faux locs can look absolutely mundane and become a good choice for school or office wear, they give you a chance to create something outrageous. This contrast of shaved sides and a huge bun is priceless.
25. Two-Tone Locs with a Side Roll
Using various colors is one of the many advantages of hair extensions. You can apply the colors as creatively as you wish. For example, you can make one side of your head blonde and the other one brown.
26. Crisscross Loc Ponytail
Faux locs might be hard to braid, but there are many ways to keep them out of your face by arranging the hair into a beautiful and fashionable hairstyle. If you have long faux locs, you have plenty of styles to learn.
27. Golden Loc Side Braid
Braiding the locs into modern hairstyles is exactly what you should be doing in order to improve your image. Take a look at this side braid. It’s truly impressive. Add some color and reap the benefits.
28. High Two-Tone Loc Bun
Locs can be turned into various fun hairstyles. If you have a special occasion coming up, you might want to find an experienced hairdresser that can create a real masterpiece on top of your head.
29. Side-Swept Faux Locs with Beads
Accessories in your faux locs hair spice up your entire look. You can attach a few beads and attain a subtle look with the side-swept hairstyle.
30. Magenta Loc Bun with a Side Swoop
Toned hair colors with a bright hue grab all the attention towards your hairstyle. The stunning deep magenta shade gives you a flawless, spectacular look.
31. Multitone Locs with Gold Cuffs
Loc styles can be side swept to achieve an effortless, casual look. It is one of the versatile hairstyles that you can opt for any time of the day.
32. Tall Dark Loc Bun
Faux locs hair can be twisted into any of the statement styles. Twist them around in a bun and gel the rest of your baby hairs back over your head to achieve a sleek finished look.
33. Burgundy Loc Bob with Thread Wraps
Locs are the perfect type of hairdo that can be left open and allowed to speak for itself. Just hang them loosely and side part them while attaching some beads over the other side achieving a spectacular look.
34. Blonde Locs
Style your blonde hair in faux locs style and enjoy your fabulous look. Create a fun-filled look with your faux locs in combination with your blonde hair.
35. Blue and Purple Jumbo Loc Updo
Thick loc-style lengths create a voluminous look. Choose blue and purple tones for a bright effect, and gather the lengths into a high updo.
36. Extra-Long Textured Locs
These extra-long textured locs sweep to one side. If you want to recreate the length with extensions, ask a stylist which installation and care routine suits your hair.
How To Take Down Faux Locs
How you take down faux locs depends on whether they are wrapped around individual braids or attached to cornrows.
Simply clip the sealed end of each loc and unravel your natural hair from the extension. You’ll want to ensure your scalp stays moisturized during this process to avoid frizzing, knots, and tangles.
