Dreadlock hairstyles for men have been a thing for a very long time. Worn for centuries in cultures from ancient Egypt and India to the Rastafari movement, the style is most closely associated with men of African descent but is now being worn by men from all races around the world.
There are various ways to wear this look regardless of hair length and hair type. One can achieve multiple looks at once and go from looking like an ordinary guy to an A-list model in town.
Manly Dreadlock Hairstyles
We have handpicked the 49 best dreadlock hairstyles for men so you can choose the best fit for you.
1. Medium Length Messy Dreads
This chin-length dreadlock hairstyle gives bedhead a whole new meaning! It mixes natural, messy hair with thick dreadlocks to create a full body that looks like you just rolled out of bed!
2. Low Dreadlock Ponytail
Many women will agree that long dreadlocks on a man are super hot. Whether you wear them loose and over your shoulders or gathered back in a low ponytail, you’ll be total eye candy to the ladies!
3. Caramel-Tipped Dreadlock Ponytail
For men of color with pure black dreadlocks, a bit of color can go a long way in making your hairstyle unique. Try dip dyeing those dreads in a rusty caramel for a handsome contrast to your black hair and dark skin tone.
4. Undercut Loc Ponytail with Bangs
Tie your dreads at the back if you want to look like an African-American rapper. Spice up the hairstyle by adding an undercut.
When you wear your dreads in a ponytail secured at mid-height, that peek of buzzed hair underneath will be most noticeable and will make your look just a bit edgier.
5. Silver-Accented Dreadlock Updo
Dark dreadlocks are gathered into a high updo, with silver-colored accents on several lengths. A few ends hang loose around the sides.
6. Loosely Tied Half-Up Dreadlocks
How amazing are these extra long dreadlocks? For a low key hairstyle that gets hair away from your face, just grab a few dreads from the sides and wind them around each other, making a very loose men’s “updo.”
7. Spiky Dreadlock Pigtails
The locs are divided into two high pigtails, with the ends left free to fan outward. This keeps the tied shape light and spiky rather than forming two compact buns.
8. Short Layered Dreads
Lots of layers on a short dreadlock hairstyle for men create this flattering shape. This style is ideal for men with thick hair, since you can make a lot of dreads that nicely display thick hair.
9. Dreadlocks with Colorful Wraps
If you’re into color and love a boho or hippie hairstyle, these long thick dreadlocks with colorful hair wraps are for you! Pick your favorite colors – here we see red, yellow, and green bands – and add the wraps in small sections to only a few of the dreads.
10. Dreads with a Bandana Headband
If you’ve already read our article about types of headbands, then you know that a bandana headband can be a great accessory to a short men’s dreadlock hairstyle. This bright blue one looks very handsome with light-colored hair.
11. Blonde Half-Up Dreadlocks
Long blonde dreadlocks are gathered into a half-up style at the back of the head. The lower lengths hang loose down the back.
12. Twisted Dreadlocks
If you want to add more style to your dreadlocks, then try adding in some criss-cross twists to the hair. This would look much better with having a few dyed strands to bring more color and creativity to the style.
13. Mohawk Dreadlocks
Now, this is a very popular dreadlocks hairstyle that goes with any hair type. Quite trendy, this hairstyle adds more definition to the hair. The locs sweep up into a mohawk above closely clipped sides, leaving the longer ends to trail behind the head. To go even bolder with this look, twists can also be added to take this look to a whole new level.
14. Side-Swept Dreadlocks
Long, thick dreadlocks sweep to one side and fall around the shoulders. The uneven distribution gives the style an asymmetric outline.
15. High Rolled Dreadlock Updo
This look can be perfect for special occasions like weddings, fashion shows or even themed photo-shoots. It adds more class to the person and gives a boost to the person’s personality as the hairstyle speaks louder than the attire.
16. Long Jumbo Dreadlocks
Men too love having long hair, and for those who have dreadlocks, this look can do wonders for the person’s overall style. As beautiful as they look, they require high maintenance and care to keep the hair healthy and styled.
17. High Top Undercut Dreads
If there is no extra time to spend on hair care and maintenance, then this look would just be the right one to have. The hair is short and easier to manage keeping the sides undercut and the top hair long. This gives more options to either let the hair stay just the way it is, tie them up or pull them back.
18. Swept-Back Braided Dreadlocks
To have a neater look with the dreads, braiding them tightly would do the job right, as it’s also quite popular in dreadlocks hairstyles. It’s low maintenance and gives the hair a very intricate, yet a graceful look.
19. Messy Dreads with Design
Anyone who absolutely loves looking on fleek every day and wants to look like they’ve stepped out fresh from a barbershop can go for this look. It remains a bohemian men dreadlock style but with a modern twist. It has an undercut with asymmetrical lines with the hair remaining messy on top. So much to have in just one look!
20. Braided Dreadlock Bun with a Line-Up
Nobody does a bun like men do, especially if the hair is in dreadlocks. This is one of the most extraordinary looks, in which the hair is wrapped neatly in a bun aligned with the beard which may turn so many heads. One can just stop right there and admire the perfection happening over the face and head.
21. Half-Up Dreadlock Topknot
If you enjoy your long hair, you can wear your dreadlocks like this. With long dreadlocks, you can experiment with styling them. For example, this top knot half up, half down hairstyle is casual fun. It is an easy way to dress yourself up when you want to.
22. Ponytail Dreadlocks
This dreadlocks hairstyle for men is a great way to have the best of both worlds. The long dreadlock braid lets you keep your length. At the same time, the buzz cut sides add a clean, modern touch. This haircut is fun and will help you stand out in a crowd.
23. Messy Dreadlock Bun
Nothing really fits hand in hand like dreads and updos do. If you have long dreads and want to change it up, this hairstyle is great. The advantage of long dreads is the opportunity to manipulate them into different hairstyles. This messy man bun is a great example. It’s sexy and playful at the same time.
24. Three-Row Braided Dreadlocks
Three raised rows of braided dreadlocks run along the scalp and converge into a long braid at the back. The defined sections give the style a structured outline.
25. Blue Ombre Locs
Blue is one of the colors that stays consistently trendy. Pairing blue with your dreads is a great way to be a part of this trend and have your distinctive individuality. The ombre blue dreads are versatile and hence will go with any skin color. They are funky and edgy, a perfect way to showcase your personality.
26. Side-Swept Dreadlocks with Caramel Ends
If you are someone who likes parting their hair, this hairstyle is apt. You get to keep your long dreads and also part them to make them look sexy. To add a little oomph, you could color the tips honey brown. Together, the hairstyle looks well kept and sexy. You could wear this to all occasions.
27. Pushed Back Short Dreads
This dreadlocks style is funky and subtle at the same time! The appeal of this style totally depends on how you style your clothing with it. You could go all funky and cool with ripped fashion clothing. Or, you could pair it with something more modest for a subtle look.
28. Dreads with Side Bangs
Dreads with side bangs are a great way to hide a broad forehead. You get to look trendy and handsome and at the same time help your face look a little more structured. This dreadlocks hairstyle is fun yet at the same time appealing. You could wear it to a casual setting or for a night out.
29. Short Dreadlock Mohawk
This is an alternative for a Mohawk hairstyle. If you like Mohawks but don’t want one that goes all the way, this one is your pick. It has the faded sides that make it look trendy and the short dreads that make it look edgy. This hairstyle is the perfect balance between old and new.
30. Swept-Back Dreadlocks with an Undercut
Thin dreadlocks sweep back above closely cropped sides, with loose ends adding a wispy finish. The contrast between the longer top and shorter sides gives the style its shape.
31. Long Dreadlock Mohawk
Here’s another alternative for the Mohawk hairstyle. This way, you get to keep your hair length and still have traits of the Mohawk trend. The shaved side adds a clean touch to the otherwise long hair. This haircut can be worn to both, formal and informal occasions.
32. Dreadlocks with a Curved Shaved Line
The dreadlocks sweep across the top above a closely faded side. A curved shaved line adds a defined accent beneath the longer hair.
33. Crisscross Dreadlock Rows
Locs are styled in crisscross rows that sweep backward, with box-shaped sections visible at the scalp. Skin-faded sides emphasize the interlaced pattern.
34. Purple-Tipped Dreadlocks with Beads
If you want to take your dread one step further, adding beads is a great idea. This will make your hairstyle look fun and edgy. These locs complement the purple dip dye and beads perfectly, making the entire hairstyle appealing and sexy. You could wear this hairstyle for festival season and fit right in.
35. Dreadlocks with Geometric Parts
The side-by-side views show loose dreadlocks and a gathered-back arrangement that reveals geometric scalp sections. The defined parting makes the arrangement at the roots easy to see.
36. Three-Row Dreadlock Updo
Instead of having one braid down the center that incorporates your dread, mix it up, and have three. This hairstyle will help you stand out. The low taper fade adds a modern and clean touch to it. You could wear this hairstyle for all occasions.
37. High Dreadlock Ponytail with Straight Sides
The locs on top are gathered into a high ponytail, while the side sections remain loose and straight. Their smooth outline contrasts with the loc ends fanning out behind the head.
38. Long Splayed Dreadlocks
If you like to play around with your hair and prefer opting for unique, out of the box styles, this hairstyle is the best option. It’s not too over the top but at the same time unique enough to make you stand out. This way, you don’t have to worry about styling your dreads.
39. Braided Loc Faux Hawk
This braided faux hawk is right between appealing and chic. By opting for this dreadlocks hairstyle for men, you could look stylish and yet look extremely sexy. This hairstyle looks equally stylish in all types of looks. It is a great way to contain thick hair.
40. Side-Shaved Dreadlocks
If you dig the messy, bedhead look, this one’s your pick! This hairstyle is great for all kinds of hair textures. It is extremely sexy in a messy way. If you wish to sport something rugged and tough, this look is ideal for you!
41. Long Thin Dreads
Thin dreadlocks have an aura and look of their own. If you have thin hair and want to style it, you should go for this dreadlocks style for men. This hairstyle is hot and attractive, and you could style it in different ways as well.
42. Braided Dreadlock Updo with Copper Ends
Braided dreadlocks frame geometric scalp sections and gather into a low arrangement at the back. Copper-colored ends emphasize the folded shape.
43. Side Dreadlock Ponytail
This hairstyle is a new convenient way of tying your hair in a pony. Instead of tying it behind your head, do so in front and make it look like side bangs. This hairstyle is sexy and unique. If you aren’t afraid of those attributes, you should go for it.
44. Spiky Dreadlock Mohawk
Here is a dreadlocks hairstyle for men that incorporates two classic hairstyles: spikes and taper fade. If you are into spikes, this dread version is perfect. The taper fade complements the entire hairstyle. You could wear this hairstyle for anything you please.
45. Two-Tone Twisted Dreadlocks
Dark dreadlocks are twisted in pairs, with blonde sections and ends adding contrast through the lower lengths. The twists fall around the face and reach the shoulders.
46. Long Curly Dreadlocks
If you have long, thick hair, one of the best ways to style it is by embracing it. This long thick curly dreadlock hairstyle is extra and sexy. It might be a challenge to maintain, but it is definitely worth every bit!
47. Blonde Undercut Dreadlocks
If you appreciate blonde dreads, this Mohawk inspired hairstyle is perfect. Paired with an undercut, it is fun yet clean. You could wear this for festival seasons and look amazing.
48. Medium Wavy Dreadlocks
Medium brown dreadlocks fall around the face in loose waves and curls. Their irregular shapes and fuzzy texture create a relaxed, tousled outline.
49. Blue-Tipped High-Top Dreadlocks
This hairstyle has gained a lot of attention. The blue tips and undercut add the perfect amount of fun and edge. The undercut balances the hairstyle out. You could wear this everywhere and look hot, sexy, and trendy.
With all these amazing men dreadlocks hairstyles, one now has a whole lot of variety to play with if they’re willing to go for dreadlocks with a bit more spice in them. Despite the length, texture, or the color of the hair, any style would perfectly do with these modern-day bohemian styled dreadlocks.
