Don’t be left out from rocking gorgeous and most protective soft locs hairstyles. The hairdo gives you a sexy and carefree bohemian vibe with less tension on your scalp. Besides, it doesn’t take much time to plait. It takes half the time of other faux locs.
But, it can be confusing to choose the best style to rock the hairdo, given so many options. That’s why we’ve written this guide for you.
We’ve answered any questions you may have and explored 23 adorable styles to try in 2023.
Read on and choose the best soft locs hairstyle for your next look!
What Are Soft Locs?
Soft locs are a form of fake locs that look more relaxed and feel soft. The hairstyle can be achieved mainly in two ways. First, you can buy premade locs, braid your natural hair then crotchet onto them.
Secondly, you can use wrapping to crotchet individual locs onto single-braided natural hair. Again, you can have them short or long. Their length varies, with shorter ones at 18 inches and longer ones exceeding 36 inches.
What Is the Best Hair for Soft Locs?
Soft locs are not achieved by using a specific hair. There are various options based on the style you choose. However, the common and most preferred include:
- Premade crochet locs
- Afro kinky for wrapping
- Pure or blend human hair
- Water wave hair for butterfly locs
How Many Months Do Soft Locs Last?
Soft locs will serve you for up to one and a half months. It’s a perfect style to give your natural hair a break from regular blow-dry.
You should remove the locs at 4 weeks or at most after these period lapses. Wearing longer can strain your scalp and result in hair breakages.
What Is the Difference Between Faux Locs and Soft Locs?
Soft locs are simply a softer version of faux locs. They’re both temporary protective hairstyles that imitate dreadlocks. Faux locs is achieved using lighter hair and crochet or wrapping installation techniques.
On the other hand, the soft locs tend to be heavier due to the hair used and commonly installed through the braid-in or crochet technique.
The table below summarizes the basic difference between faux locs and soft locs:
| Features | Faux locs | Soft locs |
| Installation cost | Cheaper; starts at $150 | Pricier; starts at $300 |
| Hair used | Human hair, kanekalon hair, crochet faux locs, Marley hair | Pure or blend human hair, crochet faux loc, passion twist, afro kinky |
| Installation time | Takes long; 5-9+ hours | It takes a shorter time, at most 5 hours |
| Weight | Heavier | Lighter |
| Length | More customizable | Less customizable |
| Duration of wear | Human hair last 3-6 months, with synthetic going for 4-6 weeks | 4-6 weeks |
| Installation technique | Braid-in and crochet technique | Crochet and wrapping techniques |
How Much Do Soft Locs Cost?
Soft locs’ prices differ from place to place and also based on the material and technique used. But it’ll cost you around $100-$300 on average.
Crochet locs are usually cheaper than hand-wrapped locs as they take less time to install.
Can Soft Locs Be Permanent
Soft locs are temporary fake dreadlocks intended to serve you for 4-6 weeks. But, wearing it for long isn’t good as it leads to hair damage.
Besides, your natural hair will grow out, making the hairstyle untidy and messy. And, although you can refresh them to wear longer, removing and doing them afresh results in a better protective look.
How to Do Soft Locs for Beginners
What You Need
- Hair for the locs
- Rat tail comb
- Styling gel
Step-by-Step
- Plait box braids throughout the head
- Use a hook to pull crochet hair through the braid base
- Drag the braid and tie a knot at the end to secure it
- Separate the bundles of soft locs hair packs into smaller pieces
- Use wrapping hair to wrap the locs until the end of the natural hair strands
- Seal the end by tying a knot or with hair glue
- Continue to wrap the extension until you achieve the desired length, and seal the ends accordingly.
The videos below will help you out:
23 Adorable Soft Locs Hairstyles to Try in 2023
1. Soft Locs Hairstyles With Color
Want to break from the common black locs? Switch it up with colorful ones. You can mix black and other shades of your choice or go all in with one color.
Black ombre is also a great pick for any skin tone.
2. Crochet Soft Locs Hairstyles
If you want to rock locs but don’t have much time to spend in the salon, go for this style.
Your natural hair is first plaited and premade locs crocheted onto them. The final look is voluminous yet doesn’t strain your scalp.
3. Long Soft Locs Hairstyles
Long locs give you endless options to style your hair. You can wear half-up, half-down, in a ponytail, or leave them all down.
No matter the style you choose, you’ll surely look gorgeous. Of course, you can opt for different shades, but black matches all outfits.
4. Short Soft Locs Hairstyles
If you want a simple and elegant hairstyle, consider short locs. Many women are rocking this hairstyle as it’s easy to style and can be worn in various ways.
You can choose a style in a bob, as a bun, or leave them hanging.
5. Medium Soft Locs Hairstyles
Don’t you like too short or too long braids? Strike a balance by rocking medium-length locs.
Depending on how long you want your braids, you can braid below the shoulder or the butt.
Style as you wish and be the center of attention wherever you go.
6. Braided Soft Locs Hairstyles
If you want invisible locs, go for this hairstyle. Two locs are twisted together to achieve a gorgeous hairstyle perfect for any occasion.
This is the best style if you want to rock locs, yet it isn’t allowed in your workplace. Everyone would think you’ve twisted braided hair; unless, of course, you tell them!
7. Criss Cross Soft Locs
Criss Cross is one of the trending hairstyles, and you shouldn’t be left behind even with your locs. You can have the pattern with the locs in front and leave the back strands hanging.
The style prevents hair from disturbing your face, and the final gorgeous look is perfect for any occasion.
8. Blonde Soft Locs
Rocking blonde locs is a perfect way to showcase your bold personality wherever you go. You can dye your hair to match the loc color or have it with black roots.
Whichever you choose, the style is elegant for every black girl.
9. Brown Soft Locs
Do you love locs but are tired of the normal black ones?
Change the color by rocking the brown color. It goes well with any skin tone and brightens every face.
Choose your desired length, but go for thicker if long and thinner for small.
10. 18 Inch Soft Locs Hairstyles
18 Inches is perfect if you don’t want the stress of styling long locs.
They’re shorter, and you can braid them small to make them voluminous.
Style in a ponytail and leave some strands on the side for a sassy look.
11. Sof Locs in a Bun
A bun never goes out of style, and you can rock locs this way. But, deviate from the norm by leaving some loc strands hanging in front and on the sides.
Accessorize with a few beads and be ready for your next special occasion.
12. Soft Locs With Curly Ends
Curling the ends of your locs is a perfect way to elevate your look. You can have shorter or longer ones and add curls using hot water.
Then, style half the hair up and leave the other hanging for a chic appearance.
13. Half-Up Half-Down 24″ Distressed Soft Locs
You can rock locs in different lengths, such as these 24-inch distressed ones. The locs reach the shoulder, making it easier to style differently.
However, as in the image below, many prefer styling in a ponytail with some locs hanging.
14. Red Jumbo Soft Locs
Playing with sizes and colors gives you a unique, gorgeous look that is admirable to many.
Try these red jumbo locs and showcase your bold personality while looking good from head to toe.
Jumbo also gives you more volume, yet installing it takes a short time.
15. Bohemian Soft Locs
If you’ve plaited bohemian knotless braids, you know how gorgeous it looks yet feel lighter. Don’t worry if you’ve not because you can rock it as soft locs.
The curly strands wrapped locs result in a wavy look that is admirable to many.
Style your hair in a space bun and go for a brown mix with blonde for an exceptional appearance.
16. Triangular Parted Knotless Soft Locs
Don’t only experiment with color and sizes, but do it also with parting. For instance, go for triangular partings as a stylish way to spice up your locs.
Of course, you can mix colors like blonde and black for the best appearance for any special event.
17. Blue and Black Soft Locs
Who said soft locs hairstyles should be black? You don’t need to focus on one color; spice up your look by mixing popping blue with black locs.
You can concentrate the blue at the back so that a few can pop from the front for an interesting look. You can have them short, medium, or long as you desire.
18. Skinny Knotless Soft Locs
Many are used to large locs, but look at these skinny ones; aren’t they gorgeous? The natural hair is parted into tiny portions, braided and thin locs wrapped.
It results in a lovely voluminous look that doesn’t strain the hair roots. Plus, the hairstyle looks neat longer.
19. Soft Locs With Color Pops
Black locs are amazing, but having some color pop, such as blonde, elevates your appearance. It brightens up your hairstyle and your overall look.
Play around with size and style differently, and watch as people gaze at you in awe.
20. Neon Pink Soft Locs
Take a bold move by rocking these neon pink locs for your next special occasion. The color flatters your complexion and strikes every eye wherever you go.
You can dye your hair to match the braid color for a seamless appearance.
21. Burgundy Soft Locs
Choose this style if you love red but don’t want a bright hairdo. Burgundy is a cool color that brightens every face.
Opt for longer and smaller strands for a voluminous look that can be styled in many ways.
You can even part it in the middle and leave them hanging when not so busy.
22. Cute Soft Locs Hairstyles
Temporary locs are always cute when installed well. But look at these black soft locs with exceptional installation. The appearance is on another level.
No hair strand is left out, and the wrapping right from the roots is done seamlessly for a super cute look.
The secret is using styling gel when plaiting natural hair to make them neat.
23. Multicolored Shoulder Length Butterfly Soft Locs
Customize your soft locs by rocking shoulder-length multicolored ones.
A mix of brown, black, and golden gives you a magical look worth every attention.
Plus, shorter ones won’t stress you when styling them.
Tips to Maintain Soft Locs
Proper maintenance of your locs ensures you wear them elegantly longer.
So, follow these tips to protect your scalp and keep the locs neat for the duration of wear.
- Occasionally wash your hair to keep your scalp clean
- Remove the locs gently, and if you aren’t sure, let the hairstylist help
- Refresh your locs after 2-3 weeks if intending to wear longer
- Cover with a silk bonnet or scarf when sleeping to lock in moisture and protect your locs
Conclusion
You don’t have a reason not to look good on your next occasion.
Try any of the 23 soft loc hairstyles and turn heads wherever you go. Of course, you must choose one based on your desired length and color.
Hoever, no matter the choice, always be willing to spend more on the top hairstylist to achieve the best appearance ever.
Looking for other locs hairstyles? Checkout: