There’s no way you’ll look good without a hairstyle that elevates your appearance.
You might wear nice clothes and shoes and accessorize with jewelry, but you won’t look better if your hairstyle doesn’t support your appearance.
One such trendy hairdo that will leave you drop-dead gorgeous is distressed locs.
It’s a nice twist of faux locs that gives you a textured, more natural look. People from all corners of the world are wearing the style, which is rocking the airwaves like never before.
So, if you’re searching for a way to rock it, read this guide for the cutest distressed locs hairstyle ideas.
What Are Distressed Locs?
Distressed locs are faux locs with lots of volume, dimension, and textures used to achieve a more natural hairdo.
They aren’t super straight but a bit shaggy, making them look more like real dreadlocks.
What Kind of Hair Is Used for Distressed Locs?
The type of hair used matters a lot when achieving gorgeous distressed locs.
Though there are many options, the most preferred include afro kinky, water wave, passion twist, crotchet faux locs, and human hair blend.
What Is the Difference Between Butterfly and Distressed Locs?
The main difference between butterfly and distressed locs is the signature curly looks present in the butterfly locs.
The look is a combination of passion twist and goddess locs. The distressed look is textured with or without the curls.
What’s the Difference Between Distressed Locs and Faux Locs?
Distressed locs are textured and more natural-looking. On the other hand, faux locs are smooth with no texture.
Someone would mistake distressed locs for actual ones but can easily tell the faux types apart.
Do Distressed Locs Damage Hair?
If done well, distressed locs won’t damage your hair as it’s one of the protective hairstyles.
However, if the braiding is done tightly or too much hair is attached to single-braided natural hair, it can lead to hair fall.
The style can also hurt your scalp and hair roots if worn longer. So, refresh or remove the locs after at most 6 weeks.
Use the services of a hairstylist when removing to avoid hair breakages.
How Many Packs of Hair Do You Need for Distressed Locs?
The number of pack of hair you’ll need for your locs vary depending on the style you choose.
For instance, if you opt for medium distressed butterfly locs, you’ll need 6-8 packs of 22-28 water wave hair.
But, many people achieve the look with as few as 4 packs.
How Many Months Do Distressed Locs Last?
Taking good care of your distressed locs’ll last you for 2-3 months.
But you’ll have to wash them occasionally, moisturize regularly and cover them with a silk bonnet when sleeping to serve you longer.
Also, apply anti-itch scalp oil to avoid a scratchy scalp.
How Much Do Distressed Locs Cost?
Every stylist has their pricing based on their expertise and location.
However, expect to pay around $300 for shoulder-length locs and more if you opt for longer ones.
You can significantly cut the cost if you choose DIY. The only cost you’ll incur is braiding hair which costs around $100 or less.
How To Do Distressed Locs
What You Need
- Braiding hair
- Rat tail comb
- Shine N Jam
Step-by-Step Guide
- Section your pre-stretched hair into the desired size.
- Sleek the roots with shine and jam for neat partings
- Braid the parted sections individually
- Loop in the braided hair (the locs)
- Take wrapping hair, unravel them, and wrap the locs in the opposite direction.
- Secure the end of the wrapping using nail glue
- Style as desired
Watch the videos below for a detailed guide:
How To Take Out Distressed Locs
To remove your locs, cut out the ends where you had sealed the wrapping hair and pull them out gradually. Then, hold it and carefully unravel the locs from your hair when it tangles.
Do this until you can pull the wrapping hair from the root without much struggle. If you aren’t confident, use the stylist’s services to avoid damaging your hair.
The video below can help you out.
27 Distressed Locs Hairstyles to Inspire Your Next Look
1. Soft Distressed Locs
You don’t feel the weight of the locs when you wear this style. They’re soft and lightweight yet give you the vibes of the faux locs.
The distressed look is terrific, and you can style it as you wish; big bun or ponytail, or leave them hanging. Whichever you choose, it’ll sit on your face.
2. Short Distressed Locs
Forget the stress of styling the locs by rocking short ones. This style is the best if you have short hair and want a fun and vibrant hairdo that’s easy to handle.
They don’t tangle. You can elevate the look by adding ornament, coloring, and styling differently.
3. Medium Distressed Locs
Are you confused about whether to go for a short or long hairdo? Strike a balance by rocking medium locs.
You enjoy the fabulous look without spending much time in the salon, yet easy to handle like the short ones.
Complete your look by pairing the hairdo with a cute sundress and shades on a cool sunny day.
4. Long Distressed Locs
Long locs are exceptionally fabulous for a princess like you. It’s inspired by superstar Rihanna who created them using Marley’s hair.
They’re somewhat thick yet tension-free to protect your hair roots. Just remember the look takes time and patience, but it’s worth the sacrifice.
5. Butterfly Distressed Locs
This is the best choice if you’re looking for buoyant hairstyles that stay in place and can be worn to official and casual events.
The butterfly locs gives you volume yet are less tight and stiff.
Teenagers love it due to its funky groove, but anyone can rock the hairdo look and feel good.
6. Distressed Indie Locs
There are many options of locs to rock, and indie is among the cute ones which are easy to install.
They give you the best look, and you can have them in your desired length.
7. Distressed Boho Locs
You don’t have to miss the boho look when rocking the distressed locs. Combine the two vibes by going for this style.
The curls incorporated alongside the locs give you a sassy appearance, perfect for special occasions.
Extra Reading – Bohemian Knotless Braids Hairstyle Ideas
8. Lulutress Distressed Locs
The aim of rocking faux locs is to imitate real dreadlocks as much as possible for a more natural look.
Therefore, the choice of synthetic hair matters a lot, and none matches Lulutress braids.
The braids are perfect for distressed locs. It gives you a textured natural-looking finish.
9. Distressed Locs Crochet
Time shouldn’t be an excuse for not rocking the trendy distressed locs since you can achieve the look through crocheting.
All you have to do is to plait your natural hair and crotchet the locs on them.
The style is a quick fix and serves you longer as there’s less strain on hair roots.
10. Distressed Locs on Natural Hair
You don’t have to crochet your locs all the time. Instead, you can have them on your natural hair for a flawless look.
All you need to do is wrap individual locs on plaited single natural hairdo to achieve a gorgeous, protective hairdo.
11. Blonde Distressed Locs
Showcase your daring and bold personality by rocking blonde locs. The distressed style is ideal if you love a messy and playful look.
Go for your desired lengths, rock it as a bun, and become the center of attention whenever and wherever.
12. Brown Distressed Locs
If you’re experimenting with hairstyle colors, brown ones are perfect.
It goes well with various skin tones but looks gorgeous on darker ones like chocolate or bronze.
13. Ombre Distressed Locs
If you want to switch from black locs to other colors, ombre is the perfect transition.
Execute the masterpiece by starting with black roots and finishing the strand with chocolate brown.
However, if brown isn’t your favorite shade, you can transition to other colors, such as blonde, blue, or white.
Whatever the choice, the ombre effect would look good on you.
14. Burgundy Distressed Locs
Tired of black locs? Switch it up by wearing burgundy, the most versatile bright and livelier color.
The hairdo brings out your romantic side and is thus perfect for your upcoming date. But you can wear it to any occasion.
15. Goddess Distressed Locs
Curls and wavy ends never go out of fashion. And you can incorporate it into your locs by rocking the goddess hairdo.
Experiment with different colors, but this light brown is perfect for any skin tone.
16. Half-Up Half-Down Distressed Locs
There are many ways of styling distressed locs, but half-up, half-down is a sure kill.
You’ll get some hair off your face by styling the front ones in a bun and achieve a sassy look by leaving the back ones down.
This is the best styling for short, medium, and long locs.
17. Distressed Locs in a Bun
A simple bun is a perfect way to style your locs to get them out of your face and still look gorgeous.
You can fold all the locs in a big bun or leave some hanging for a sassy appearance.
18. Gypsy Distressed Locs
A free-spirited person sends positive vibes wherever they go. And, if you’re such a person, showcase it by rocking this gypsy hairdo.
It expresses your adventurous and wanderlust side while elevating your overall look.
19. Human Hair Distressed Locs
Achieve a distinctive, more natural look with this style. The use of synthetic human hair blends helps you achieve the look effortlessly.
The result is textured soft locs that would serve you longer.
Just be ready to spend some extra time in the salon.
20. Bob Distressed Locs
If you want easier-to-manage distressed locs, this is the ideal style. You can rock it with short hair and still achieve a fun, outgoing style perfect for casual occasions.
Besides, creating is easier, meaning you’ll spend less time in the salon.
Accessorize with beads and cuffs, side part, and let them hang in the side and watch as you turn heads everywhere you go.
21. Honey Blonde Distressed Locs
Elevate your look by rocking honey blonde locs. The style is perfect for summer as the rays make the color bloom whenever it hits.
It’s also not so shouting, yet people will notice the change and be sure you’ll receive compliments wherever you go.
22. Small Distressed Locs
Create more volume on your fine and flat hair by rocking thin locs. Many sections are created as the natural hair is parted in small sections and locs wrapped on them.
As a result, you enjoy the voluminous look without straining the scalp due to small partings.
23. Distressed Locs in Harley Quinn style
Imitate Harley Quinn hairstyle by styling your locs in pussycats and leaving one on two strands hanging in front.
It showcases your daring and expressive personality while leaving you drop-dead gorgeous.
24. Messy Bun on Distressed Locs
You don’t need a perfect bun to look good with your locs. Instead, style it in a messy bun to add some chaotic element to your hairdo and still turn heads.
It’s a great style for weekends and lazy work days.
25. Bantu Ditressed Locs
Enjoy a stunning traditional look by rocking this hairdo. The Bantu knots will look good on you if styled by an experienced stylist.
It’s perfect for a movie out, and once done, you can undo the knots and rock your hairdo as you wish.
26. Mixed Color Distressed Locs
Why wear one color when you can combine two and still look gorgeous? For example, mix black and blonde and watch people gaze at you in awe.
You can section your hair in the middle, have blonde on one side and black on the other, or mix them up evenly.
27. Cornrows Into Distressed Locs
You can combine cornrows and distressed locs for a head-turning look. Start with cornrows in front and finish with locs, as in the picture.
You can then style it in a bun and leave some strands hanging at the back.
Tips to Maintain Distressed Locs
If you want your distressed locs last longer, here are maintenance tips:
- Occasionally, clean your scalp using dry shampoo
- Apply anti-itch scalp oil regularly to avoid itchiness
- Cover with a silk bonnet or scarf when sleeping to lock in moisture and prevent tangling
- Tame frizzy hair by moisturizing locs and cutting off the tangled ones using scissors
- Control flyaways using mousse to keep your hair always neat
- Use a lint roller to eliminate lint
Turn Heads With Distressed Locs!
Enjoy a more natural look with any of the above distressed locs hairstyles. The hairdo would look great, but you must pick one based on your desired length and texture.
Go for shorter ones if you don’t want the stress of styling every day and longer ones if you don’t mind.
Looking for other locs hairstyles? Checkout: