15 Curly Locs Hairstyles to Try

Here’s the thing about curly locs that I don’t think gets said enough—they’re not just a hairstyle, they’re a whole vibe. Whether you’ve had your locs for years or you’re just starting out, there’s something special about that texture.

The curls add softness, movement, and personality that smooth locs just can’t match. But I also know that sometimes you look in the mirror and feel like you’re wearing them the same way every day. You want something fresh, something that shows off your locs in a new light without a ton of effort.

These 15 styles range from protective and practical to dressed-up and gorgeous, all while letting your natural curl pattern shine.

1. The Half-Up Curly Locs Bun

This style pulls the top half of your locs into a bun while letting the rest hang loose and curly. It’s the perfect middle ground between having your hair completely up or completely down.

How to style it:

1. Step 1: Separate your locs into top and bottom sections, from ear to ear across your crown.
2. Step 2: Gather the top section into a high ponytail and twist into a loose bun.
3. Step 3: Secure the bun with a loc pin or small elastic, letting some ends peek out.
4. Step 4: Fluff the bottom locs to show off their curl pattern and arrange a few around your face.

2. The Side-Swept Curly Locs

Sometimes the simplest change makes the biggest difference. Sweeping all your locs to one side creates instant drama and shows off your face beautifully.

How to style it:

1. Step 1: Create a deep side part on whichever side you prefer.
2. Step 2: Gather all your locs and sweep them over the opposite shoulder.
3. Step 3: Use a decorative clip or pin at the temple to hold the side in place if needed.
4. Step 4: Arrange the curls so they cascade naturally and spritz with a light moisturizing spray.

3. The Curly Locs Pineapple

Yes, the pineapple works for locs too. Gathering them high on your head creates volume and keeps them off your neck while showing off those curly ends.

How to style it:

1. Step 1: Flip your head forward and gather all locs at your crown.
2. Step 2: Secure with a soft satin scrunchie—not too tight.
3. Step 3: Let the locs fan out around the scrunchie like a fountain.
4. Step 4: Gently shake your head to settle them and pull out a few face-framing pieces.

4. The Braided Crown with Curly Locs

This romantic style braids locs along your hairline like a crown, leaving the rest to hang freely. It’s perfect for special occasions or whenever you want to feel a little fancy.

How to style it:

1. Step 1: Part your locs horizontally from ear to ear across the back of your head.
2. Step 2: Take locs from the front section and begin a Dutch braid along your hairline.
3. Step 3: Continue braiding, adding locs as you go, until you reach the opposite side.
4. Step 4: Secure the end with a small elastic and tuck it behind your ear, letting remaining locs hang.

5. The Low Curly Locs Ponytail

A low ponytail is classic, elegant, and takes about thirty seconds. The curly texture adds interest that a straight ponytail just doesn’t have.

How to style it:

1. Step 1: Gather all locs at the nape of your neck.
2. Step 2: Secure with a fabric-covered elastic that matches your loc color.
3. Step 3: Wrap one loc around the base to hide the elastic and tuck the end through.
4. Step 4: Gently separate the ponytail locs to show off their curl pattern.

6. The Curly Locs Top Knot

The top knot on locs is effortlessly cool. It’s practical for active days but looks intentional and stylish.

How to style it:

1. Step 1: Gather all locs at your crown into a high ponytail.
2. Step 2: Twist the ponytail and wrap it around itself to form a bun.
3. Step 3: Secure with loc pins or bobby pins, tucking ends underneath.
4. Step 4: Pull gently at the bun to loosen it slightly for a fuller look.

7. The Curly Locs Half-Up Style with Twist

This style twists two small sections from the front and joins them at the back, creating softness around the face while keeping hair out of your eyes.

How to style it:

1. Step 1: Take a small section of locs from each temple.
2. Step 2: Twist each section individually toward the back.
3. Step 3: Join both twists at the back of your head and secure with a pin or small elastic.
4. Step 4: Let the remaining locs hang loose and arrange the front pieces to frame your face.

8. The Curly Locs Space Buns

Space buns on locs are playful, youthful, and incredibly cute. Two buns at the crown give major fun energy.

How to style it:

1. Step 1: Part your locs down the middle from forehead to nape.
2. Step 2: Gather each side into a high ponytail at your crown.
3. Step 3: Twist each ponytail and wrap into a bun, securing with pins.
4. Step 4: Let any shorter locs hang loose around the ears for softness.

9. The Curly Locs Faux Hawk

This edgy style gathers the sides back while leaving volume down the center. It’s bold without being extreme and works for both casual and dressed-up occasions.

How to style it:

1. Step 1: Take the locs from both sides of your head and pin them back toward the center.
2. Step 2: Use bobby pins or loc pins to secure them flat against your head.
3. Step 3: Leave a strip of locs down the center from the forehead to the nape with volume.
4. Step 4: Fluff the center locs for maximum height and texture.

10. The Curly Locs Bun with Face-Framing Pieces

This style pulls most locs into a bun but leaves a few out around the face. It softens the whole look and draws attention to your features.

How to style it:

1. Step 1: Gather all locs except a small section at each temple.
2. Step 2: Secure the gathered locs into a bun at your crown or nape.
3. Step 3: Let the front pieces hang freely around your face.
4. Step 4: Curl the face-framing pieces with your fingers for extra softness.

11. The Curly Locs Headband Style

A headband on locs is an instant outfit. It pulls everything back while adding color and personality to your look.

How to style it:

1. Step 1: Choose a headband that complements your outfit.
2. Step 2: Place it about an inch behind your hairline, pushing it forward slightly.
3. Step 3: Tuck any short locs behind the headband or let them frame your face.
4. Step 4: Arrange the remaining locs to fall naturally over your shoulders.

12. The Curly Locs Bantu Knots

Bantu knots on locs are protective and stylish. Smaller knots can be worn as a style themselves, or taken down later for added curl definition.

How to style it:

1. Step 1: Section your locs into small, even squares.
2. Step 2: Take each section and twist it tightly, then wrap it around itself into a knot.
3. Step 3: Secure the end, tucking it under or using a small pin.
4. Step 4: Repeat all over your head and let them set—wear them as is or take down later.

13. The Curly Locs Slick Back

This style smooths the front edges back while leaving the rest of your locs loose. It’s polished and put-together without losing your texture.

How to style it:

1. Step 1: Apply edge control or gel to the locs around your hairline.
2. Step 2: Brush them back smoothly with a soft bristle brush.
3. Step 3: Use a scarf to wrap the edges for 10 minutes to help them lay flat.
4. Step 4: Remove the scarf and let the remaining locs hang freely.

14. The Curly Locs High Ponytail with Volume

A high ponytail on locs is instantly lifting. Adding volume at the crown makes it even more flattering.

How to style it:

1. Step 1: Gather all locs at your crown, holding them high.
2. Step 2: Secure with a strong elastic, but don’t pull too tight at the front.
3. Step 3: Gently lift the locs at your crown to create volume.
4. Step 4: Let the ponytail cascade down and separate the locs to show curl definition.

15. The Curly Locs Loose and Fluffed

Sometimes the best style is simply letting your locs be themselves. Fluffing them out creates maximum volume and shows off every curl.

How to style it:

1. Step 1: Spritz your locs with a light moisturizing spray or water.
2. Step 2: Shake your head gently and use your fingers to separate locs at the roots.
3. Step 3: Fluff each loc by gently pulling outward to create volume.
4. Step 4: Arrange them to fall naturally and let them air-dry if damp.