Your hair needs more than a quick scarf wrap for the office or a big night out. Most pictures show only one good angle; you need practical options that look sharp from every side. A proper loc updo holds tight all day, keeping stray strands neatly tucked away from your face. Fifteen different loc updo styles give you solid ideas for both a Monday morning meeting and a Saturday evening wedding. Each strong look offers clean lines and durable hold. We picked styles that actually work for real life, not just for a photoshoot. Find a new go-to here.
1. Braided Crown Loc Updo
The two-tone loc updo styles feature thick caramel braids wrapped around a base of dark brown cornrows. Hair stylists create the look by first braiding natural hair into a crown and then adding longer, contrasting locs woven into chunky braids. Hair must be moisturized to keep the style neat and prevent frizz.
2. High Bun Loc Cascade
A high, dark bun of coiled locs sits neatly on the model’s crown. Shorter locs fall freely around her shoulders, framing her face and a cream blazer. A clean part down the middle of the scalp creates a balanced look.
3. Sculpted Loc Coil Updo
A high, coiled loc updo creates an intricate, artistic shape. Dark locs wind together, secured by a long golden hair stick, with delicate face-framing locs falling near her ears. Gold accessories, like small hair beads and earrings, can elevate loc updo styles.
4. Elegant Side Swept Locs
Dark locs sweep up and to the right, creating a neat, rounded shape. Small gold hair rings sparkle within the tightly coiled locs, adding a metallic shine. The polished style is achieved by gathering locs and pinning them securely, allowing shorter locs to frame the face.
5. Regal Loc Chignon
Black locs spiral upward into a grand, neat coil, accented with small golden rings. The loc updo style creates an impressive, formal appearance for special events or professional settings. Hair can achieve this sleek, regal look by carefully pinning locs into a high, sculpted bun.
6. Twisted Loc Halo Updo
A halo of thick, twisted locs frames the model’s head. Soft, curled pieces gently fall around her face, softening the look. The loc updo style suits a formal event or a busy workday; keep your edges sleek.
7. Sophisticated Loc Pin-Up
A high, tightly wrapped brown bun anchors the loc updo styles, showing off neat, dark locs. You can gather your own locs and wrap them around a sturdy base to create a similar polished shape. Secure the ends of your locs tightly with a small elastic band or bobby pins to maintain the smooth, round form.
8. Formal Loc Basket Weave
Dark locs on the woman’s head form a thick, woven basket-weave pattern around her crown, creating a polished, formal look. You can recreate the loc updo by carefully braiding sections of hair and then pinning them neatly into an intricate coiled shape. Avoid loose strands for a clean effect.
9. Intertwined Loc Fishtail
Woven black locs create a large, textured fishtail braid around the crown. Loose, dark brown tendrils frame the face with soft, S-shaped curls. The loc updo offers a polished, professional look; avoid overly tight styling near the hairline.
10. Structured Loc French Roll
Dark brown locs sweep upward from the head and gather into a neat, upward-rolled shape. Tiny golden beads peek out from the structured updo, adding small metallic accents. Strong hairpins keep the locs securely in place for a smooth, all-day hold.
11. Cascading Loc Top Knot
A tall, thick bun of black dreadlocks sits high on the crown, with several long, loose locs framing the face. The updo style creates a polished, professional look for your workday. Keep some front locs free for a soft, face-framing effect.
12. Artful Loc Mohawk Updo
Dark brown locs form a tall mohawk updo, with individual locs coiled into flat, circular buns along the crown. A stylist can secure the loc updo with hairpins to create a sculptural, formal shape. Add a few loose, dark brown locs near the face for softness.
13. Polished Loc Spiral Bun
The high, brown bun of rolled locs sits neatly at the crown, keeping the hairline smooth. The dark updo offers a sleek, professional look for your locs. Tame flyaways with a light holding gel for a clean finish.
14. Classic Loc Beehive
A tall, dark loc updo forms a large beehive shape, piled high on the crown. Smaller locs are pinned into flat, swirling rosettes along the temples, giving the hairstyle a polished finish. Consider adding hair jewelry or a decorative pin for extra sparkle.
15. Modern Loc Pompadour
Dark brown locs curve upward and forward, creating a bold, sculpted pompadour. Deep side parts with clean, thin lines add visual interest to the dark hair. Styling gel keeps the loc updo smooth and firm all day.
My Updo Always Falls Flat: How to Get Lasting Hold for Locs
Many people think a tight pull on their locs makes an updo last. That method actually stretches your loc roots, making them weak. A better strategy involves gentle tension at the base of each loc. You want to gather your locs without pain.
Most folks grab a single elastic hair tie for their whole style. This creates a bulky lump and uneven pressure on the locs. Instead, use multiple small, black elastic bands to secure smaller sections. These tiny bands distribute the weight better.
Some stylists suggest heavy gels for a firm grip on loc updo styles. Heavy gels lead to product buildup and flaking white dust. A light holding spray or a natural wax provides flexible hold without residue. Work the wax into your locs with your fingertips.
You might try to force every stray hair into place. This can make the style look stiff. A few wispy locs around your face add a soft, natural frame. Let the baby hairs around your hairline stay loose.
People often skip the drying step, hoping air will set their locs. Damp locs slip out of place. Use a cool blow dryer setting to dry your roots completely before styling. Dry locs hold their shape much longer.
Styling Short Locs into an Updo? Yes, You Can!
Many people think short locs cannot form a sophisticated updo. Most stylists suggest waiting for more growth. However, a clever hand makes short locs dance. You do not need long strands for a grand shape. Small, firm elastic bands become your best friend.
A common mistake involves trying to gather all locs at once. That method creates a messy, loose bun on shorter hair. Instead, section your locs. Divide the hair into four or six smaller ponytails. Secure each one with a thin, black elastic band. Then, twist each small ponytail into a tiny bun. Pin these mini buns close to your scalp. A gold decorative hairpin can secure two small buns together. These individual coils build height and volume. This technique avoids pulling on fragile roots. A jeweled hair comb adds sparkle to the finished design. Remember, short locs demand precision, not length. You can achieve a stunning loc updo with careful placement.
Which Idea Will You Try First?
That’s 15 different takes on loc updo styles. The best ideas above are usually the smallest moves — one material, one layout shift, one piece of furniture in the right place. Pick whichever room feels closest to your space and start there before tackling the rest.
Found an idea worth keeping? Save this post to your Pinterest board so it’s waiting for you when you’re ready to start your own project.