5 Celebs To Follow For Loc Inspo
Editor Gigi Fong dives into the history of dreadlocks, celebs redefining the historic hairstyle and who shouldn’t get them.
From the Marleys to the Baileys, dreadlocks have existed for generations. A popular hairstyle among Black people, dreadlocks, also known as locs, are a direct protest against mainstream beauty standards. The result? The most unique hairstyles and serves that’ll inspire runways to come. Don’t believe me? Google Marc Jacobs‘ Spring 2017 collection.
To put it short, dreadlocks have existed long before the media got its eyes on icon Bob Marley. Although the first record of the style isn’t known, the hairstyle is impactful to many Black women, like myself. As a Black woman existing in predominantly White, corporate spaces and writing about primarily sex – maintaining my locs is an act of resistance.
Dreadlocks and other Black hairstyles are highly stigmatized resulting in harmful statements about cleanliness and respectability. For example, Michelle Obama avoided wearing her natural hair when she was the literal First Lady of the United States, all because she knew the public wouldn’t respond positively. Thankfully, the Crown Act directly tackles such stigma, but as Black women, we still struggle.
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If you haven’t heard of the Crown Act, it was created in 2019 by “Dove and the CROWN Coalition, in partnership with then State Senator Holly J. Mitchell of California, to ensure protection against discrimination based on race-based hairstyles,” the website states. This was done by “extending statutory protection to hair texture and protective styles such as braids, locs, twists, and knots in the workplace and public schools.”
Now, with the rise of U.S. tariffs, common hairstyles for Black women like knotless braids, may become harder to achieve. Given other news, for example, legislation like Roe. v Wade being overturned, it feels more important now than ever to highlight our history through the hairstyles that make us proud to be Black, as well as share new inspo with the girls.
So, if you’re interested in dreadlocks, keep reading.
Who aren’t locs for?
If you’re obsessed with having your edges laid or a more “manicured” look, locs definitely aren’t for you. Also, this goes without saying but if you’re non-Black, skip this style, too. Long story short, if you only want this hairstyle because you think it’ll give Lisa Bonet… go read an article on texturism.
Are dreadlocks versatile?
Oh, honey. Dreadlocks are absolutely versatile. Doubt it? Take a look at Chloe and Halle Bailey — and their hair stylist, Fesa Nu. These sisters rock such unique and versatile hairstyles I struggled to find images of the Baileys with their locs. Truthfully, if anyone can serve a hairstyle that makes us question if its dreadlocks or a protective style, it’s the Bailey sisters.
Fun fact for the girls who love wigs: opt for microlocs, or locs with tiny parts (see Reel below), to avoid the “helmet head” that comes with a wig that sits too high.
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If you’ve fallen in love with the sisters’ hair transformations, make sure to check out Fesa Nu. The Chicago-born hair artist is known for redefining what we deem beauty and always raising the bar.
Seeking more loc inspo? Take a look at my favorite celebrity references bringing resistance to mainstream culture.
Halle Bailey
From her Chloe x Halle days to The Little Mermaid, Halle Bailey has mostly opted for her natural locs. Always maintaining her natural hair color, Halle styles with hair pieces or her signature bob to switch it up.
Chloe Bailey
Paras Griffin/Getty Images For Essence
Chloe Bailey is the model for locs and versatility. Take a look through her Getty Images and you’ll soon see, she’s more often than not rocking a protective style that taps her gorgeous locs as a base/foundation. This maintains the integrity, or health, of your locs while allowing you to change your style frequently.
Shaboozey
Lester Cohen
Known for his signature wicks, Shaboozey not only redefined Country music this year, but redefined what we view as “mainstream.” For those unfamiliar, wicks are dreadlocks style that crochet multiple locs together, creating a more full and thick look. Mostly trending in areas like South Florida, it’s reserved for men who aren’t afraid to be bold. If you’re seeking to make a statement with your resistance, this is the one.
Kaliii
Taylor Hill/Getty Images
Kaliii’s go-to dreadlock style eats. Referred to as a loc bob, it makes your locs even more sophisticated, without having to cut your antennas. Known for her sex-positive lyrics and always stunning loc bob, rapper Kaliii is one of the few rappers in the game with this signature style.
Willow Smith
Although she’s since cut off her locs, Smith’s hairstyle quickly dominated Pinterest boards. When she did rock the look, she let her starter locs fly or opted for faux locs on top of them for length. Ironically, she’s also known for her single “Whip My Hair” and countless fashion campaigns — which she eats up, every time.
While you’re here, take a look at Jaden Smith’s affinity for wearable art.
