Freeform Dreads: 51 Options For 51 Occasions!

Exploring the world of fashion with the help of natural hair is easier and more enjoyable than it seems, especially when you consider the amount of hairstyles that afro-textured hair can pull off without putting in much effort. While braids and waves are quite high-maintenance due to requiring regular touch-ups and moisturization, a look that offers a laid-back aura in addition to offering outstanding visuals is the world of freeform dreads.

Popular amongst spiritual beings and a common find among A-list celebrities, freeform dreads are a look that involves zero manipulation on natural hair. Often, the length and density of the natural pieces tend to shape the outlook of the strands. Additionally, freeform dreads comprise various forms that can’t be replicated through manipulation.

As of right now, there are various ways in which one can showcase freeform dreads. However, if you’re searching for the best list available, consider critiquing and reading through this guide on freeform dreads before finalizing your decision!

Bold and Elegant Ideas For Wearing Taper Freeform Dreads

On the upper half of this portion are taper freeform dreads, free-flowing hairdos that are currently dominating the era of men’s fashion. Although the structure comprises a subtle upgrade preferably through a disconnection, the hairdo is popular for the amount of freedom it gives to the locs on top and the density it adds to the hair.

Taper freeform dreads are relatively new to the scene, which explains why the amount of options they offer are quite limited. Nonetheless, if you’re hoping to reward yourself with an overnight transformation, don’t hesitate to give the following entries a view!

Finger Coil Dreads with Subtle Edge-up

Worried about getting your hair ruined at the dressers’? Relieve your tension with finger coil dreads, the easiest option in this material. The hairdo only requires the use of your fingertips, some gel for hold, and tons of moisture on a daily basis.

Finger coil dreads are quite short in terms of size, but comprise the ability to mesh with low tapers, any kind of fade haircut, and various patterns!

Elongated Textured Dreads with High Taper

Finger coil dreadlocks are usually helpful if you’re seeking something that is long lasting. However, if you recently started growing your natural hair and don’t have enough to try out beginner locs, consider using a traditional afro picking comb to elongate the strands and form this textured design under freeform dreads.

It is relatively easy to manage, and tends to stay in place as long as the pieces are shaped with hair mousse.

Framing Side-part with Low Taper

To bring some excitement to the table, try and flip the script with your freeform dreadlocks. Use a tail comb to create some separation and rock a framing side-part with your beginner pieces.

While you may blend the sides for giving the dreads more volume, consider wearing a low taper to create a sharper contrast and heighten your facial features.

Crinkle Cut Congo Dreads with Bald Taper

As stated earlier, in order to let dreadlocks age like wine, one must refrain from manipulating the strands and avoid making contact at all times.

Additionally, if you’ve followed that routine for quite some time now, but are currently hoping to take some weight off your plate, try wearing congo dreads with a bald taper, an element which will surely make the layers on top weightless to handle.

Narrow Dreads with Slick Back

Freeform dreads often require little to no help to bloom naturally. However, if you’d like to experiment with your locs in order to break free from stagnation, consider pushing the hair back by a tad bit to form a slick back.

Furthermore, to allow the dreads to hang around the frontal region without falling apart, try adding a temple taper. You may also use accessories like clips for stability.

Highlighted Dread Bun with Blended Taper

Partaking in shopping for groceries can be a challenge when your dreads are grown without any care, as the disorganized nature can feel more like a distraction when running such errands.

To make things a little easier, in addition to adding a low taper fade, take all the locs situated on the upper half and tie them into a hair tie or scrunchie. Undo the look as soon as possible, however, as failing to do so might lead to breakage.

High and Tight Dread Top Knot with Temp Fade

Another way you can tackle the length and density of your dreads is through the help of a temp fade, which takes away a huge chunk from the frontal region of the sides. Doing so gives each loc more bounce and flexibility, reducing the weight bore by the scalp in return.

Once taken out, the dreads can also be sponged or sectioned to form a middle-part.

Frizz Free Box Braided Dreadlocks

Parting the hair down the middle can work wonders when wearing freeform dreads, as the length and girth can be used to give the wearer’s face more structure. Additionally, the separation also creates a promising base, which is also perceived for being reliable at all times.

With some wax, the gloss of these dreadlocks can easily be improved and maintained.

Dominant Designs For Enthusiasts Wearing Semi Freeform Dreads!

In order to allow freeform dreads to age gracefully, growing the strands is absolutely necessary. While the feeling of going through another transformational phase can be frustrating and even more time-consuming, over time, you will find yourself wearing semi-freeform dreads, another variant with multiple possibilities,

To learn just how eventful it is to wear semi-freeform dreads, you really have to comprehend the forms they come in. Worry not, however, as the following list has got you covered!

Duotone Two-twist Dreads with High Fade

The two-twist system is perhaps the most favorable maneuver to implement when wearing semi-freeform locs, as the length often forms visually compelling and structurally resilient hairdos, such as these duotone two-twist dreads.

While the colour scheme seems rather redundant, it can feel like a good way to make the appearance of the hairdo more intriguing. By adding a high fade to all the elements, one can even experience a change in their hair density.

Frizzy Finger Coil Locs

Laidback options are also available in the world of semi freeform braids, often comprising the features of finger coil dreadlocks.

Finger coil dreadlocks are usually equipped during the formative stages of growing natural hair, but can also accommodate users in the second half as well. The hairdo is quite lenient in terms of hold, being a recommended pick for sensitive scalp.

Face-framing Duotone Dreadlocks with Undercut

Combing the pieces down can be a good way to unlock a quick and easygoing form of freeform dreadlocks, especially if you’re hoping to save some time before heading out for a party.

While an undercut can easily improve the stability of the hairdo, adding a colourway with both neutral and vibrant shades can be a good way of making the visuals a tad bit more exciting, and increase your social impact at the party.

Hanging Semi Freeform Dreads with Warm Red Tritone

Believe it or not, semi-freeform dreadlocks can also be heightened without having to change their shape. They can be bedazzled with accessories, polished up with hair mousse, and can even be provided with a split personality with the help of two colours.

Among the popular hair dyes for freeform dreads is a monochromatic palette of red, which can bring more appeal and give the strands healthier visuals.

Tight Two-strand Twists with Subtle Shape-up

Dreadlocks often tend to lose shape and formation when the tresses become dry. And while you can use hair spray to secure the hold for a longer time than expected, you can even use a two-twist method to tie the knot when curating dreadlocks.

Moreover, to ensure the hold doesn’t fall out of place, be sure to use wax or gel, which can also contribute to the final visuals.

Combed Out Dreadlocks with Frosted Tips

All you need is an afro-pick comb and some highlights to wear semi-freeform dreadlocks without looking too obnoxious. The combination looks subtle yet extravagant, and carries a relatively lenient creative process.

These dreadlocks look best when presented at hangouts and casual gatherings, and can even be worn with clips and an afro pick comb for some added appeal. The highlights can be of any neutral shade, which might need bi-monthly touchups to remain sane.

Framing Twist Dreadlocks with Bronze Highlights

By sectioning afro hair down the middle, you can even wear a hairdo incorporated using the framing twist method, a procedure that enables the pieces to look healthy and frizz-free. To enhance the aura of the hairdo, consider using highlights, preferably comprising the shade of bronze.

Earthy colour schemes often make the pieces look warm and appealing, in addition to adding to the thickness of each piece.

Messy Freeform Dreads with Bleached Locs

More often than not, freeform dreads will look quite packed with density, but also possess a heavily untidy structure that can’t be sorted without being snipped. However, if you’re completely okay with the visuals they carry, try spicing things up a bit by adding bleach around the tips, which will enhance the girth of each loc.

To make the pieces more appealing, try using wax around the sides of each dreadlock.

Disheveled Dreadlocks with Face-framing Layers

Due to the length, they tend to carry, dreadlocks can also be strategically curated to hide imperfections around the forehead. When combed downward, freeform dreadlocks also tend to carry a rebellious and intimidating aura, an element that can be rewarding in a room full of people.

The selling point of these freeform dreads is the hold of this look, which causes a relatively lenient amount of friction near the scalp. The layers are also good for leaner faces, as they often seem good at highlighting sharp jawlines and cheekbones.

Rope Twist Dreadlocks with Low Ponytail

Incorporating a rope twist method can be a good way to showcase healthy-looking natural hair, preferably with the assistance of rope twist dreadlocks.

And while forming the previous structure alone should suffice, try to push the remaining components around the rear to form multiple buns to give the overall hairdo more stability and protection from dirt and pollution.

Textured Dread Bun

Pulling the hair back can be a risky game to play if you already have signs of alopecia brewing on your scalp, but it can also be equally helpful when your locs are too heavy to cope with.

Likewise, if your hair seems too hectic to style before heading out for a run, try using a hair tie to mimic the visuals on this textured dread bun, one of our favourite options on this list. The structure takes seconds to accumulate, and the creative process only lasts for a minute if you’re skilled enough.

Swept-back Mohawk with High Skin Fade

Regardless of hair type, one can always wear a mohawk, even while rocking a freeform set of dreadlocks at the same time.

A swept-back mohawk starts by pulling the dreadlocks back to form a mohawk-like structure and tying the unit together to secure the hold. The strands are accompanied by a skin fade for maximum volume, which can also be switched for a blended fade for a natural aura.

Semi Freeform Dreads with Laid-back Curtains

Sometimes, it is the underdogs that come out victorious. Likewise, while handling dreadlocks is easy when you’re aware of how much moisture and washing they require, know that you can even control the outcome with a headband, which can change the structure of the dreads to form a subtle curtain-shape hairstyle near the front.

Following this mantra can also be a good way to work past hair trouble when playing sports.

Pineapple Dread Bun with Beads

Often, dreadlocks seem to weigh down, especially when the structure reaches a certain size and carries a certain amount of weight. Though shaving off some length can be a good way to recuperate from that issue, you can also take all the pieces of dreadlocks, shape them into a top knot, and secure the hold with a hair tie. For best results, you may also use a nylon hair tie.

Thin-stitch Freeform Dreadlocks

By retwisting your dreads repeatedly, you can break the maintenance process down into multiple manageable components. And if you’re hoping to have an enjoyable experience without having to deal with minor inconveniences, try replicating these thin stitch, freeform dreadlocks, a look that can be created by hand and through a needle.

To make the hairdo look a tad bit fuller, consider wearing a low-blended fade or a taper fade.

Angular Dreadlocks with Shadow Fade

For a quick and easy look, use your finger tips and comb your locs to one of the two sides to replicate the visuals of angular dreadlocks, which are often acknowledged for giving the face a slimming effect.

Using some hydrating cream can also be helpful if your hair lacks moisture. Moreover, to make the pieces look more sharp, try wearing a shadow fade as well!

Multi Patterned Finger Coil Dreadlocks

If you’re immune to all the friction that wearing finger coil dreadlocks supposedly causes, try wearing these multi-patterned finger coil dreadlocks, a new hairdo known for its unique layout.

Alongside the finger, coil locs are rope locs that are stitched all the way to the bottom, and box braids around the base to give the hair pieces more room to breathe. While you can wear this look for a while, wearing it to a one-and-done scenario may be better for you and your hair.

Box Braided Four-twist Dreadlocks

Exceeding the waist length is an accomplishment in itself when you’re wearing dreadlocks.

And while cropping the size of the pieces by a tad bit can allow you to take a break from the high-maintenance nature of dreadlocks, you may also pamper yourself with a box braided dreadlock, which can be divided into four twist dreadlocks for maximum appeal and convenience!

More Options Of Freeform Dreads That One Can Lean On

Freeform locs are definitely leaders and often require zero to minimum amounts of assistance to age gracefully. However, every now and then, freeform locs also accommodate fellow peers with their compatibility, which can be used to form another list of hairdos. Without further ado, here are more designs you can replicate with freeform dreads!

Subtle Bantu Dreads with Framing Tresses

By accumulating units of congo dreads together, you can even change the game by wearing bantu dreads, a look that carries tons of elevation along with a resilient structure. The pieces remain immovable on top, but carry a flexible structure near the hairline, which can be used to bring more attention to the frame and appearance of one’s face.

Adding a taper fade can also be of great help, especially if you’re hoping to showcase the growth of your Van Dyke beard.

Free Form Dreads with Frosted Liberty Spikes

While liberty spikes were the go-to look for followers of the emo subculture, the hairdo soon became an unbeatable design on the minds and in the eyes of those with natural hair.

Similarly, if you’d like to pull off a hairdo that carries a fair amount of volume, elevation, and can accompany you at the next concert you’re attending, these freeform dreads which carry the components of liberty spikes can work wonders.

Tritone Crispy Elevated Dreadlocks

For a change in scenery, there’s an endless amount of activities that you can carry out for your dreadlocks. However, if keeping it minimal is also one of your main aims, try taking notes from this tritone set of dreadlocks, comprising the hues of neon green, blue and a subtle shade of purple.

While mimicking the visuals word for word isn’t necessary, you may look into a colour chart before finding a combination of hues that will match your hair density and skin tone.

Disorganized Congo Dreads With Hazel Highlights

Styling freeform dreads and ensuring the length is parallel to the chin can be a good way to wear a relatively manageable option with a series of benefits, such as these disorganized pieces of congo dreads.

And while shampooing on the daily can allow you to mimic the healthy visuals on this entry, you must also add subtle babylights to the cuticles so that the dreadlocks look shinier and fuller.

Elongated Dreadlocks with Freeform Space Buns

With a tail comb, you can also change the shape of your dreadlocks around the sides, and curate a look with freeform space buns.

The buns might be denser in contrast to regular space buns but can be a good way to introduce some style to your wardrobe. For best results, be sure to add highlights to the ends of the locs, preferably with shades that are warm.

Medium Length Congo Dreads With Outgrown Sides

Crochet needles are like lifelines for dreads since the tools can be used whenever to manipulate the form and maintain the natural structure of freeform dreads. Likewise, if you’re more into elongated designs, this medium-length set of congo dreads can be a good hairdo to have on your list.

The hairdo offers a rugged approach which can stand out exceptionally with any outfit. Although the sides can be showcased using a fade of any kind, growing it out can also lead to great success.

Professional Freeform Dreadlocks With Voluminous Dreadbun

When working with a packed schedule, it could be normal to not have time for your dreads. However, a quick and easy way to ensure your hair looks manageable and top-notch is through the help of a voluminous dreadbun, which can be formed in a couple of minutes and worn throughout the day.

Relaxed Dreadlocks With Ultra-fine Mid-part

Since freeform dreads are quite hefty in size, minor adjustments can work wonders for a temporary period of time. Likewise, if your dreads are currently on either one of the sides or combed forward, use a crochet needle to part the dreads down the middle to form a subtle curtain-like structure for an immediate transformation.

Spiral Two-twist Freeform Dreadlocks

If you’re more into wearing hairdos that amp up your facial features, try wearing these spiral two-twist freeform dreads, which only requires a tail comb for the separation, alongside some locking gel for maintaining the structure on a daily basis.

Face Framing Locs With High And Polished Top Knot

Deciding to grow the sides out can be a good way to embrace the nature of dreadlocks to the fullest. However, if you’re in dire need of some structure, consider accumulating all the pieces in the frontal region and forming a high top knot to add more personality to your freeform dreads.

Descending Dreadlocks For Receding Hairline

Freeform dreads can stress the hairline out if the pieces are too heavy for the scalp to handle. While chopping the length off can be an immediate remedy, try shifting the pieces to the sides to give the frontal region and crown of your scalp some room to breathe.

Tangled Freeform Dreads With Subtle Highlights

Once the dreads are allowed to age on their own, things can be great for the wearer, to say the least. Likewise, if you’re aiming for a long hairstyle under freeform dreads, try taking notes from this tangled head of dreadlocks, which involves highlights around the tips for enhancing the final visuals.

Crochet Congo Dreads With Streaks

Congo dreads offer very little room for manipulation once they grow in size. However, if you’re seeking a way to change the visuals with subtlety, do so by crocheting the tips of your dreads. Add threads of green, blue, or even red to snap out of mediocrity and give yourself a hairdo that will amp up your social life.

Outgrown Low Dreadlock Pigtails

Once your dreadlocks are grown out to a certain degree, know that you can wear almost anything. You can tie it into a bun when running errands, put it into a top knot for a quick and easy styling method, or wear an elegant set of dreadlock pigtails to look good without generating a frown at your workplace.

On another note, if you do go forward with this hairdo, be sure to moisturize the pieces regularly to mitigate the amount of weight this carries.

Freeform Dreads On Pop Culture: 11 Prominent Celebrities With Dreadlocks!

While the rich history of freeform dreads and their attachment to culture make them as popular as they are in this day and age, their impact on pop culture adds to their fanbase even further, which feels non-existent without a certain list of icons. And if you’re curious to discover the names of those that make freeform dreadlocks frontrunners in the fashion scene, don’t forget to go through the following list.

NBA Youngboy’s Dreads

Kicking off this list is NBA Youngboy, who isn’t always appreciated for his music, but admired for the dedication he has towards growing dreads. The rapper began his loc journey a long time ago, typically wearing high-top dreads with a curtain-shape texture. Alongside the freeform dreads is a skin fade, which gives the strands more room to breathe.

Cole’s Dreadlocks

Cole’s dreads surely took their time to come into place but definitely grew gracefully as opposed to that of many. The 38-year-old currently wears narrow-shaped dreads but has experimented with congo dreads previously. For learning the basics and the variants that one can pull off using J. Cole’s dreadlocks, give this article a chance!

Ja Morant’s Dreadlocks

NBA Shooting Guard Ja Morant is currently in deep waters due to his recent antics outside the pitch, but remains a prominent figure amongst A-list representatives wearing dreadlocks, mainly due to the ways in which he showcased them. From dreadbuns to short beginner locs, the high-flying prodigy experimented with various options before finding the right one. To learn all about it, be sure to give this material a view!

Jay Z’s Dreads

Jay Z always preferred keeping his head shaved to avoid wasting time on haircare and invest that amount on his career instead. However, ever since becoming the richest rapper/musician in recent times, the American rapper started growing his locs out to absolutely slay this head full of congo dreadlocks, a hairdo he has experimented with in multiple ways!

Polo G Dreads

Polo G is definitely not the artist you’d want to look up to as a rapper, but an enthusiast you can take notes from for his dreads. With tons of patience and care, Polo G successfully grew out his natural hair to form freeform dreadlocks, which he has adjusted and displayed in a series of ways.

NLE Choppa’s Dreadlocks

Hanging finger coil dreads are quite popular amongst beginners at the moment, but were first represented by American rapper NLE Choppa. And although he has since gotten rid of the hairdo and now displays his natural hair using a crop cut, the visuals of his freeform dreads still seem applicable to showcase in this day and age.

Cam Newton’s Dreadlocks

If you’re looking for an NFL athlete who embraces their dreads with open arms, then Cam Newton can definitely be the perfect idol to keep tabs on. The quarterback has worn multiple hairdos with his free form dreads, which involves the likes of a top knot as well. However, the best hairdo he’s had so far is definitely this hairdo, involving shoulder-length dreads held back by a headband.

Jimmy Butler’s Dreadlocks

Jimmy Butler, also known as Jimmy G. Buckets, is shaping up to be quite the NBA player. He is known for his mamba mentality, his ability to score when needed, and his soul crushing defense. Outside the court, he is usually known for being a fashionista, mainly due to his high top dreads.

Butler has been rocking freeform dreads since his days in Chicago. And although the superstar has experimented with extensions in recent times, he never fails to go back to the duotone hightop dreads he revolutionized a little less than a decade ago.

Bob Marley’s Dreads

Rastafarian and iconic musician Bob Marley wasn’t just a popular figure because of his laidback music but also acknowledged for his appearance, which started with his freeform dreadlocks.

The star would often talk about how his dreadlocks were merely a symbol of his culture. And while the musician never mentioned a routine, we do know that he only used beanies to manage his freeform dreads.

Juice Wrld’s Dreads

Juice Wrld’s dreadlocks also have a place on this list of ours, and offer more than just vibrant visuals. The pieces are typically tied together using a nylon cable tie or a simple hair tie to bring the units together and form a face-framing structure. In addition to being able to transform into a bun, this hairdo, often referred to as Juice dreads, comprises the ability to hide receding hairlines and big foreheads.

Playboi Carti’s Dreads

Another honorable mention on this list is rapper Playboy Carti’s dreadlocks, which have been formed with box braids. The hairdo requires tons of retwisting, having the ability to accommodate a fade when necessary. When paired with vibrant streaks, the hairdo leans more towards casual gatherings.

How to Get Freeform Dreads: A Rudimentary Guide For Beginners!

Wearing dreadlocks is a walk in the park once a couple of weeks have passed. However, before the freeform dreads come into existence, it is often best to abide by a couple of rules, all of which are stated below. In other words, here is a beginner’s guide to wearing freeform dreads!

Prepare the Hair with Locking Gel

Prior to using any tools, prepare your hair the right way. Condition the ends, clean the scalp with a clarifying shampoo, and use a locking gel to fasten the time taken for natural hair to curate freeform dreadlocks.

Keep a Crochet Needle for Detangling Natural Hair

Since afro-pick combs are known for stressing the cuticles out, try using crochet needles to detangle your natural hair and allow healthy pieces of freeform dreads to come into existence.

Use a Clarifying Shampoo

While washing the hair is mandatory, be sure to eliminate residue formed by freeform dreads by using a clarifying shampoo once or twice a week. If your dreads are short, try and shampoo as little as possible.

Invest in a Hair Sponge

If your locs are still short, place your trust in a hair sponge, which can be used to maintain the structure of the pieces while they bloom into unique shapes and sizes.

Frequently Asked Question

Now that you’ve been presented with the crucial materials and the best options in the world of freeform dreads, here is a questionnaire that you may lean on to enhance your understanding of the hairdo that represents culture more than anything.

Q: How long does it take for natural hair to form freeform dreads?

Ans: When untouched, natural hair tends to form freeform dreads in just a couple of weeks. One can also shorten the time frame by using a locking gel.

Q: How do I maintain dreadlocks at home?

Ans: In addition to leaving the dreadlocks on their own, shampoo once a week using clarifying shampoo, use a crochet needle and hair sponge for maintaining the structure, and use hydrating oils to maintain the moisture when wearing freeform dreads.

Q: Do freeform dreadlocks cause hair loss?

Ans: While Freeform dreads protect the hair from heat damage through the use of styling tools, the hairdo might lead to hair loss if the strands are too heavy for the scalp to handle. When undermanaged, the hairdo can leave behind signs of male pattern baldness.

Final Takeaway

All in all, Freeform dreads take tons of time to develop and bloom in their own way, which can make having patience a plus. While the strands require some guidance during the formative phase, the strands often shape into unique pieces after a couple of months pass by. During that time, in addition to using a crochet needle, one may use a hair sponge to keep the dreads frizz and tangle-free.

As of right now, Freeform dreads come in two major forms; semi freeform dreads, and freeform dreads. Semi-freeform dreads offer room for different hairdos to fit in, while freeform dreads are known for going with the flow, preferably on their own.

Freeform dreads can be showcased in various ways, especially if certain rules are followed. To maintain the visuals without any setbacks, users are advised to wash their dreads twice a week, nourish the pieces with hydrating oils to battle against frizz, and give the hair a break every now and then using a crochet needle.