Locs are one of the biggest commitments you can make to your hair, but when you do– they can be a fulfilling journey of growth and self-discovery.
For many, locs symbolize a commitment to spiritualism or Afrocentrism. An ode to our ancestors who sported the eclectic style in order to distance themselves from physical vanity, to show allegiance with socio-religious movements like Pan Africanism and Rastafarianism, and to overall resist conforming to traditional, eurocentric standard society often places on Black people, the history of locs is extensive and deeply rooted in our cultural experience across the diaspora.
Image Source: @aysha_tbp
However, in 2024, people have many reasons to potentially loc their hair up (tired of styling natural hair, needing a new look, or running in the family are a few options). With the wide range of loc styles available and hair technology continuously evolving, the options are endless.
Image Source: @nicolette_michele
Sister locs have become increasingly popular among Black women. This particular style is characterized by its installation method. Instead of using braiding, rolling, or twisting techniques, locticians use an interlocking tool that locks the hair from the tip to the root without creating an overwhelming amount of tension or using styling products. Traditional locs, on the other hand, are usually thicker and installed at the root. Smaller locs like sister locs are a great option for their versatility. The small strands allow the locs to be styled in almost any look that natural hair can do.
Thinking about loc’ing your hair or need some inspiration for your next style? We’ve compiled a list of 18 styles for your sister locs.
1. Chunky Twists
Image source: @growingwiththegardens
Need a minimal fuss style that you can do yourself? Try twisting up your locs in six to eight sections and sealing the ends with a rubber band. This style can double as two, as your locks will hold a nice curl upon takedown.
2. Half-Up Half Down
Image source: @yabwoi
A half up half down is a go-to style for all hair lengths and textures. Decide how high or low you’d like your ponytail and tie it up.
3. Red Side-Part
Image source: @sisterlock_diva
Just because your hair is loc’d doesn’t mean you’re limited to your natural hair color. Every girl needs a red hair phase. Consider dying your sister’s locks a firetruck red. A fresh red twist will hit differently.
4. Barrel Bun
Image source: @narithelocstar
Barrel twists are popular among the loc community. If you don’t want to commit to full cornrows or want to style them differently, try barrel braiding your locs into a bun. A sleek updo like this is perfect for formal occasions or hot summer days.
5. Swoop and Messy Updo
Image Source: @loclovinglyfe_22
This style may require longer locs, but when you get there, it’s a great one to add to your rotation. Lightly pin your swoop across your forehead and simply throw the rest in a high ponytail. To achieve the effortless, messy vibe, leave a few strands hanging.
6. Blonde Ombre
Image Source: @ijeomakola
If you have color on the ends of your hair and are considering locking your hair up, allow your locs to grow out with the color. The result is a unique ombre like this blonde option.
7. Tall Pineapple
Image Source: @callmere.re
A good pineapple style is integral to black women’s hairstyle rotation. Customize yours by tying the base up, then adding height by tying another rubber band around the mid-shaft of the ponytail. Add as many bands as you like for the desired look.
8. Twisted Crown
Image Source: @thatfroislocd
Sometimes, you may want your hair out of your face– this is the style for those days. A flat twist around the front perimeter of your hair creates a super chic look and is easy to achieve. Add a rubber band or pin to tie the ends down or let them hang.
9. Low Pin-Up
Image Source: @projecthair2soulinc
Do you like your hair off of your neck? Try this elegant low ponytail pin-up. Start by creating your ponytail, then rolling the strands upward and tucking the ends in the rubberband.
10. Pinned to One Side
Image Source: @lalaaarisa
This is another great updo for when you’re feeling formal. Grab some medium-sized bobby pins and pin the locs to the side of your choice.
11. Lob
Image Source: @myfroislocd
The cool part about sister locs is that they offer lots of versatility—see this side part lob. If you don’t want to grow your locs super long, consider this classic cut.
12. Ballerina Bun
Image Source: @therealkylab
A ballerina bun is another style that never gets old plus it’s super cute. Whether you’re a high, low, or mid ponytail, this bun can be replicated by using pins or rubber bands to create the round, proportional illusion.
13. Barrel Half Up Half Down with Bangs
Image Source: @tiny_braids_jax
Show this barrel half-up, half-down style to your stylist at your next retwist appointment. The three rows of twists with the bun have a creative feel. Customize this style to your locking.
13. Traditional Half Up Half Down With Bang
Image Source: @locd_inwithkay
Want to add some pizzazz to your half-up, half-down style? Try a side-part bang and some soft baby hair.
14. Claw Clip
Image Source: @kaahtea.locs
Claw clips have re-emerged as a hair trend in the last year. Try using them to clip up your locs. For best results, opt for ones designed for thick hair.
15. Swoop Pineapple Half Up
Image Source: @kaahtea.locs
This style is super eye-catching and creative. Combine a half up half down, a tall pineapple, and a side swoop and there you have it.
16. Criss-Cross Pony
Image Source: @desz_the_locs_slayer
Unless you’ve mastered loc styles, this may be another inspo picture for your loctician. This mid ponytail with criss-cross barrell twists on the sides has a creative fair. The front bang makes it even more feminine.
18. Swoop with Bow Buns
Image Source: @desz_the_locs_slayer
Looking for something fun and creative to try? This is the style for you. I’m sure you’ve seen the bow bun trend on social media at one point or another– here’s your chance to try it. To create the bows, put your hair up in two loose buns without pulling the hair through the ponytail. Use the ends to wrap around the middle section and create the bow illusion. Don’t worry, it will take a few tries.
From creative updos to classic styles, the options are endless when it comes to styling your sister locs.