Dreadlocks are a unique and carefree hairstyle that allows you to embrace your natural texture.
The laid-back, nonchalant vibe of dreadlocks goes hand-in-hand with a relaxed sense of style.
If you’re looking to rock dreadlocks while maintaining a casual aesthetic, there are many routes you can take.
Oversized Button Downs
One of the easiest ways to create a nonchalant deadhead look is by incorporating oversized button downs.
These shirts have a relaxed, breathable fit that complements the texture of dreadlocks seamlessly.
When selecting oversized button downs, pay attention to the material and overall dropped shoulder fit. Lightweight cotton or linen shirts are ideal for a laid-back vibe.
Look for button downs with an extra roomy, boxier cut.
The shoulders should extend past your natural shoulder to create a perfectly relaxed silhouette.
Pair oversized button downs with simple tanks, tees, or bandeaus underneath.
Showing a peek of skin or underlayer helps balance the large proportion on top.
For bottoms, go for distressed denim, cutoff shorts, harem pants, or joggers in natural earth tones. Finish the outfit with casual footwear like slides, sneakers, or sandals.
There are a few styling tips that can make oversized button downs feel more nonchalant. Play with a half-tucked look by front tucking just one side of the shirt.
You can also omit buttoning the top few buttons for a carefree open neckline. Wearing the button down fully open with just a tank underneath is another great option.
When it comes to dreadlock styling, go for a low maintenance approach. Let your locks hang freely without too many extra accessories or manipulation.
You want the texture of your dreads to feel organic and understated. A few loose clips or cuffs around the roots can look chic and laid-back.
The key to oversized button downs is embracing the excess fabric and casual lines.
Avoid over-styling the rest of your look. The relaxed nature of the button down paired with unfussy dreads makes for an effortless nonchalant aesthetic.
Bandanas
Bandanas are a versatile dreadhead accessory that add a carefree finishing touch. There are many creative ways to incorporate bandanas that complement free-flowing dreads.
Firstly, bandanas can be folded into headwraps that cover hair completely or just act as accents. Take a large square cotton bandana and center it over your head.
Tie two opposite ends together at the nape of your neck, then sweep the remaining fabric around to tie at the side or top of your head. You can also fold bandanas into wider headbands that show more dread texture underneath.
For a more playful approach, use smaller bandanas as hair accents.
Tie one around a section of dreads as an accent band.
Or, use bobby pins to secure a folded bandana near the front as a fun hair accessory. Bandanas can also be tied around individual dreadlocks for a splash of color and texture.
The laidback nature of bandanas allows you style them loosely without over-manipulating your dreads. Let pieces fall naturally instead of pulling fabric taut.
Go for a range of muted tones and prints that have a relaxed vibe. Bandanas with nature motifs, tribal prints, orabstract patterns all work beautifully.
Pair bandanas with casual staples like oversized tees, tanks, hoodies, and graphic sweatshirts on top.
Distressed denim cutoffs, harem pants, and joggers keep things simple and nonchalant below. Finish with strappy sandals, casual sneakers, or slides.
Like oversized button downs, bandanas feel most carefree when the rest of your look is pared down. Avoid chunky jewelry, structured bags, or severe makeup.
The texture of your dreadlocks along with unfussy bandana styling creates an easygoing nonchalant finish.
So have fun playing with different ways to fold, wrap, and secure bandanas over your dreads.
Floppy Hats
Floppy wide-brimmed hats are a bohemian dream that perfectly complement free-flowing dreadlocks. These hats cast a relaxed silhouette that dresses up dreads without over-styling them.
When selecting a floppy hat, look for natural materials like cotton, straw, linen or light felt. Steer clear of stiff, structured hats that seem at odds with easygoing dreads.
Instead, seek out slouchy options with a flexible brim you can shape as desired. Neutral earth tones and faded blacks work well, but don’t be afraid to explore bolder prints and patterns too.
There are a few ways you can style floppy hats over your dreadlocks. One option is to let your dreads freely spill out beneath the hat’s brim.
This allows the volume of your hair to contrast with the hat’s slouchy shape. For a more tucked away look, use loose hair ties or scrunchies to gather dreads into a low bun or ponytail under the hat.
You can also wrap longer dreads into a loose knot or bundle at the nape of your neck before topping with a hat.
When finding complementary wardrobe pieces, think light layers, breezy fabrics, and nonchalant silhouettes. Flowy maxi dresses or skirtscan play against the hat’s structure.
Pair wide leg culottes or printed pants for casual flair.
Cropped tees, camis, tanks and graphic shirts keep things simple up top. Finish with lace-up gladiator sandals, canvas sneakers or other easy footwear.
Minimal accessories like layered necklaces, stacking rings, and hoop earrings enhance the relaxed vibe. Oversized sunglasses are another laidback finishing touch that jives with a floppy hat and dreads.
For beauty, go for a low-key approach to let your glow shine through.
Moisturize skin well and use tinted balms instead of full coverage foundation. Swipe on mascara, lip balm, and a hint of cheek color.
Keep nails short and bare or polished in muted neutral shades.
Above all, floppy hats call for a carefree attitude.
Feel empowered to move and groove however you please while embracing the sun and surroundings. Let your dreadlocks and hat exude relaxed confidence as you take on the day.
Head Wraps
Head wraps create a comfortable protective style for dreadlocks while adding a pop of color and interest.
They’re also an easy way to enhance your dreads’ carefree vibe.
Head wraps can be constructed from a variety of materials like cotton, rayon, silk and synthetic blends.
Look for styles and prints that strike the right nonchalant tone.
African prints, global motifs, abstract patterns, paisleys and simple stripes or graphics all work well. Stay away from anything too fussy.
When wrapping your dreadlocks, start by gathering your hair into a loose low bun or ponytail. Smooth any short flyaway hairs back with gel or edge control cream.
Then, center your head wrap over your hair and begin to wrap the long ends around your head to cover your hair. Tuck or tie the ends securely at the nape of your neck.
For a more relaxed look, keep the wrap ends loose rather than taut.
Let dreads peek through at your hairline or nape naturally. You can also wrap just the top of your head while letting the length of your locks flow freely.
Use bobby pins to lightly hold the wrap in place while maintaining a carefree vibe.
Head wraps pair perfectly with casual staples like tanks, graphic tees, oversized button downs left open and distressed denim shorts.
Printed harem pants, embroidered kaftans or tunics, and flowy kimonos also complement wrapped dreads seamlessly. Finish with supportive sandals, sneakers or slip-on shoes.
When it comes to beauty, keep your makeup minimal but enhance your features as desired. Play up your eyes with smudgy liner and mascara or swipe on a bold lip.
Show off your cheeks with a hint of bronzer and highlighter. Fill in and shape brows but skip complex eye shadow. Let your glowing skin shine through.
Above all, head wraps allow you to embrace your individuality and creative flair. Mix colors, patterns and textures that speak to you.
Change up your look daily based on your mood and ensemble. Most importantly, exude carefree confidence as you own your style.
Loose Bun
One of the most versatile and nonchalant dreadlock styles is the messy topknot or loose bun. This unfussy updo adds visual interest while embracing the laidback nature of dreads.
A loose bun piled high on your head immediately creates a casual, undone vibe.
Use your fingers and a few small elastics to gather dreads into a knot secured near your crown.
Avoid pulling your hair taut—the bun should feel soft and loose with plenty of flyaway texture exposed. Let shorter layers and baby dreads frame your face naturally.
If you have shorter locks, add volume and height to your bun with textured scrunchies. Wrap a few around your elastic and bun to boost the silhouette.
You can also tease your roots gently before piling hair on top of your head for extra oomph.
When rocking a messy bun, opt for pared back clothing that complements the relaxed hairstyle. Layer simple cropped tanks, tees and button downs on top.
Printed dresses or rompers in breezy fabrics create a boho look. Flowy wide-leg pants, cutoff shorts and denim feel right in line with the casual updo vibe.
Keep accessories minimal with just a few stacked necklaces, rings or hoops. Let your glowing makeup-free face be the star.
Or sweep on tinted moisturizer, lip balm and a hint of mascara for an enhanced yet still understated look.
The loose bun is your perfect companion for a wide range of activities.
Hit the gym or yoga studio and get your sweat on without worrying about maintaining neat locks.
Run errands and power through your to-do list while enjoying an unfussy hair moment.
Meet friends for brunch or head to the beach feeling light and refreshed.
This ultra flexible dread bun also adapts to dressier occasions. Create a slightly sleeker low bun at your nape to complement elegant dresses or jumpsuits.
Or loosely pin back top layers from your face for a date night, leaving ends flowing in back. Pair with hoops, strappy heels and bold lip for an easy glam moment.
However you choose to rock it, the loose bun provides an optimal canvas for showing off free-flowing dreads. Embrace the imperfect texture and use it as inspiration when getting ready.
Change up bun height and placement daily. Most importantly, feel empowered to handle anything that comes your way with your fabulous worry-free updo!
Scarves
Scarves not only protect your locks, they provide a simple way to infuse color and texture into your dread style.
Light scarves in soft fabrics are key for maintaining a laidback vibe.
Focus your scarf selection on breathable fabrics that tie with ease.
Cotton, rayon, linen and silk blends are ideal picks. Avoid bulky options like wool that seem incongruent with dreadlocks’ lightweight flow.
Look for scarves with fun colors, prints and graphic details.
Paisleys, ikats, abstract watercolors, whimsical nature prints and bohemian motifs all enhance dreads’ artistic spirit.
Solid oversized options in earth tones, pastels and jewel tones also integrate beautifully.
When tying scarves over dreadlocks, keep styling loose and unfussy.
Simply drape a rectangular scarf behind your locks, crossing ends in front.
Tie at your neck, letting the scarf ends hang freely alongside your dreads.
For a more voluminous style, twist or fold your scarf into a wider headband shape before tying behind ears.
For shorter dread styles, wrap and tie scarves in a classic ascot fashion to fully cover your hair.
Knot them at the nape of your neck, letting fringe ends fall carelessly against your shoulders. You can also fold scarves into triangle shapes and tie under your hair like a bandana.
Scarves pair perfectly with other nonchalant staples like oversized tees, tanks, hoodies and kimonos.
Tapered joggers, cutoff shorts, maxi skirts and wide leg denim maintain the chill vibe head to toe. Finish with supportive sandals, slip-on sneakers or casual flip flops.
Keep your makeup fresh and minimal to complement the bohemian style. Play up your eyes with smudgy liner and mascara or swipe on a bold lip.
Highlight your cheeks and brows without heaviness. Let your free spirited vibe shine through.
Change up your look regularly by alternating scarf colors and textures.
Go for lighter fabrics in summer and switch to cozier styles come fall.
Wrap your head on blustery days or tie at your neck indoors. Most importantly, embrace the creative possibilities of scarves to highlight your individuality.
Braided Styles
While freeform dreadlocks have an inherent carefree vibe, strategic braiding can also create nonchalant texture. Focus on chunky braids that don’t manipulate locks too tightly.
Simple two-strand twists are easy to do yourself and don’t disrupt your dreads’ flow.
Part clean, dry hair into sections. Grab a section and divide into two equal parts.
Cross the right dread over the left, then grab more hair and repeat down the lock’s length to the end. Dip your fingers in twisting gel to smooth flyaway.
For a chunkier look, try knotless braids.
Grab a section of locks and divide into three pieces as if starting a regular braid.
Gather more hair into each piece as you crossover loosely without tight tugging or knots.
Only start weaving the pieces over each other at the very ends to secure.
No matter what braiding technique you use, avoid pulling hair too taut. Part your hair cleanly but keep sections loose and even—don’t worry about perfection.
Use just enough twisting product to smooth flyaways without creating buildup on your locks.
To style braids carefreely, let them fall together or in low pigtails at the nape of your neck.
For short to medium length dreads, sweep braids off your face and pin behind ears loosely.
op off chunky braided texture with oversized hats, headwraps or headbands for added flare.
When it comes to clothing, keep the focus on your fun braided locks. Stick to simple tanks, tees, hoodies and graphic sweatshirts up top.
Printed joggers, distressed denim, shorts, and flowy skirts or dresses allow your hair to take center stage.
Skip complex makeup and let your vibrant locks shine.
Stick to moisturizer, brow gel, mascara and lip gloss for an easy look.
Show off glowing skin with a sheer tinted moisturizer or mineral powder. Add statement earrings, layered necklaces and stacking bracelets to finish the laidback style.
The beauty of chunky braids on dreads is their low maintenance nature.
Refresh your hair every two to four weeks and allow your braids to evolve into beautiful new textures between styling sessions. Embrace the unfinished, imperfect nature of your ever-changing locks.
Texturizing Powders
Dry texturizing powders effortlessly enhance dreadlocks’ dimension while preserving a casual texture. They also absorb oil and add volume between washes.
When applying texturizing powders, start with clean dry hair.
Part locks into sections and dust powder along your roots using your fingers or a powder brush. Flip hair upside down and massage more powder in at your crown to boost volume.
Use your fingertips to gently lift and tousle individual locks, allowing the powder to disperse and add gritty texture from root to tip.
Pay extra attention to smoothing shorter loose hairs around your hairline and nape for a finished vibe.
Focus on mineral-based powders with absorbent ingredients like kaolin clay, cornstarch and rice starch. Avoid talc-heavy formulas that may dull your locks over time.
Store in a covered container and apply powder in a well-ventilated space.
Enhance your textured dread look by embracing effortless fabrics and silhouettes.
Pair oversized button-down, graphic tees and tunics with joggers, denim shorts, and printed maxi skirts. Lean into boho vibes with crochet wraps, kimonos and flowy sundresses.
Keep your makeup fresh and minimalist. Define brows, swipe on mascara and top with tinted balm or moisturizer. Show off glowing cheekbones with subtle bronzer and highlighter.
Let your skin breathe without complex foundation.
Above all, exude laidback confidence and individuality with your textured dread style. Embrace the natural evolution of your hair’s color and texture over time.
Change up parts and powder placement to keep looks exciting day-to-day. Let your fabulous locks make a carefree statement!
Half-Up Styles
Half-up dread styles instantly pull locks away from your face in a casual way.
They also show off the length and movement of your locs’ ends beautifully.
The key is gathering just your crown and top hair into a loose bunch, while allowing bottom layers to flow freely.
Use your fingers or a wide-tooth comb to sweep top locks straight back and upwards before securing with a scrunchie, spiral hair tie, or claw clip.
Focus on soft hair accessories in neutral, earthy colors that blend into your dread texture semlessly.
Wrapped headbands and fabric ties also work well for a half-up look. Just avoid tight elastics and metal clips that may snag or tug at delicate locks.
Let shorter face-framing layers fall messily around your temples, cheeks and nape.
The contrast between the pulled up crown and loose bottoms creates an effortlessly undone vibe.
To dress up the half-up style, pair it with bell sleeves, wrap dresses, and flowy maxis in prints and textures. Or, balance it out with casual graphic tees, tanks and jeans.
Chunky knits and kimonos enhance the laidback dread look during cooler months.
Keep your makeup minimal and fresh to complement the unfussy hairstyle. Play up your eyes with mascara and smudgy liner or try a bold lip color.
Use moisturizer, tinted powder and cream bronzer to let your skin glow through naturally.
This versatile half-up is perfect for busy days when you want locks pulled back while still embracing their free-spirited nature.
It keeps hair out of your face when running errands or powering through your to-do list while maintaining a chill vibe.
You can also dress up the half-up style for nights out.
Create a slightly sleeker look by smoothing flyaways at your crown before tying into a loose knot. Finish with hoop earrings, strappy heels and bold lipstick.
No matter when you rock it, the half-up lets your gorgeous dread texture shine. Play with placement and change up accessories to keep the look exciting.
Express your laidback beauty and confidence while embracing the effortless cool of semi-pulled back locks.
Topknots
Topknots pull dreads up and away from your face in the most casual way.
They also create fun height and volume that complements the carefree nature of locks.
A topknot is essentially an undone bun piled high on top of your head.
Use your fingers to comb longer dreadlocks up and back, twisting ends loosely to form a textured bun shape. Secure with a spiral hair tie covered in fabric, or use a scrunchie wrapped twice around ends to hold while preserving volume.
Resist the urge to slick and tighten your topknot. The key is embracing the messy texture to create a perfectly imperfect undone vibe.
Let shorter layers and flyaways escape around your hairline and temples. Top off your look by tying a printed scarf, headwrap or soft headband around the base of your knot.
When it comes to clothing, balance the height of your topknot with relaxed silhouettes.
Cropped graphic tees, oversized button downs and tunics complement the laidback hairstyle. Pair with cutoff denim shorts or wide leg trousers. Wrap a cozy open cardigan or kimono over your outfit as the weather cools.
Keep your makeup fresh and minimal to let your natural beauty radiate. Curl your lashes and swipe on mascara paired with a hint of brow gel.
Apply moisturizer and a sheer mineral foundation to even skin tone without heaviness. Finish with a swipe of balm or lipstick.
This unfussy topknot works for a wide array of activities. Heading to a yoga or dance class?
Throw your hair up and get your sweat on without fussing over messy locks post-workout. Meeting friends for a chill brunch date? Topknot it for an instant casual-chic moment.
You can also slightly dress up your dread topknot by smoothing flyaways at the crown and letting length cascade down one shoulder.
Add bold earrings, strappy heels and vampy lips at night. Or, wrap a printed scarf around your knot for an artistic vibe.
However you style it, the topknot lets your fabulous dread texture take center stage.
Play with placements and accessories to keep the look fresh and exciting. Most importantly, embrace this easy updo when you want an effortless hair moment.
Goddess Braids
While freeform locs have an undone vibe, strategic goddess braiding can also create carefree elegance.
Focus on large braids that gently guide locks into place without disrupting texture.
Begin goddess braiding on freshly washed, conditioned, and detangled locks.
Part clean, dry hair cleanly into large triangular sections starting at your forehead and radiating back. Use a smoothing gel or cream to slick any flyaway hairs at your parts and hairline.
To start braiding, gather a section and divide it into three pieces.
Cross the right section over middle, then cross the left section over the middle, repeating down the lock’s length. Lightly tension the braid to keep it secure but not painfully taut.
Finish by securing ends with a spiral tie or scrunchie.
Repeat this braiding process for the remaining sections.
Keep braids large and evenly spaced while framing your face flatteringly.
Let them fall together loosely down your back, allowing the ends to cascade freely. Top off your braided locs with a printed headwrap for added polish.
When it comes to clothing, keep the focus on your beautiful braided texture. Pair with easy tanks, crop tops and tees on top.
Printed joggers, denim shorts, wrap skirts and maxis complement goddess braids below. Wrap up in cozy open cardigans and kimonos when braving the cold.
For beauty, opt for natural enhancement that doesn’t distract from your hair. Swipe on mascara, define brows, and coat lips in glossy balm or oil.
Show off glowing skin with moisturizer, mineral foundation and subtle highlight on cheekbones. Add statement earrings and stacking bangles to finish the laidback style.
Goddess braids require less upkeep than tightly-woven styles.
Spray braids with leave-in conditioner and securely tie hair at night to preserve the look between wash days. Embrace the imperfect evolution of your locks as they begin to loosen and build texture.
Above all, exude graceful confidence as you rock goddess braids. Let them inspire your fashion choices and enhance your inner and outer elegance.
Change parts and placements every few weeks to keep your look fresh, exciting and uniquely you!
By embracing strategic styling tricks and laidback wardrobe pieces, you can fully enhance your locs’ chill vibe.
Mix and match these TOP inspirations to create signature looks that showcase your casual elegance. Most importantly, exude confidence as you rock your dreads your way.
Let your fabulous free-flowing texture inspire you to take on each day with creative joy and reckless abandon!
