Yarn dreads are a form of faux locs made by wrapping or crocheting acrylic yarn around sections of natural hair. Because the colour and thickness come from the yarn, there is far more freedom than with dye: this gallery jumps from natural black and dark brown to burgundy, caramel, lavender, emerald green, electric pink, rainbow blends and even silvery grey.
They are popular as a protective style for textured and coily hair, since the natural hair is tucked away and handled less. They do add weight, so think about the scalp: jumbo locs and very long sets look dramatic but pull harder at the roots, while shorter or medium-thickness locs, like the layered bob below, are lighter to wear.
Styling is half the fun. You will find forehead braids, halo wraps, half-up buns and top knots, mohawk ponytails paired with undercuts, and simple downdos finished with beads and cuffs.
1. Forehead Braid with Beads
Burgundy yarn locs are styled with a braid running across the forehead, framing the face like a headband. The remaining length is swept into a side ponytail that hangs over one shoulder, and beads add a playful finishing detail.
Inspiration: @kersti.pitre
2. Half Up Dreads Bun
Black or dark brown yarn gives faux locs a natural look that works for the office or the weekend. Here the upper section is twisted into a high bun while the rest hangs down, creating a balanced half-up style.
Inspiration: @ohaiadeola
3. Bright Genie Locs
Pastel lavender genie locs bring soft colour and an urban edge, especially when worn swept over to one side. Golden clips dotted through the locs echo metallic jewellery such as hoops or layered necklaces. Pastel yarn holds its colour without bleaching.
Inspiration: @slamridd
4. High Ponytail with Undercut
Caramel yarn locs are pulled into a high ponytail above a sharp side undercut with shaved designs. Removing hair at the sides makes thick locs less bulky in updos and easier to gather, while adding a bold detail.
Inspiration: @krishtun
5. Half Up Top Knot
Thick locs in a deep vine red show how timeless rich reds can be. The hair is split horizontally, with the top section twisted into a high half-up knot and the rest left flowing down the back.
Inspiration: @naturalbeauty0214
6. Colorful Mohawk Ponytail
A mohawk ponytail recalls nineties punk and works best for anyone confident with bright colour. Shaved sides put the focus on the vivid locs gathered down the centre, so choose the boldest shades you dare.
Inspiration: @deidrenichole
7. Golden Jumbo Locs
Going chunky pays off with jumbo golden blonde locs that look sunny and relaxed. Thin bands wrapped along the locs add a neat detail. Bear in mind that thick locs are heavier, so avoid tight updos for long periods.
Inspiration: @polished_braids
8. Thick Green Dreads
Green yarn locs get a casual half-up bun on top while the rest flows freely. The two-tone colouring gives a retro feel, and the quick bun keeps hair off the face without stressing the hairline.
Inspiration: @keeblack_
9. Colorful Boho Braids
Who says extensions have to be one colour? Sleek locs in a rainbow of bold shades create a striking boho look. Yarn makes it easy to mix as many colours as you like without dyeing your own hair.
Inspiration: @miccheckk12
10. Vibrant Mohawk with Shaved Sides
Neon pink yarn locs are paired with a clean shave along the sides for an instant statement. Wear the locs swept to one side or pulled back to change the shape, and keep the shaved area tidy with regular trims.
Inspiration: @idlelocs
11. Halo Yarn Dreads
Lifting the locs over the head and pinning them creates a halo-like wrap. Black and burgundy yarn adds depth. It is a fresh alternative for anyone who usually wears their locs down every day. Pin loosely to avoid tension.
Inspiration: @keeblack_
12. Jumbo Bun with Twist Braids
Thick blue and white dreads are combined with twist braids for a bold, hippie-inspired look. Crochet yarn locs leave lots of room to experiment with patterns, colour combinations and thickness, and a jumbo bun shows them off.
Inspiration: @tealtresses
13. Surfer Twist Braids
When a full bun feels too formal, try a simple downdo instead. Thick black and grey locs with highlights and beads have a side section wrapped around the rest and pinned in place for a relaxed, polished look.
Inspiration: @polished_braids
14. Heavy Yarn Wraps
Not all yarn locs are thin and sleek. These medium-thickness wraps are long and layered, and the khaki colour gives a grungy, experimental vibe that suits anyone who likes less conventional shades. Medium-thickness wraps also weigh less than jumbo locs.
Inspiration: @natalyneri
15. Dread Weave
Many Black women choose locs and faux locs as protective styles that help natural hair grow while it rests underneath. Black and brown faux locs keep the look natural and are easy to wear day to day.
Inspiration: @braids_andhair
16. Easy Top Knot
One or two packs of yarn usually complete a full head, depending on desired length, which keeps the style affordable. Once installed, locs can be piled into a giant top knot like this one for a quick, eye-catching updo.
Inspiration: @shaybuttaelbarbette
17. Gray Yarn Locs Bob
Grey yarn locs prove that silver can look fantastic at any age. Shorter, layered locs take on a bob shape that is light, easy to manage and comfortable to wear, with less weight on the scalp than long sets.
Inspiration: @firstladyhairbraiding
18. Yarn Dreads Extensions
Choose acrylic yarn for extensions, since wool can dry out natural hair. One-length, medium-to-long black locs are a classic choice, though layered, colourful or short versions are just as easy to create. Seal the ends neatly so they do not unravel.
Inspiration: @shaybuttaelbarbette
19. Really Wild Locs
Two-tone brown and blonde yarn wraps take inspiration from animal prints for a wilder look. The colour blend looks dimensional and stylish even when the locs simply hang loose without any updo. Swap in cuffs or beads to change the mood.
Inspiration: @youngmedusas_
20. Bold Fake Dreadlocks
Black faux locs are threaded with brighter highlights, showing how easily colour and pattern can be added. Sweeping them over to one side gives a relaxed, laid-back feel, and the style can be changed whenever you like.
Inspiration: @tealtresses
Choosing yarn and planning the install
- Use acrylic yarn rather than wool; wool can felt into your hair and draw out moisture.
- One or two packs usually cover a full head, depending on length and thickness.
- Ask for sections that suit your hair density, as very small parts on fine hair can cause stress at the roots.
- Expect to wear the style for around four to eight weeks before taking it down to rest your hair.
Looking after your scalp underneath
Yarn absorbs water and product, so avoid heavy oils and creams that collect lint. Clean the scalp with a diluted shampoo or witch hazel on a cotton pad, squeezing rather than scrubbing the locs, and dry them thoroughly to prevent odour. Sleep in a satin bonnet or scarf to reduce frizz. If you feel persistent tightness, soreness or see small bumps around the hairline, loosen the heaviest updos or remove the locs early to protect your edges.