Soft locs are made by wrapping pre-made or crochet locs around twists or braids of your own hair, so they feel lighter and move more freely than stiffer faux locs. That flexibility shows in this collection: a short twisted bob with curly ends, shoulder-length nu locs pulled into a half pony with fringe locs, golden spring twists with spirals peeking through, butterfly locs worn half-up, hip-length red locs and a striking updo of loops arranged like rose petals.
Length is the main decision. Very long locs look dramatic but add weight, so they need a strong, healthy base of natural hair; thinner or fragile hair is better suited to bob or shoulder-length versions that put less tension on the roots. Colour is another easy way to personalise the style, since the extension hair can be blonde, mocha, red or multi-toned without dyeing your own hair.
Also budget time. Wrapped soft locs can take several hours to install, and they typically last a few weeks with gentle care before the roots need refreshing.
1. Twisted Ponytail with Fringe Locs
Shoulder-length nu locs are gathered into a half-up ponytail on top of the head, with a few locs left loose at the front as a fringe. The install starts with small square sections twisted flat, into which pre-made soft locs are crocheted.
Inspiration: @rosiejay_
2. Side-Swept Passion Twists
These medium soft locs began as passion twists and keep a lively, feminine movement. Wearing them with a side parting frames the face nicely and helps balance a higher forehead. Medium thickness keeps the weight comfortable on the scalp.
Inspiration: @tyandloc
3. Super Long Locs
Butt-length soft locs show how far the wrapping technique can extend your hair. Make sure your natural hair is thick and healthy enough to carry that much length, because a weak foundation can break under the weight.
Inspiration: @lovealocs
4. Crochet Locs Updo
Crochet faux locs are wrapped around sectioned natural hair, then gathered into a big high bun. A few strands at the front are twisted and left down to create a pretty frame around the face.
Inspiration: @stylewithoutlimits_
5. Spring Twists with Face-Framing Curls
Golden blonde spring twists bring an instant boho feel, with soft spirals peeping out between the locs. The loose curls add playful movement and keep the style from looking too uniform. The warm blonde shade looks especially bright against deeper skin tones.
Inspiration: @tyandloc
6. Half-Up Butterfly Locs
Butterfly locs look great even when they get a little messy, which makes this half-up ponytail an easy protective option. Hair oil and a silk pillowcase help keep your own strands moisturised underneath. Their slightly frayed texture is intentional, so a little frizz only adds to the charm.
Inspiration: @crownedbyro
7. 24in Soft Locs and Curls
Long, thin 24-inch soft locs with curly fringe pieces protect natural hair from the elements but need careful washing. Shampoo the scalp only and rinse along each loc without rubbing or twisting it. Pat them dry with a microfibre towel afterwards.
Inspiration: @ikealooks
8. Voluminous Chunky Twists
Chunky twists deliver instant volume and bounce, whether parted in the centre or swept to one side. They do not last as long as smaller locs, so you may need to re-twist after a few weeks to extend the style.
Inspiration: @loczbylani
9. Side-Part Boho Locs
Waist-length boho locs with loose, curled ends make a wild, eye-catching statement. Synthetic hair is wrapped from the roots and the ends are left free; spritz with a water and oil mix to restore lost moisture.
Inspiration: @tee_beaute
10. Hip-Length Soft Locs
Hip-length red soft locs with a middle part are a bold way to play with colour. Think carefully about length before booking, as locs this long require more care, but the payoff is dramatic. Red extensions add colour without any bleach on your own hair.
Inspiration: @sophisticated_stylez27
11. Thin Locs with Twisted Crown
Micro braids are wrapped tightly with crochet hair to form thin locs here. Twisting the front pieces around toward the nape creates an elegant crown that lifts the whole look. Thin locs like these are light and flexible enough for many updos.
Inspiration: @_kinksnkurls_
12. Half-Bun Loc Style
Kinky twist locs stay neat-looking for longer because they do not get greasy as fast as some other styles. Gathering half into a bun keeps the look polished between wash days. It is also a handy way to hide new growth at the roots.
Inspiration: @bkstudio.inc
13. Half-Up Half-Down Locs
Light mocha soft locs make dark skin glow without any need to dye black hair. A twisted half-up ponytail is a simple first style that shows off the two-tone colour. Over time you can try buns, side ponies and wraps to find your signature look.
Inspiration: @flawlesstouchstyles
14. Soft Locs Bob
Thinner hair types benefit from shorter options like this twisted bob with curly ends, which places less tension on natural curls. Switching the parting is an easy way to change the look from day to day.
Inspiration: @_sweethairstyles_
15. Half-Pony Small Soft Locs
Chest-length small soft locs take a twist style further. If your density can handle the length, pull half of the locs back into a dimensional ponytail for a polished half-up finish. The longer length gives the pony plenty of swing and movement.
Inspiration: @locsbyjulie.co
16. Multi-Colored Nu Locs
Scalp braids form the base of these multicoloured nu locs, which are then woven with crochet hair in several shades. A high half pony with a few face-framing locs adds a fun, playful mood. Mixing two or three shades keeps the colour playful without looking busy.
Inspiration: @rosiejay_
17. Pineapple Style Locs
Medium curly locs are split in half, with the top section gathered high in a pineapple-style pony and the rest left loose. Locs hold their shape well, so the style stays put; Senegalese twists give a smoother alternative.
Inspiration: @tyandloc
18. Wavy Soft Locs
Fairy locs mixed with loose waves can look effortless, yet the install may take a stylist up to six hours. Wavy ends make the locs look natural and add volume for a relaxed but special finish.
Inspiration: @loccedup.byisis
19. Slick Back Twisted Locs
Twisting the locs backward creates a smooth, slicked-back bob that keeps hair completely off the face. A touch of hair cream adds gloss and keeps the twists sleek. Secure the ends with small pins at the nape if any twists start to lift during the day.
Inspiration: @kenspoppin__
20. Soft Locs + Rose Petals
Looped soft locs are arranged like rose petals and pinned into a high bun, with fringe locs left at the front. Secure each loop with hairpins and finish with strong-hold spray to keep the floral shape intact.
Inspiration: @sweetcreativestyles
Looking after your natural hair under soft locs
- Wash gently every one to two weeks, focusing shampoo on the scalp and letting the suds rinse down the locs rather than scrubbing them.
- Dry thoroughly; damp locs left overnight can develop odour or mildew.
- Mist the locs with a water and light oil mix to replace moisture that synthetic hair draws from your strands.
- Sleep in a satin bonnet or on a silk pillowcase to reduce friction and frizz.
Knowing when to take them out
Plan to remove soft locs after about six to eight weeks. Leaving them longer risks matting at the roots and breakage where new growth meets the wrapped section. Take them down slowly, detangle with plenty of conditioner, and give your hair a week or two of moisture-focused care before the next protective style. If you feel soreness or see small bumps along the hairline, the install is too tight and should be loosened promptly.