The fellas like to keep a low profile but let’s be honest. We know that guys like to look fresh just as much as the ladies do. The good news is that if you are a guy who rocks locs, you don’t have to feel left out when it comes to having fun with hair accessories.
There are lots of dreadlock accessories available for men nowadays. From dread wraps to dreadlock headbands, to everything in between, these accessories can be used to create custom hair styles, decorate your dreads or simply worn as functional tools to keep your locs up and out of the way.
For those new to the game, you might not have known that dreadlock accessories even existed. Is there a need for accessories made especially for dreadlocks? Where do you get them? We’ll explore all of that in this article…
Dreadlock accessories are hair adornments (accessories) and hair maintenance tools designed to accommodate the particular needs of dreadlocks wearers. For example, most dreadlocks become very full and thick in nature as they mature. Typically a regular ponytail elastic is simply too small to get a full head of mature locs to fit into it.
People resort to rubber bands collected from yesterday’s mail or suffer tension headaches trying to stuff all of their hair into elastics that just don’t fit. However, open-ended ponytail holders, commonly referred to as loc ties, are much larger elastic loops that can accommodate thick, full, voluminous hair. They are much easier to wrap around thick locs and relieve the tension headaches and ponytail pull caused by ‘too tight’ elastics.
The following is a list of unisex accessories that you can use to style your locs.
Dreadlock Headbands & Slouch Bands
Dreadlock headbands and slouch bands are one of the most popular accessories for men with dreads. They are super comfortable and great for keeping the hair up and off of your neck when its warm or humid outside. You can also wear headbands in the summer to replace tams which can be a bit too warm in the summer heat. Headbands can help cover any loose roots in between maintenance sessions or can simply be used as stylish accessory.
Dreadlock Tams
If you are forming new dreads, tams are a great accessory to have in the clutch for mornings when your baby locs are determined to do their own thing. Basically, they are useful if/when you are experiencing a bad hair day. If your roots are ready to be retwisted or you have uncooperative starter locs, tams are the go-to companion as you make it through the ‘awkward phase’.
You can put on a tam or a crown which will cover your dreads in a crunch and still have a well put together look. Let’s face it, part of the loc journey is facing those days when your locs have a mind of their own, so why not embrace it and even throw a bit of style on it!
Magic Wrap Ponytail Bands
Want to look stylish without the long styling sessions? Magic Wrap Ponytail Bands (Bun Holders) wrap around your locs, braids or bun like magic. You can even wear it as a bracelet when not in use. Simply tap & wrap! Two great functions in one stylish hair accessory.
Glass Beads
Glass Beads are a more advanced dread accessory. Why do I say that? Because, only a mature dread wearer can rock this, simply for safety’s sake. You always have to be mindful that you actually have glass in your hair and have to adjust your activities accordingly. However, they can be used to smooth out any imperfections in your dreads. You can also wear different pieces to change up your style or make your crown of locs even more unique.
Peyote Stitches
Peyote stitches are another stylish accessory for dreadlocks. You can use them to decorate your dreads while adding personality and character to your hair style. They come in dozens of designs for you express yourself. From LGBTQ pride to religion or cartoon anime, you’re sure to find a design that represents your passions. You can also use them to cover any lumps or loops in your dreads or to help to tighten your locs.
Wooden Dread Beads
Dread beads can be found in a range of different materials including plastic, metal, and wood. Many people use wooden beads to decorate and style their dreads. Wearing beads in your hair will encourage the strands of your locs to stay locked together and also help to constrict your locs as they tighten and matte during the locking process.
Loc Ties
Loc ties are large looped ponytail holders that do exactly what the name implies…they tie your locs back (or up – whichever you prefer). They are ten times better than a regular ponytail holder because they are large enough to accommodate full, thick, long dreads.
Regular ponytail holders are often too small and too tight for dreadlocks. Loc ties are open-ended so you don’t have to struggle to get all of your locs through the small band of a typical ponytail holder. We have some unisex styles that would be perfect for the fellas, check them out here >>
So there you have it, this list is by no means exhaustive. And perhaps we’ll add to it as time goes on to make it an “ultimate guide” of sorts. But until then, we wanted to give you a few ideas to get you off to a good start. Have fun accessorizing!
Where To Buy Dreadlock Accessories You Ask?
You can purchase accessories for your locs here at Loccessories *shameless plug*. We offer a carefully curated mix of handcrafted natural hair accessories and hair maintenance tools for curls, coils, kinks & locs.
I recently saw a picture floating around the internet that captured what is probably a LocStar’s greatest fear. The woman’s waist length locs were caught in the car door as she walked away…ouch, talk about painful! Don’t let this happen to you. Visit the Shop to find something special for yourself or your favorite LocStar…
