Dredlocks twist styles offer plenty of ways to change up the look of locs, whether you are starting your loc journey with two-strand twists or looking for new ways to style mature dreadlocks. From simple two-strand twists and chunky locs to buns, ponytails, barrel twists and accessorized looks, there are options for different loc lengths and personal styles.
Twists can also give locs an interesting texture and shape.
You can twist two existing locs together for a temporary style, or use two-strand twists as the foundation for developing locs. The result can look very different depending on the size of your sections, the length of your locs and how you choose to arrange them.
If you are looking for inspiration, these dredlocks twist styles can give you plenty of ideas for short, medium and long locs.
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What are Dredlocks Twist Styles?
Two-strand twists are made by dividing a section of hair into two pieces and wrapping the two pieces around each other. When used as a starter method for locs, the twists are left in place while the hair gradually tangles, compacts and develops into locs. The original twist pattern becomes less distinct as the locs mature.
This gives you an interesting option if you like the appearance of twists but eventually want locs. You don’t have to begin with a hairstyle that immediately looks like traditional mature dreadlocks. Fresh two-strand twist starter locs can look much like ordinary natural twists at first.
There is another interpretation of the term, though. If you already have locs, you can take two locs and twist them together temporarily.
This creates a rope-like hairstyle while leaving the individual locs intact underneath.
Dread Twist Styles #1. Classic Two-Strand Twist Starter Locs
This is probably the style most people have in mind when they search for twist locs.
The hair is divided into individual sections, with each section split into two strands. The strands are twisted together from the roots to the ends. The size of those sections determines how thick the eventual locs can become.
Larger sections generally produce thicker locs, while smaller sections produce smaller locs. Your parting pattern also contributes to the finished appearance.
Box parts, brick-lay parts and diamond-shaped sections are among the possibilities used when creating starter locs.
Fresh twists tend to look quite neat.
As time passes, however, you can expect some frizz, swelling and loosening of the original twist pattern. Those changes are part of the transition toward mature locs.
Dreadlock Twist Style #2. Chunky Twist Locs
If you like a bold hairstyle, you can start with relatively large sections.
Chunky two-strand twists create fewer, thicker twists across the head. Once they mature into locs, the result can be substantial locs with plenty of visual weight.
This approach can work particularly well if you have dense hair and want your eventual locs to have a larger diameter.
The important thing to remember is that your starter section size influences the eventual loc size. It is therefore worth thinking about the size you want before beginning rather than choosing large sections simply because they look attractive during the starter stage.
Twitst Dreadlocks #3. Small Two-Strand Twist Locs
At the other end of the spectrum are smaller twists.
Smaller sections give you more individual locs and can provide greater styling flexibility once the locs have enough length. Very small locs move toward the microloc category, although microlocs have their own techniques and installation approaches.
Small locs can eventually be gathered into ponytails, buns and other updos. They can also make intricate styling possible because there are more individual strands to manipulate.
There is a trade-off, though. More sections mean more individual locs to maintain.
4. Two-Strand Twists on Mature Locs
You don’t have to be starting a loc journey to wear a twist style.
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