20 Whimsical Hairstyle Ideas Featuring Yarn Dreads

If you are looking for new ways to revamp your look, you might have just found it. Gorgeous colorful yarn dreads may be the answer to your hair-related dreams. The truly genius thing about this fad is the fact that you can easily try out different colors and styles, without affecting your natural hair. So, go on — have a little fun!

How to Do Yarn Locs

Haven’t thought about trying this hairstyle yet? Well, then you really are in for something of a treat. Yarn dreads, sometimes also called ‘knitted’ dreadlocks, are just what they sound like; faux dreads that you create with colorful yarn. This trend gives you the freedom to do a whole lot to your hair without damaging or changing it too much. So, where should you start?

To DIY your first yarn dreads you will need scissors, 100% acrylic yarn, and some patience. Here is the detailed tutorial:

1. Define the desired length of dreads, double it and cut the yarn into several dozens of equal pieces.
2. Take 2-5 pieces of yarn into one hand, the same number into the other hand (the more pieces the thicker the loc).
3. Link them together like a chain (it is also called the ‘T-shape’).
4. As it is a protective hairstyle, moisturize hair before creating dreads.
5. Take a strand of your hair (you may twist it if you wish), place the center of the T-shaped yarn under it.
6. Starting from the roots plait a regular 3-strand braid.
7. You may braid till the end or stop half way — it doesn’t matter.
8. Take 3-4 pieces of yarn and wrap them around the braid. Repeat wrapping until you reach the end of the strand.
9. When you reach the end, braid the rest of the hair 2-3 times and tie into a knot.
10. Cut off the excess pieces with scissors, burn the tip of each loc.

This video shows one more way to make dreads with yarn by twisting hair with extensions:

Yarn Dreads Pros

Need reasons why you should make yarn dreads? First of all, they always look interesting. You may choose just one yarn shade or take several colors and mix them creatively. Yarn dreadlocks are among top protective styles. They are easy to DIY at home, low-maintenance, lighter and cheaper than the majority of extensions. Yarn dreads can be washed, conditioned and moisturized.

Yarn Dreads Cons

Women usually don’t have many problems with their yarn dreads. Everything is OK except the fact that they are heavy when wet, take a long time to dry and can collect lint. That’s it!

Related Post: 20 Cosy Hairstyles with Yarn Braids

1. Forehead Braid with Beads

Once you have the yarn in hair, it’s all about styling your locs to make them suit your personal style. This forehead braid really does frame the face in an impressive way. What’s more, the side ponytail hangs down over your shoulder adding a playful touch to your look.

2. Half Up Dreads Bun

If you’re hoping for something a little more natural-looking, why not try black or dark brown faux locs with yarn? Ideal for work and play, they will definitely turn some heads. Twist the locs up into a high bun but leave half the hair hanging low to complete.

3. Bright Genie Locs

Fancy spicing up your appearance? Pastel genie locs are certainly the way to go. Wearing the braids over to one side creates an urban chic look. Plus, the golden clips complement the hair and pair beautifully with other metallic accessories, like necklaces and earrings.

4. High Ponytail with Undercut

Of all our inspirational images with locs, this one has to be one of the edgiest. If you prefer to wear your locs in updos, these can get pretty thick and bulky when you gather them into a ponytail. Try a sharp undercut with shaved designs for a more interesting and easier to manage mane.

5. Half Up Top Knot

Here’s proof that you can wear yarn hair in an array of stunning ways. Deep red thick locs will always be stylish; it really is one of those fads that are just timeless. Split the hair in half and twist the top into a chic high half up bun.

6. Colorful Mohawk Ponytail

Inspired by the 90s punk rock, the mohawk will never, ever go out of fashion. To pull the image off, you need to make sure that you’re comfortable with bold colors. Only the brightest shades will suit it!

7. Golden Jumbo Locs

Never be afraid to go chunky with your braids; it really can pay off in a major way. Jumbo dreads in golden blonde look beach-ready and fabulous all day, every day. Notice the cute detailing with bands too.

8. Thick Green Dreads

Chunky faux locs with yarn can be enhanced by a casual half updo. Tying up a quick and easy dreads bun on the top of the head while allowing the rest of the braids to flow free is the way to go. The two-tone style is retro cool.

9. Colorful Boho Braids

Now, no one said that you had to stick to the same boring old color with your extensions. Remember, this type of hairstyle means you can be 100% creative. Sleek locs in a variety of bold, daring colors will make a serious impression. Boho at its best.

10. Vibrant Mohawk with Shaved Sides

A clean side shave haircut will give you a dynamic statement look in no time. Pair that with some bright neon pink dye yarn dreads, and you might just have a winning combo. You can wear the braids swept to one side or backwards.

11. Halo Yarn Dreads

Whipping the braids over the top and pinning them up mirrors a halo-like hairstyle. Many people think that you just wear yarn locs down all the time. Why not try to stir up something new with a twist on the classic?

12. Jumbo Bun with Twist Braids

Taking the hippie aesthetic to a whole new level, these thick dreads with twist braids stray far from natural hair. There’s space to experiment with patterns, colors, and thickness. The yarn locs crochet braids are getting more and more popular these days.

13. Surfer Twist Braids

At times, a full-on bun can seem a little too formal. Why not try something in the middle instead? Thicker braids with highlights and beads look effortlessly sophisticated in simple downdos. Wrap a side section around the rest of the locs and pin it down!

14. Heavy Yarn Wraps

Yarn dreads are not always thin and sleek. Rather they can have a strikingly different look. These wraps are medium in thickness, long and layered. The khaki color gives off some seriously grungy vibes. Ideal for younger, more experimental ladies.

15. Dread Weave

Of course, the reason many African-American women choose this hairstyle is because it can be protective. Something you can do for hair growth is as simple as let your hair grow, while you are wearing a fun hairstyle with dreads or locs you really like.

16. Easy Top Knot

How much yarn do you need for your locs? It depends on how long you want them to be. Normally you can complete your head with 1-2 packs of yarn which is great if you want to save money. Yarn loc styles are easy and diverse, while they do really look cool. Take this giant bun for instance.

17. Gray Yarn Locs Bob

Why try to stop time? Aging ladies may wear classic gray locs and still look utterly fantastic. Yarn dreadlocks don’t have to be long — short and layered dreads can take on the shape of the bob and be low-maintenance.

18. Yarn Dreads Extensions

When choosing yarn for your dreads extensions, opt for acrylic yarn, not wool, as it will have a drying effect on natural hair. Medium-to-long dreads of one length is a great choice, but you can certainly play with layered colorful dreads or short locs.

19. Really Wild Locs

Ready to go a little wild with yarn locs hairstyles? Here’s an animal-print inspired style that you may have seen over the years. Two-tone thick yarn wraps are never boring, they look dimensional and classy even when you don’t do anything else with them, just wear freely hanging.

20. Bold Fake Dreadlocks

Younger women tend to prefer fake dreadlocks over the real ones, and with good reason. You can add in as many hues and patterns as you please here. Sweeping the yarn locs over to the side has a chilled-out, laid-back appeal.

Wearing genie locs or fake dreadlocks is an economic way to try some new colors, thicknesses and lengths with extensions. Yarn dreads have been popular in black communities for quite some time since they look wonderful and are good for hair protection and growth. Give them a try, because why not?!