Part of the advantage of having dreadlocks comes from the versatility of this hairstyle. You can wear it in many different ways and get incredibly creative. One of the ways you can do this is through accessories.
This article will explore some of the best accessories for your dreadlocks. It will also explore how to wear them and some best practices.
Related: 5 Popular Accessories For Your Locs
When Can You Use Accessories In Your Locs?
Before you start buying accessories and placing them in your locs, you should know if doing so will damage your locs. Locs need care and effort to last. Putting accessories in can change how your locs are growing in a way that might be permanent. So, placing accessories before your locs are ready is risky.
Because of this, you should wait to put any accessories in until your locs are completely mature. This means they have reached the point where they are firm and hold fast on their own. Everyone has a different loc timeline, so there is no definitive time at which you can put accessories in. It may be a few months in, or it may be a year. Consider the current stability of your hair before you put anything into it.
However, this doesn’t mean you need to keep everything away from your head entirely. If you really want to put accessories in, you can put them in for a short period of time. For example, if you have a nice event coming up or you want to make a striking impression for whatever reason, you can wear some accessories for the occasion and remove them as soon as you get back home. Just try to attach any accessories to the strongest locs you have.
Want to keep your locs in place so they’ll go better with your accessories? Take a look at our Lion Locs Loc Gel Moisturizer and see how it can both hold and moisturize your locs.
Image source: alwaysfocal2016
Types of Dreadlock Accessories
Now that we’ve gone over when you can wear accessories, we can dive into the different types. Plenty of options exist; you just need to find the ones you like best.
Beads
Beads are one of the most common dreadlock accessories. You’ve probably seen many people with dreadlock beads and may already be thinking of them for yourself.
Beads are great because they come in various shapes, sizes, and colors. You can find beads that look like beads of different shapes and even resembling animals, symbols, or anything else you can imagine. Most of these are also available in any size and color.
When it comes to beads, the material they are made from matters. You can find beads made out of everything from metal to wood and shells to precious stones. You can ultimately choose whatever material suits you best. However, metal beads, mainly stainless steel ones, will typically last the longest and look good the entire time.
Rings
Rings are a lot like beads. However, rings tend to be thinner, metallic, and more prone to look like jewelry.
The best part about rings is that they work well on their own or are paired with other accessories. You can throw rings in between beads. Or, you can wear a bunch of them on their own for a unique look. You can even choose to wear multiple different types of rings at once to create some variety within a single look.
Cuffs
Dreadlock cuffs are a lot like beads and rings. However, they have some unique properties that set them apart.
For one, cuffs are usually a bit thinner than their counterparts. This makes them better for some low-key looks. However, cuffs can also accommodate some seriously crazy designs. This puts these cuffs at the other end of the spectrum, making them perfect for some seriously striking looks.
Cuffs are also typically easier to take on and off. Beads and rings usually need to be placed at the end of your locs and pulled up to where you want them. Meanwhile, many types of cuffs simply clip into place. This makes them a great way to change up your look regularly.
Related: The Difference Between Locs and Dreadlocks
Threads
If you don’t like the fact that beads are bulky and have the potential to be heavy but still want to add some color to your hair, threads may be a better option. Threads are essentially a strand of material, typically cotton or silk, that you wrap around your hair to form a block of that material.
In most cases, people use threads to add color. You can wrap a section of your locs with one color, then move on to another, then move on to another, and keep going with this process until you are happy. By the end, you can have hair filled with different colors.
You can even use these colors to send a message. Some people choose to send a political message by stacking colors that represent those found in the progress pride flag. Others simply want to show off their favorite sports team and choose colors to make them stand out while attending a game. Though you are just working with colors, you can say a lot about them.
Image source: Unikatina
Headwraps/Scarves
Unlike many other accessories that go in your hair, headwraps and scarves go around it instead. Wrapping a headwrap or a headscarf around your head can create a unique look.
One of the benefits of wraps and scarves is that they come in so many different varieties and styles. You can get unique colors, intricate patterns, or ones that represent your hobby or interest. In this way, the headwrap style lets even more of your personality shine through.
Looking for ways to keep your hair healthy and nourished? Check out our Advanced Rose Water Spray Treatment for an easy way to care for your hair.
Ties
If you’re looking for something that is both stylish and utilitarian, ties are a great option.
These are stylish on their own. They can add a pop of color to your look and can form the foundation of a unique hairstyle.
While ties look great, they are also surprisingly practical. Without ties, you can be a bit limited in how you style your hair. With them, you can pull off unique updos. Or, you can go for more adventurous looks. You can even just keep it simple and use ties to keep your hair out of your face and eyes.
Pick the Best Accessories for Dreadlocks
When it comes to stylizing your dreadlocks, some of the best options to consider are beads, rings, threads, ties, and scarves. These all work, but ultimately, what you wear is an expression of yourself. The best accessories for your locs will depend on your own personal style. So, as long as you love the accessories you choose, it’s a great option.
Related: Locs at the Beach: The Dos and Don'ts.