Medium length locs are the middle child of the hair world. They aren't the cute, defiant little starter buds that everyone wants to touch, but they haven't quite reached the majestic, floor-sweeping length of a veteran loc star. Most people call it the "ugly phase," though I think that’s a bit harsh. Honestly, it's just a transition. You’ve got enough weight for the hair to hang, but enough volume for it to defy gravity at the worst possible moments. If you’re stuck in that "not short, not long" limbo, you’re probably looking for styles for medium length dreadlocks that don't make you look like you just rolled out of bed.
The truth is, this stage is actually the most versatile. Seriously. You have enough length to pull them back, but not so much weight that you’re getting a headache from a simple ponytail.
The Half-Up, Half-Down Myth
Everybody tries the half-up, half-down look. It's the "I tried, but not too hard" hairstyle of the decade. But here’s the thing: with medium locs, if you tie it too tight, your scalp shows in these weird, geometric patterns that make you look like a walking tile floor.
The secret is tension. You want to use a soft hair tie—maybe a silk scrunchie or a loc accessory specifically designed for thicker hair—and gather just the top third. Let the rest hang. If your locs are still a bit stiff, they’re going to stick out sideways like a cartoon character. Don't fight it. Use a little bit of rose water or a light oil to help them settle.
Barrel Rolls and the Art of Tucking
Barrel rolls are the undisputed heavyweight champion of loc styling. They look intricate. People will ask you how long it took. You can lie and say two hours, but it probably took twenty minutes.
To pull this off with medium length hair, you’re essentially braiding the locs into themselves along the scalp. It keeps everything neat, especially if you’re between retwists and the frizz is starting to take over your life. Unlike long locs, which can make barrel rolls feel heavy and bulky, medium length allows for a flatter, more streamlined look. It’s perfect for a wedding or a job interview where you want to look "polished" without losing the soul of your hair.
Why the High Bun Might Be Your Worst Enemy
We see the influencers. We see the massive, gravity-defying buns. But if your locs are medium length, forcing them into a high bun is a recipe for traction alopecia. Your roots aren't ready for that kind of vertical stress.
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Instead? Go for the low bun or the "pineapple" method.
If you try to force a high bun before you have the hang-time, you end up with "the fountain." You know the one. Where the locs just sort of sprout out the top and flop over. It's fine for the gym, but maybe not for the gala. Try a side-swept look instead. Pinning one side back with a few decorative bobby pins or a silver cuff can completely change the silhouette of your face.
The Messy Loc Petal
Have you tried petals? It’s a technique where you fold the loc back onto itself and secure it with a small elastic. It creates a floral, textured effect. On medium locs, this is a cheat code. It makes your hair look twice as thick and hides the fact that your ends might still be "sealing" or looking a bit thin.
- Fold the loc halfway.
- Secure with a rubber band (not too tight!).
- Repeat for the top section.
- Leave the back loose.
It’s tactile. It’s visual. It’s basically hair architecture.
Maintenance and the Frizz Factor
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: frizz. In the medium stage, frizz is rampant. You’re likely 12 to 24 months into your journey. The hair is still deciding if it wants to be a solid rope or a fuzzy cloud.
Dr. Kari Williams, a world-renowned trichologist who has worked with stars like Ava DuVernay, often emphasizes that scalp health is the foundation of any style. If you’re styling your medium locs every day, you’re pulling on the follicle. Stop that. Give it a rest.
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The Wrap Life
Sometimes the best style for medium length dreadlocks is a wrap. Not a full "I’m hiding my hair" wrap, but a headband style. A thick, African-print headwrap that leaves the ends of your locs popping out the top? Iconic. It frames the face and covers the new growth if you haven't had time for a maintenance session.
The Two-Strand Twist Out
This is the "two-for-one" deal of the hair world. You twist two locs together, leave them for a week, and then unravel them.
The Result: Crinkles.
The Crinkle Effect: It adds volume. It adds "bounce."
When your locs are medium length, they can sometimes look a bit limp. The crinkle from a twist-out gives them a zig-zag pattern that catches the light differently. It’s a great way to transition from a formal look (the twists) to a casual, voluminous look (the unraveled crinkles) without needing a stylist.
Common Misconceptions About Medium Locs
People think you can't do updos. Wrong. You just have to be strategic with hair pins.
People think you have to retwist every two weeks to keep them looking "good." Also wrong. Over-manipulation is the fastest way to thin out your locs. Embrace the fuzz. The fuzz is what makes them look like locs and not just structured yarn.
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Loc Jewelry: The Game Changer
If you feel like your style is boring, add some weight. I’m talking about gold coils, wooden beads, or even those little crystal wrap-arounds.
On medium locs, placement is everything. Putting a heavy bead at the very end of a loc can help it "drop" if it’s currently sticking straight up. It’s physics, basically. A little bit of weight helps the hair find its natural hang. Plus, it looks intentional. It says, "I didn't just wake up like this; I curated this."
Finding Your Personal Silhouette
The most important thing to remember is that your hair is a reflection of your journey. No two sets of locs are the same. Your medium length might be shoulder-grazing and thin, or it might be a thick, wild mane that reaches your chin.
Experiment with parting. A deep side part can give you a faux-fringe (bangs) look that works incredibly well with medium lengths. It softens the forehead and gives a bit of mystery to the eyes. A middle part, on the other hand, is classic and clean.
Actionable Next Steps for Styling
To make the most of your current length without causing damage, follow these practical steps:
- Invest in "Loc Ties": Standard hair elastics snap locs. Look for long, fabric-covered ties that you can wrap around multiple times without catching the scales of the hair.
- The Steam Method: Before styling, use a handheld steamer or just the steam from your shower. It makes the locs more pliable. Trying to style dry, brittle locs leads to breakage.
- Night Care is Styling Care: If you want your style to last, you have to sleep in a silk or satin bonnet. A cotton pillowcase will suck the moisture out of your hair and ruin your twist-out by morning.
- Listen to Your Scalp: If a style hurts, take it out. Tension is the enemy of longevity. No style is worth a receding hairline.
- Moisture Balance: Use a light leave-in spray (water and a drop of peppermint oil works wonders) to keep the locs flexible. Flexible hair styles easier than stiff hair.
Medium length locs aren't a waiting room. They are a destination. Whether you’re rocking a messy bun, a sleek set of barrel rolls, or just letting them flow with some well-placed gold cuffs, own the stage you're in. The length will come. For now, enjoy the lightness and the ability to wash and dry your hair in under four hours—because once they hit your waist, that luxury is gone forever.