30 Faux Locs Hairstyle Ideas for Your Next Protective Style
We rounded up different types of faux locs for short and long hairstyle inspiration.
Chloe and Halle Bailey are hair goals, and the musical duo has worn their tresses in locs since they were toddlers, which explains why their hair is so long, thick and luscious. It can take years to grow locs that sway past your waist and starter locs require natural hair—and often a big chop. However, there's a way to get this boho chic protective style without sacrificing years of your time. Enter: faux locs. Faux locs are exactly how they sound: locs that are not real and use either synthetic or human hair to achieve the style.
Installing faux locs can take hours. First, the hairstylist must braid your natural hair in box braids and then hair is wrapped around the braid to give the illusion of locs. If you don't have eight hours but still want the style, you can opt for crochet faux locs. These locs already come wrapped and ready to go and are just crocheted onto your cornrows. If you don't have a hairstylist or are not savvy enough to DIY your own faux locs, then you can get a faux locs wig or hairpiece faster than you can type "Amazon.com."
Once you decide the method of installation for your faux locs, then you can determine the type of locs hairstyle that is perfect for you. If you want feminine appeal, opt for goddess or butterfly faux locs. Play with length and style, too—long faux locs vs. short Black hair, thick faux locs vs. thin faux locs, an updo or wearing them cascading past your shoulders.
Don't worry if you're still at a loss for what kind of faux locs are perfect for your face. We have you covered. We rounded up the best faux loc hairstyles of 2022 and the best celebrity faux locs looks to give you all the inspiration you need for your next style.
Beautiful Butterfly Locs
When it comes to faux locs, don't strive for perfection. Distressing your faux locs adds texture and gives a more realistic look.
Updo Action
Don't let locs intimidate you. Style faux locs like you would your natural hair. An easy option is a half up, half down style.
Color Theory
Thinking of adding color to your faux locs? Stray away from the typical golden hues and add a true pop of color to your coif. If you can't choose, opt for two complementary colors like this pink and purple combo.
On Top
Sometimes wigs can look...well, wiggy. A great way to make a faux locs wig look more realistic is to place it in an updo and blend with your edges.
Ace Accessorizing
Another way to diversify your faux locs is by adding accessories. Grown-ish actress Gracie Marie Bradley upgrades her gray tendrils with black and pink hair baubles.
Long Faux Locs
Faux locs are a perfect opportunity to add length to your natural hair a la Rihanna.
The Blues
If you want to add color but don't want it to be overly jarring, opt for deep blues and purples as they blend better with darker hair hues.
Let's Be Blunt
Okay, so we cheated. This is a twist style; however, we love Naomie Harris's blunt ombré cut and it would look great in small to medium size locs.
Utilize Your Undercut
Faux locs are an opportunity for those of you with short styles to switch it up. If you have an undercut, faux locs look cute in a bun.
Faux Locs Fullness
Faux locs take time to install if you are doing individuals vs. the crotchet method. Pro tip: go bigger and you can go home (sooner). This chunky style looks like a natural hair floral arrangement on Little Simz's head.
Beautiful Butterfly Locs
Butterfly locs use wavy hair to create their signature loops. This look gives your faux locs a bouncy, curly look. Actress Sonequa Martin-Green parts hers to the side to open up her face.
Gorgeous Goddess Locs
Goddess locs are identified by their open wavy ends. Just like the name states, you'll feel like royalty once you install this faux locs hairstyle.
Faux (real) Looking Locs
The benefit of long locs is no need for a hair tie. Take a red carpet cue from Zendaya: Use a few of the faux locs near your temple and tie them back in a loose knot.
Sisterlock Style
Sisterlocks are thinner than traditional locs and must be installed by a Sisterlocks consultant. However, if you want to go for this look, opt for a crotchet faux locs wig. Getting thin faux locs with your individual hair can cause tension to your scalp and lead to breakage.
Sideways Style
Actress Meagan Good takes the shaved head style up a notch with her goddess faux locs. No matter how you wear these locs, they always look appealing.
Naturally Regal
Faux locs are genderless and there's nothing wrong with taking style inspo from the guys. This street style duo looks so regal with their uber tall topknots.
Wiggin' Out
Want faux locs without the hassle? Opt for a wig to get the satisfaction of the look sans commitment. Singer Teyana Taylor stepped out in style with platinum blonde goddess faux locs, turning heads at the Versace event.
Loc'd and Loaded
Once installed faux locs are effortless, as illustrated by Ryan Destiny.
Spaced Out
Space buns are a fun hairstyle trend and you can easily recreate them on faux locs. Take a half up, half down style cue from Willow Smith and place your faux locs in two top ponytails (or buns). You can mimic her edge appeal with two lower ponytails or leave the locs out.
Damsel in Distress(ed) Faux Locs
For natural-looking faux locs like Rihanna, wrap your box braids in Marley hair.
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