12 Stunning Short Dread Styles You Need to Try This Year (Wait Until You See #7!)

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1. The Classic Clean & Short

Kicking things off with a timeless winner! The Classic Clean & Short style is exactly what it sounds like: impeccably maintained dreadlocks cut or started at a shorter length, usually around the earlobe or jawline. Think neat parts, healthy locs, and a crisp, clean look. This style is perfect for those who value sophistication and a polished appearance. It says, "I have my life together, and my hair looks amazing doing it." It’s a foundational look in the world of short dread styles.

This style is low-key, effortlessly cool, and a brilliant starting point. It highlights your facial structure and offers an understated elegance that works for absolutely any occasion. You can easily dress it up or down!

2. Short & Sharp with a Fade

Want to add some serious edge? Combine your short dreads with a sharp fade! This style keeps the locs on top (varying from very short coils to chin length) while the sides and back are faded down to the skin. It creates a striking contrast that's modern, clean, and undeniably cool.

A short fade with dreads isn't just a haircut; it's a whole mood. It adds structure to the face, is incredibly versatile for styling the top (gel it, fluff it, let it hang), and offers a refreshing coolness around the neck and ears, which is always a plus. This style is a favorite for men, but looks equally powerful on women rocking short dread styles.

3. The Effortless Short Dread Bob

Who says bobs are just for loose hair? A short dread bob is an absolute triumph! This style involves cutting or growing your dreadlocks to a uniform length, typically falling between the jawline and chin, creating that classic bob shape. It's chic, it's framing, and it's surprisingly low maintenance for a bob.

The beauty of the dread bob lies in its shape. It perfectly frames the face and neck, offering a sophisticated yet approachable look. It works wonderfully with different loc sizes, from microlocs to slightly thicker ones. If you’re looking for a feminine-leaning (but totally unisex!) take on short dread styles, this is a must-consider.

4. Messy & Textured Short Locs

Okay, maybe "messy" isn't the right word... let's go with "effortlessly textured" or "perfectly undone." This style embraces the natural texture and movement of short dreads, allowing them to lie in a more relaxed, less uniformed manner. It's about volume, slight frizz (the good kind!), and a chill, artistic vibe.

This is one of those short dread styles that proves you don't need everything perfectly in place to look incredible. It's great for people whose locs have a natural curl pattern or who just prefer a more organic look. It gives off a cool, confident, and authentic energy. Think coffee shop hangs, creative studios, or just looking awesome while living your best life.

5. Short Locs with Color Pop

Adding color is a fantastic way to elevate any hairstyle, and short dread styles are no exception! A pop of vibrant color, whether it's on the ends, strategically placed highlights, or a bold all-over shade (like fiery red or electric blue!), can completely transform the look and make your locs truly unique.

Color on short locs draws attention and expresses personality like nothing else. It highlights the texture and movement of the dreads and adds a playful or daring element depending on your color choice. This is your chance to experiment and really make your short locs yours. Just remember to keep those colored ends moisturized!

6. Very Short Coiled Locs

If you're looking for the ultimate in low maintenance (relatively speaking!) and a crisp appearance right from the start, very short coiled locs are the way to go. This style is achieved by using coils or comb twists on very short hair, which then mature into neat, tight dreadlocks. They often start barely past the scalp and gradually grow out.

This is a fantastic option for anyone just starting their loc journey on shorter hair. It offers a clean, structured look initially that blossoms into locs over time. It’s neat enough for professional settings but still cool enough for casual looks. These very short dread styles are the foundation for so many other looks!

7. The Curly/Wavy Short Dread Bob – The One You Waited For!

Okay, deep breaths. Remember how we hyped up #7? THIS is it! Marrying the elegant structure of a bob with the beautiful texture of curly or wavy tips in your short dreadlocks creates something truly magical. Instead of blunt ends, the tips of the locs are left free or styled to coil and wave, adding softness, volume, and a gorgeous sense of movement to the classic bob shape.

Why is this one so stunning? It takes the polished feel of the bob and infuses it with incredible organic texture. It’s sophisticated yet natural, stylish yet full of life. The wavy ends frame the face in a softer way than blunt locs and add a unique visual interest that catches the eye. This is one of those short dread styles that looks good from every angle and genuinely turns heads. It’s versatile, full of personality, and utterly captivating!

8. Short Dreads with Undercut Designs

Level up that fade! Adding geometric designs, lines, or patterns into the undercut section of your short dread style takes personalization to a whole new level. This is wearable art that complements the texture and volume of the dreads on top.

Undercut designs allow for incredible creativity. You can go for simple parallel lines, intricate patterns, or even freestyle shapes. It's a bold statement that shows attention to detail and a fearless approach to style. Plus, you can change the design periodically for a fresh look without touching your locs on top! This is a top choice for those who want their short dread styles to have an extra edge.

9. Accessorized Short Locs

Sometimes, all you need is a little sparkle or shine! Adding beads, cuffs, wraps, or rings to your short dreadlocks can instantly elevate the style and add a touch of personal flair or cultural tribute. Accessories catch the light, add pops of color, and can be changed out to match your outfit or mood.

Whether it's a few strategic gold cuffs, colorful beads woven through, or a stylish wrap for a section, accessories draw the eye and make your short dreads look even more intentional and stunning. It's a simple yet effective way to customize your look. These details make short dread styles truly shine.

10. Short Barrel Twists or Plaits

While not traditional dreads, styles like barrel twists or plaits are often worn as stunning, temporary looks on short hair, including early-stage short locs, and they totally deserve a spot! This involves twisting or braiding sections of hair tightly to the scalp, resulting in a sleek, structured look that's incredibly versatile and lasts for days or even weeks.

Barrel twists and plaits are protective, neat, and can be styled in countless ways – forward, backward, to the side. They are an excellent way to manage short dreads or natural hair while looking absolutely impeccable. The defined sections create a strong visual pattern that is just so satisfying to look at. An excellent option when thinking about different short dread styles approaches!

11. The Side-Swept Flow

Even short dreads have flow! Styling your shorter locs to sweep across the forehead or strongly to one side adds dynamic movement and can beautifully highlight one side of your face. This is often achieved with a slight asymmetry in the cut or by simply styling and perhaps using a light product or clip to hold the shape initially.

The side-swept flow brings a touch of softness and romance to the strong texture of dreadlocks. It’s a simple styling variation that can completely change the look of your short locs, adding a touch of casual elegance or playful charm. It's a fantastic way to get multiple looks out of your base short dread style.

12. Two-Tone Short Locs

Playing with two distinct colors in your short dreads creates a bold and high-impact look. This could be dark roots with bright ends, half the head one color and half another, or even alternating colored locs throughout the style. It’s a striking visual that adds depth and dimension.

Two-tone color blocking is inherently eye-catching. It allows you to show off contrasting aspects of your personality – maybe dark and mysterious mixed with bright and vibrant? It emphasizes the texture of the locs through the change in color and makes your short dread style unforgettable. Go bold or go home with this one!

Keeping Those Short Dread Styles Fresh

Regardless of which stunning short dread style calls to you, a little love goes a long way in keeping your locs looking their best:

Moisture is Key: Short locs can dry out too! Use lightweight moisturizing sprays or oils.

Protect at Night: Cover your hair with a satin or silk scarf or bonnet to prevent lint and breakage.

Cleanliness is Vital: Regular washing (with residue-free products) is essential for healthy locs.

Maintain Your Parts: Get regular retwists or interlocks to keep your parts neat and your locs looking fresh as they grow.

Listen to Your Locs: If they feel dry or brittle, add moisture. If they feel heavy or gunky, they might need a deep clean.

Ready to Rock Short Dread Styles This Year?

There you have it – 12 absolutely gorgeous short dread styles that prove this length is anything but limiting. From the ultra-clean and classic to the wildly textured and colorful, short locs offer a universe of possibilities to express exactly who you are.

Choosing to wear short dreadlocks is a fantastic decision. It’s liberating, stylish, and surprisingly adaptable. Whether you're starting fresh, transitioning, or just ready for a change, there's a short dread style out there waiting to make you feel like a million bucks (or look like a famous content writer!).

So, go ahead. Get inspired by these looks, find your perfect match, and confidently rock a stunning short dread style this year. You absolutely got this, and you're going to look incredible!