Butterfly locs have become a popular protective hairstyle in recent years, offering a unique and eye-catching twist on traditional dreadlocks. These locs are created by wrapping small sections of hair around a strand, resulting in a delicate, butterfly-like appearance.
If you’re considering trying butterfly locs, you’ll be pleased to know that there are countless ways to style and accessorize them. From vibrant colours to intricate designs, the possibilities are endless. In this article, we’ll explore 25 stunning butterfly locs ideas to inspire your next look.
What are Butterfly Locs?
Butterfly locs are a protective hairstyle that mimics the appearance of traditional locs but with a softer, more textured finish. They’re created by wrapping wavy hair around a braid in a crochet-like method, resulting in a distressed, slightly frizzy look. The name “butterfly” comes from the light, airy texture that resembles a butterfly’s wings.
Key Characteristics of Butterfly Locs:
- Soft and lightweight
- Textured and slightly frizzy appearance
- Versatile in terms of length and colour
- Low maintenance compared to traditional locs
- Temporary and protective style
Benefits of Butterfly Locs
Butterfly locs offer numerous advantages, making them a popular choice for those seeking a stylish yet protective hairstyle. Here are some key benefits:
- Hair Protection: By keeping your natural hair tucked away, butterfly locs minimize daily manipulation and exposure to environmental stressors.
- Versatility: This style can be customized in terms of length, colour, and thickness to suit your preferences.
- Low Maintenance: Once installed, butterfly locs require minimal daily styling, saving you time and effort.
- Natural-Looking: The distressed texture gives a more natural and lived-in appearance compared to neat, traditional locs.
- Temporary Option: Unlike permanent locs, butterfly locs can be easily removed, allowing you to switch up your style frequently.
Now, let’s dive into the first few butterfly locs ideas:
1. Classic Black Butterfly Locs
The classic black butterfly locs are a timeless choice that suits all skin tones. This style is perfect for those who prefer a more subtle and natural look.
2. Ombre Butterfly Locs
Ombre butterfly locs feature a gradual transition from one colour to another, creating a stunning and eye-catching effect. You can choose from a variety of colour combinations, such as black to blue or brown to blonde.
3. Pastel Butterfly Locs
Pastel colors are a popular choice for butterfly locs, as they create a soft and feminine look. Consider trying shades of pink, lavender, or mint for a delicate and romantic style.
4. Highlighted Butterfly Locs
Highlighted butterfly locs feature pops of color throughout the locs, adding depth and dimension to the style. You can choose from bold colors like red or subtle highlights like honey blonde.
5. Butterfly Locs with Beads
Adding beads to your butterfly locs is a great way to add some flair and personality to your look. Choose from a variety of bead colors and sizes to create a unique and eye-catching style.
Pro Tip: When adding beads to your butterfly locs, be sure to use high-quality, durable beads that won’t easily fall out or damage your hair. Look for beads with a secure closure, such as a crimp bead or a bead with a loop.
6. Butterfly Locs with Shells
Shells are another popular accessory for butterfly locs, adding a natural and bohemian touch to the style. Consider using small seashells or larger shells for a more dramatic effect.
Pro Tip: When using shells in your butterfly locs, be sure to clean and smooth the shells before adding them to your hair. This will help prevent any sharp edges or rough surfaces from snagging or damaging your locs.
7. Butterfly Locs with Feathers
Feathers are a beautiful and whimsical addition to butterfly locs, creating a free-spirited and ethereal look. You can use a variety of feather colors and sizes to suit your personal style.
Pro Tip: When using feathers in your butterfly locs, be sure to secure them with a strong adhesive or thread to prevent them from falling out. You can also try braiding the feathers into the locs for a more secure and long-lasting look.
8. Butterfly Locs with Cuffs
Cuffs are a great way to add some edge to your butterfly locs, creating a more industrial and modern look. Choose from a variety of cuff materials and designs to suit your personal style.
Pro Tip: When using cuffs in your butterfly locs, be sure to choose a size that fits snugly without being too tight. You can also try using multiple cuffs in different sizes and materials for a more layered and textured look.
9. Butterfly Locs with Charms
Charms are a fun and playful addition to butterfly locs, allowing you to express your personality and interests. Consider using charms that represent your hobbies, beliefs, or favorite characters.
Pro Tip: When adding charms to your butterfly locs, be sure to use a strong adhesive or thread to secure them in place. You can also try using a combination of charms and beads for a more intricate and eye-catching look.
10. Butterfly Locs with Pearls
Pearls add a touch of elegance and sophistication to butterfly locs, creating a glamorous and sophisticated look. You can use small pearls throughout the locs or larger pearls as accents.
Pro Tip: When using pearls in your butterfly locs, be sure to choose high-quality, durable pearls that won’t easily fall out or discolor your hair. You can also try using a combination of pearls and other accessories, such as beads or crystals, for a more unique and personalized look.
11. Butterfly Locs with Crystals
Crystals are a beautiful and spiritual addition to butterfly locs, adding a touch of magic and mystery to the style. Consider using clear quartz or amethyst for a calming and grounding effect.
Pro Tip: When using crystals in your butterfly locs, be sure to choose high-quality, ethically sourced crystals that are free of any sharp edges or rough surfaces. You can also try using a combination of different crystal types for a more varied and interesting look.
12. Butterfly Locs with Metallic Accents
Metallic accents, such as gold or silver beads or cuffs, add a touch of glamour and sophistication to butterfly locs. This style is perfect for those who want to make a statement with their hair.
Pro Tip: When using metallic accents in your butterfly locs, be sure to choose a finish that complements your skin tone and personal style. You can also try mixing different metallic finishes, such as gold and silver, for a more eclectic and layered look.
13. Butterfly Locs with Braids
Incorporating braids into your butterfly locs is a great way to add some texture and interest to the style. You can use small braids throughout the locs or larger braids as accents.
Pro Tip: When adding braids to your butterfly locs, be sure to use a technique that won’t put too much tension on your scalp or damage your hair. You can try using a cornrow or fishtail braid for a more intricate and eye-catching look.
14. Butterfly Locs with Twists
Twists are another way to add some texture and interest to butterfly locs, creating a more intricate and detailed look. You can use small twists throughout the locs or larger twists as accents.
Pro Tip: When adding twists to your butterfly locs, be sure to use a technique that won’t put too much tension on your scalp or damage your hair. You can try using a two-strand twist or a flat twist for a more defined and polished look.
15. Butterfly Locs with Curls
Curls are a beautiful and feminine addition to butterfly locs, creating a soft and romantic look. You can use small curls throughout the locs or larger curls as accents.
Pro Tip: When adding curls to your butterfly locs, be sure to use a technique that won’t put too much tension on your scalp or damage your hair. You can try using a curling iron or flexi-rods for a more defined and long-lasting curl.
16. Butterfly Locs with Waves
Waves are a great way to add some movement and texture to butterfly locs, creating a more natural and effortless look. You can use small waves throughout the locs or larger waves as accents.
Pro Tip: When adding waves to your butterfly locs, be sure to use a technique that won’t put too much tension on your scalp or damage your hair. You can try using a wave-setting lotion or a diffuser attachment on your blow dryer for a more defined and long-lasting wave.
17. Butterfly Locs with Bangs
Bangs are a great way to frame the face and add some personality to butterfly locs. Consider trying blunt bangs or side-swept bangs for a different look.
Pro Tip: When adding bangs to your butterfly locs, be sure to choose a style that complements your face shape and personal style. You can also try incorporating the bangs into the overall style of your locs, such as by weaving them into the locs or using them as a focal point.
18. Butterfly Locs with Undercuts
Undercuts are a bold and edgy addition to butterfly locs, creating a more modern and urban look. You can shave the sides or back of the head for a dramatic effect.
Pro Tip: When adding an undercut to your butterfly locs, be sure to work with a skilled stylist who can create a design that complements the overall look of your locs. You can also try incorporating the undercut into the overall style of your locs, such as by using it to create a unique parting or to frame your face.
19. Butterfly Locs with Shaved Designs
Shaved designs are a great way to add some creativity and personality to butterfly locs, allowing you to express your unique style. Consider trying geometric designs or intricate patterns.
Pro Tip: When adding shaved designs to your butterfly locs, be sure to work with a skilled stylist who can create a design that complements the overall look of your locs. You can also try incorporating the shaved design into the overall style of your locs, such as by using it to create a unique parting or to frame your face.
20. Butterfly Locs with Slicked-Back Style
A slicked-back style is a great way to keep your butterfly locs out of your face and create a more polished look. Use a strong hold gel or pomade to smooth the locs back and secure them in place.
Pro Tip: When slicking back your butterfly locs, be sure to use a product that won’t weigh down your hair or leave it feeling stiff and crunchy. You can also try using a small amount of oil or serum to help smooth and tame any flyaways.
21. Butterfly Locs with Half-Up, Half-Down Style
A half-up, half-down style is a great way to show off your butterfly locs while keeping some of the hair off your face. Secure the top half of the locs in a ponytail or bun and let the bottom half hang loose.
Pro Tip: When creating a half-up, half-down style with your butterfly locs, be sure to use a soft, gentle hair tie or claw clip to avoid damaging the locs. You can also try incorporating accessories, such as beads or cuffs, into the updo for a more polished and stylish look.
22. Butterfly Locs with Ponytail
A ponytail is a classic and versatile way to style butterfly locs, allowing you to keep your hair out of your face while still showing off the unique texture and shape of the locs. You can wear the ponytail high or low, depending on your preference.
Pro Tip: When wearing your butterfly locs in a ponytail, be sure to use a soft, gentle hair tie or claw clip to avoid damaging the locs. You can also try incorporating accessories, such as beads or cuffs, into the ponytail for a more polished and stylish look.
23. Butterfly Locs with Bun
A bun is another great way to style butterfly locs, creating a neat and tidy look that keeps the hair off your face. You can wear the bun high or low, depending on your preference, and use a hair tie or claw clip to secure it in place.
Pro Tip: When wearing your butterfly locs in a bun, be sure to use a soft, gentle hair tie or claw clip to avoid damaging the locs. You can also try incorporating accessories, such as beads or cuffs, into the bun for a more polished and stylish look.
24. Butterfly Locs with Headband
A headband is a great way to accessorize butterfly locs, adding a touch of style and keeping the hair out of your face. Choose from a variety of headband materials and designs, such as fabric, metal, or beaded.
Pro Tip: When using a headband with your butterfly locs, be sure to choose a style that won’t put too much tension on your scalp or damage the locs. You can also try incorporating the headband into the overall style of your locs, such as by weaving it into the locs or using it to create a unique parting.
25. Butterfly Locs with Scarf
A scarf is a versatile and stylish way to accessorize butterfly locs, allowing you to add a pop of colour or pattern to your look. You can tie the scarf around your head as a headband or wrap it around the locs for a more dramatic effect.
Pro Tip: When using a scarf with your butterfly locs, be sure to choose a lightweight, breathable fabric that won’t weigh down your hair or cause any discomfort. You can also try incorporating the scarf into the overall style of your locs, such as by using it to create a unique parting or to frame your face.
Conclusion
In conclusion, butterfly locs offer endless possibilities for creativity and self-expression. Whether you prefer a classic look or something more bold and daring, there’s a butterfly locs style out there for everyone. So why not try one of these stunning ideas and let your unique style shine?