Short Dreadlock Hairstyles

Let’s be honest, confidence doesn’t always show up loud and proud. 

Most of the time, it sneaks in through small choices we make for ourselves.

It’s saying yes to that bright lipstick. Finally pulling out the dress you’ve been saving for “someday.” Swapping your everyday shoes for something that makes you stand taller.

Or deciding to change up your hairstyle in a way that feels fresh, fun, and completely yours.

Hair carries a lot of power. It can make you want to hide, or it can make you walk a little taller.

That’s why so many women in our community fall in love with dreadlock extensions. They’re not just hair. They’re a way of stepping into a version of yourself that feels stronger, braver, and more confident.

At Wildcrafted Beauty, we carry two types of dreadlocks: longs  and shorties 

Now, long dreadlocks are the ones everybody knows. They’re big, dramatic, and unforgettable. But here’s the truth…..not every woman wants the length or the weight that comes with them.

And that’s exactly why shorties exist.

How to Style Them? 

Now let’s talk styling, because this is the part that makes short dreadlocks so fun.

We hear it all the time: “But how do I style them?” or "Can I style them in fun ways?" 

Here are a few of our favorite easy ways to style short dreadlocks, shown by real women from our Wildcrafted Women Community  looks are proof that you don’t need to overthink it. Each one works whether you’re running errands, heading to work, or dressing up for something special.

The High Messy Bun

This style is proof that dreadlocks can be as versatile as any other hair type. By pulling your dreadlocks up into a high messy bun, you get height, volume, and a whole lot of personality. It’s polished enough for dinner out, but relaxed enough for sitting on the porch with a glass of sweet teaHow to do it:

• Gather all your dreadlocks at the crown of your head.

• Twist them together loosely and wrap into a bun.

• Secure with our jumbo dreadlock scrunchie 

• Let some pieces fall naturally to keep that lived-in, textured look.

It’s quick, fun, and a great way to show off cool earrings!

Half-Up Style

Sometimes the easiest styles are the ones that look the best. This half-up look, held with a scrunchie pulls just enough of your dreadlocks back to keep them out of your face while letting the rest fall freely. It’s laid-back but still feels put-together.

How to do it:

• Gather the top section of your dreadlocks from above your ears.

• Twist that section lightly and secure it with a scrunchie.

• Let the rest hang loose to show off the texture.

It’s quick, practical, and perfect for busy mornings, travel days, or when you just want a no-fuss style that still looks intentional.

Half-Up Space Buns

This one’s fun and fresh, and it’s perfect for women who want something playful without going full-on dramatic. Instead of one bun, you split the top section of your dreadlocks into two smaller buns. The result is light, lifted, and full of personality.

How to do it:

• Start by sectioning off the top half of your dreadlocks.

• Split that section down the middle into two even parts.

• Twist each part into its own bun and secure with small bands. 

• Let the rest of your dreadlocks hang down for movement and balance.

Double Scrunchie Half-Up Ponytail

This style shows off both the texture of your dreadlocks and the fun of accessories. By stacking two ponytails with scrunchies, you get extra lift and movement while showing off every bit of color woven into your hair.

How to do it:

• First, take the top quarter of your dreadlocks and secure with a scrunchie high on your head.

• Next, gather the next section right below and secure with a second scrunchie.

• Let the rest of your dreadlocks flow down your back.

• Choose scrunchies in bold colors to highlight your extensions, or go neutral for a softer look.

It’s a playful style that feels just as good for a casual day out as it does for something special!

If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve pictured yourself with dreadlocks at some point. Maybe you’ve even wondered, “Would that look good on me?”

Here’s the honest answer: yes, it would.

Confidence doesn’t come after you’re ready. It comes when you decide to try. Short dreadlocks make that decision easier. They’re light, they’re simple, and they give you the instant joy of a new style without weighing you down.

And let me tell you, that first look in the mirror with your short dreadlocks is unforgettable. It’s that moment where you realize, “I can still surprise myself.” You’re allowed to feel beautiful on your own terms, at any age.

Why Short Dreadlocks Are Perfect for You.

Short dreadlocks are for women who want to try the style without jumping all the way in.

They’re lighter on your head.
They’re easier to manage.
They let you test the waters before making a bigger commitment.

Think of them as a smart first step. You get the beauty, the confidence, and the fun without feeling tied down.

We see it over and over again. Women say, “I’ve been curious for years, but I wasn’t sure if I could handle the weight or the upkeep.” Short dreadlocks give you the freedom to try them now, not “someday.”

And while dreadlocks are often celebrated for their long, flowing look, short dreadlocks give women another choice. They carry the same beauty and spirit, just in a softer way. Perfect for women who don’t want the full dramatic effect, but still want the confidence that comes with trying something new.

For too long, dreadlocks have been pictured as only one thing....long and dramatic.

We’re here to show you something different.

Short dreadlocks are just as bold and just as beautiful. They prove that style doesn’t come from length. It comes from how you feel when you wear it.

That’s the shift. It’s not just about the hairstyle. It’s about the way it makes you feel about yourself.

If you’ve been waiting for the right moment, this is it.

Short dreadlocks are your chance to try something new, to lighten things up, and to see yourself with fresh eyes. They’re the hairstyle that says, “I’m ready for confidence right now,” without tying you to anything long-term.

So look through the styles in this post. Imagine yourself in each one. Picture how it would feel to walk into a room with them. And then give yourself that chance!

Because confidence doesn’t have an age limit. 

Sometimes it just starts with a hairstyle. 

And for you, it might be short dreadlocks!