10 Ways to Style Your Locs

By Faith Cummings, Allure

Let's be honest: Locs are freakin' gorgeous. We're so amazed by the dedication and commitment it takes to grow (or install) them and we love their versatility. But whether you spent years growing out your hair, or you're trying faux locs as a protective summer style, having a few simple, cute and quick hairstyles up your sleeve is a must. And who better to inspire these styles than our favorite stars? We tapped the expert advice of famed hairstylist and natural hair guru Shelby Swain to break down ten amazing, easy styles you can do yourself. "I will begin by saying that these hairstyles are being worn by several of the most distinguished trendsetters for natural hair at this time," affirmed Swain. Her advice? "Keep your locs moisturized and your scalp clean and properly balanced so your looks will really shine!"

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Up & Down

To achieve the updo (seen on Chloe,) begin by placing whatever jewelry or cuffs you want onto your locs. Leave some out for later use. Bring all your hair to the center of your head and hold it in place with a ponytail holder. From there, bring the ponytail forward, as if folding it in half on the top of your base. This will create a semi bun or crescent shape if you secure your locs with a ponytail holder or string. Once your bun is in place, some hair will remain in the bun structure, while the ends of your locs will fall forward toward your face. Begin opening up the bun from the middle and loosen some of your locs by pulling upward, but not out of the bun. Once your bun is spread for fullness, reposition your loc ends as desired and place any remaining jewelry strategically to add the finishing touches.

"The down 'do (on Halle) is meant to play off the beauty of your face," Swain states. "Choose your good side and get ready for your close-up!" Start by picking the side you want the swoop on, and which side you want to hang. Halle's look has a pretty well centered part, but you can choose which placement is your favorite. Bring your locs swooping over the hairline and place them behind your ear. Secure with hairpins. For an incognito look, use pins that match your hair color. If you're feeling fancy, use metallic or embellished pins for an extra pop. Allow the other side to hang. Add a little shine spray, and you're done!

Scrunch It Up

After you visit your favorite beauty supply store, prepare to utilize that 50 pack of mini scrunchies! Make they are brand new and spotless. Lay your hair to the desired side and section a portion of your locs in the front to work with. Then, place the scrunchies on to achieve Kelela's look.
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Hair to the Heavens

To get Ava Duvernay's look, begin by framing your face with a high gathered ponytail. Secure it with an elastic and use two to three locs from the rear of your ponytail to wrap around the base. Tuck the wrapped locs inconspicuously between the elastic and under your free flowing high pony.

You Make Me Wanna Swoop

To achieve this iconic Zendaya look, separate your locs into 3 sections: two in the front and one in the back. Separate the hair horizontally, both front and back. Secure the back with an appropriate size clip or band. Separate the front section into two — make sure one is larger than the other. The smaller section in the front will create the perfect side swoop. Drape this section with about 6 to 8 locs over your ear and secure it with hairpins. Add jewelry and lay down those baby hairs!
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The New High Pony

Here, Jaden Smith perfects the messy high pony — with a twist. Bring your hair to one side toward the front of your head to create a high ponytail, using an elastic. Pull your hair through the elastic, then pull it apart to create volume. Add desired accessories to bring your look together.

Curl Girl

Make sure you prep your hair the night before to execute this style (as seen on Ledisi) effortlessly. Moisturize your locs and use perm rods to set the curls overnight. When your hair is completely dry, take the perm rods out. Pick the side on which you want your hair to fall and place your it there. Then, run your fingers through your locs to loosen the curls.
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Bun on Top

For Lalah Hathaway's look, gather your hair into a high ponytail and secure it with an elastic. Next, wrap your locs around the ponytail base to create a bun.

Bohemian Bun

Depending on their size, Lisa Bonet's look can be achieved by leaving the front section of your locs free — about 2 to 4 on each side to create a fringe. Next, gather the remaining back portion of your hair into a low to mid-lying ponytail. Take the locs hanging from your ponytail and wrap them around the base into a circular bun. Secure it with hair pins. Going back to the front portion of locs, choose your favorite side to pin the locs behind your ear and let the other side delicately drapes the face.
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Doubling Up

To get Shanola Hampton's style, gather the front of your crown and twist it to make a small, swooping bump. Secure it with hair pins. Next, take the remainder of your hair and pull it into a mid-ponytail. Create a bun with it, holding the hair with pins. Then, find your favorite head scarf and wrap it behind the bump you made at the front of your head.

Classic Cornrows

Achieve Future's style by separating your hair into four vertical sections, from your hairline to the nape of your neck. Begin to cornrow and use rubber bands to secure the end of each braid.

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