High top dreadlocks combine the striking look of long locs with clean, faded, or shaved sides and back. This style keeps the heavy maintenance focused on the top section of the head while offering a versatile canvas for creativity. Whether you're starting fresh with short starter locs or maintaining mature freeform twists, a high top layout lets you showcase bold personal style without the weight of a full head of locs.
Choosing this silhouette requires understanding how sectioning, upkeep, and hair types interact. This guide covers the most popular high top dread styles, how to prep your hair, and the daily maintenance needed to keep your locs healthy and sharp.
Understanding the High Top Dreadlocks Layout
The high top design involves locking only the hair on the crown and top portion of the head while keeping the sides and back faded, undercut, or completely shaved. This contrast creates sharp geometric lines that frame the face and emphasize the crown.
Sectioning and Placement
The foundation of any great high top style depends on clean parting. A professional loctician typically maps out the top section in square, diamond, or triangular grids depending on your hair texture and desired loc thickness.
- Square parts: Provide a neat, uniform grid pattern that works well for straight or uniform locking methods.
- Diamond parts: Offer a more organic flow and reduce tension on the scalp by staggering the weight distribution.
- Freeform sections: Eliminate rigid parts entirely for a rugged, natural look that requires less structural intervention.
Fade Integration
The transition between the locked hair on top and the shaved skin or short fade on the sides defines the aesthetic. Popular fade pairings include a clean skin drop fade, a sharp burst fade around the ears, or a classic mid-fade. Keeping the sides maintained every two to three weeks keeps the high top looking intentional and crisp.
Popular High Top Dread Styles
Once your locs gain length and maturity, you can style them in numerous ways. Here are the most striking variations:
1. Freeform High Top Locs
Freeform locs embrace natural texture with minimal manipulation. You let the hair tangle and lock on its own with occasional separation. On a high top foundation, freeform locs create a wild, dense crown that contrasts sharply against a clean skin fade.
2. Barrel Rolls and Braided Locs
When high top dreads reach medium to long lengths, you can braid or interlock them into barrel rolls that arc across the scalp. This keeps hair out of your face and creates intricate geometric patterns across the top of your head.
3. Dyed or Bleached Tips
Adding color to the ends of high top dreadlocks is a popular way to make the style pop. Platinum blonde, deep red, or vibrant neon tips draw attention to the texture and length of the locs while leaving your roots natural and healthy.
4. High Ponytail or Half-Up Bun
Even with a high top, you usually have enough length in the front and center to pull the locs back into a single top knot or a half-up ponytail. This style pulls the hair away from your forehead and highlights the shaved sides.
How to Start High Top Dreads
Starting high top locs depends on your hair texture, curl pattern, and personal preference. Three reliable methods stand out:
- Two-Strand Twists: Ideal for afro-textured hair. The loctician parts the hair and twists two strands together. Over time, these twists swell and mature into solid locs.
- Comb Coils: Best for shorter hair. A small comb wraps the hair into tight circular coils from the root. This method creates clean, uniform cylinder-shaped locs.
- Instant Locing (Crochet Hook): A loctician uses a ultra-fine crochet hook to knot the loose hair internally. This method locks the hair instantly, giving you mature-looking dreads on day one without waiting months for natural locking.
Essential Maintenance and Upkeep
Managing high top locs requires a steady routine to prevent buildup, thinning, and scalp irritation.
Washing and Drying
Wash your locs every one to two weeks using a residue-free clarifying shampoo. Avoid heavy conditioning creams or oils that trap moisture and residue inside the core of the locs, which can lead to mildew or odor. Rinse thoroughly with warm water, and use a hooded dryer or microfiber towel to dry them completely.
Retwisting and Palm Rolling
Depending on how fast your hair grows, schedule a retwist or palm-rolling session every 4 to 6 weeks. Over-retwisting can stress the roots and cause traction alopecia, so give your scalp time to rest between sessions.
Scalp Care
Because the sides and back of your head are shaved or closely faded, your scalp is more exposed to the elements. Apply a light, natural oil like jojoba or argan oil to your scalp to prevent dryness and flaking, especially in colder weather.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can anyone get high top dreadlocks?
Yes, high top dreads work on almost all hair types and textures, from straight hair to coily afro hair. The locking method and maintenance routine will vary depending on your hair's natural tendency to tangle.
How long does hair need to be for high top locs?
You generally need at least 3 to 4 inches of hair for two-strand twists or comb coils. If you want instant crochet locs, you can start with hair as short as 2 inches.
Do high top locs damage your hair?
When maintained properly and not twisted too tightly, high top locs are safe. Damage usually occurs from excessive chemical bleaching, over-tightening at the roots, or failing to dry the locs completely after washing.
How do I transition from a full head of locs to a high top?
If you already have a full head of dreadlocks and want a high top, a barber or loctician can shave the sides and back while carefully separating and trimming the remaining locs on the crown. It's a drastic change, so consult a professional before cutting.
