18 Shaved Side Locs Hairstyles for Black Women Obsessed with Edge

Shaved side locs bring together two of the boldest natural hair statements in one style. The locs add texture, length, and personality, while the shaved side gives the whole look a sharp, fearless edge. It’s a combination that works for almost any loc stage, from fresh starter locs to long, mature ones.

If you’re ready to try something daring but aren’t sure which version fits you best, this list covers eighteen shaved side loc styles to inspire your next look. From updos to color accents to detailed shaved designs, there’s an option here for every personality and lifestyle.

Here are eighteen shaved side loc hairstyles that bring serious edge to natural hair.

1. Loose Locs with a Clean Shaved Side

18 Shaved Side Locs Hairstyles for Black Women Obsessed with Edge

Loose, flowing locs paired with a clean shave create a simple yet powerful contrast. The natural movement of the locs on one side balances beautifully against the smooth, bare skin on the other, making this one of the easiest styles to wear daily.

This look works at any loc length, whether you’re just a few months in or years into your journey. Because the locs are left completely free, this style requires very little styling time, making it perfect for busy mornings.

The shaved side is the real star here, so keeping the line crisp with regular touch-ups is what makes this simple style look so intentional and sharp.

Tips for Everyday Wear

Moisturize locs regularly. A light oil spray keeps them shiny and prevents dryness at the roots.
Keep the shaved side fresh. Touch-ups every one to two weeks maintain a clean, defined edge.

2. High Bun with a Shaved Side Peek

Pulling locs into a high bun while leaving the shaved side exposed creates a striking, elevated look. The height of the bun draws attention upward, while the shaved section adds an unexpected edge that keeps the style from looking too formal.

This hairstyle works well for both casual outings and professional settings, since it’s neat, secure, and keeps hair off the face and neck. It’s also a practical choice for warmer weather or workouts, thanks to how well it keeps locs contained.

Adding a few loose locs around the face softens the look if you want a bit more balance between polished and edgy.

Tips for a Secure High Bun

Use a strong hair tie. Locs are heavier than loose hair, so a durable tie prevents slipping.
Smooth edges with light gel. This keeps the style looking clean around the hairline.

3. Half-Up Half-Down Locs with a Shaved Side

The half-up half-down style is a versatile favorite, and adding a shaved side makes it even more distinctive. Half of the locs are pulled back or twisted up, while the rest hang freely, showing off both the texture of the locs and the boldness of the shave.

This look is great for women who want variety in a single hairstyle, since it can be dressed up for events or worn casually. The shaved side remains visible no matter how the top half is styled, keeping the edgy element constant.

This style also works well for special occasions, especially when the top half is styled with a decorative clip or wrap.

Tips for Balancing the Look

Section hair evenly. This keeps the half-up portion looking intentional rather than messy.
Add a decorative pin. A simple accessory elevates the style for events or nights out.

4. Shaved Side with a Loc Ponytail

A sleek ponytail made entirely of locs, paired with a shaved side, is a clean and confident hairstyle that works for nearly any occasion. All the locs are gathered at the back or top, leaving the shaved section fully visible and framing the face.

This style is especially popular for its practicality. It keeps locs secure and out of the way while highlighting the shaved detail as a standout feature. It’s a great choice for workouts, work, or any day you want a fuss-free look that still feels stylish.

Wrapping the base of the ponytail with a loc or fabric adds a polished finishing touch to this otherwise simple style.

Tips for a Smooth Ponytail

Brush the shaved side smooth before tying. This creates a clean transition between the two textures.
Use a wrap or thread at the base. This hides the hair tie and adds a neat finish.

5. Loc Updo with an Intricate Shaved Design

Combining an elegant loc updo with a detailed shaved design creates a hairstyle that feels both classy and fierce. The updo keeps the locs neatly gathered, while the shaved side becomes a canvas for lines, swirls, or geometric patterns.

This style is ideal for special events like weddings, parties, or photoshoots, where you want a look that photographs beautifully from every angle. The contrast between the elegant updo and the bold shaved design makes this one of the most eye-catching options on this list.

Because the design requires precision, it’s worth visiting a skilled barber who has experience creating clean shaved patterns.

Tips for Design Longevity

Schedule touch-ups every one to two weeks. This keeps intricate patterns looking sharp.
Avoid excess product near the design. Buildup can make the shaved area look dull.

6. Colored Locs with a Shaved Accent

Adding color to your locs and pairing it with a shaved side is a fun way to express individuality. Whether it’s a full color change or just a few highlighted locs, the color adds vibrancy that pops even more against the bare, shaved section.

This look is popular among women who love experimenting with their style, since the shaved side offers a low-commitment way to enhance the overall color story without affecting the entire head.

Semi-permanent dyes work well for this look, allowing you to change things up whenever you’re ready for something new without long-term commitment.

Tips for Coloring Locs

Use loc-safe color products. These help protect the health and structure of your locs.
Deep condition after coloring. This keeps colored locs soft and prevents dryness.

7. Starter Locs with a Shaved Side

For women in the early stages of their loc journey, pairing starter locs with a shaved side is a stylish way to embrace the process. The shorter, smaller locs create a unique texture that contrasts nicely with the smooth, shaved section.

This combination is especially popular because it gives starter locs a more defined, intentional look while they grow and mature. It also helps minimize the awkward in-between stage that some naturals experience early in their loc journey.

As the locs grow, this style can evolve naturally, giving you multiple looks throughout different stages of your hair journey.

Tips for Starter Loc Care

Avoid over-manipulating young locs. Excess handling can disrupt the locking process.
Keep the scalp clean. A healthy scalp supports stronger, healthier loc growth from the start.

8. Loc Bun with Shaved Side Line Work

A neat loc bun paired with detailed line work on the shaved side takes this hairstyle from simple to stunning. The bun keeps the style controlled and elegant, while the shaved lines add a sharp, artistic element that stands out.

This hairstyle works especially well for women who want a professional look with a creative twist. Line work can be as simple as a single clean line or as detailed as a small custom pattern, depending on your preference.

Because the bun keeps most of the hair contained, this style is also a practical option for hot weather or active days.

Tips for Clean Line Work

Use a fine-tip razor for touch-ups. This keeps line work crisp between barber visits.
Moisturize the shaved skin. This prevents dryness and keeps line work looking sharp.

9. Loc Faux Hawk with a Shaved Side

The loc faux hawk is a daring, statement-making style where locs are styled upright down the center, while one or both sides are shaved close or completely bare. This creates a dramatic silhouette that’s hard to miss.

This hairstyle is a favorite for special events, performances, or anyone who wants to make a bold impression. It works particularly well for locs of medium length, since they hold the upright shape without needing excessive product.

Securing the center locs with pins or wraps helps maintain the faux hawk shape throughout the day or evening.

Tips for Styling a Loc Faux Hawk

Use a strong-hold gel or wax. This helps keep locs standing upright longer.
Pin loose locs strategically. This maintains a clean, structured shape throughout wear.

10. Locs Pulled Back with a Fully Shaved Side

Pulling all the locs back and away from a fully shaved side creates a sleek, minimalist look that puts full focus on the contrast between texture and skin. This style is bold, clean, and incredibly striking.

This hairstyle suits women who want a low-maintenance option that still makes a strong visual statement. Since the locs are pulled back, the face is fully framed, making this a flattering choice for most face shapes.

This look also works well as a base style that can be dressed up with jewelry or accessories for a more polished finish.

Tips for a Sleek Pull-Back

Use edge control along the hairline. This smooths flyaways for a neater finish.
Secure with a durable band. Locs are heavier, so a strong hold prevents slipping throughout the day.

11. Loc Twists with a Shaved Side

Twisting sections of locs together creates added texture and dimension, and pairing this with a shaved side enhances the overall effect. The twisted sections give the style a more intricate, layered look compared to simply wearing locs loose.

This hairstyle is a great way to add variety to your usual loc routine without committing to a completely new style. It also works well for special occasions when you want something a bit more elevated than an everyday look.

The twists can be styled in various patterns, from simple two-strand twists to more elaborate designs, depending on how much time you want to invest.

Tips for Twisting Locs

Use a light styling gel. This helps twists hold their shape without leaving heavy residue.
Twist toward the shaved side. This creates a cohesive flow between both sections of the style.

12. Loc Mohawk with Shaved Sides

A full loc mohawk, with both sides completely shaved, is one of the boldest hairstyles on this list. All the volume and texture are concentrated down the center, creating a fierce, unapologetic look that commands attention.

This hairstyle is ideal for women who love making a statement and aren’t afraid of bold beauty choices. It works particularly well for medium to long locs, since there’s enough length and volume to create real impact down the center.

Because both sides are shaved, regular touch-ups are essential to keep the style looking sharp and intentional rather than overgrown.

Tips for Mohawk Maintenance

Touch up shaved sides weekly. This keeps the mohawk looking clean and defined.
Use lightweight products on center locs. This maintains volume without weighing hair down.

13. Loc Updo with a Beaded Shaved Accent

Combining an elegant loc updo with beads placed near the shaved side is a playful way to add extra personality to this hairstyle. The beads catch the light and add movement, while the shaved side keeps the overall look grounded and edgy.

This style is especially popular for special occasions, since the beads add a decorative, celebratory touch. It’s also a fun way to incorporate color and texture without altering the natural color of your locs.

Choosing beads that complement your outfit or event adds a thoughtful, personalized detail to this already striking style.

Tips for Beaded Styling

Choose lightweight beads. Heavy beads can pull on locs and cause discomfort over time.
Secure beads at the ends. This prevents slipping and keeps the decorative effect in place.

14. Side-Swept Locs with a Deep Shave

Sweeping all your locs to one side while leaving a deep shave on the other creates a dramatic, asymmetrical silhouette. This hairstyle draws the eye across the face, creating a flattering frame for most face shapes.

This look works especially well for special occasions or photos, since the side-swept volume adds glamour while the shaved side keeps things edgy and modern. It’s a great way to showcase long, healthy locs in a fresh, unexpected way.

Adding a deep side part enhances the dramatic effect and helps the style hold its shape throughout the day.

Tips for Side-Swept Styling

Use a strong-hold spray. This keeps the swept side in place throughout the day.
Deep condition regularly. Healthy, well-moisturized locs sweep and hold shape more easily.

15. Loc Bantu Knots with a Shaved Side

Twisting sections of locs into bantu knots and pairing them with a shaved side creates a playful, textured look. The rounded knots add visual interest, while the shaved section balances the style with a clean, structured edge.

This hairstyle is a fun way to switch up your usual loc routine, and it works well for both casual days and special events. Once unraveled, the knots also leave behind a wavy pattern in the locs, offering a bonus style option afterward.

This look is especially popular among women who enjoy versatile styling and want to get creative with their locs.

Tips for Loc Bantu Knots

Use a strong-hold gel while knotting. This helps the knots stay secure throughout the day.
Knot in the evening for best results. This allows the pattern to set overnight for a fuller look the next day.

16. Loc Crown Braid with a Shaved Side

A braided crown made from sectioned locs, paired with a shaved side, blends elegance with edge in a truly unique way. The braid wraps gracefully around the head, while the shaved section peeks through for a bold contrast.

This hairstyle is perfect for both formal events and everyday wear, since the crown braid keeps hair neat and off the face while the shaved side keeps the look from feeling too traditional.

This style also doubles as a protective option, since the braided section helps keep locs secure and minimizes daily manipulation.

Tips for a Neat Crown Braid

Braid while locs are slightly damp. This makes them easier to manage and shape.
Pin loose ends securely. This keeps the crown looking polished throughout the day.

17. Loc Undercut with Layered Length

An undercut paired with longer, layered locs on top creates a structured yet flowing hairstyle. The shaved sides provide sharp contrast, while the layered locs on top add movement and softness to balance the overall look.

This style is a great choice for women who want the boldness of an undercut without sacrificing length entirely. It also offers versatility, since the top locs can be styled up, down, or to the side for different looks throughout the week.

Because the top section carries the most visual weight, keeping it well moisturized and healthy enhances the overall style.

Tips for Layered Loc Styling

Trim ends regularly. This keeps layered locs looking neat and prevents thinning ends.
Alternate styling directions. This gives the same haircut multiple fresh looks throughout the week.

18. Loc Ponytail with Shaved Geometric Design

Rounding out this list, a sleek loc ponytail paired with a geometric shaved design is a bold, artistic finish to any loc journey. The ponytail keeps things simple and secure, while the shaved design becomes the true focal point of the hairstyle.

This look requires a skilled barber to execute clean, sharp lines or patterns, but the payoff is a completely custom, one-of-a-kind style that reflects real creativity and confidence.

This combination works well for women who want a style that’s easy to maintain day-to-day but still makes a memorable, artistic statement.

Tips for Maintaining Geometric Designs

Book regular touch-ups. Designs grow out quickly and need refreshing every one to two weeks.
Keep the scalp moisturized. This prevents irritation and keeps the design looking clean and sharp.

FAQs

Do shaved side locs work at every loc stage?
Yes, this style works from starter locs all the way to mature, long locs, making it a flexible option throughout your entire loc journey.

How often should I touch up the shaved side?
Most women touch up the shaved side every one to two weeks to maintain a clean, sharp line as hair grows back.

Will shaving affect the health of my locs?
No, shaving one side does not affect the health of your locs, as long as the shaving is done carefully and the scalp stays moisturized.

Can I add designs to the shaved side later?
Yes, you can add a design at any point, whether you start with a plain shave or decide to upgrade to a more detailed pattern later on.

Is this style appropriate for work or professional settings?
Many variations, like the sleek ponytail or high bun, look polished and professional while still keeping the shaved detail as a subtle statement.

How do I choose the best shaved side style for my locs?
Consider your loc length and lifestyle. Shorter locs pair well with simple shaved lines, while longer locs offer more room for updos, twists, and detailed designs.

How to Protect Your Scalp Under a Shaved Side Style

Keeping the shaved side healthy is just as important as styling the locs themselves. Regularly moisturizing the scalp prevents dryness, flaking, and irritation, especially after fresh shaves. Use a lightweight, non-greasy oil and avoid heavy products that can clog pores. Protecting the shaved area from direct sun exposure with a hat also helps prevent irritation. A healthy scalp not only keeps the shaved side looking clean but also supports stronger growth on the loc side, keeping the entire style looking fresh and balanced.

Final Words

Shaved side locs offer a powerful way to combine tradition with modern edge, giving you endless options to express your personality and confidence. Whether you prefer a simple clean shave, a detailed design, or an elegant updo, these eighteen styles prove there’s a version of this trend for every woman ready to embrace bold, beautiful natural hair.