10 Side Shaved Dreadloc Styles for Black Women Who Want a Fierce Upgrade
Dreadlocs already carry strength and personality, but pairing them with a shaved side takes that energy to a whole new level. The sharp contrast between smooth skin and thick, textured locs creates a look that feels powerful, modern, and unapologetically bold. It’s a style choice for anyone ready to move past the ordinary and into something with real edge.
This list breaks down 10 side shaved dreadloc styles, covering different loc thicknesses, lengths, and design details, so you can find the version that fits your vibe. Whether you want subtle definition or a fully sculpted statement, there’s a fierce upgrade here for you.
Here are 10 side shaved dreadloc styles worth trying next.
1. Classic Side Shave with Medium Locs
This style keeps medium-thickness locs full on top and one side, while the other side is shaved close and clean. It’s a strong starting point for anyone new to the shaved-side look, since the balance between fullness and precision feels bold without being overwhelming. Medium locs are also easy to manage day to day, holding their shape without much fuss.
Because the shaved section is contained to one side, this style is also easier to grow out later if you want to switch things up.
Shave Maintenance Tips
Get the shaved side touched up every 1 to 2 weeks. Regrowth shows fast against clean, bare skin. Moisturize the scalp daily. Dry skin is more noticeable on a shaved section than under full locs.
2. Chunky Locs with Full Side Shave
Thick, chunky locs paired with a fully shaved side make one of the boldest combinations on this list. The heavier locs create real visual weight and presence, while the shaved side keeps the whole look sharp and grounded. This style demands attention and delivers exactly the fierce energy it promises.
Chunky locs also tend to hold shape well through daily movement, so this style stays looking defined from morning to night.
Bold Style Tips
Keep locs at a manageable length. Thicker locs can strain the scalp if they get too long. Wrap with a satin scarf at night. This protects both the locs and the shaved skin from friction.
3. Thin Locs with Subtle Shaved Detail
Thin locs bring a softer, more delicate texture, and pairing them with a smaller, subtler shaved detail keeps the look fierce without going overboard. This style works well for anyone who wants an edge that can be dressed up or toned down depending on the day.
Thin locs are also easier to style into buns, braids, or updos, giving you more flexibility to switch up your look while keeping the shaved side visible or hidden as needed.
Versatility Tips
Section thin locs gently when styling. This avoids unnecessary tension on individual strands. Keep the shaved edge tight and clean. A crisp line makes even a small shaved section stand out.
4. Locs with Shaved Design
Taking things a step further, this style adds a carved pattern, like lines, waves, or geometric shapes, into the shaved section. The design becomes a personal signature that pairs beautifully with the natural texture of the locs above it. It’s ideal for special occasions or anyone who wants a look that’s completely their own.
Because designs fade out faster than a plain shaved section, this style needs more frequent upkeep to stay crisp and visible.
Design Upkeep Tips
Book touch-ups every 7 to 10 days. Sharp patterns lose definition quickly as hair regrows. Keep product light around the design. Heavy oils and gels can blur clean lines.
5. Long Locs with Shaved Side
Long, flowing locs on one side paired with a shaved side on the other creates dramatic contrast in both length and texture. This style is a favorite for special events and photos, since the movement of the long locs plays beautifully against the sharp, clean line of the shave.
Long locs also open up styling options like side ponytails or half-up looks that show off both the length and the shaved detail at once.
Length Care Tips
Tie longer locs loosely before bed. This prevents tangling and protects the ends overnight. Trim ends occasionally. Even locs benefit from light maintenance to keep them looking neat.
6. Locs Bun with Shaved Side
Pulling locs into a high or low bun while leaving the shaved side fully visible creates a polished, elevated take on this fierce style. It’s a strong choice for work, formal events, or any time you want the shaved detail to be the main focus rather than hidden under loose locs.
Wearing locs in a bun also reduces daily manipulation, which helps protect them and keeps the style looking fresh for longer.
Updo Tips
Smooth flyaways with a light-hold gel before bunning. This keeps the finished look clean and sharp. Use a strong, loc-friendly hair tie. Thin elastics can dig in and cause unnecessary damage.
7. Half-Up Locs with Shaved Side
This style pulls the top section of locs back while letting the rest fall naturally, keeping the shaved side visible throughout. It offers a practical middle ground between a full updo and wearing locs completely down, giving you movement up top while still showing off the fierce shaved detail.
It’s also an easy everyday option, since it keeps hair off the face without requiring extensive styling time.
Everyday Styling Tips
Use a claw clip for a fast, secure half-up style. It’s gentle on locs and simple to adjust throughout the day. Keep edges smoothed with a light gel. This adds polish without much extra effort.
8. Locs Mohawk with Shaved Sides
This style shaves both sides completely, leaving a thick strip of locs down the center in a mohawk shape. It’s one of the most striking looks on this list, combining raw strength with the natural texture of locs. The center strip can be styled straight up, swept to one side, or even braided for added detail.
Because both sides are shaved, this style needs more frequent touch-ups, but it delivers one of the most fierce, standout results you can achieve with locs.
Mohawk Tips
Keep the center part clean and straight. A precise line makes the whole shape look sharper. Use a strong-hold gel along the shaved edges. This helps blend baby hairs neatly into the design.
9. Colored Locs with Shaved Side
Adding color, whether a few highlighted locs or a fully dyed set, brings extra intensity to a shaved-side look. Warm tones like copper and caramel tend to stand out beautifully, while bold shades like burgundy or deep red make the fierce factor even stronger.
Because color is applied to the locs themselves, you get the freedom to experiment without the same commitment or damage risk that full-scalp coloring can carry.
Color Styling Tips
Choose tones that complement your skin’s undertone. Warm tones suit warm undertones, cooler jewel tones suit cooler ones. Use color-safe products. This keeps colored locs looking vibrant for longer between touch-ups.
10. Locs with Beads and Shaved Side
Adding beads to the ends of a few locs brings movement, sound, and a personal touch to a shaved-side style. This idea works especially well on thinner or medium locs, where beads add detail without weighing the style down too much. It’s a nod to traditional styling elements paired with a distinctly modern edge.
Beads can be placed sparingly for a subtle accent or throughout for a fuller, more decorative statement.
Bead Styling Tips
Choose lightweight beads, especially for longer locs. Heavy beads can pull on locs and cause discomfort. Secure beads with a small rubber band first. This keeps them from sliding off the ends over time.
FAQs
How long do side shaved dreadloc styles last?
The locs themselves can last for months with proper care, though the shaved section needs touch-ups every 1 to 2 weeks to stay defined.
Will shaving the side damage my locs or scalp?
When done by a skilled professional, shaving shouldn’t damage nearby locs, though regular scalp moisturizing helps keep the shaved area healthy.
What loc thickness works best with a shaved side?
Both thin and chunky locs work well; thinner locs create a softer contrast, while chunky locs make the shaved side feel bolder and more dramatic.
Can I still protect my hair with a shaved side style?
Yes, the locs themselves continue offering protective styling benefits, while the shaved section is simply left exposed by choice.
Do I need a separate appointment just for the shave?
Many barbers or stylists can maintain both the locs and the shaved design together, though shave-only touch-ups can often be booked more frequently and quickly.
Is this style suitable for workplaces?
Many versions, like a subtle shaved detail or a bun style, work well for professional settings, while bolder designs or full mohawks may suit more relaxed environments.
How to Keep Your Shaved Side Looking Fresh Between Appointments
The shaved section of these styles needs consistent attention, since regrowth becomes visible faster on bare skin than within the locs. Moisturize the area daily to avoid dryness and flaking, and protect it at night with a silk or satin scarf to reduce friction. If maintaining the shave at home, always use a clean, sharp tool and work in the direction of hair growth to prevent irritation, bumps, or uneven lines.
Final Words
Side shaved dreadloc styles bring together the natural strength of locs and the bold precision of a shaved design, creating looks that are impossible to ignore. From subtle single-side shaves to full mohawk designs, these 10 styles prove there’s a fierce upgrade for every personality and comfort level. Pick the version that speaks to you, keep up with maintenance, and wear the look with confidence.
