15 Hairstyles For Soft Locs From Half Up To High Buns

Soft locs offer a lightweight, flexible alternative to traditional faux locs. They provide a natural texture that is incredibly easy to style for any occasion.

Finding the perfect look is easy when you have variety. These styles transition seamlessly from casual daywear to elegant evening events.

Discover how to transform your locs with these creative ideas. From sleek buns to playful half-up looks, your next favorite style is right here.

1. The Classic High Bun

The classic high bun is a staple for a reason. It gathers all the soft locs at the crown of the head, creating a look that is both polished and practical for daily activities.

To achieve this look, flip your head forward and gather the locs into a high ponytail. Secure them with a sturdy elastic or a spare loc, then wrap the lengths around the base.

This style is perfect for showing off your facial features and keeping hair away from the neck. It works exceptionally well with longer locs that provide ample volume for a full, rounded shape.

2. Half-Up Top Knot

The half-up top knot offers the best of both worlds by combining height with length. It keeps the front sections of the hair out of the face while letting the rest flow freely.

Simply section off the top third of your locs, starting from the temples. Twist this section into a neat or messy bun at the peak of your head and secure it firmly.

This hairstyle is highly versatile and fits a variety of settings. It looks just as good at a professional meeting as it does during a relaxed weekend outing with friends.

3. Double Space Buns

Double space buns bring a playful and energetic vibe to soft locs. This style involves splitting the hair down the center and creating two distinct buns on either side of the head.

You can choose to pull all the hair up into the buns or leave the back section down for a “half-up” variation. The soft texture of the locs adds a beautiful, airy volume to each bun.

It is an excellent choice for those who want a symmetrical and bold look. Adding colorful hair ties or loc jewelry to the base of the buns can further personalize this creative style.

4. Side-Swept Cascade

The side-swept cascade is an elegant way to wear soft locs without fully tying them back. By pinning one side behind the ear, you create a sophisticated silhouette that highlights the collarbone.

Use decorative bobby pins or a small hair cuff to hold the locs in place. Let the majority of the locs fall gracefully over the opposite shoulder to emphasize the length and texture.

This style is ideal for formal events or dinner dates where you want a refined appearance. It requires very little effort but delivers a high-impact aesthetic that looks professionally styled.

5. The Low Sleek Chignon

A low sleek chignon provides a more traditional and understated elegance. This style gathers the soft locs at the nape of the neck, resulting in a clean and compact bun.

Ensure the roots are smoothed down for a polished finish before securing the locs into a low ponytail. Twist and tuck the locs inward, pinning them securely against the head to maintain the shape.

This is a fantastic option for professional environments or when wearing hats. It minimizes tension on the scalp while keeping the locs organized and out of the way.

6. Half-Up with Decorative Cuffs

Incorporating accessories can completely transform a standard half-up style. Adding gold or silver cuffs to the locs that are pulled back adds a touch of “goddess” flair to the look.

Gather the top section of the locs and secure them with a clear band. Randomly place metal cuffs along the secured locs and the ones hanging down to create a cohesive, shimmering effect.

This style highlights the unique texture of soft locs while adding a bit of personality. It is a simple way to elevate an everyday look into something that feels special and intentional.

7. The Pineapple Updo

The pineapple updo is a fan favorite for its comfort and dramatic flair. By gathering the locs at the very front of the head, you create a fountain-like effect of falling locs.

Use a large, soft scrunchie to hold the hair loosely to avoid damaging the locs or pulling on the edges. The locs should spill forward toward the forehead, mimicking a fringe or bangs.

This look is great for protecting the hair at night, but it has become a popular daytime style as well. It offers a relaxed, effortless vibe that celebrates the natural movement of the locs.

8. Twisted Halo Bun

The twisted halo bun involves creating two large twists starting from the front hairline and meeting at the back. These twists are then tucked into a low bun to create a crown-like appearance.

This style is exceptionally secure and keeps the locs tucked away neatly. It is a great choice for active days or humid weather when you want to ensure your hair stays in place.

The architectural nature of this updo makes it look intricate and complex. In reality, it only takes a few minutes to twist and pin, making it a time-saving option for busy mornings.

9. Half-Up Criss-Cross

The half-up criss-cross adds a geometric element to your hairstyle. By crossing two small sections of locs over each other before securing them, you create a visual focal point at the back.

Take a few locs from the left temple and pin them on the right side. Repeat with locs from the right temple, pinning them over the first section to create an “X” shape.

This variation of the half-up look is subtle yet sophisticated. It works well on all lengths of soft locs and helps to keep the hair from falling forward into the eyes.

10. Messy Top Bun with Bangs

You don’t need to cut your hair to enjoy the look of bangs with soft locs. By folding the ends of a high bun forward, you can create “faux bangs” that frame the face.

Secure the main body of the locs in a bun, but leave the tips of the locs hanging over your forehead. Adjust the length of these “bangs” to suit your preference and pin the rest of the bun.

This style is perfect for those who want to experiment with their look without commitment. It adds a trendy, modern edge to the traditional high bun silhouette.

11. Double Braided Half-Up

For a more structured half-up look, try incorporating braids. Create two thick Dutch or French braids using the top section of your locs, stopping at the crown of the head.

Secure the ends of the braids with small elastics and let the rest of the locs hang loose. This adds texture to the scalp area while maintaining the flowing look of the locs in the back.

This style is particularly good for keeping the hair secure during outdoor activities. The braids prevent the locs from shifting, while the loose back maintains a soft and feminine aesthetic.

12. High Ponytail with Wrapped Base

A high ponytail is a classic way to showcase the length of your soft locs. To make it look more professional, take one or two locs and wrap them around the hair tie to hide it.

Ensure the ponytail is positioned high on the head to create a lifting effect for the face. The weight of the locs provides a beautiful “swing” when you move, highlighting the hair’s flexibility.

This look is versatile enough for the gym, the office, or a night out. It is one of the quickest styles to achieve, making it a go-to for those who are always on the move.

13. Low Side Bun

The low side bun is a romantic variation of the standard bun. By shifting the bulk of the hair to one side of the nape, you create an asymmetrical look that is very flattering.

Gather the locs behind one ear and twist them into a loose, soft coil. Secure the bun with pins, allowing a few locs to hang loose for a softer, more lived-in feel.

This style pairs beautifully with statement earrings or off-the-shoulder tops. It provides a relaxed yet curated appearance that works well for weddings or special celebrations.

14. Half-Up Space Puffs

Half-up space puffs are a smaller, more contained version of space buns. Only the top section of the hair is used to create two small “puffs” on the top of the head.

This keeps the weight off the neck while still providing a playful, youthful energy. The remaining locs in the back can be left straight or accessorized with beads.

This look is excellent for festivals or casual hangouts. It allows you to play with symmetry and volume without the heaviness of a full-head updo.

15. Multi-Tiered Bun Sculpt

For a truly unique and artistic look, the multi-tiered bun sculpt is the way to go. This involves creating three or four small buns in a vertical line from the crown to the nape.

Each bun uses a horizontal section of locs, resulting in a “mohawk-style” silhouette made entirely of soft, rounded knots. It is a bold statement style that showcases the versatility of the locs.

While it looks complicated, it is simply a series of small buns. This style is perfect for high-fashion events or when you simply want to stand out from the crowd with a creative updo.

How long can I keep soft locs in?

Soft locs are typically intended to be a temporary protective style, lasting anywhere from four to six weeks. Keeping them in longer may result in significant new growth and potential matting at the roots. It is important to monitor the health of your natural hair and scalp throughout the duration of the style.

Are soft locs heavy to wear?

Soft locs are specifically designed to be lighter than traditional faux locs. Because they are often wrapped more loosely and use lightweight crochet hair, they put less tension on the scalp. However, the overall weight will depend on the length and the total number of locs installed on your head.

Can I wash my hair while wearing soft locs?

Yes, you can wash your hair, but it requires a gentle approach to prevent frizzing or loosening the locs. It is recommended to focus the shampoo on the scalp using a spray bottle or your fingertips. Rinse thoroughly and ensure the locs are completely dry to avoid any unwanted odors or mildew.

How do I maintain my soft locs at night?

To keep your locs looking fresh, you should protect them with a silk or satin scarf or bonnet before going to sleep. For very long locs, a “pineapple” ponytail on top of the head can prevent them from tangling or being sat upon. Using a satin pillowcase provides an extra layer of protection against friction.

Do soft locs cause hair damage?

When installed and removed correctly, soft locs are a safe protective style that can help retain hair length. The key is to ensure the locs are not installed too tightly at the roots, which can cause tension. Proper moisturizing of the natural hair before and during the style is also essential for hair health.

Can I reuse the hair from soft locs?

Whether you can reuse the hair depends on the quality of the locs and how carefully they were removed. If the locs are still in good condition and have not become excessively frizzy, they can be cleaned and reinstalled. However, many people find that the wrapping hair used for the “soft” effect is difficult to salvage.

15 Hairstyles for Soft Locs from Half Up to High Buns