19 Faux Loc Variations That Mimic the Real Thing
For years, the powerful, beautiful, and spiritual statement of traditional locs has captivated hearts. Yet, the commitment to growing and maintaining them can feel daunting. What if you could capture that same majestic energy, that same head-turning style, without the years-long pledge? Enter the revolutionary world of faux locs. These ingenious protective styles have evolved from simple imitations to high-art creations that are virtually indistinguishable from their authentic counterparts.Today’s faux loc variations offer unparalleled versatility, allowing you to experiment with color, texture, length, and volume risk-free. Whether you desire the softness of bohemian waves or the boldness of sisterlocks, there’s a faux version that mirrors the real thing. This guide explores 19 breathtaking faux loc styles that will have everyone asking, “Are those real?” Get ready to be inspired.
1. Soft Faux Locs
The reigning queen of the faux loc world, soft faux locs are crafted with a softer, more pliable synthetic hair, often kanekalon or a similar fiber. Unlike traditional, stiffer locs, these are gentle on the scalp and edges, offering a more comfortable and lightweight wear. The result is a look that closely mimics the mature, softened locs that have been cultivated for years, with a natural drape and movement.
2. Butterfly Locs
Inspired by the “butterfly” method of traditional loc maintenance, this style features intentional, wispy loops of hair protruding from the loc along its length. Butterfly locs create an ethereal, feathery, and bohemian effect, full of volume and texture. They perfectly replicate the early to mid-stage of the loc journey where hair begins to matt and form unique patterns, offering a beautifully undone and artistic look.
3. Goddess Locs
If you dream of locs fit for a deity, this is your style. Goddess locs are characterized by their intentionally curly, wavy, or crimped ends, and sometimes incorporate braiding along the length. They often use a mix of textures and may include decorative rings or cuffs. This variation mimics the free-spirited, cultivated look of adorned and styled natural locs, emphasizing beauty and individuality.
4. Bohemian Faux Locs
Embodying a carefree, wanderlust spirit, bohemian faux locs are all about texture and imperfection. They often combine different braiding techniques, incorporate loose waves, and use hair with a slight frizz or varied thickness to mimic organic, grown-out locs. The goal is a look that appears as if you’ve been traveling the world for years, letting your locs form naturally.
5. Spring Twist Faux Locs
This technique uses spring-like, pre-coiled synthetic hair to create instant locs. Spring twist faux locs are incredibly fast to install and offer a uniform, coiled texture from root to tip. They are a fantastic option for achieving the look of sisterlocks or traditional coils in their tightly spiraled stage, providing consistent definition and a neat, polished appearance.
6. Distressed Faux Locs
For those who love a raw, edgy, and authentic look, distressed faux locs are a masterpiece. Stylists deliberately fray, taper, and thin sections of the locs to replicate the well-worn, mature texture of locs that are decades old. This style celebrates the unique imperfections and thinning that can occur over time, resulting in a powerfully realistic and vintage aesthetic.
7. Wavy Faux Locs
Who says locs have to be straight? Wavy faux locs introduce beautiful, beachy waves or deep curls into the length of the loc. This variation mimics the look of natural hair that has been loc’d in a wavy pattern or of traditional locs that have been styled with rods or perm techniques. It’s a romantic and versatile take on the classic form.
8. Crochet Faux Locs
This refers more to the installation method than the style itself. Crochet faux locs involve using a crochet hook to pull pre-made locs through a cornrow base. This technique is quicker than traditional braiding and allows for incredibly dense, full installs. It can be used to achieve almost any variation on this list with a seamless, natural-looking scalp.
9. Sisterlock-Inspired Faux Locs
Sisterlocks are known for their precision, uniformity, and petite size. Faux versions replicate this elegant, refined look using very small parts and thin, pre-made locs. This style is perfect for anyone who admires the neat, intricate patterning of sisterlocks but isn’t ready for the permanent micro-commitment. It offers a clean, sophisticated, and lightweight result.
10. Two-Tone Ombré Faux Locs
Faux locs are the perfect canvas for dramatic color without the damage. Two-tone and ombré styles use synthetic hair dyed or pre-blended to create a seamless gradient, often from a dark root to a lighter end. This mimics the popular coloring techniques used on natural locs, allowing for bold expressions like burgundy-to-blonde or black-to-silver that look incredibly realistic.
11. Marley Hair Faux Locs
Named after the iconic Bob Marley, this style uses kinky, coily Marley hair to create the locs. The texture is a perfect match for most natural Type 4 hair, making the blend at the roots flawless. Marley hair faux locs have a matte, organic finish and a slightly thicker, more robust feel, closely resembling the look of traditional, homegrown locs.
12. Jumbo Faux Locs
Make a bold statement with volume and presence. Jumbo faux locs use large parts and thick synthetic hair to create a powerful, dramatic look. This style mimics the appearance of loc’d hair that has been palm-rolled or condensed into thicker ropes. It’s a low-maintenance, high-impact style that offers maximum coverage and a striking silhouette.
13. Half-Up, Half-Down Faux Locs
This isn’t a loc type, but a stunning versatile styling option that shows how real locs can be worn. By styling your faux locs in a half-up, half-down ‘do, you demonstrate the same manageability and creativity as someone with mature traditional locs. It’s a chic, practical look that works for any occasion.
14. Updo with Faux Locs
Similarly, elaborate buns, crowns, and updos are hallmarks of long-term loc care. Creating a majestic updo with your faux locs—whether a sleek bun or a messy, pinned-up style—perfectly mirrors the elegant versatility of real locs. It proves that faux locs are not just an install but a style to be played with.
15. Faux Locs with Beads and Cuffs
Accessorizing is a huge part of loc culture. Adding wooden beads, metallic cuffs, or rings to your faux locs replicates the personalized adornment seen on traditional locs. This not only enhances the authentic look but also allows for complete customization of your style, just as with real locs.
16. Passion Twist Faux Locs
Sitting between a twist and a loc, passion twists have a soft, slightly unraveled texture. When installed with a slightly more condensed technique or left in to mature (as faux locs), they can beautifully mimic the soft, budding stage of new loc formation. They offer a youthful, breezy alternative to defined locs.
17. Tapered Faux Locs (Short Styles)
Faux locs aren’t just for long hair. Tapered or short faux locs replicate the gorgeous look of a fresh loc cut or a stylish short loc’d haircut. They can be installed on a tapered cut or styled to frame the face, proving that the loc aesthetic is powerful at any length and closely mirroring real short loc styles.
18. Highlighted & Lowlighted Faux Locs
Beyond block ombré, using multiple shades of synthetic hair interwoven within a single install creates incredible depth and realism. Highlighted and lowlighted faux locs mimic the natural sun-kissed variations or intentional coloring found in mature traditional locs, adding a rich, multidimensional effect that is stunningly lifelike.
19. Yarn-Wrapped Faux Locs
A creative and lightweight option, yarn-wrapped locs are made by literally wrapping yarn around a braid or a cord. This method allows for any color imaginable and creates a soft, matte loc that is surprisingly realistic in its texture and drape. It mirrors the DIY, artistic spirit of the loc community and can be customized to any hue.
Embracing the Illusion: Your Faux Loc Journey Awaits
The world of faux locs has transcended mere imitation to become an art form of its own. These 19 variations prove that you can achieve any loc-inspired aesthetic—from the softest bohemian wave to the most precise sisterlock pattern—with flexibility and without permanent change. They honor the beauty and culture of traditional locs while providing a accessible, protective, and creative outlet for self-expression.
When choosing your style, consider your desired texture, maintenance level, and the look you want to emulate. Consult with a skilled stylist who can help you select the right hair and technique for a seamless, realistic finish. Remember, the best faux locs are those that make you feel confident, powerful, and authentically you. So, which variation will you try first to mimic the real thing?
