Dreads With Fade: 33 Feisty Designs That Deserve Your Attention! (2024)

Natural hair can be used to mimic and display a series of prominent hairdos. Whether it’s voluminous, flashy, or sophisticated, there’s plenty that one can do with dense, type 4 hair. And although the thick units of strands can be manipulated with styling tools to enhance their appearance with curls, and even straighten the strands using a flat iron, the best possible option comprises dreadlocks with fade, the main agenda of this article.

Dreadlocks are known for being lengthy, and are fan-favorites of those desiring a protective hairstyle to shield the growth of their afro-textured hair. Despite being quite easy on the eyes, dreadlocks are quite difficult to maintain. While it is advised to shorten the ends from time to time, one may even pair their dreadlocks with a fade haircut, a duo that carries multiple forms.

Moving on, whether you’re manipulating the structure of your hair or leaving it be, the visuals of dreadlocks with any kind of fade will never do you any harm. And if you need evidence, consider reading through the materials of this write-up!

33 Flamboyant Patterns To Replicate With A Dreadlock Fade Haircut!

Dreadlocks look best on natural hair, and specialize in protecting the units from dust and pollution, two elements that can clog the scalp and lead to hair loss. Dreadlocks also look quite charming, and offer various designs to pair well with the frame of each user.

Incorporating a fade haircut alongside your dreads can be a great idea for the aesthetics of the pair. In certain scenarios, going forward with this movement can also give your scalp more room to breathe, and reduce the weight of hair pieces it carries on a day-to-day basis.

From wearing voluminous buns to braided patterns, there’s plenty that you can accomplish when you’re pairing your dreadlocks with a fade. Skim through the following options to find the picks we’d like to recommend!

Frosted Spiky Dreads with Fade

If your natural hair doesn’t contain much length yet, frosted spiky dreads should be a look you must experiment with. Although it runs low on fullness, each unit shaping the visuals of this entry is compact, dense, and resilient.

Additionally, it pairs well with any kind of fade haircut, from low fades to high fades. Using colours is unnecessary, but could be a good way to add to the volume of the shaft.

Criss Cross Braided Dreadlocks with Fade

Crisscrossing with the pattern can be complex, but a great way to display the resilience and the boldness of dreadlocks. Furthermore, with a fade haircut, the braided look on top tends to have better visuals and feel more lightweight.

Crisscross braided dreadlocks aren’t an everyday hairstyle, so cherish them during special occasions. For improving the appearance, try accessorizing the look using beads, rings, and wraps.

Swirled Dreadlocks with Fade

If your dreads are slowly transitioning into free-form locs, leave them be for maximizing the outcome. However, if you’d like to avoid awkward phases without wearing hats and headbands, this entry containing swirled dreadlocks can come to the rescue.

Swirled dreadlocks run low on supply, but comprise a unique texture. The fact that it lacks volume can be an issue to many, but it can be solved if you install baby lights or frosted tips.

Tight Fishtail Braids with Dreadlocks

Fishtail braids are on the rise again as of 2023. While styling rods can help and extensions can enable users with straight hair to try out fishtail braids with dreadlocks, replicating the layout should be a piece of cake with type 4 natural hair.

While the final outcome of this braided look is more or less rewarding, sectioning the hair can be quite difficult during the creation process. The heaviness of the hair could be challenging, but it can be avoided using a fade haircut.

Outgrown Dreadlock with Low Bun

Adding to the contrast can be a good idea when wearing dreads, especially when the strands are long and strong. That’s when a skin fade comes in, with its ability to create great disconnections.

Incorporating a skin fade can be remarkable for your strands as it will deduct bulk, and for your face as it will sharpen the features. If your locs run frizzy, using highlights is advised.

Relaxed Ponytail with Frosted Tips

Since dreadlocks put a lot of stress on the hair, reducing bulk can be a great idea to make things less painful. And although you can make your hair more soothing for your scalp to handle by tying it into a low bun, pairing it with a burst fade can give your hair more room to work with.

This look is pretty easy to create in contrast to most entries, which is why it’s a must-have pick in our eyes. It also adapts quite well to any adjustment, even when it involves a new hair dye.

Frizzy Dreads with Mid-skin Fade

Once the strands grow out, one’s dreadlocks can become more frizzy due to lacking hydration. And if you don’t want to solve that issue by reducing the length on top, try embracing your frizzy dreads by replicating this look.

The mid-skin fade brings a lot of texture to the layout of the dreads, making them stand out as a result. If you want the strands to look more polished, try obtaining a close shave around the sides or drape the strands in some hydrating oil.

Dread Bun with High and Tight Fade

Edge-ups and shape-ups are often seen as redundant modifications in the hair industry. Many advise against it due to the length and bulk it takes away, which can be more consequential to the hair than it actually seems.

However, if you’re planning to go all in with your dreadlock fade, and happen to have outgrown layers on top, this dread bun featuring a high and tight fade can prove to be a diamond in the rough.

Braided Spiral Dreads with High Fade

Wearing a relaxed set of dreadlocks can actually be enough if you want your hair to amp up your appearance, but mixing it with a fade haircut can make the strands more exciting to look at.

Additionally, if you want to unlock a low-maintenance creation process with a manageable styling routine, spiral dreads can be a good option for you. The strands might feel heavy, but you can always tackle that with coconut oil, argan oil, or a leave-in conditioner.

Knotted Dreads with Temp Fade

It’s always best when your natural hair is extremely lengthy, as that can open new doors to your styling potential.

While knotting is typically avoided when forming dreadlocks, incorporating the technique into relatively lengthy units of dreadlocks can be an accessible way of unlocking a style that looks contemporary and a design that lasts for months.

The only pain of this hairdo is its time-consuming formation period, requiring repetitive sectioning for ideal results. And although you can create this at home, having a companion or the guidance of a hairdresser can bring better results with zero repercussions.

Zig Zag Braided Dreadlocks with Top Knot

Thinking outside the box can be difficult when you’re wearing dreadlocks. However, if you’re still searching for an option that contains the traditional habits of dreadlocks and includes the flair of an extravagant design, you can consider the likes of this zig-zag braided locs, which are compatible with any kind of fade.

Bringing them into existence can be a hectic journey, comprising tons of obstacles. Once created, however, you can form comb-overs down the middle, and can even form a sizable top knot around the crown.

Asian Dreads with Frosted Tips

Believe it or not, dreadlocks can be incorporated into other hair types as well, especially thick and choppy Asian hair.

Asian dreads have been hovering around the fashion scene for quite some time now. Although they’re not as frizzy or as horizontally gifted as natural hair, dreads on Asian hair look more polished than the former, making the look compulsory for those that believe in the art of streetwear.

Duotone Dreadlocks with Deep Side Part

Dreads offer very little room for creativity as they don’t cope well with adjustments. But, every problem has a solution, it seems. Similarly, if you want to make a subtle change to your ongoing dreadlocks, in addition to pairing it with a fresh fade, try using a tail comb to section the layers into a side part, which can give your face a slimming effect.

This variant looks great when worn at interviews, but can also make you the star of the show during parties, especially if you add more colours around the tips.

Elevated Dreadlocks with Spikes

If you’re into fauxhawks and would like to carry that narrative even when experimenting with a dreadlock fade, these elevated locs with a spiky texture can pair well with your likes and interests. The units of hair involved in this look are quite full, which can add to your facial structure if you have an oblong-shaped face.

To enhance the impression, you must try adding beads or accessorizing the pieces with rings, both of which can make your hair more stable and mobile.

Two Twist Locs with Fade

The two-twist method can come in clutch if you desire dreadlocks, as the creation of it features only a two-step process. The look can add more edginess to one’s appearance, which can only be possible if the strands have enough density.

If you believe that your strands run thin in contrast to most types of natural hair, try compiling more hair pieces to mimic these two twist locs, known for being enriched with thickness.

Dread Bun with Shape-up Fade

If you have type 3 hair, don’t give up on your dream of wearing dreadlocks. In fact, if you’re into braids as well, take a look at this dread bun, which seems incomplete without its braids.

This look can be a great option to try out if you’re all about the appearance of a hairdo, as the structure can only be mimicked by fishtail braids. Tying it into a bun can be a good idea if you want a voluminous presence, but you can also set it free for a cornrow-like feel.

Swooped Beginner Locs with Skin Fade

Most variants of dreadlocks have elevated roots, which isn’t always helpful for natural hair. While the elevation does make dreadlocks more desirable in the eyes of viewers, too much pressure can result in split ends, and lead to traction alopecia.

If you would like to keep the structure of your dreadlock fade as lenient as possible, consider the features of beginner locs with a swooped structure. To add some volume around the roots and more excitement to the layout, pair the structure on top with a designed skin fade.

High-up Dreadlocks with Sharp Shape-up

The early stages of growing dreadlocks can be extremely painful, as it typically takes natural hair a couple of months to come into place. However, when the locs are long and strong, you might just hit a plateau with the shape of your hair.

High-up dreadlocks are unnecessarily elevated, but can be a great way to break through boredom. It typically requires monthly shape-ups to reprise the neat appearance, and can be formed using any hair tie.

Coiled Braids with High Skin Fade

Trying out eye-grabbing designs can be perfect to allow a dreadlock fade to live up to its hype, but can be difficult to accomplish due to the complexity of the creation process. Worry not, however, as that’s where coiled braids come in!

Coiled braids are great for starters with short hair, and comprise enough presentability to carry the whole show. They mostly look great with a mid-fade with patterns, but look densely packed when paired with a high skin fade.

Thin Coil Locs with Voluminous Man Bun

Finger coil locs can be a win-win solution for your natural hair if you’re seeking a design that can be created overnight. While you can transform your hair into a head full of coil locs if you’d simply like to protect the roots and the edges, leaving the ends of your hair alone can bring forward this variant, which features a voluminous bun.

A positive of this look is the weight it contains, which is lighter than most entries on our list. The design can also stay in place for quite some time, making it essential for those working with tight schedules.

High Top Dreads with Low Taper Fade

High-top dreads are one of the most impressive designs one can implement using natural hair. They not only add to the texture of the hair, but also make one’s presence more apparent in a room full of people.

This design of high-top dreads contains units that have been curated using a two-twist method, which can be easy to do with the help of a professional, and at home. The look is compatible with any fade haircut, but pairs best with a low or burst taper fade.

Disconnected Dreadlocks with Sizeable Bun

If the strands are becoming impossible to maintain, consider forming these dreadlocks that are supported by a sizable bun.

The disconnection can be created using a temple fade or a taper, depending on your hair length and the positioning of your hairline. The bun can be created using the pineapple method for maximum stability and density.

Two Tone Mohawk Dreadlocks

Mohawk dreadlocks are definitely new to the fashion scene, but that doesn’t dismiss the potential they have. They can be great for adventurers and rebellious teens, comprising the edginess that most options can only dream to generate.

Mohawk dreadlocks are great to display the growth of natural hair, but can be challenging due to their procedure. The units typically require hair gel on a daily basis, which can add to the weight of the hair.

Micro Locs with Neat Dread Bun

Micro locs and finger coils can be two compelling options if your natural hair lacks size or density. They offer the same benefits as any other variant when it comes to staying put, but are more compact than most heavy-duty designs.

Micro locs can be formed into high tops with elevated roots. When grown out, they can even be formed into an organized dread bun, which is a look that can serve you at a 9 to 5 job.

Two Twist Dreadlocks with Box Braids

Forming dreadlocks with the two-twist method can be a great hairdo if you’d like to shield your strands from residue and enable them to grow without any setbacks. While its thickness can be a great incentive to take into account, the fact that it can be mimicked at home can also seem like music to one’s ears.

Furthermore, if you’d like your dreadlock fade to stand out in a room full of people, freestyle with the pattern of the roots. Try adding box braids to make the look a 2-for-1 design!

Criss Cross Half Up Half Down Dread Bun

Dread buns often feel like high ponytails, which can be a bit brutal to fathom if you have a sensitive scalp. If you’re searching for an alternative that is much more gentle on your hair and roots, a half-up, half-down dread bun with a crisscross pattern can be a marvellous option to implement.

The look might result in some frowns in formal settings, but can be a great way to give your dreads a break every now and then from all the mass they have.

5 Stitched Cornrows with Two Twist Locs

Incorporating cornrows into your dreadlocks can be a long-lasting option to try out, especially if you desire visuals that are flashy and loud. The only hectic part about these 5 stitched cornrows is the creation process, as it requires a lot of sectioning and consumes tons of time.

Nonetheless, because of the flair it contains, this option should definitely get a chance to collaborate with your wardrobe, preferably during high-profile events.

Tri-Tone High Top Dreads with Double Relaxed Ponytails

Dreadlocks can stand out on every occasion due to their distinct features and incredible height. To add more to the pre-existent elements, try experimenting with a range of colours.

While shades like dark red and soft tones like baby pink can easily fit in, a palette containing shades of blue is the best possible bet one can side with when wearing dreads with fade.

5 Noteworthy Celebrities Wearing Dreadlocks with Fade

Dreadlocks require tons of patience to grow, but come with a lenient maintenance routine. By deep conditioning on a regular basis and shampooing once a week, sustaining the visuals of dreadlocks should be rather easy, even for beginners.

Moving on, although the easygoing upkeep routine can be a great push for beginners to experiment with a dreadlock fade, know that dreads are also popular among athletes and musicians. Toggle through the next few candidates to read about some noteworthy names!

Jimmy Butler

Miami Heat Small Forward Jimmy Butler is one of the very few modern-day NBA superstars whose abilities improved and aged like wine with each passing season.

While his ball-facilitating skills improved drastically over the span of a few seasons, his styling game also changed for the better outside the court. The fashion mogul also transformed his dreadlocks multiple times, a subject that you can explore to the fullest with this guide.

Playboi Carti

With patience comes a series of fulfilling rewards is a mantra that one should follow when growing dreads. Why? Because your dreads will look as sublime as that of Playboi Carti.

Similar to his music career, Playboi Carti’s dreads only got better and better with each year. In addition to becoming more dense, the strands also built up the resilience to stay healthy when draped in dyes. To see just how much Playboi Carti believes in experimenting with dreads, read our article on Playboi Carti dreads!

NLE Choppa

Although NLE Choppa is currently rocking a buzz cut with his natural hair, the American rapper has a head full of afro-textured hair that he’s utilized over the past few years. He wore traditional free-form locs during the beginning of his journey, but also experimented with braids before deciding to shorten the length for good. To learn all about it, check out our guide on NLE Choppa dreads!

Ja Morant

Ja Morant is definitely on his way to becoming one of the best prospects in the NBA. And while the years of hard work he put in is definitely paying off on the court, the 24-year-old prodigy is also garnering tons of recognition in the fashion scene off the court, mainly due to his natural hair.

As of 2024, there are plenty of dreadlock-oriented looks that Ja Morant has tried out, all of which you can replicate through the help of this issue.

Lil Baby

Fellow musician and rapper Lil Baby is a fresh face in the music industry, but his talents are already shaping him into a superstar! His abilities to be a wordsmith have made him the recipient of multiple individual accolades, while his taste in fashion has allowed him to experiment with his hair.

From top knots to braided dreadlocks, here are all the looks that Lil Baby has tried so far.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dreadlocks will always be the best way to showcase the length and density of natural hair. However, since natural hair is known for being heavy and is often pretty difficult to manage, a dreadlock with a fade can be a good way to mitigate that scenario.

While the previous segments unveiled some of the best options one can replicate with a dreadlock fade, this portion is specifically present to address your queries and dismiss your feelings of uncertainty. Be sure to read through each question mentioned below with plenty of attention, especially if you’re still indecisive.

Q: What are the benefits of wearing dreadlocks with a fade haircut?

A: In addition to reducing bulk from hair, wearing dreadlocks with a fade haircut can add to the density of the hair, make the strands more agile and flexible, and give the strands sharper visuals. If you have thinning hair, a fade haircut can also improve the fullness of your shaft.

Q: Can I wear dreadlocks on thin hair?

A: As long as you have natural hair, no one can stop you from experimenting with dreadlocks. While plenty of options require large strands and tons of density, a hair-friendly option amongst dreadlocks is high-top dreads, comprising short pieces with an exceptional amount of fullness. You may even consider finger coils and two twist locs, two easygoing designs with an enormous shelf-life.

Final Takeaway

With the help of this guide, we sincerely hope you find a solution to your dreadlock situation. And if your dreadlocks are long enough, don’t forget to do your hair justice by installing a fade alongside the grown-out pieces. Doing so won’t just give your hair more mobility to work with, but it will also cause less friction between your hair and scalp, reducing the chances of hair shedding and hair loss.

A dreadlock fade is for everyone with natural hair, irrespective of how dense the units are. Although most variants on our list can be mimicked by those with 4C hair, you can also replicate any look from the formerly mentioned segment using styling tools and products with your type 4 hair. And if all else fails, consider giving your hair a boost by installing a taper fade, one of the most common designs paired with dreadlocks.

That’s all for now! If you want to discover more ways in which you can change the shape of your hair, check out the list of materials on our website. Additionally, if you have questions that have yet to be addressed, leave a comment down below!