High top dreads combine the classic high top fade with dreadlocks, creating a distinctive style where locs crown the top while the sides remain faded. This versatile look offers both edge and sophistication, making it suitable for various settings. Understanding its fundamentals is key to achieving the perfect balance for your unique style.
Table of Contents
1. What are high top dreads
2. Style variations and combinations
3. How to plan your high top dreads
4. Maintenance and styling guide
5. Conclusion
What are high top dreads
High top dreads represent a distinctive fusion hairstyle that combines traditional dreadlocks with the sharp aesthetics of a high top fade. This style is defined by a concentrated section of locs on the crown of the head, while the sides and back are expertly faded or cleanly shaved, creating a striking contrast that emphasizes the height and texture of the locs on top.
The structure requires careful planning in terms of loc count and size. For a standard high top dreads style, you’ll need anywhere from 30-70 locs on the crown section. The exact number varies based on your chosen loc thickness – micro locs (0.2 cm) typically require around 90 locs for full coverage, while medium locs (1.0 cm) need only 30-50 locs to achieve the desired effect. This versatility in loc size allows for personalization while maintaining the style’s distinctive silhouette.
What makes high top dreads particularly versatile is their adaptability to different face shapes and personal styles. The height of the top section can be customized, typically ranging from 3-6 inches, while the fade point can be adjusted anywhere from just below the crown to right above the ears. These adjustable elements allow wearers to create proportions that complement their features while expressing their individual style preferences.
Style variations and combinations
The versatility of high top dreads manifests in three main variations, each offering a distinct aesthetic appeal. The classic high top dread fade features an even distribution of locs across the crown, transitioning into a clean fade that creates a balanced, symmetrical look. The mohawk-inspired version takes a bolder approach, concentrating the locs in a narrower strip down the center of the head, creating a more dramatic and edgy appearance. The tapered variation offers a softer transition, where the locs gradually decrease in length toward the back and sides.
Each variation can be customized further through loc size combinations. Some opt for uniform thickness throughout, while others experiment with mixed dimensions – such as thinner locs (0.4-0.6 cm) at the front for a softer face-framing effect, transitioning to medium locs (0.8-1.0 cm) at the crown for added volume. This technique not only adds visual interest but also helps manage the overall weight and maintenance requirements of the style.
The fade patterns themselves offer another layer of customization. Options range from skin fades that create maximum contrast, to mid fades that leave some length on the sides, to temp fades that focus on the temples and neckline. These elements can be mixed and matched to create a personalized look that suits both individual style preferences and face shapes.
How to plan your high top dreads
Planning high top dreads starts with understanding your hair texture and determining the optimal loc size. For those with finer hair textures, smaller locs (0.4-0.6 cm) are recommended to maintain strength and prevent breakage, requiring about 50-70 locs on top. Coarser hair textures can support medium-sized locs (0.8-1.0 cm), needing only 30-50 locs to achieve full coverage. This initial decision significantly impacts both the final appearance and long-term maintenance requirements.
The next crucial consideration is weight distribution and scalp comfort. Thicker locs, while visually impressive, can put considerable strain on your scalp when concentrated in a high top style. Consider that the weight increases substantially as your locs grow and mature. Many successful high top styles use a strategic combination – slightly thinner locs at the hairline (0.4-0.6 cm) transitioning to medium thickness (0.8 cm) toward the crown, creating a balanced look while maintaining manageable weight.
Face shape plays a vital role in determining the ideal height and width proportions of your high top dreads. Longer face shapes benefit from wider loc distributions that add horizontal volume, while rounder faces are complemented by taller, narrower arrangements that create elongating lines. The fade height should be positioned to enhance these proportions – higher fades elongate the face, while lower fades can help balance broader features.
Maintenance and styling guide
Maintaining high top dreads requires a balanced approach to both the locs and the faded sections. The crown section demands regular retwisting every 4-6 weeks to manage new growth and maintain neat partings. Focus particularly on the front hairline locs, as these frame your face and are most visible. The faded sides typically need refreshing every 2-3 weeks to maintain that sharp contrast that defines the style, though this varies based on individual hair growth patterns.
Daily styling involves strategic moisture management and positioning. Unlike full-head dreadlocks, high top dreads concentrate weight in one area, making proper loc positioning crucial. Use light oils to maintain loc health without causing buildup – too much product can weigh down your locs and compromise the elevated style. For versatility, experiment with different arrangements: forward-swept for a modern look, pulled back for a sleeker appearance, or styled upward for maximum height. Remember that different loc sizes require different styling approaches – thinner locs (0.4-0.6 cm) offer more styling flexibility but need gentler handling.
Protection during sleep is essential for maintaining the style’s shape and preventing unnecessary stress on your locs. Use a silk or satin pillowcase and consider loose loc wrapping techniques that preserve the elevation of your style while allowing proper air circulation. Regular maintenance also includes keeping the fade lines clean and watching for any signs of thinning at the crown, where the weight of the locs meets the faded sections.
Conclusion
High top dreads offer a dynamic way to showcase your personal style while maintaining a versatile, manageable look. Whether you opt for micro locs that provide intricate detail or medium-sized locs for bold impact, success lies in thoughtful planning and consistent maintenance. By understanding your hair texture, choosing appropriate loc sizes, and maintaining proper care routines, you can achieve and maintain this striking style that works across various settings. Remember, the key to remarkable high top dreads isn’t just in the initial creation, but in the ongoing commitment to preserving their distinctive shape and health.
