Mohawk Dreads: 30 Ways to Rock Locs With Faded Sides

I’ve been styling mohawk dreads for clients for years, and this fusion of locs with a mohawk silhouette remains one of the most requested bold looks in my chair. Whether you’re rocking short starter locs or waist-length dreads, the mohawk shape adds instant edge while letting your locs take center stage. Here are 30 mohawk dread styles I recommend based on hair length, texture, and personal vibe.

Best Mohawk Dreads by Face Shape

Choosing the right mohawk dread width and height based on your face shape makes a massive difference in how the style frames your features. For oval faces, almost any mohawk width works—you have the most flexibility. Round faces benefit from a taller, narrower mohawk strip that elongates the face, while square faces look sharp with a medium-width mohawk that softens angular jawlines.

If you have a long or rectangular face, go with a wider mohawk and avoid excessive height on top, since too much vertical volume can make your face look even longer. Heart-shaped faces pair well with mohawk dreads that have some volume at the crown but taper toward the forehead. I always tell my clients to bring reference photos so we can adjust the mohawk proportions to complement their specific bone structure.

What Is A Mohawk Dreads Hairstyle?

A mohawk dreads hairstyle features dreadlocks concentrated in a strip down the center of the head, with the sides either shaved, faded, or cut short. This style merges punk rock aesthetics with traditional loc culture, creating a unique hybrid look. The width of the mohawk strip can vary from narrow and subtle to wide and dramatic, while the dreads themselves can be styled upward, backward, or left to hang naturally.

How To Style Mohawk Dreads

Styling mohawk dreads starts with sectioning the hair into a center strip before the locking process begins. Use a rat-tail comb to create clean, straight parts defining your mohawk width.

For daily styling, palm roll the dreads upward using loc gel or wax for hold. You can create different looks by letting them fall forward, spiking them up, or pulling them back into a ponytail. Maintain the shaved sides with weekly touch-ups to keep the mohawk shape crisp and defined.

Mohawk Dreads vs Traditional Mohawk: What’s The Difference?

While both styles feature a distinctive center strip of hair, mohawk dreads incorporate locked hair texture versus the straight, spiked hair of traditional mohawks. Traditional mohawks require daily styling products and blow-drying to achieve their signature upright position.

Mohawk dreads maintain their shape naturally through the locking process, offering more styling versatility without constant manipulation. The dreads also add cultural depth and personal journey to what began as a purely aesthetic punk rock statement.

Short Mohawk Dreads

Short mohawk dreads typically measure 2-4 inches in length, perfect for those starting their loc journey or preferring minimal maintenance. This length stands naturally upright without product, creating an effortlessly edgy appearance. The shorter length works particularly well with high fades or undercuts on the sides, emphasizing the mohawk strip while keeping the overall look neat and professional enough for most workplaces.

Long Mohawk Locs

Long mohawk locs extend past shoulder length, offering maximum styling versatility from high ponytails to draped styles. These mature dreads create dramatic visual impact whether worn up in a gravity-defying display or flowing naturally down the back.

The length requires commitment to the growing process but rewards you with countless styling options. Many wearers incorporate accessories like beads, wraps, or rings to personalize their long locs further.

Medium Length Mohawk Dreads

Medium length mohawk dreads hit the sweet spot at 5-10 inches, long enough to style versatilely but manageable for daily life. This length allows the dreads to be worn up, pulled back, or left to fall naturally while still maintaining the distinctive mohawk silhouette.

They’re ideal for those who want statement style without the weight and maintenance of longer locs. The medium length also transitions well between casual and formal settings with simple styling adjustments.

Thick Mohawk Dreadlocks

Thick mohawk dreadlocks feature fewer, larger sections that create bold, chunky locs down the center strip. These substantial dreads make a powerful visual statement and typically lock faster than thinner variations.

The thickness provides excellent structure for standing styles and requires less frequent maintenance. This style works best with naturally dense hair textures and suits those wanting maximum impact with minimal daily styling effort.

Thin Mohawk Dreads Style

Thin mohawk dreads use smaller sections to create numerous pencil-width locs across the mohawk strip. This technique offers more styling flexibility and movement compared to thicker dreads.

The increased number of locs allows for intricate styling patterns like braiding or twisting within the mohawk itself. Thin dreads also dry faster after washing and feel lighter on the scalp, though they require more careful maintenance to prevent combining.

Mohawk Dreads With Fade

Combining mohawk dreads with a fade creates seamless graduation from skin to the locked center strip. The fade technique, whether high, mid, or low, adds modern barbering precision to the traditional loc style.

This combination softens the harsh lines of a classic mohawk while maintaining its edgy appeal. Popular fade variations include temple fades, drop fades, and skin fades, each offering different visual effects that complement the dreads perfectly.

High Top Mohawk Locs

High top mohawk locs feature dreads styled vertically to create impressive height and presence. This style requires strategic palm rolling and strong-hold products to maintain the upright position throughout the day.

The high top variation works best with shorter to medium length dreads that can support their own weight when standing. It’s particularly popular in urban fashion scenes where bold, architectural hairstyles make strong personal statements.

Mohawk Dreads Undercut

A mohawk dreads undercut features a sharp disconnect between the shaved sides and the dreadlocked top section. Unlike fades that gradually blend, the undercut creates a dramatic contrast line that emphasizes the mohawk strip.

This technique works especially well with wider mohawk sections and can incorporate various undercut heights for different effects. The clean lines require regular barbershop visits but deliver maximum visual impact between maintenance appointments.

Braided Mohawk Dreads

Braided mohawk dreads involve interlacing individual locs into various braid patterns along the center strip. Popular techniques include French braiding the dreads backward or creating cornrow patterns within the mohawk section.

This style adds intricate detail and helps manage longer dreads while maintaining the mohawk silhouette. The braiding also protects the dreads during sleep and physical activities, making it both stylish and practical for active lifestyles.

Twisted Mohawk Dreadlocks

Twisted mohawk dreadlocks feature two-strand or three-strand twists that create rope-like texture along the mohawk strip. This technique works particularly well for starter locs or those transitioning into mature dreads.

The twisting method offers more uniform appearance than free-form dreads while maintaining natural movement. Regular retwisting keeps the style neat, and the twisted texture adds visual interest that distinguishes it from traditional cylindrical dreads.

Mohawk Dreads With Shaved Sides

Mohawk dreads with completely shaved sides create the most dramatic contrast between the locked center strip and bare scalp. This zero-guard or razor-shaved approach requires frequent maintenance but delivers uncompromising punk aesthetic.

The shaved sides can incorporate designs, patterns, or clean lines for added personalization. This bold style suits confident individuals who embrace attention and aren’t afraid to stand out in any crowd.

Colored Mohawk Locs

Colored mohawk locs incorporate vibrant dyes, bleaching, or highlights to add another dimension to the style. Popular choices include ombre effects, bright tips, or full-length color transformations in shades from subtle auburn to electric blue.

The coloring process requires special care to maintain loc health, but the results create truly unique personal expression. Many choose colors that complement their skin tone or match their personal style aesthetic.

Mohawk Dreads With Design

Mohawk dreads with design feature intricate patterns shaved or cut into the side sections surrounding the mohawk strip. These designs range from simple lines and geometric shapes to complex artwork and symbols.

The contrast between the textured dreads and precise design work creates compelling visual interest. Skilled barbers can create designs that flow with the mohawk’s natural lines, enhancing the overall aesthetic while adding personal meaning.

Spiky Mohawk Dreadlocks

Spiky mohawk dreadlocks are styled to point upward and outward, creating an aggressive, punk-inspired silhouette. This style works best with shorter, thinner dreads that can maintain their position without drooping.

Strong-hold gels or waxes help achieve the spiky effect, though some prefer the natural tendency of newer dreads to stand erect. The spiky variation channels classic mohawk energy while incorporating the unique texture of dreadlocks.

Wide Mohawk Dreads

Wide mohawk dreads extend the center strip to cover nearly half the head’s width, creating a fuller, more substantial look. This variation offers more dreads to style and reduces the maintenance frequency for the shaved sections.

The wider strip works well for those with oval or longer face shapes, as it maintains better proportion. It’s also ideal for those wanting mohawk aesthetics without committing to extensive side shaving.

Narrow Strip Mohawk Locs

Narrow strip mohawk locs concentrate the dreads into a thin center line, typically 2-3 inches wide, for maximum dramatic effect. This precision style emphasizes the contrast between locked and shaved areas while requiring fewer dreads overall.

The narrow strip creates an elongating effect that suits round face shapes particularly well. It also offers a more subtle professional option while maintaining the mohawk’s rebellious spirit.

Mohawk Dreads Ponytail

A mohawk dreads ponytail gathers the locs at the crown or back, creating a concentrated bundle that showcases the shaved sides. This practical style keeps dreads controlled during work or exercise while maintaining visual interest.

The ponytail position can vary from high and tight to low and loose, each creating different silhouettes. Adding hair accessories like leather wraps or metal cuffs elevates the ponytail from functional to fashionable.

Free Form Mohawk Dreads

Free form mohawk dreads develop naturally without manipulation, creating organic, unique shapes within the mohawk strip. This method embraces the hair’s natural tendency to lock, resulting in dreads of varying thickness and character.

The sides remain maintained while the mohawk section grows freely, balancing structure with natural expression. This style appeals to those seeking authentic, spiritual connection to their loc journey while maintaining the mohawk aesthetic.

Mohawk Dreads With Taper Fade

Mohawk dreads with taper fade feature a gradual length reduction that seamlessly blends from the dreads to the skin. The taper creates a softer, more refined appearance than harsh undercuts while maintaining the mohawk definition.

This professional-friendly variation works especially well for those needing versatility between casual and formal settings. The taper fade requires skilled barbering to achieve smooth transitions that complement the dreads’ natural texture.

Curly End Mohawk Locs

Curly end mohawk locs feature loose, curled tips that add movement and softness to the traditionally rigid dreadlock structure. This occurs naturally in some hair textures or can be achieved through specific maintenance techniques.

The curly ends create interesting visual contrast, especially when the dreads are worn down or in motion. This style bridges the gap between fully locked dreads and loose natural hair, offering unique aesthetic appeal.

Mohawk Dreads Bun Style

The mohawk dreads bun gathers all locs into a top knot or man bun positioned along the mohawk strip. This sophisticated style works best with medium to long dreads that can be wrapped securely.

The bun can sit high for dramatic effect or lower for subtle elegance, with loose dreads creating textured interest. This versatile option transitions seamlessly from gym to office to evening events with minor adjustments.

Two Strand Twist Mohawk

Two strand twist mohawk features pairs of hair sections twisted together along the mohawk strip, creating defined spiral patterns. This technique works as both a protective style and a precursor to mature dreads.

The twists offer more uniform appearance than traditional dreads while maintaining similar aesthetic impact. Regular maintenance keeps the twists fresh, and they can be styled upward, backward, or left to hang naturally within the mohawk structure.

Mohawk Dreads With Beads

Mohawk dreads decorated with beads add cultural significance and personal flair to the style. Beads can be wooden, metal, or decorative, placed strategically or throughout the dreads for different effects.

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The added weight helps dreads hang properly while creating movement and sound that announces your presence. This adornment method connects modern mohawk styling with traditional African hair decoration practices, creating meaningful personal expression.

Disconnected Mohawk Dreadlocks

Disconnected mohawk dreadlocks feature a clear separation between the mohawk strip and any remaining side hair. This creates distinct sections rather than blended transitions, emphasizing the mohawk’s geometric lines.

The disconnection can incorporate hard parts, shaved lines, or simply natural growth patterns for varied effects. This modern interpretation adds contemporary barbering techniques to the traditional mohawk dreads concept.

Mohawk Dreads For Teens

Teen-appropriate mohawk dreads balance self-expression with school dress codes through moderate styling choices. Shorter lengths and narrower strips often meet institutional requirements while maintaining individual style.

Many teens start with semi-permanent versions using twists or braids before committing to permanent locs. This style helps young people explore identity and culture while learning responsibility through regular maintenance routines.

Starter Locs Mohawk

Starter locs mohawk represents the beginning phase of the dreadlock journey, featuring newly sectioned and twisted hair in the mohawk formation. This stage typically lasts 3-6 months as the hair begins its locking process.

The starter phase requires careful maintenance to establish clean parts and prevent unraveling. Despite being less defined than mature dreads, starter locs offer clean lines and neat appearance suitable for professional environments.

Mohawk Dreads With Line Up

Mohawk dreads with a line up feature precisely shaped edges around the hairline and mohawk borders. This barbering technique creates sharp, geometric lines that frame the face and enhance the mohawk’s structure.

Regular line up maintenance keeps the style crisp and intentional-looking. The combination of organic dreads texture with razor-sharp edges creates compelling contrast that elevates the overall aesthetic.

Mature Mohawk Dreadlocks

Mature mohawk dreadlocks have fully locked after months or years of growth, displaying defined, rope-like texture throughout the mohawk strip. These established dreads require less frequent maintenance while offering maximum styling versatility.

The maturity brings character through unique shapes and patterns that develop naturally over time. Mature mohawk dreads represent commitment to the journey and often hold deep personal or spiritual significance for the wearer.

FAQs: Mohawk Dreads

How do you start mohawk dreads?

Start by sectioning the hair into your desired mohawk width using a rat-tail comb to create clean, straight parts. Shave or cut the sides according to your preferred style.

For the mohawk section, divide hair into equal squares or triangles, then begin the locking process through twisting, braiding, or comb coiling. Apply locking gel or wax to help hold the initial shape. Maintain the parts and retwist regularly during the first few months to establish the locked pattern.

How long does it take to grow mohawk dreads?

The locking process typically takes 3-6 months for hair to begin forming recognizable dreads, though full maturity can take 12-24 months. Growth rate depends on hair texture, maintenance routine, and desired length.

Coarser hair textures often lock faster than straighter hair types. The mohawk sides require maintenance every 1-2 weeks, while the dreads themselves need retwisting every 4-6 weeks during the early stages. Patience is essential as the dreads evolve through various stages.

Can you get a mohawk with existing dreads?

Absolutely. If you already have full-head dreads, simply shave or cut the sides to create the mohawk shape. This transformation takes less than an hour at a skilled barber.

The existing dreads in the center strip remain intact while the sides are removed. This is actually easier than starting from scratch since the dreads are already mature. Consider the mohawk width carefully before cutting, as regrowing the sides takes significant time.

How do I maintain mohawk dreads?

Maintain mohawk dreads by washing weekly with residue-free shampoo, palm rolling to maintain shape, and retwisting new growth every 4-6 weeks. Keep the shaved sides fresh with weekly touch-ups using clippers or a razor.

Sleep with a durag or silk pillowcase to prevent frizz and maintain shape. Apply natural oils like coconut or jojoba to keep dreads moisturized. Avoid over-manipulation and heavy products that cause buildup.

What face shapes suit mohawk dreads best?

Mohawk dreads are surprisingly versatile and can be adapted for any face shape with proper customization. Round faces benefit from narrow strips that add vertical length. Square faces suit wider mohawks that soften angular features.

Oval faces can wear any width confidently. Heart-shaped faces look best with medium-width mohawks that balance proportions. The key is adjusting the mohawk width, fade style, and dread styling to complement your specific features.