20 Butterfly Locs Hairstyles: Colors, Lengths & Styles
Butterfly locs are the rare protective style that looks better on day fourteen than on day one.
The loops loosen and the texture settles. The “undone” finish the whole point of the style finally shows up.
If you have been scrolling butterfly locs hairstyles and wondering which version to book, this guide answers that. You will learn what the style is and how it differs from every other loc type. You will see the two install methods and 20 color, length, and styling variations. You will also get the care rules that keep them fresh for the full wear.
What Butterfly Locs Actually Are
Butterfly locs are a faux-loc variant built for texture. Your natural hair is braided into a base first. Then wavy braiding hair is crocheted through and wrapped loosely down each braid. Most stylists reach for Freetress Water Wave.
The signature move is the wrap. Instead of binding the hair tight, the stylist leaves a free loop about every inch. Those loops create the distressed, fluttery finish the style is named for. Ends are sealed in hot water, never burned. A Refinery29 interview with butterfly locs stylists walks through the same wrap technique step by step.
They carry more volume than classic faux locs. They put less tension on natural hair than tighter loc styles. And they genuinely improve as they settle in over the first week or two.
The style rose through YouTube DIY tutorials and Instagram and TikTok feeds around 2020–2021. No single creator invented it, so treat any “invented by” claim you see online with skepticism.
Best for: anyone who wants a low-maintenance protective style with a soft, bohemian finish rather than a stiff, uniform one. Stylists call butterfly locs hairstyles the “messy bun of protective hairstyles,” and the description fits.
Butterfly Locs vs. Faux Locs, Soft Locs, and Goddess Locs
The names get mixed up constantly. Here is the straight comparison of butterfly locs hairstyles against their closest cousins, before you book:
| Style | Texture and look | Install method | Typical salon cost | How long it lasts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classic faux locs | Tight, neat, stiff; the most uniform finish | Marley hair wrapped tight; ends burned or sealed | $100–$300 | 4–6 weeks |
| Soft locs | Silky-smooth, straight, lightweight | Pre-made crochet locs + kinky hair wrap | $200–$400 | 4–6 weeks |
| Butterfly locs | Loopy, loose, deliberately messy | Water-wave hair looped + loose wrap | $150–$500 | 6–8 weeks |
| Goddess locs | Glossy with curls at the last few inches | Kinky Marley or shiny synthetic hair | $150–$400 | 4–8 weeks |
The practical difference: butterfly locs trade neatness for texture. Trichologist Celestine Muthoni Gitau gives one clear rule for any loc style. Keep the scalp free of tension, since weight and texture pull differently on the roots. If your priority is a polished, office-crisp finish, soft locs suit you better. If you want volume and movement, butterfly locs win.
Two Install Methods: Crochet vs. Individual Wrap
A stylist or you can install these butterfly locs hairstyles two ways. The method changes both the price and the finish.
The crochet method is the beginner pick. Your natural hair goes into cornrows or box braids. A crochet needle slides under each braid. A pre-looped strand of water-wave hair is pulled through and tightened at the base. Then the stylist wraps the wavy hair from scalp to end, leaving that signature loop every inch or so. It is faster, more uniform, and genuinely tensionless when done right.
The individual wrap method starts with small single braids. Each loc threads through the root, then pulls through its own loop. Your natural braid hides inside the loc. The finish looks cleaner and more natural. The trade-off is speed: it is slower and trickier, because every braid has to disappear completely.
Time and cost, roughly: a salon install takes 3–5 hours. A first-time DIY install runs 4–7 hours. Extra-long lengths can push toward 7 hours.
Salon pricing lands around $150–$500 in the US (fall 2026, rough guide). $200 is a common average. Long lengths with color run $300–$600+.
Ask your stylist for: The crochet method on dry, stretched hair if this is your first set. Also ask how they seal the ends hot water dip, not burning.
How to Pick Your Color, Length, and Style
Before the grid of 20 butterfly locs hairstyles below, a quick decision framework. Color is where the live interest sits right now. Black shades are rising, and honey-blonde color 27 remains the most requested light option. If you are new to locs, start with 1B black. It is the most forgiving while the style settles and frizz peaks. Length is a comfort decision as much as a style one. The 22–28 inch mid-back range is the popular sweet spot. Hip-length sets get heavy and pull at the scalp. Styling is where butterfly locs earn their keep; the loopy texture holds buns and updos with almost no pins.
Best for first-timers: 1B black, mid-back length, installed by crochet method the safest entry point into butterfly locs hairstyles.
1. Classic 1B Black Butterfly Locs
The baseline every other one of these butterfly locs hairstyles builds on. 1B is the soft black shade that reads as natural hair. It is the most common butterfly-loc color for a reason. It hides new growth, disguises early frizz, and suits every skin tone. If you are installing your first set, start here.
Best for: first-time wearers and anyone who wants the lowest-maintenance version of the style.
2. Colour 27 Honey Blonde Butterfly Locs
Colour 27 the honey-blonde shade is the statement version of butterfly locs. The light color makes every loop and curl pop, which is exactly why it photographs so well. Fair warning: blonde synthetic hair shows frizz faster than dark shades. Plan on the nighttime routine below from day one.
Best for: warm and deep skin tones; anyone chasing the high-contrast Pinterest look.
3. Black-to-Blonde Ombré Butterfly Locs
Dark roots melting into blonde ends give you the drama of color 27 without the full-head commitment. The ombré also camouflages new growth better than an all-over light color. That buys you an extra week or two of fresh-looking wear.
Best for: anyone who wants blonde impact with lower upkeep.
4. Burgundy Butterfly Locs
A deep wine red that reads rich rather than loud. Burgundy flatters deep skin tones beautifully. The red tones catch light in the loops, which adds dimension the camera loves. It fades slower than brighter fashion colors.
Best for: fall and winter wear; a bold color that still looks polished.
5. Ginger and Copper Butterfly Locs
Copper and ginger shades are having a moment across hair color generally, and they translate beautifully to butterfly locs. The warmth plays off the texture every loop catches a slightly different tone. Ask for a true copper rather than orange if you want it to read expensive.
Best for: fair to medium skin tones; anyone who wants warmth without going blonde.
6. Platinum Butterfly Locs With Dark Roots
The highest-contrast option on this list: icy platinum lengths with dark roots. The shadow root is doing real work here. It keeps the grow-out graceful. It also anchors a color that could otherwise wash you out. This is a salon-color or pre-colored-hair choice, not a box-dye project.
Best for: cool undertones; maximum-drama occasions and photoshoots.
7. The Butterfly Bob
Chin-to-shoulder length butterfly locs, and the lightest-feeling version of the style. The bob removes the weight concern entirely, which makes it the smartest pick if your scalp is tension-sensitive. It also reads modern and a little edgy less boho, more fashion.
Best for: tender scalps, fine natural hair, and anyone who wants butterfly locs hairstyles without the heaviness.
8. Shoulder-Length Butterfly Locs
The easy middle ground: long enough to pull into a small ponytail, short enough to stay light. Shoulder length is also the fastest install, which can shave an hour off your salon appointment. For more ideas at this length, see these shoulder-length locs hairstyles.
Best for: first-time DIY installs and anyone balancing style with comfort.
9. Mid-Back Butterfly Locs (22–28 Inches)
The sweet spot. 22–28 inches is the most booked butterfly-loc length among butterfly-loc hairstyles. It gives you enough hair for buns, braids, and ponytails. You skip the scalp strain of hip-length sets. If you only remember one number from this guide, make it this range.
Best for: the classic butterfly-loc look with full styling freedom.
10. Extra-Long Butterfly Locs (30+ Inches)
Waist-length and beyond. The drama is unmatched. Long butterfly locs move beautifully. But be honest about the trade-offs. They are heavy, and the installation takes the longest. You will feel them at the roots by week six. Keep the parts clean and the tension low.
Best for: special occasions, vacations, and anyone who has worn long protective styles before.
11. The High Bun and Top Knot
Gather the locs into a high bun. The texture does the styling for you. The loops create a full, dimensional bun with zero backcombing. This is the gym-to-dinner style of the butterfly-loc world. Five minutes, no pins needed. It keeps the locs off your neck in heat.
Best for: workouts, hot weather, and second-month refresh days.
12. The Low Sleek Ponytail
Smooth the front with edge control, gather everything low at the nape, and let the locs fall. The contrast between the sleek hairline and the textured lengths is what makes this look polished rather than casual. A little Shine n Jam on the parts keeps it crisp.
Best for: work settings and anyone who wants locs to read professional.
13. Half-Up Half-Down Butterfly Locs
Pull the top half into a small bun or ponytail and leave the rest down. It shows off the length while keeping hair out of your face. It is the fastest “styled” look in this guide under three minutes. Add a cuff or two to the top section for extra polish.
Best for: everyday wear when you want to look done with minimal effort.
14. The Side Part With Face-Framing Locs
A deep side part with two locs left loose at the front softens the whole look. The face-framing pieces draw attention to the loops’ texture right where the camera lands. This small change makes a full-head install look like a completely different style in photos.
Best for: round and square face shapes; photo days.
15. Double Space Buns
Two buns, festival energy. The volume of butterfly locs makes space buns look intentionally full rather than sparse. That is a real advantage over tighter loc styles. Keep the parts straight with a rat-tail comb for the cleanest finish.
Best for: concerts, festivals, and weekends.
16. Butterfly Locs With Bangs
Ask your stylist to leave the front locs shorter and they fall as a wispy, textured fringe. Bangs change the silhouette more than any other single tweak here. They grow out gracefully, since the style is already meant to look undone.
Ask your stylist for: front locs cut to brow or cheekbone length at install trimming later is harder.
17. The Low Messy Bun
The after-hours version of the high bun: gather everything low and loose, let pieces escape. Because butterfly locs are already distressed, this looks deliberate rather than undone-in-a-bad-way. It is also the kindest updo for your edges.
Best for: lazy days and protecting your hairline on long wear.
18. Beaded Butterfly Locs
Thread wooden or gold beads onto a few accent locs. Beads add weight. Keep them on the mid-lengths and ends, not near the roots. Skip them entirely in week one while the install settles. A handful of beads reads artful; a full head reads costume.
Best for: vacations, festivals, and anyone who loves accessorized hair.
19. Gold Cuffs and Loc Jewelry
Slip gold hair cuffs or loc jewelry onto individual locs for a dressed-up finish that takes seconds. Unlike beads, cuffs sit flat and add almost no weight, so they work even on fresh installs. Mix metals if your jewelry is mixed the style can take it.
Best for: weddings, date nights, and elevating the everyday set.
20. The Scarf-Wrapped Ponytail
Wrap a silk scarf around the base of a high ponytail and let the ends hang with the locs. It hides week-five frizz at the hairline, adds a color accent, and doubles as edge protection. Pick a scarf that picks up one tone in your loc color.
Best for: stretching a set into its final weeks with style.
The First-Week Care Routine
Week one decides how good your butterfly locs hairstyles look in weeks two through eight. The rules are simple but non-negotiable.
Keep them dry. Do not wash your butterfly locs in the first week. Installing on damp hair or washing too soon loosens the wrap. If your scalp itches, a light scalp oil massaged at the parts helps more than water does.
Go light on product. A little setting mousse at install is standard. Heavy product makes locs stick together instead of staying separate, so use it sparingly. Rinse new synthetic hair in diluted apple cider vinegar before install. It removes the alkaline coating that causes scalp itching.
Hands off. The loops need time to settle. Constant touching creates frizz before the style has set, and you cannot un-frizz week-one damage. Let the style do what it does: it looks better as it settles.
The Nighttime Routine That Prevents Frizz
Frizz is the number-one reason these butterfly locs hairstyles start looking tired. Most of it happens at night. Cotton pillowcases rough up the loops while you sleep.
The fix takes thirty seconds. Gather the locs loosely on top of your head. Cover them with a satin or silk bonnet or scarf. Stylists recommend this nightly step in The Zoe Report’s butterfly locs guide to prevent frizz and breakage. A satin pillowcase works as a backup, but the bonnet protects better because it keeps the locs contained.
Every couple of days, massage a light scalp oil or serum into your parts. Stylists name Pattern Scalp Serum and Carol’s Daughter Goddess Strength 7 Oil Blend. Plain jojoba oil works too. This keeps the scalp comfortable without loading the locs with product. Skip heavy butters and thick creams on the lengths; they cause buildup that dulls the texture.
How Long They Last: The 8-Week Rule and Removal
With good care, these butterfly locs hairstyles last 6–8 weeks. Treat 8 weeks as a hard stop, not a suggestion. Wearing them longer risks oil buildup, matting, and traction alopecia. Signs your set is done: excessive frizz that will not smooth. Locs slipping or thinning at the roots. Heaviness or pulling. More than an inch of new growth.
Removal, step by step: cut each loc near its very end — never near your natural hair. Unravel the wrapping, then unbraid your natural hair. Detangle gently with conditioner and oil, working from the ends up. Give yourself hours — takedown is slow. If sections have matted, wet-detangle with conditioner and finger-detangle first; trim only as a last resort. For a full breakdown of protective-style care between installs, see these protective styles for natural curls.
What Butterfly Locs Cost: Salon vs. DIY
Here is what the full range of butterfly locs hairstyles costs, salon versus DIY.
Salon install: $150–$500 is the standard US range (fall 2026, rough guide). $200 is the most common average. Short sets run $150–$300; long lengths with color climb to $300–$600+. Big-city stylists and in-demand braiders charge at the top of the range.
DIY install: 6–8 packs of water-wave braiding hair for a full head, with most people landing around $50–$100 total. Budget packs run a few dollars each; premium hair costs more. The trade-off is time: 4–7 hours for a first-timer versus 3–5 in a salon chair.
The wig shortcut: a decent butterfly-loc wig runs about $220. Worth knowing if you want the look for one event without the install commitment.
Butterfly Locs Hairstyles FAQs
Are butterfly locs a good protective style?
Yes these butterfly locs hairstyles protect well when installed without tension and removed by week eight. They keep your ends tucked away and need little daily manipulation. The risks tension, buildup, matting come from keeping them too long, not from the style itself.
How long do butterfly locs last?
Six to eight weeks with proper care. Eight weeks is the expert-backed maximum; beyond that, oil buildup and root tension can damage your natural hair. Plan your removal appointment when you book the install.
Can I wash butterfly locs?
Yes, every 2–4 weeks with diluted, sulfate-free shampoo focused on the scalp. Rinse thoroughly and dry them completely — a hooded dryer works best. Trapped moisture causes itching and can make the wraps unravel.
Do butterfly locs damage natural hair?
They should not, if the install is tensionless and the set comes out on time. Damage happens from tight braiding, heavy long lengths pulling at the roots, or wearing them past eight weeks. Speak up during install if anything pulls.
What is the difference between butterfly locs and faux locs?
Butterfly locs are a faux-loc variant with a loose, loopy, distressed finish. Classic faux locs are tighter, neater, and stiffer with more tension. Butterfly locs are easier to maintain and last a bit longer — 6–8 weeks versus 4–6.
Which butterfly locs color should I choose first?
For your first set of butterfly locs hairstyles, start with 1B black. It hides new growth and early frizz while you learn the style. Colour 27 honey blonde is the most popular light option but shows frizz sooner. Ombré splits the difference: dark roots with light ends.
Final Thoughts
Butterfly locs reward the patient. The style peaks after the first week. The texture carries every updo on this list, and the 6–8 week wear makes the install effort pay off.
Pick your color with intent. Black shades are rising and colour 27 stays iconic. Keep the length honest about what your scalp can carry. Respect the eight-week rule on the way out. Do that, and your butterfly locs hairstyles will look better in week six than most styles look on day one.
