Even though it's 2018, there are still plenty of cultural stereotypes surrounding locs — including the fact that they aren't glamorous enough for special events. Well, critics be damned. Locs are just as gorgeous as a shiny blowout or Hollywood curls... and just as versatile as well.
You can twist locs into a bun or wear them in a ponytail. You can pull them back into a half-up-half-down style or add sparkling accessories. There's no limit to the ways you can shape locs when you're trying to dress them up. Need proof? Check out styles worn by Jourdan Dunn, Lena Waithe, and more on the red carpet, ahead.
Wrapped Side Ponytail
Logan Browning wore her two-toned faux locs to the side, cleverly wrapping her elastic with a few strands.
Photo: David Livingston/Getty Images.
Pearl-Studded Bun
A few days before the Met Gala, Lacy Redway gave Dunn this protective style in order for them to loosen up. On the day of Redway swept the faux locs up and decorated them with Lelet gems.
Photo: Ray Tamarra/GC Images.
Front-Facing Chignon
Of course, Waithe absolutely slays this of-the-moment hairstyle that's practically made for strong, powerful women.
Photo: Mark Sagliocco/WireImage.
Gilded High Ponytail
Nai'vasha Johnson, who styled Sasha Lane's funky updo, always uses a mini bungee cord to gather up lots of hair.
Photo: Michael Stewart/WireImage.
Top Knot With Expertly-Laid Edges
Yaya DaCosta, who big chopped in December, is giving her natural hair a rest in the most stylish way possible.
Photo: Mike Coppola/NBCUniversal/NBCU Photo Bank/Getty Images.
Elegant Half-Up
In 2015, Giuliana Rancic made an ignorant comment about Zendaya's locs — and Z clapped back with grace. "There is already harsh criticism of African-American hair in society without the help of ignorant people who choose to judge others based on the curl of their hair," she wrote in an Instagram post. "My wearing my hair in locs on an Oscar red carpet was to showcase them in a positive light, to remind people of coloUr that our hair is good enough."
Photo: Jason Merritt/Getty Images.
Bantu Knots & Double Braids
Chloe and Halle Bailey always come through with innovative ways to style their hair. They retwist their locs every three to four months to keep them looking fresh, according to Into the Gloss.
Photo: Jesse Grant/Getty Images.
Blinged-Out Bangs
Johnson, who works with Kelela, once told us that she uses a needle and thread to attach her awesome adornments.
Photo: Paul Zimmerman/Getty Images.
Twists With A Top Knot
"These are the moments when I am most proud of us!" Dr. Kari Williams, who styled Ava DuVernay's Cannes look, captioned an Instagram. "Locs are a symbol of pride, beauty, and strength. Our natural hair belongs everywhere we belong. Our natural hair is us."
Photo: Emma McIntyre/Getty Images.
Polished Pony & Deconstructed Mohawk
Hello, red carpet glam! The Bailey sisters wore complementary styles to the BET Awards. With them standing side by side, you can truly see the versatility of locs.
Photo: Leon Bennett/Getty Images.
Twisted Mohawk
Waithe wore this twisted mohawk to the Met Gala with an epic rainbow cape, so of course, her stylist added an element of color with metallic blue thread.
Photo: Taylor Hill/Getty Images.
A Braided Fringe
DuVernay never disappoints when it comes to style inspiration. This look features a braided section pinned to the side, giving the effect of a side fringe.
Photo: Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images.Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
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