Coloured locs are a great way to refresh your look and show off your personal style. The right locs colour ideas can enhance your features and complement your skin tone.
From rich colours for dark-skinned women to soft shades for fair-skinned women, there are plenty of beautiful options to choose from. You can also experiment with creative locs colour combinations to create a unique look that stands out.
In this post, you’ll discover stunning locs colour ideas and colour combinations to inspire your next hairstyle.
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Things to Consider Before Colouring Your Locs
Colouring your locs can completely transform your look, but it’s important to plan. Choosing the right colour and caring for your locs properly will help you achieve beautiful results while keeping your hair healthy.
1. Choose a Colour That Complements Your Skin Tone
The best hair colour is one that enhances your natural complexion. Warm shades like honey blonde, copper, and caramel often suit warm skin tones, while ash blonde, burgundy, and cool brown shades can complement cooler skin tones.
2. Consider the Health of Your Locs
Healthy locs handle colour better than dry or damaged ones. If your locs are weak or breaking, focus on restoring moisture and strength before applying any hair colour.
3. Decide Between Permanent and Temporary Colour
Permanent hair colour offers long-lasting results but usually requires more maintenance. Temporary colours are a great option if you want to try a new look without making a long-term commitment.
4. Think About Maintenance
Some shades, especially blonde, red, and fashion colours, fade faster than darker colours. Choose a colour that fits the amount of maintenance you’re willing to do.
5. Protect Your Locs Before and After Colouring
Moisturise your locs regularly before colouring and continue with a good hair care routine afterwards. Using colour-safe products and keeping your locs hydrated can help maintain vibrant colour and reduce dryness.
See 25 ways to style your starter locs
Best Locs Hair Colour Ideas for Dark Skin Women
Dark skin tones pair beautifully with a wide range of hair colours, from rich natural shades to bold statement colours. The key is choosing a shade that complements your complexion and matches your personal style.
1. Jet Black Locs
Jet black is timeless and elegant. It gives your locs a healthy shine and works well for both casual and professional looks.
2. Honey Blonde Locs
Honey blonde adds warmth and brightness while creating a beautiful contrast against dark skin. It’s one of the most flattering blonde shades for locs.
3. Caramel Brown Locs
Caramel brown offers a soft, natural-looking colour that adds warmth without being too bold.
4. Copper Locs
Copper is a vibrant shade that brings warmth and dimension to your locs. It looks especially stunning in natural sunlight.
5. Burgundy Locs
Burgundy is a classic choice that gives your locs a rich, sophisticated finish. It adds colour without being overly bright.
6. Auburn Locs
Auburn blends brown and red tones for a warm, elegant look that complements dark skin beautifully.
7. Chocolate Brown Locs
Chocolate brown is perfect if you want a subtle change. It enhances your natural beauty while adding richness to your locs.
8. Deep Red Locs
Deep red creates a bold, eye-catching style while still looking elegant. It’s a great option if you want to stand out.
9. Golden Brown Locs
Golden brown adds soft highlights that brighten your overall appearance without looking too dramatic.
10. Plum Purple Locs
Plum purple gives your locs a unique and modern look. The deep purple tones look especially striking on darker skin tones.
11. Ginger Locs
Ginger is one of the most popular loc colours. Its warm orange-brown tones create a vibrant look that complements dark skin beautifully.
12. Dark Blue Locs
Dark blue adds a stylish twist while remaining wearable. The colour appears subtle indoors and more vibrant in natural light.
13. Rose Gold Locs
Rose gold offers a trendy blend of pink and gold tones. It creates a soft yet eye-catching finish that’s perfect if you want something different.
14. Blonde Ombre Locs
Instead of colouring your entire head, add blonde to the ends of your locs for a modern ombre effect. This creates depth and dimension while reducing maintenance.
15. Black and Burgundy Locs
Mixing black with burgundy creates a beautiful two-tone style. The burgundy highlights add richness while the black keeps the overall look balanced and elegant.
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Best Locs Hair Colour Ideas for Fair Skin Women
Fair skin tones look beautiful with both soft natural shades and bold statement colours. Whether you prefer a subtle change or a dramatic transformation, these loc hair colours can enhance your complexion and highlight your features.
1. Platinum Blonde Locs
Platinum blonde creates a bold and modern look. This icy shade stands out beautifully on fair skin and gives your locs a fresh, stylish finish.
2. Ash Blonde Locs
Ash blonde is a cool-toned colour that looks natural and elegant. It is a great choice if you want a softer blonde without warm yellow tones.
3. Light Brown Locs
Light brown adds warmth while maintaining a natural appearance. It is perfect for anyone trying hair colour for the first time.
4. Rose Gold Locs
Rose gold blends soft pink and golden tones to create a trendy and feminine look that complements fair skin beautifully.
5. Strawberry Blonde Locs
This mix of blonde and red creates a warm, youthful appearance. It adds brightness without being too bold.
6. Soft Copper Locs
Soft copper brings warmth and shine to your locs. It is a flattering option that makes fair skin glow.
7. Ginger Locs
Ginger is a vibrant shade that adds personality and warmth. It is one of the most popular hair colours for women with fair skin.
8. Champagne Blonde Locs
Champagne blonde offers a soft, luxurious finish with subtle golden tones. It looks elegant and works for both everyday and special occasions.
9. Silver Gray Locs
Silver grey creates a modern and sophisticated look. This cool-toned colour is perfect if you want something unique and stylish.
10. Pastel Pink Locs
Pastel pink adds a fun, playful touch to your locs. It is a great choice if you love experimenting with trendy hair colours.
11. Honey Blonde Locs
Honey blonde adds warmth and dimension while creating a soft, sun-kissed effect. It suits fair skin with warm undertones.
12. Auburn Locs
Auburn combines rich brown and red tones for a classic, elegant look. It adds depth and complements fair skin beautifully.
13. Chocolate Brown Locs
Chocolate brown creates a striking contrast against fair skin while maintaining a natural and polished appearance.
14. Lavender Purple Locs
Lavender is a soft purple shade that gives your locs a creative and fashionable look. It is perfect if you want a subtle pop of colour.
15. Blonde Ombre Locs
Blonde ombre keeps your roots darker while gradually transitioning into lighter blonde ends. This style adds dimension and is easier to maintain than full-colour locs.
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Locs Colour Combination Ideas
If you want something more unique than a single hair colour, try combining two or more shades. The right loc colour combination adds depth, dimension, and personality to your hairstyle. Whether you prefer natural blends or bold contrasts, these colour combinations can help you create a standout look.
1. Black and Honey Blonde Locs
This classic combination creates a beautiful contrast while still looking natural. The honey blonde adds warmth, while the black roots keep the style balanced.
2. Chocolate Brown and Caramel Locs
Chocolate brown paired with caramel creates a soft, rich blend. It’s perfect if you want a subtle colour change with plenty of dimension.
3. Black and Burgundy Locs
Burgundy highlights against black locs create a bold yet elegant look. This combination suits almost every skin tone and never goes out of style.
4. Copper and Auburn Locs
Mixing copper and auburn gives your locs a warm, vibrant finish. These shades blend seamlessly and shine beautifully in natural light.
5. Brown and Honey Blonde Locs
Brown roots with honey blonde highlights create a sun-kissed effect. This combination looks natural and adds brightness without being overwhelming.
6. Ginger and Blonde Locs
Ginger and blonde together create a vibrant, eye-catching hairstyle. The warm tones blend beautifully and add plenty of personality.
7. Black and Deep Red Locs
Deep red adds a striking pop of colour while black keeps the style grounded. This combination is perfect if you want a bold but sophisticated look.
8. Blonde Ombre Locs
Keep your roots dark and gradually transition to blonde ends. This ombre effect creates depth and requires less maintenance than full blonde locs.
9. Burgundy and Purple Locs
Burgundy and deep purple create a rich, luxurious colour combination. It’s a great choice if you love bold hairstyles with a creative twist.
10. Jet Black and Silver Grey Locs
The contrast between black and silver grey gives your locs a modern, edgy appearance. This combination works well for those who want a unique statement look.
11. Caramel and Copper Locs
Caramel and copper blend to create a warm, glowing finish. This combination is especially flattering on medium and dark skin tones.
12. Chocolate Brown and Blonde Highlights
Adding blonde highlights to chocolate brown locs creates a natural-looking contrast that brightens your hairstyle without overpowering it.
13. Black and Emerald Green Locs
Emerald green woven into black locs creates a bold and fashionable style. The green adds just the right amount of colour while remaining sophisticated.
14. Brown and Rose Gold Locs
Rose gold highlights soften brown locs and give them a trendy, feminine finish. This combination is perfect if you want something stylish yet elegant.
15. Black and Blue Locs
Dark blue highlights paired with black locs create a sleek, modern look. The blue appears subtle indoors and becomes more vibrant in sunlight, giving your hairstyle extra dimension.
Trending Locs Hair Colour Ideas
If you’re looking for a fresh way to update your hairstyle, these trending locs hair colour ideas are worth trying. From soft highlights to bold statement colours, these styles are popular because they add dimension, personality, and a modern touch to your locs.
1. Ombre Locs
Ombre locs feature a gradual transition from darker roots to lighter ends. This style adds depth and is easier to maintain than colouring your entire head.
2. Highlighted Locs
Adding highlights throughout your locs creates a brighter, more textured look. Choose shades that complement your base colour for a natural finish.
3. Peekaboo Colour Locs
Peekaboo colours are hidden underneath the top layer of your locs and become visible when you move your hair or wear certain styles. It’s a fun way to add colour without making it the main focus.
4. Half-and-Half Colored Locs
Colour one half of your locs differently from the other for a bold, fashion-forward look. You can combine natural shades or experiment with vibrant colours.
5. Money Piece Locs
Colour only the locs around your face to create a bright, flattering frame. This trendy style adds a pop of colour without changing your entire hairstyle.
6. Rainbow Locs
Rainbow locs combine multiple vibrant shades for a playful and creative look. You can use bold colours throughout your locs or apply them only to the ends.
7. Balayage Locs
Balayage creates a soft, hand-painted colour effect that blends naturally into your locs. It gives a sun-kissed appearance with less noticeable root growth.
8. Dip-Dyed Locs
Dip-dyed locs feature bold colour only on the ends of your hair. This style is perfect if you want to experiment with bright shades while keeping your roots natural.
9. Face-Framing Blonde Locs
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Light blonde locs around the front of your face instantly brighten your features and give your hairstyle a modern, trendy finish.
10. Chunky Colour Highlights
Instead of thin highlights, add thicker sections of colour throughout your locs. This creates a bold contrast, making the colour stand out even more.
11. Two-Tone Locs
Choose two complementary shades, such as black and burgundy or brown and caramel, to create a stylish, dimensional hairstyle.
12. Metallic-Colored Locs
Metallic shades like silver, platinum, or smoky grey are becoming increasingly popular. They give locs a sleek, modern appearance that’s perfect for making a statement.
13. Bold Fashion Colour Locs
Bright shades like teal, hot pink, royal blue, or purple are perfect for anyone who loves creative hairstyles and wants to stand out.
14. Cinnamon Brown Locs
Cinnamon brown blends warm brown and copper tones to create a rich, natural-looking colour that’s flattering on many skin tones.
15. Multi-Tonal Locs
Instead of using one colour, combine several shades from the same colour family. This creates a natural, dimensional look that adds more depth and movement to your locs.
How to Choose the Right Loc Colour for Your Skin Tone
Choosing a loc colour that complements your skin tone can make a big difference in your overall look. While you can wear any colour you love, understanding your undertone can help you find shades that naturally enhance your features.
1. Warm Undertones
If your skin has golden, yellow, or peachy undertones, warm hair colours will usually look the most flattering.
Try shades like:
- Honey blonde
- Caramel brown
- Golden brown
- Copper
- Ginger
- Auburn
- Warm chocolate brown
These colours add warmth and create a radiant, natural-looking finish.
2. Cool Undertones
If your skin has pink, red, or bluish undertones, cooler shades tend to complement your complexion best.
Consider colours such as:
- Ash blonde
- Platinum blonde
- Silver gray
- Burgundy
- Plum purple
- Jet black
- Cool dark brown
These shades create a balanced and polished look.
3. Neutral Undertones
If you have a mix of warm and cool undertones, you’re in luck. Neutral undertones can pull off a wide variety of hair colours.
Some great options include:
- Chocolate brown
- Honey blonde
- Rose gold
- Blonde ombre
- Burgundy
- Copper
- Black and blonde combinations
Feel free to experiment with different shades to find the one that best matches your personality and style.
4. Don’t Be Afraid to Try Colour Combinations
If you can’t decide on one shade, consider combining two complementary colours. Ombre locs, highlights, and two-tone styles add depth and dimension while giving your hairstyle a unique, customised look.
Tips for Maintaining Colored Locs
Colored locs need a little extra care to stay healthy and keep their colour looking fresh. A consistent hair care routine will help prevent dryness, breakage, and fading.
Use a Color-Safe Shampoo
Choose a sulfate-free, colour-safe shampoo to gently cleanse your locs without stripping away the colour. Wash your locs as needed to keep your scalp clean while preserving the vibrancy of your hair colour. Moisturise Your Locs Regularly
Hair colour can make locs feel dry, so it’s important to keep them hydrated. Use a lightweight, water-based moisturiser or leave-in spray, then seal in moisture with a natural oil like jojoba or argan oil.
Reduce Heat Styling
Frequent use of blow dryers, flat irons, and other heat tools can cause colored locs to become dry and brittle. Let your locs air-dry whenever possible and use heat only when necessary.
Protect Your Locs From the Sun
Too much sun exposure can cause hair colour to fade more quickly. Wear a hat or scarf when spending long hours outdoors, especially during hot, sunny days.
Sleep With a Satin or Silk Bonnet
Cotton pillowcases can absorb moisture and create friction that leads to dryness. Cover your locs with a satin or silk bonnet, scarf, or use a satin pillowcase to help retain moisture and reduce frizz.
Avoid Washing Too Often
Washing your locs too frequently can cause the colour to fade faster. Stick to a wash schedule that keeps your scalp clean without over-cleansing your hair.
Touch Up Your Colour When Needed
As your colour begins to fade, refresh it with a touch-up instead of recolouring your entire head. This helps maintain a vibrant look while reducing unnecessary damage to your locs.
DeepMoisturisee AfterColouringg
After colouring your locs, give them extra moisture with a deep conditioning treatment or a nourishing hot oil treatment made for locs. This helps restore softness, improve elasticity, and keep your locs healthy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Colouring Locs: Colouring your locs can give you a fresh new look, but a few mistakes can lead to dryness, breakage, or uneven results. Avoid these common errors to keep your locs healthy and your colour looking its best.
1. Colouring Dry or Damaged Locs
If your locs are already weak or breaking, adding hair colour can make the damage worse. Strengthen and moisturise your locs before applying any colour.
2. Choosing a Colour Without Considering Your Skin Tone
Some shades look more flattering than others depending on your complexion. Choose colours that complement your skin tone to achieve a more balanced and natural-looking result.
3. Bleaching Too Often
Frequent bleaching can weaken your locs and cause excessive dryness. Give your hair enough time to recover before bleaching again.
4. Skipping a Strand Test
Always test the colour on one loc before colouring your entire head. A strand test helps you see how the colour will turn out and reduces the risk of unexpected results.
5. Leaving Hair Dye on for Too Long
Following the recommended processing time is important. Leaving the dye on longer than instructed can dry out your locs and may not produce a better colour.
6. Forgetting to Moisturise After Colouring
Colored locs need extra moisture to stay soft and healthy. Keep a regular moisturising routine to prevent dryness and breakage.
7. Using Harsh Hair Products
Shampoos with strong sulfates and alcohol-based products can strip away moisture and cause your hair colour to fade faster. Choose products made for colour-treated hair whenever possible.
8. Washing Your Locs Too Soon After Colouring
Give your hair colour enough time to set before washing your locs. Washing too soon can cause the colour to fade more quickly.
9. Colouring Your Locs Too Frequently
Changing your hair colour too often can weaken your locs over time. Wait several weeks between colouring sessions to help maintain healthy hair.
10. Trying Complex Colour Techniques Without Experience
Styles like balayage, full bleaching, or multi-colour combinations require skill. If you’re unsure how to achieve the look safely, consider visiting a professional loctician or colourist to avoid uneven colour and unnecessary damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best hair colour for locs?
The best hair colour depends on your skin tone and personal style. Popular choices include honey blonde, caramel brown, burgundy, copper, chocolate brown, ginger, and jet black because they complement a wide range of complexions.
Can I colour my locs without bleaching them?
Yes. Dark shades like black, burgundy, dark brown, and deep red can often be applied without bleaching. However, lighter shades such as blonde or pastel colours usually require bleaching to achieve the desired result.
Will colouring my locs damage them?
Hair colouring can cause dryness if not done properly. Keeping your locs moisturised, using colour-safe products, and avoiding frequent bleaching can help keep them healthy.
How often should I colour my locs?
Most people touch up the colour every 6 to 8 weeks, depending on the shade and how quickly it fades. Avoid colouring too often to reduce the risk of damage.
Which colours look best on dark skin?
Honey blonde, caramel brown, copper, ginger, burgundy, auburn, chocolate brown, and golden brown are all flattering choices for dark skin.
Which colours look best on fair skin?
Fair skin pairs well with platinum blonde, ash blonde, strawberry blonde, rose gold, champagne blonde, light brown, soft copper, and silver grey.
Can I dye mature locs?
Yes. Mature locs can be colored successfully as long as they are healthy and properly maintained. If your locs are dry or damaged, focus on restoring their health before colouring.
How do I keep my loc colour from fading?
Use a sulfate-free colour-safe shampoo, moisturise your locs regularly, protect them from excessive sun exposure, and avoid washing them more often than necessary.
Can I combine two hair colours on my locs?
Absolutely. Ombre locs, highlights, balayage, and two-tone colour combinations are popular ways to add depth and dimension to your hairstyle.
How do I choose the right loc colour for my skin tone?
Start by identifying whether your skin has warm, cool, or neutral undertones. Then choose hair colours that complement your undertone while matching your personal style. When in doubt, natural shades like brown, honey blonde, and burgundy are flattering on most skin tones.
Conclusion
The right locs hair colour can completely transform your look and highlight your unique style. Whether you prefer natural shades, bold colours, or creative colour combinations, choose a colour that complements your skin tone and keeps your locs looking healthy. With proper care and maintenance, you can enjoy vibrant, beautiful colored locs that stand out wherever you go.
