Post Malone Dreads: Did He Really Have Them? Style, Meaning & Hair Guide

Introduction

Post Malone’s hair has been almost as recognizable as his music. Over the years, his look has gone through a noticeable shift—from a more natural, unstyled appearance to the messy, freeform dread-inspired style that many fans now associate with him. This evolution is one of the main reasons people are curious about post malone dreads and how his hairstyle developed over time.

A lot of searches around this topic come from simple questions people have, like did Post Malone have dreads or does Post Malone have dreads now. Others are drawn to the aesthetic itself and want to understand how he achieved that loose, effortless look. His hairstyle stands out because it doesn’t follow traditional dreadlock rules, which makes it both interesting and a bit confusing for many.

If you look back at post malone before dreads, his hair was shorter and less defined. As his career grew, so did his style—leading to the long, uneven, and textured look seen in post malone with dreads. More recently, he has moved away from that phase, showing yet another transformation in his overall image.

Did Post Malone Have Dreads? The Truth Behind His Hairstyle

A common question people ask is: did Post Malone have dreads or does Post Malone have dreads today? The honest answer is yes—he did wear dread-inspired hair for a period, but they weren’t traditional, fully maintained dreadlocks. And no, he does not currently have dreads, as he has since cut them and moved on to a shorter style.

To understand this properly, it helps to break down the difference between similar-looking styles:

• Traditional dreadlocks (locs): These are intentionally formed, sectioned, and regularly maintained. They follow a structured pattern and often take months or years to mature.
• Freeform locs: These develop more naturally with minimal manipulation. They can look uneven, loose, and organic—closer to what Post Malone had.
• Braided or sectioned styles: These are more controlled and styled, often mistaken for early-stage locs.

Post Malone’s hair fell somewhere between freeform locs and a loosely maintained dread aesthetic. His hair wasn’t neatly parted or consistently maintained like classic locs. Instead, it had a more relaxed, “grown-out” look, which gave it that signature messy texture.

Timeline of His Dread Phase

• Early career (before dreads): Shorter, natural hair with no defined loc pattern
• Rise to fame (around 2016–2019): Grew longer hair that gradually formed into loose, uneven dread-like strands
• Peak dread era: Fully developed, bleached-tipped locs became part of his identity
• Later years: Cut his dreads and shifted to a cleaner, shorter hairstyle

Common Misconceptions About His Hair

• “He had traditional dreadlocks” → Not exactly. His style lacked structured maintenance
• “His hair was completely natural” → While it looked effortless, some level of styling and separation was likely involved
• “Anyone can get the same look instantly” → In reality, it takes time, texture, and the right approach

From a professional perspective, Post Malone’s hairstyle is best described as a low-maintenance, semi-freeform dread style rather than classic, disciplined locs. This distinction is important, especially for anyone trying to understand or recreate the look realistically.

Post Malone With Dreads: A Breakdown of His Iconic Look

When people think of Post Malone with dreads, they usually picture a hairstyle that looked rough, loose, and instantly recognizable. His hair was not polished in the traditional sense, but that was exactly why it stood out. It matched his overall image: relaxed, unconventional, and a little rebellious.

In terms of appearance, his dreads were usually medium to long in length, with a texture that looked dry, separated, and naturally formed rather than freshly styled. The color played a big role too. One of the most noticeable details was the bleached or blonde tips, which gave the hairstyle more contrast and made it even more eye-catching on stage, in music videos, and in photos.

A few features made this look especially distinct:

Loose, Semi-Freeform Structure

His hair did not follow a neat or uniform pattern. The locs looked loosely formed, which gave them a casual and lived-in appearance. This is one reason many people describe his style as semi-freeform rather than traditionally maintained locs.

Bleached or Blonde Ends

The lighter ends added dimension and made the hairstyle more memorable. This color contrast helped define the shape of the locs and made the style feel more like part of his brand than just a haircut.

Uneven, Organic Sections

Another defining feature was the lack of perfect symmetry. Some sections looked thicker, some thinner, and the overall result felt natural rather than overly planned. That uneven structure gave his hair a raw look that many fans found interesting because it did not seem forced.

What made the style stand out in hip-hop and pop culture was how different it felt from more polished celebrity hairstyles. At a time when many artists leaned into sharp fades, braids, or carefully maintained locs, Post Malone’s hair looked intentionally imperfect. It reflected the same offbeat energy that shaped his music and public image. His look felt personal, not manufactured.

The influence of that style was easy to see. Fans started searching for ways to recreate the same loose dread aesthetic, especially people who wanted locs that looked less strict and more expressive. His hairstyle also helped push the idea that celebrity hair does not always need to be clean-cut or conventional to become iconic.

Post Malone Before Dreads: His Full Hair Transformation

Before the public started associating him with locs, Post Malone before dreads had a much simpler and less defined hairstyle. His hair appeared shorter, softer, and more natural, without the separated strands and rough texture that later became part of his signature look. At that stage, nothing about his hair suggested a polished celebrity image. It looked ordinary, which actually makes his later transformation more noticeable.

As his career grew, his hair entered a transition phase. This is the part that often creates confusion. To some people, it looked like simple neglect. To others, it seemed like an intentional move toward a messy, freeform style. The truth was likely somewhere in the middle. Hair like his usually does not shift into that kind of shape overnight. It often comes from a mix of letting the hair grow out, reducing regular grooming, and allowing texture to form more naturally over time. In some cases, light separation or occasional styling may still be involved, even when the final result looks unplanned.

That in-between stage mattered because it shaped the image people now connect with him. The move from shorter hair to long, uneven, dread-like strands changed how he was seen. It gave him a more recognizable silhouette and helped separate him from other artists who leaned into cleaner, more controlled grooming. In branding terms, the hairstyle became part of his visual identity. You could often recognize him from a distance because the hair, along with the tattoos and wardrobe, worked together as one complete image.

This shift also supported the “outsider” feeling that has followed Post Malone throughout his career. His look never seemed built to fit neatly into one category. The hair played a big part in that. It was not traditionally polished, not conventionally stylish, and not designed to please everyone. That is exactly why it worked. It made him appear more raw, less manufactured, and more separate from the usual celebrity standard.

Why Post Malone Cut His Dreads (And What He Has Now)

Post Malone’s long dread-inspired hairstyle did not last forever. By late 2018, he had already shown fans a shorter, curlier look after cutting off much of the length, and in 2020 he went even further by shaving his head, marking a clear break from the image many people linked to his earlier career.

There was never one long, formal explanation that covered every reason in detail, so the smartest way to frame this is carefully: his haircut seems to have reflected a mix of practical hair concerns, lifestyle changes, and personal rebranding, rather than one single dramatic cause. That kind of shift is common when someone has worn a heavy, high-impact style for years.

Hair Damage or Thinning May Have Played a Role

From a hair expert’s point of view, long locs or dread-inspired styles can put stress on the scalp, especially when the hair is bleached, pulled often, or left heavy over time. Post Malone’s look included lightened ends and uneven, weighty sections, which can increase dryness and breakage risk. While outside observers cannot diagnose his hair condition, it is reasonable to say that damage, thinning, or simple strain from the style may have been part of the decision to cut it. This is a common reason people choose to start over.

Lifestyle Changes Often Lead to Big Hair Decisions

Long dreads are not always “no-maintenance” just because they look messy. They still require washing, drying, separation, and care to avoid odor, buildup, or weak spots. For someone constantly touring, traveling, sweating under stage lights, and living in a public spotlight, a shorter style can simply be easier to manage. In that sense, cutting his hair may also have been a practical move tied to comfort and day-to-day upkeep. This is an expert reading of the situation, not a confirmed quote from him.

Personal Rebranding Matters Too

Hair is part of image, and Post Malone has changed his look more than once over the years. His move away from long dreads and toward shorter hair fit a broader pattern: his public image became less tied to the chaotic early-career aesthetic and more connected to a cleaner, more deliberate style. That does not erase the old look, but it does show how hair can evolve alongside music, maturity, and branding.

What Hairstyle Does He Have Now?

More recent coverage describes Post Malone’s hair as much shorter and more intentional than the dread phase people still search for. The old long, bleached, semi-freeform look is no longer the signature style it once was. His current grooming reads cleaner, lower in drama, and more controlled than the hair era most fans remember.

Expert Note: When It’s Time to Restart Locs

If someone wants a look inspired by Post Malone’s old hair, it is important to know when restarting is the healthier choice. In professional loc care, a fresh start is often smarter when you notice:

• thinning near the roots
• weak or overly heavy sections
• breakage from bleach or dryness
• scalp discomfort
• buildup that does not wash out properly

Once the foundation of the hair becomes weak, holding on to length can make the problem worse. In many cases, cutting back and rebuilding healthier locs gives better long-term results than trying to save every damaged section.

Are Post Malone’s Dreads Real? Expert Hair Analysis

The short answer is yes, but with an important distinction. Post Malone himself referred to them as “2 big ass dreads” when he cut them in 2018, so there is direct evidence that he saw that hairstyle as dreads. At the same time, from a loctician’s point of view, his hair did not look like traditionally cultivated, neatly maintained locs. It looked more like a messy, semi-freeform loc aesthetic than a classic salon-maintained dreadlock set.

Natural Hair Type vs. Achieved Texture

This is where expert analysis matters. Post Malone’s natural hair texture appeared much looser than the hair types that lock quickly on their own. That means his final look likely came from a mix of length, matting, separation, styling habits, and time, rather than from naturally tight, uniform locking. In simple terms, his texture did not seem to produce polished locs on its own. Instead, it created a rougher, more irregular result that matched his image. That is one reason his hair often looked more chaotic than structured.

Low Maintenance vs. Intentional Neglect

A lot of people confuse these two ideas. Low maintenance does not mean doing nothing. Even messy-looking locs usually need some level of washing, drying, root separation, and buildup control. Hair experts regularly stress that healthy locs still need a clean scalp and moisture balance, even when the finished look is undone or bohemian. So while Post Malone’s hairstyle looked effortless, it probably was not pure neglect. It was more likely a loosely managed style that was allowed to stay imperfect on purpose.

Real Dreadlocks vs. a Styled “Messy Loc” Look

This is the most useful distinction for readers:

Real, traditional dreadlocks or locs usually have:

• clearer sectioning
• more visible root organization
• a more consistent locking pattern
• regular maintenance over time

A styled messy-loc aesthetic usually has:

• uneven sections
• inconsistent thickness
• looser ends
• a rougher, more freeform appearance
• a deliberate “unpolished” finish

Post Malone’s hair leaned much closer to the second category. It had the shape and feel of locs, but not the disciplined structure many people expect from mature, traditional dreadlocks. That is why some people call them dreads, while others say they were more like loose, matted, dread-inspired strands. Both views make sense depending on how strictly you define locs.

How His Look Was Likely Maintained

Based on the way his hair appeared in photos and media coverage, his look was probably maintained in a very relaxed way:

• limited reshaping instead of frequent retwisting
• occasional separation to stop large sections from merging too much
• enough upkeep to keep the style wearable
• bleaching on the ends for contrast and visual identity
• acceptance of frizz, unevenness, and rough texture as part of the look

From a professional hair perspective, the best way to describe it is this: Post Malone’s dreads were real in the casual, visual sense, but they were not a textbook example of traditional locs. They worked because they suited his brand—messy, recognizable, and unconventional. That is also why so many people still search for them: the style felt authentic to him, even if it was never technically perfect.

How to Get Post Malone Style Dreads (Step-by-Step Guide)

If you want the look of Post Malone style dreads, the goal is not perfect, salon-clean locs. His hairstyle worked because it looked loose, uneven, and a little rough around the edges. That does not mean careless hair damage is the goal. It means creating a controlled, messy look that still keeps the hair and scalp in good condition.

Start With the Right Hair Expectations

This style can work on different hair types, but the method will change depending on your natural texture.

• Straight hair: Usually needs more help to lock. Backcombing or a crochet-assisted start often works better than waiting for it to form on its own.
• Wavy hair: Can achieve a more natural version of the look with less effort. Waves help the hair knot and separate more easily.
• Coarse or curly hair: Locks faster and usually holds shape better, even with a loose or semi-freeform finish.

The important thing is to work with your texture, not against it. Post Malone’s look was not based on uniform perfection, so your version does not need to look identical to be successful.

Method 1: Twist and Let It Develop Naturally

This is one of the easier ways to build a dread-inspired look without making it too polished.

How to do it:

1. Start with clean, dry hair.
2. Divide the hair into loose sections. Do not make them perfectly even.
3. Twist each section lightly with your fingers.
4. Leave the twists alone and let them start matting over time.
5. Separate them occasionally at the roots so they do not join together too much.

This method works best if you want a softer, less structured finish.

Method 2: Backcombing for Straighter Hair

If your hair is straight or only slightly wavy, backcombing usually gives faster results.

How to do it:

1. Section the hair into medium uneven parts.
2. Use a fine-tooth comb and comb each section backward toward the scalp.
3. Roll the section lightly in your palm to help it hold shape.
4. Secure it if needed during the early stage.
5. Let it loosen naturally over time instead of over-correcting every strand.

This method helps create that rough, separated texture faster, especially on hair that would not lock easily on its own.

Method 3: Freeform Approach

This is the closest to the relaxed look people often connect with post malone with dreads.

How to do it:

1. Grow your hair out first.
2. Reduce brushing and combing.
3. Wash the hair regularly, but avoid heavy conditioners that make the strands too slippery.
4. Let the hair knot and clump on its own.
5. Pull apart sections when needed so one giant mat does not form.

Freeform works best for people who are patient and comfortable with an imperfect look during the early phase.

Styling Tips to Match the Look

Keep the Sections Uneven

One of the main reasons Post Malone’s hair looked unique was that it was not cleanly sectioned. Some parts looked thicker, others thinner. That uneven layout made the style feel natural and personal. You can copy that effect by avoiding perfect squares or straight part lines.

Let Some Frizz Stay

Do not chase a perfectly smooth finish. A little frizz adds softness and makes the style look more lived-in. Too much product or too much retwisting can ruin the relaxed effect.

Bleach With Care

The blonde or bleached ends were a major part of the look, but bleaching locs or dread-like hair comes with risk. If you want lighter tips:

• bleach only healthy hair
• avoid overlapping bleach on already weak areas
• deep-condition loose ends if your method allows it
• use a bond-repair treatment if possible
• never bleach hair that is already snapping or thinning

If your hair feels dry before bleaching, fix that first. Lightening damaged locs is one of the fastest ways to cause breakage.

What Not to Do: Expert Mistakes to Avoid

Do Not Skip Washing

A messy look is not the same as dirty hair. A clean scalp is still important. Buildup, odor, and irritation can develop fast when people confuse freeform with neglect.

Do Not Over-Twist

If you keep retwisting every loose strand, the hair can start looking too neat and tight. That moves it away from the loose dread aesthetic and can also stress the roots.

Do Not Make All Sections Equal

Perfect parting may look good in traditional loc sets, but it will not give the same raw, uneven finish that made Post Malone’s style stand out.

Do Not Bleach Weak Hair

Lightening already damaged strands can lead to severe thinning, brittle ends, or loc breakage.

Do Not Expect Instant Results

This type of hairstyle needs time. The best version develops gradually. Trying to force it too fast often leads to stiffness, scalp tension, or fake-looking texture.

Maintenance Secrets: Keeping Dreads Like Post Malone

Maintaining a style similar to Post Malone dreads is less about perfection and more about balance. His look worked because it stayed textured, loose, and slightly unpolished—but that does not mean the hair was ignored. Healthy dread-style hair still needs consistent care behind the scenes.

Washing Routine: Stay Clean Without Losing Texture

One of the biggest mistakes people make is thinking messy locs should not be washed often. In reality, a clean scalp is essential.

• Wash your hair 1–2 times per week, depending on your lifestyle
• Use a light, residue-free shampoo to avoid buildup
• Focus on the scalp more than the length
• Let the locs air dry fully to prevent odor or mildew

The goal is to keep the hair clean without making it overly soft or slippery, which can slow down the locking process.

Managing Frizz Without Over-Styling

Frizz is part of the look. Trying to eliminate it completely can make the hair look too neat and take away that natural, relaxed feel.

• Allow light frizz to exist—it adds character
• Avoid heavy gels or waxes that force the hair into shape
• If needed, use a small amount of light oil (like argan or jojoba) to control excessive dryness
• Keep your hands out of your hair too often, as constant touching increases frizz

Think of frizz as texture, not a problem.

Root Separation: Keep Locs From Merging

With a semi-freeform style, sections can start joining together if left unchecked. This can lead to large, uneven mats.

• Gently pull apart sections at the roots every few days
• Do this when the hair is dry for better control
• Avoid tearing too aggressively, as that can weaken the roots

This simple step helps maintain individual locs while still keeping the uneven, organic look.

Preventing Thinning and Breakage

Even though the style looks relaxed, the hair still carries weight, especially when it grows longer or is bleached.

• Avoid tight pulling or constant styling
• Keep the scalp moisturized but not oily
• Limit bleaching or chemical treatments
• Sleep with a satin or silk covering to reduce friction
• Pay attention to weak spots, especially near the roots

Healthy locs should feel strong, not fragile.

Products: Keep It Lightweight and Clean

The wrong products can ruin the look by causing buildup or making the hair too soft.

Best options:

• Residue-free shampoo
• Light natural oils (argan, jojoba)
• Aloe-based sprays for light hydration

Avoid:

• Heavy waxes or gels
• Thick creams that sit inside the locs
• Products that leave visible residue

From an expert perspective, the key to maintaining post malone style dreads is simple: clean scalp, minimal product, and controlled freedom. The hair should look effortless, but the care behind it should still be intentional.

Cultural Context: Dreads, Identity & Celebrity Influence

Any article about Post Malone dreads should include cultural context, because dreadlocks are not just a fashion choice for many people. They carry history, identity, and personal meaning. A respectful article should make that clear without turning the topic into a lecture.

A Brief Look at the Origins of Dreadlocks

Dreadlocks have existed in different forms across several cultures and periods of history. They have been worn for spiritual, cultural, practical, and personal reasons. In the modern conversation, locs are especially connected to African and Afro-diasporic identity, including Rastafarian traditions, Black hair culture, and long-standing expressions of resistance, pride, and heritage.

That history matters because locs are not simply a “messy hairstyle” or a trend created by celebrities. For many people, they are deeply tied to culture and lived experience.

Cultural Meaning vs. Fashion Use

This is where the conversation often becomes more complex. Some people wear locs because of cultural roots, family tradition, or identity. Others are drawn to the look through music, fashion, or celebrity influence. Both realities exist, but they are not the same.

From a style perspective, Post Malone’s hairstyle was often viewed through a fashion lens. People searched for it because they liked the appearance, the rebellious feel, and the way it fit his image. But from a cultural perspective, locs carry more weight than visual appeal alone. That is why respectful writing should avoid treating them as just a novelty or costume.

How Celebrities Influence Hair Trends

Celebrities have always shaped public interest in hairstyles, and Post Malone is a good example of that. His loose, semi-freeform dread look introduced many fans to a style they may not have paid attention to before. Once his image became popular, more people started searching for similar hair, asking whether his dreads were real, and wondering how to get the same look.

That influence can be powerful, but it also has limits. A celebrity can make a hairstyle more visible, but they do not define its meaning. Trends may change quickly, while cultural significance stays much deeper and longer-lasting.

Responsible Styling Awareness

If someone is inspired by post malone with dreads, the best approach is to appreciate the style while also understanding the background behind locs. Responsible styling means:

• learning the difference between fashion influence and cultural meaning
• avoiding disrespectful language or stereotypes
• understanding that locs may be viewed differently depending on context
• choosing the style with awareness, not just imitation

From an expert and respectful point of view, the best takeaway is simple: hair can be expressive, personal, and trend-driven, but it can also carry cultural history that deserves recognition. Post Malone’s hairstyle became famous because it matched his identity and image, but the broader story of locs goes far beyond one celebrity look.

Common Questions About Post Malone’s Dreads

Does Post Malone have dreads now?

No, Post Malone does not have the same long dread-inspired hairstyle now. That look was part of an earlier phase of his image. He later cut his hair and moved toward a shorter, cleaner style. This is why many people still search does post malone have dreads—they are often comparing his old look to his current appearance.

Were his dreads natural or styled?

His hair looked natural, but it was most likely a mix of both natural development and light styling. The texture and shape suggest that his hair was allowed to form in a loose, semi-freeform way rather than being tightly maintained like traditional locs. In other words, the style did not look heavily controlled, but it also probably was not pure neglect. Some separation, grooming, and shaping were likely involved to keep the look wearable.

How long did it take him to grow them?

There is no exact public timeline that confirms the full growth process, but a style like that usually takes many months to a few years to reach visible length and character. The timing depends on natural hair growth, texture, shrinkage, and how the hair is maintained during the process. What made his hair stand out was not only the length, but also the way it developed texture and uneven shape over time.

Can straight hair achieve the same look?

Yes, straight hair can get a similar look, but it usually needs more help. People with straight hair often need methods like backcombing, twisting, or crochet work to encourage the hair to lock and hold shape. Wavy and coarse textures usually reach that loose dread look more easily. So the answer is yes, but the process will not be the same for every hair type.

Why did his dreads look different from traditional locs?

Post Malone’s hair looked different because it did not have the neat sectioning, uniform size, or consistent maintenance seen in classic locs. His style leaned more toward a messy loc aesthetic or semi-freeform dread look. The uneven sections, loose texture, frizz, and bleached ends all made it feel more relaxed and less structured. That difference is exactly why so many people found the look interesting—it felt raw, personal, and outside the usual rules.

Conclusion

The story of post malone dreads is really a story of transformation. From Post Malone before dreads, with a simpler and less defined look, to his peak phase of long, loose, dread-inspired hair, and finally to his current shorter style—each stage reflects a shift in both appearance and identity. His hairstyle was never just about hair; it became part of how people recognized and understood his overall image.

One important takeaway is that his look was not built on traditional loc discipline. Instead, it was based on a low-maintenance, semi-freeform aesthetic that embraced uneven texture, natural growth, and a slightly unpolished finish. That difference is what made his style stand out, but it is also why it is often misunderstood.

For anyone inspired by post malone with dreads, the best approach is to focus on doing it safely and realistically. Understand your hair type, choose the right method, and take care of your scalp and strands along the way. A good result does not come from copying every detail—it comes from adapting the style in a way that works for you.