Justin Bieber Dreads: Timeline, Controversies & What Parents Should Know

When people search for “Justin Bieber dreads,” they’re usually trying to answer a set of common questions: Did Justin Bieber have dreadlocks? When did he have them? Why did he cut them off? These questions keep surfacing because his decision to wear dreadlocks wasn’t just a style choice — it sparked discussions about fashion, culture, and even identity.

Justin Bieber has experimented with many hairstyles throughout his career, but his dreadlock phases in 2016 and again in 2021 stood out the most. They drew attention not only from fans but also from cultural commentators, hair experts, and parents who were quick to discuss both the style itself and the criticism he faced. Over the years, Bieber’s dreads have become a case study in celebrity influence — how one haircut can generate global conversations about hair health, personal expression, and cultural sensitivity.

In this article, we’ll explore Bieber’s dreadlock journey, from when he first debuted the style to when he decided to cut them off. We’ll look at the public and expert reactions, the controversies tied to cultural appropriation, and where his hairstyle stands today in 2024–2025. More importantly, we’ll reflect on why these discussions matter. For new parents and readers guiding young fans, Bieber’s dreadlock story is more than celebrity gossip — it’s an opportunity to talk about cultural respect, the health impact of different hairstyles, and the way public figures can shape how kids view personal identity and self-expression.

Who Is Justin Bieber — A Quick Hairstyle History

Justin Bieber’s career has always been closely tied to his image, and his hair has played a huge role in shaping his public identity. When he first appeared on the global stage in the late 2000s, his signature swoop hairstyle — the long, side-swept bangs — instantly became iconic. It was more than just a haircut; it defined an era of pop culture and inspired countless young fans to copy the look.

As Bieber matured, his hair choices began to change too. He experimented with shorter cuts, platinum blond dye jobs, and slicked-back styles, showing his willingness to reinvent himself with each new album cycle or public phase of his life. Every transformation made headlines because fans and the media saw his hairstyles as reflections of his personal growth and shifting identity.

Among all these changes, however, his decision to wear dreadlocks stood out the most. Introduced first in 2016 and then again in 2021, the style marked a turning point in how people perceived Bieber’s relationship with culture, fashion, and self-expression. Unlike a simple haircut, his dreads were heavily discussed — not just as a fashion choice but also as a cultural statement that sparked both admiration and controversy.

This background matters because understanding Bieber’s overall hairstyle evolution helps explain why his dreadlocks became such a flashpoint. They weren’t just another look; they came at a moment when public conversations about cultural appropriation, celebrity influence, and personal identity were louder than ever.

Did Justin Bieber Have Dreads? — The Facts

Yes — Justin Bieber did have dreadlocks, and not just once, but twice. The first time came in April 2016, when he debuted the look at the iHeartRadio Music Awards. His dreads were styled in a messy, medium-length fashion with a blond tint, instantly grabbing the spotlight. For many fans, it was a surprising shift from his usual clean cuts or platinum blond styles. Photos quickly circulated online, and the “Justin Bieber dreads” phrase became a trending search almost overnight.

The second time happened in 2021, when Bieber posted photos on Instagram showing himself with dreadlocks again, this time tighter and shorter than his 2016 version. He appeared in public with the style during the promotion of his Justice album, reigniting the same mix of admiration, curiosity, and criticism as before. This phase didn’t last long, as he later shaved his head, signaling the end of his second dreadlock era.

Both times, Bieber’s dreads were real — not wigs or extensions — styled directly from his natural hair. Hairstylists noted that he likely used backcombing and twisting techniques to achieve the look, which are common methods for starting dreadlocks.

The recurring question, “Does Justin Bieber have dreads now?”, is easy to answer: No, as of 2024–2025, he doesn’t. His most recent looks have leaned more toward short cuts and buzzed styles. However, the fact that people still ask shows just how memorable those dreadlock phases were, cementing them as one of the most talked-about chapters in his hairstyle journey.

Does He Have Dreads Now? / Justin Bieber Dreads 2024–2025

As of 2024–2025, Justin Bieber does not have dreadlocks. After his second dreadlock phase in 2021, he shaved his head and has since embraced simpler, low-maintenance hairstyles. Most recently, he’s been spotted with a buzz cut and sometimes a slightly grown-out short style — a sharp contrast to the longer, twisted look of his dreads.

The shift away from dreadlocks reflects more than just a haircut. Bieber has been vocal about simplifying his lifestyle and focusing on health, both physical and mental. A low-maintenance hairstyle like the buzz cut seems to fit that stage of his life. For fans asking “Did Justin Bieber cut his dreads?”, the answer is a definite yes, and it looks like he has no plans of returning to them anytime soon.

Still, the fascination remains. Search trends like “Justin Bieber dreads 2016” and “Justin Bieber dreads 2024” continue to appear, showing that people remain curious about whether he’ll ever revisit the look. For now, however, his hairstyle is firmly in the short, clean-cut camp, aligning with his current image as a more settled, mature artist.

When Did Justin Bieber Cut His Dreads & Why

Justin Bieber has cut his dreads twice — once in 2016 and again in 2021 — and both times the decision stirred just as much attention as when he first wore them.

2016: After debuting his dreadlocks at the iHeartRadio Music Awards, Bieber kept the style for only a few weeks. By May of that year, he was seen with a fresh, shorter haircut. While Bieber didn’t give an in-depth explanation, fans and stylists speculated that the change came down to two things: maintenance and backlash. Dreadlocks require consistent upkeep to avoid scalp irritation and breakage, and combined with the criticism he faced for cultural appropriation, it’s likely he decided to move on quickly.

2021: Bieber’s second round of dreadlocks appeared on Instagram in April, but by May he shocked fans again — this time by shaving his head completely. The reason seemed more straightforward: he was responding to the cultural appropriation backlash and looking for a fresh start. By removing the dreads entirely, he silenced some of the debate and showed that he was ready to step away from a style that had become controversial.

In both cases, the decision to cut his dreadlocks highlighted an important reality: celebrity hairstyles are not just about fashion, they’re about image, identity, and public conversation. Bieber’s haircuts signaled shifts in how he wanted to be perceived — moving from edgy experimentation back toward a cleaner, more universally accepted style.

Public Response & Controversy

Justin Bieber’s dreadlocks sparked some of the loudest debates of his career, not because of the hairstyle itself, but because of what it represented.

When he first appeared with dreads in 2016, many fans were simply surprised. Some thought the look was bold and edgy, while others quickly criticized him for cultural appropriation. Dreadlocks hold deep historical and cultural significance within Black communities, symbolizing identity, pride, and resilience. For critics, seeing a white pop star wear the style casually felt disrespectful, as if Bieber was borrowing from a culture without understanding or honoring its roots.

The backlash grew louder in 2021, during his second dreadlock phase. Social media comments flooded in, with some fans defending his right to express himself and others pointing out that, unlike Black individuals who often face discrimination for wearing dreads in schools or workplaces, Bieber could wear them freely without consequence. The contrast highlighted a double standard that became central to the debate.

Major media outlets like The Guardian and People covered the story, amplifying the cultural conversation. While Bieber didn’t offer a lengthy defense, his quick decision to shave his head later that year was seen as an indirect acknowledgment of the criticism.

For many observers, the controversy became a teachable moment. It wasn’t just about Bieber’s hair — it was about respect, privilege, and cultural awareness. Parents and educators used the discussion to talk with kids about why certain styles carry meaning and how copying them without understanding can create tension.

Hair Health & Practicalities Behind Justin Bieber’s Dread Phase

Beyond the cultural conversation, Justin Bieber’s dreadlocks also raised questions about hair health and maintenance. Dreads aren’t just a style you put in and forget about — they require consistent care, especially in the early stages when hair is being twisted or backcombed to lock.

Experts note that dreadlocks can put strain on the scalp if not properly maintained. Issues like itchiness, dryness, or breakage are common, particularly for people with fine or straight hair like Bieber’s, which isn’t naturally suited for the style. This likely explains why his dread phases were so short-lived; maintaining them would have required extra time, effort, and the right products.

Stylists also point out that for hair textures not naturally prone to locking, the process can involve chemical treatments, waxes, or tight twisting, which may weaken strands over time. For a celebrity constantly in the spotlight, even small signs of hair damage can become magnified.

By cutting off his dreads in both 2016 and 2021, Bieber may have been prioritizing not just public perception but also the health of his hair and scalp. Afterward, he appeared with a buzz cut — a style that is low-maintenance, easy to manage, and often recommended by dermatologists or trichologists for anyone dealing with scalp stress.

For fans curious about trying dreadlocks, experts emphasize the importance of working with an experienced stylist, choosing the right technique for your hair type, and committing to a proper care routine. Bieber’s experience shows that while dreads can make a strong style statement, they also demand responsibility to avoid long-term hair damage.

Lessons & Takeaways for Parents

Justin Bieber’s dreadlock journey may seem like celebrity gossip at first, but for parents, it offers a meaningful way to talk with kids about culture, respect, and self-expression. Celebrities often set trends that young fans want to copy, and Bieber’s dreads are a perfect example of how a hairstyle can carry more weight than just fashion.

1. Teaching cultural sensitivity:
   Parents can use Bieber’s dreads to explain why certain styles, like dreadlocks, have deep cultural roots. Within Black communities, dreads often symbolize strength, pride, and heritage. By helping kids understand this history, parents can encourage them to approach such styles with awareness and respect, rather than just seeing them as a “cool look.”
2. Highlighting hair health:
   Bieber’s experience also shows the importance of caring for your hair. Dreads, especially on hair types not naturally suited to the style, require consistent maintenance. Kids and teens who admire the style should know the commitment involved — from moisturizing and scalp care to regular upkeep with a stylist.
3. Talking about celebrity influence:
   Children often look up to stars like Bieber and want to copy them. Parents can frame his story as a reminder that not every celebrity choice is easy to follow or free of consequences. Styles can attract criticism, require effort, and sometimes even affect how others perceive you.
4. Encouraging individuality:
   Finally, Bieber’s hair evolution shows that it’s okay to experiment and then change course. Parents can remind kids that self-expression doesn’t have to be permanent. If a style doesn’t work — whether for health, practicality, or cultural reasons — it’s always possible to move on, just as Bieber did when he shaved off his dreads.

By discussing these points, parents can transform a pop culture headline into a valuable lesson about respect, responsibility, and personal growth.

Justin Bieber’s Hairstyle Evolution After Dreads

Once Justin Bieber left his dreadlock phases behind, his hair journey continued to evolve — reflecting both his personal growth and the shifting stages of his career.

After cutting his dreads in 2016, he transitioned into a shorter, more polished look that aligned with his maturing image. This period marked a shift away from the rebellious, experimental vibe of the dreadlocks toward a cleaner aesthetic that matched his evolving music and personal life.

In 2021, after shaving his head post-dreads, Bieber leaned into the buzz cut, a style that symbolized simplicity and renewal. For fans, this look felt like a reset — a way of shedding the weight of controversy and starting fresh. The buzz cut also brought practical benefits: it was easier to maintain and healthier for his hair and scalp after the stress of dreadlocks.

From there, Bieber has mostly stuck with short hairstyles, sometimes growing it out slightly but never returning to the dramatic, high-maintenance styles of earlier years. As of 2024–2025, his look is grounded in practicality, reflecting a phase of life where he seems more focused on stability, health, and authenticity.

This evolution highlights an important truth: hairstyles can be more than just fashion statements. For someone like Bieber, they act as markers of identity, transformation, and public perception. The shift from swoop bangs to platinum blond, to dreads, and finally to a clean buzz cut tells the story of a celebrity who has grown up in the spotlight and learned to adapt his image along the way.

Did Justin Bieber have dreadlocks?
Yes, Justin Bieber had dreadlocks twice — first in 2016 and again in 2021. Both times, the style made headlines and stirred controversy.

When did Justin Bieber have dreads?
He debuted his first set of dreads in April 2016 at the iHeartRadio Music Awards. He brought the style back briefly in April 2021, before cutting them off a month later.

Does Justin Bieber have dreads now?
No. As of 2024–2025, Justin Bieber does not have dreadlocks. His current look is a buzz cut or short hairstyle.

Did Justin Bieber cut his dreads?
Yes. He cut them off in 2016, switching back to shorter hair, and again in 2021, when he shaved his head after facing cultural appropriation backlash.

How many hair transplants has Justin Bieber had?
There is no confirmed evidence that Justin Bieber has had hair transplants. Most of the discussion around his hair has been about style choices rather than medical procedures.

Who had the dreads first?
Dreadlocks have been worn for centuries across different cultures, with deep roots in African, Caribbean, and Hindu traditions. Bieber was not the first celebrity to wear them — artists like Bob Marley, Lenny Kravitz, and Lil Wayne are more closely associated with the style.

How did Justin Bieber lose his hair?
Bieber hasn’t “lost” his hair in a medical sense. His shaved or buzzed styles were personal choices, often following backlash or as part of a fresh image reset.

Conclusion

Justin Bieber’s dreads may have only lasted for short periods in 2016 and 2021, but they remain one of the most talked-about chapters in his hairstyle journey. What started as a personal style choice quickly turned into a cultural conversation — raising questions about identity, appropriation, and the responsibility that comes with being a global figure. By the time he cut his dreads and moved on to simpler styles like the buzz cut, it was clear that this wasn’t just about fashion. It was about learning, adapting, and recognizing the impact of personal choices in the public eye.

For fans and parents guiding young admirers, Bieber’s dread phases offer valuable lessons. They show how hairstyles can carry cultural meaning, how self-expression sometimes collides with criticism, and how even celebrities must prioritize health, respect, and authenticity. Whether you loved or disliked the look, Justin Bieber’s dreads sparked conversations that went far deeper than hair — conversations that continue to shape how we think about culture, identity, and style today.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not represent Justin Bieber’s personal statements or official views. All information has been researched from credible sources, but hairstyles, cultural discussions, and public reactions can evolve over time. Readers are encouraged to approach cultural topics with respect and awareness.