Can You Cut Long Dreadlocks Short? (Everything You Need to Know)

Perhaps your dreadlocks have grown long and heavy. Perhaps you are longing for something new, or you are standing at a crossroads in your life and want your hair to reflect it. And then the question comes: Can I cut my dreadlocks shorter, or do I have to start over?

My name is Ann-Marie Christell, and I have been making and caring for dreadlocks for 26 years. This is a question I am asked often, and the short answer is: yes, absolutely. If your dreadlocks are mature, you can cut them shorter, and it can be a beautiful way to refresh your look.

In this post I go through when it is safe, how to choose the right cut, how to soften the ends and what to think about before you take the step. Take your time. Read at your own pace.

Can you cut dreadlocks?

Yes. If your dreadlocks are more than about a year old and have started to mature, you can simply cut them to the length you want.

There is no need to worry. A mature dreadlock is a dense, firm structure all the way through, and it won't "come undone" just because you cut it. But how you cut it will affect the final look, so it is worth taking a moment to think it through.

Why people choose to cut their dreads

Over the years I have met many reasons:

• Weight. Long, mature dreads can become heavy, and the weight pulls on the scalp. Shorter dreads can feel like a relief.
• Thin or worn ends. Sometimes the oldest part of the dreads, at the ends, has become thin or tired.
• Drying time. Shorter dreads dry much faster after washing. Read more in How to Blow Dry Your Dreadlocks (The Right Way).
• A new chapter. For many people, cutting their dreads is about more than hair. It marks a change, a letting go, a new beginning.

Whatever your reason, it is a valid one.

When not to cut your dreadlocks

If your dreadlocks are new, less than about a year old, I recommend waiting. Young dreads are still forming. The structure inside is not yet fully set, and cutting too early can make the ends loosen and unravel. You won't get a clean or stable result.

A good guide: wait until your dreadlocks feel compact and firm, especially at the ends, before you trim them.

Think before you cut

Dreadlocks take years to grow, and they don't grow back overnight. A few things worth considering first:

• Cut a little longer than you think. Dreads can draw together and shrink a little after washing. It is easier to cut more later than to wish you had cut less.
• How short is short? Very short dreads can become stiff and stick out rather than fall. If you dream of really short dreads, talk it through with a loctician first.
• Do you want even lengths? You can cut all your dreads to the same length, or keep some variation for a softer, more natural look.
• Do you want to keep the length you cut off? Some people like to keep their cut dreads as a memory. It is entirely up to you.

And if one day you miss your length, dreads can be made longer again. Read more about dreadlock extenders.

Straight cut or angled cut

When you shorten dreadlocks, you have two main options.

1. Straight cut

Gives a blunt, even edge and a clean, structured look.

2. Angled cut (my personal favourite)

Makes the ends more pointed and natural-looking, softens the overall look and blends more beautifully with the organic texture of dreadlocks.

It comes down to personal style, but I often recommend an angled cut for a softer finish. Use sharp hair scissors. Blunt scissors can crush and fray the ends.

How to soften the ends after cutting

After cutting, you might notice that the ends feel a little blunt or compact. If you prefer a softer, more natural finish, here is what you can do.

What you'll need

• a pin comb (the best option)
• or a crochet hook

Step by step

1. Gently pick apart the very end of the dreadlock.
2. Loosen the fibres slightly.
3. Comb out a small amount of hair at the tip.
4. Don't be afraid to be a little firm, but avoid pulling on the scalp. Hold the dread above the area you are working on.

Once you wet your hair, the loose ends will soften and blend naturally.

Do you need to crochet after cutting?

In most cases, no. If your dreadlocks are mature, they will stay intact on their own, and the ends will settle naturally over time. Crocheting is optional and only needed if you want a very polished finish straight away.

The first weeks after cutting

Many people are surprised by how different it feels. Your head feels lighter, your neck may thank you, and your dreads move in a new way. The fresh ends can look a little different from the rest at first, but they settle over the following weeks as you wash and live with your hair.

Keep caring for your dreads as usual. Read How Do You Maintain Dreadlocks at Home?

Should you do it yourself or ask a loctician?

You can cut mature dreads yourself, especially if you only want to take off a little. But if you want a big change, a particular shape, or help with thin and worn ends at the same time, a professional loctician can look at the whole head and make sure the result is even and balanced. You can read more about dreadlock maintenance.

In summary

Cutting your dreadlocks shorter is a simple and safe way to refresh your style, remove weight and create a new shape. As long as your dreadlocks are mature, you can make the change with confidence. Take your time, cut a little longer than you think, and choose the cut that feels like you.

Want to know more?

If you are new to dreadlocks, you may like to read What are dreads? A complete guide to dreadlocks.

My salon is in Stockholm, I also work in Provence, France, and I travel to other cities in Europe. You can find everything about my work and services here: Seienstyle dreadlock artist.

Are you thinking about cutting your dreads and want an honest opinion? Send me an email at [email protected], and feel free to include a photo. I will answer honestly and help you find what feels right for you and your hair.

With love,
Ann-Marie