1. Chin-Length Bob Locs
A sharp chin-length bob in butterfly locs is chic, modern and ultra-light, sitting right at the jaw where it grazes the cheekbones and draws the eye up to the face. As the shortest length here it makes the biggest statement, yet feels almost weightless on your scalp and edges. The distressed boho texture keeps it soft rather than severe, flattering angular and heart-shaped faces. Wear it with a deep side part for going out, or tucked behind one ear for everyday.
Who it suits: Anyone wanting a bold, light short style.
Tip: A deep side part adds instant glam to a short bob.
2. Shoulder-Length Locs
Falling right at the shoulders, this length is the versatile middle ground, long enough to gather and style yet still light and easy to manage. It grazes the collarbone and softens the jaw, flattering round, square and oval face shapes alike. Because there is just enough length, you can pull it into a half-up look, sweep it into a side part, or leave it loose for work and weekends. A crowd favourite, it gives boho texture and movement without the weight of a waist-length set.
Who it suits: Anyone wanting a balanced short length.
3. Honey Blonde Bob Locs
Warm honey blonde on a bob brightens your whole face and lifts your complexion, catching the light along the distressed loops for a sunny, fresh glow. The golden tone reads soft rather than brassy, flattering warm and deep skin tones without feeling harsh. Kept at bob length, the colour stays lightweight and modern, ideal for spring and summer or a holiday refresh. Try it with a middle part for symmetry, or a couple of gold cuffs near the ends to echo the warmth.
Who it suits: Anyone wanting warmth on a short style.
4. Deep Side Part Bob
A deep side part gives a short bob a glam, asymmetric drape, sweeping a curtain of locs across the forehead so one side falls fuller than the other. That single parting change adds instant polish and a red-carpet feel with almost no effort. The extra volume on the heavy side softens a strong jaw and adds flattering movement. It is the easiest way to dress up a plain bob for an evening out, and it works on any colour from black to honey blonde.
Who it suits: Anyone wanting an elevated short look.
5. Half-Up Short Locs
Pulling the top half into a small bun or puff keeps short locs off your face while leaving the rest to fall loose at the shoulders. It adds welcome height at the crown, which balances a round face and shows off the boho texture below. Quick to do in seconds, it is endlessly everyday-friendly for the gym, the office or errands, and keeps you cool on warm days. Finish with a gold cuff on the gathered section, or leave it undone for that lived-in feel.
Who it suits: Anyone wanting an easy short updo.
6. Ombre Bob Locs
Dark roots melting into caramel or toffee ends add real dimension to a short bob, deepening at the scalp and brightening as they drop to the jaw. That soft gradient makes a short set look expensive and salon-finished, and it draws the eye downward for a subtly lengthening effect. The two-tone blend flatters most skin tones because the darker root keeps things grounded. It looks especially striking with a middle part, which splits the fade evenly, and needs little upkeep since the roots stay dark.
Who it suits: Anyone wanting dimension on short locs.
7. Mini Short Locs
Thinner mini locs on a short length look neat, detailed and refined, packing far more individual locs into the same bob for a dense, intricate finish. The smaller size reads elegant and considered rather than chunky, giving a polished spin on the usual boho look. All that fine detail also makes half-up styles and side parts fall more smoothly. Bear in mind minis take longer to install than jumbo, but the trade-off is a delicate, put-together set that suits both work and dressier occasions.
Who it suits: Anyone wanting a neat, detailed short look.
8. Jumbo Short Locs
Chunky jumbo locs on a bob are bold, full-bodied and quick to install, since fewer, thicker locs cover the head in far less time. The oversized loops give plenty of volume and a confident, statement finish that suits a short cut perfectly. This is maximum impact for minimal time in the chair, a favourite for anyone wanting a fast, low-fuss install. The chunky texture holds a side part or half-up beautifully, and the light weight of a short set keeps it comfortable all day.
Who it suits: Anyone wanting a quick, bold short style.
9. Burgundy Short Locs
Deep burgundy on a bob is rich, moody and unmistakably bold, its wine-red depth catching the light along the distressed loops. The dark, cool-toned red flatters deep and rich skin tones especially well and reads more sophisticated than a bright red. Perfect for autumn and the festive season, it feels seasonal without being obvious. Keep it at bob length to let the colour do the talking, and pair it with a deep side part or a few gold cuffs for shine.
Who it suits: Anyone wanting bold colour on short locs.
10. Middle Part Short Locs
A clean centre part splits a short bob evenly, framing the face with two matching curtains of locs for a balanced, symmetrical finish. It reads polished and modern, and the straight parting suits oval and heart-shaped faces particularly well. Because everything falls the same on each side, it is one of the easiest partings to maintain day to day. Wear it loose for a sleek everyday look, or gather the back into a low bun while keeping the framing pieces down at the front.
Who it suits: Anyone who suits a center part.
11. Face-Framing Colour
A few lighter locs placed at the front create a money-piece effect, brightening the skin and drawing attention straight to the face. The contrast between the paler framing pieces and a darker base adds dimension without committing to all-over colour. Because the highlights sit up front, they lift your complexion whenever the locs are down or half-up. Choose honey, caramel or a soft blonde depending on your base, and let them fall either side of a centre or side part.
Who it suits: Anyone wanting brightness up front.
12. Accessorised Short Locs
Gold cuffs, rings and wooden beads add personality to short locs, filling out the look and giving that signature boho-chic finish. Scattered along a bob, they catch the light and turn a simple install into something styled and intentional. It is a genuinely low-effort upgrade with no colour or restyling, just a handful of accessories threaded on. Cluster a few near the ends for movement, or space them through the front pieces so the detail shows whether your locs are down or half-up.
Who it suits: Anyone wanting to accessorise short locs.
Tip: Space cuffs evenly so a short style still looks balanced.
13. Low Bun Short Locs
Even short locs at shoulder length can gather into a small, sleek low bun that sits neatly at the nape for a tidy, professional finish. Pulling everything back off the face instantly reads polished, making it a go-to for work days, meetings and any time you want to look put-together fast. The low placement keeps it elegant rather than sporty and leaves your neckline clean. Smooth your edges, leave a few face-framing locs loose at the front, and it moves effortlessly from desk to dinner.
Who it suits: Anyone wanting a tidy short updo.
14. Extra-Distressed Short Locs
Maximum distress on a short length pushes the boho texture as far as it goes, the water-wave hair pulled open and looped loosely for a soft, undone, almost airy finish. All that intentional messiness makes a bob look effortless and full of movement, as though lived in for weeks. The extra volume it creates fills out a short cut and softens the whole face. It suits a relaxed, festival-ready vibe and pairs perfectly with natural black or warm caramel.
Who it suits: Anyone wanting the boho, lived-in look.
15. Copper Short Locs
Warm copper on a bob is radiant and vivid, glowing somewhere between orange and rust as it catches the light along the loops. The fiery tone is bold without tipping into neon, flattering warm and deep skin tones with a lit-from-within warmth. Perfect for autumn, it feels seasonal and confident, a real head-turner on a short set. Keep it at bob length so the colour stays punchy, and let it fall loose with a side part, or leave a few soft curls at the ends.
Who it suits: Anyone wanting warm, vivid colour.
16. Curly-Ends Short Locs
Leaving soft, loose curls at the very ends gives a short style a goddess-like, boho finish, the wavy tips peeking out below the looped locs for a pretty, feminine touch. That bit of curl adds softness and movement to a bob and keeps it from looking too structured. It reads playful and romantic, ideal for a date, a wedding guest look or a summer holiday. The curly ends catch the light on warm shades like honey and copper, and pair beautifully with a middle part.
Who it suits: Anyone wanting a soft, boho short look.
17. Sleek Neat Bob
A tidy, evenly-sized bob with minimal distress reads polished and deliberately put-together, every loc sitting uniform and smooth for a clean, refined line at the jaw. It is the most professional and versatile short option, at home in the office, at interviews or at formal events. The neat finish flatters just about every face shape because the line stays crisp. Wear it with a centre or side part and smoothed edges, and it moves easily from work-day to evening.
Who it suits: Anyone wanting a clean, versatile bob.
18. Asymmetric Short Locs
Cut longer on one side than the other, an asymmetric bob adds edge and directional movement to short locs, the heavier side sweeping past the jaw while the shorter side sits high and sharp. That uneven line looks bold and modern, drawing the eye across the face for a fashion-forward finish. The angle is naturally flattering because it slims and elongates the face. Style it with a deep side part on the longer side, and keep the shorter side clean for contrast.
Who it suits: Anyone wanting an edgy short shape.
19. Pastel Short Locs
Soft pink, lilac or baby blue on a short bob is playful and dreamy, the muted pastel tone giving the boho texture a whimsical, cotton-candy softness. It is a fun, eye-catching statement that stays wearable because a short set keeps the bold colour feeling light. Pastels flatter a range of skin tones and photograph beautifully in soft daylight. Perfect for summer or festivals, the shade looks sweet with a middle part or a few pearl-toned beads through the front locs.
Who it suits: Anyone wanting a playful pastel short look.
20. Classic Black Short Locs
Natural black on a bob is timeless, versatile and endlessly easy to wear, the deep matte shade letting the looped, distressed boho texture take centre stage. Without any colour to distract, the eye goes straight to the shape and the intricate loops, which is why it is the most classic short option. It suits every skin tone and every occasion, from the office to a night out. Keep it well distressed, and it looks equally good loose, half-up or in a low bun.
Who it suits: Anyone wanting a timeless short style.
Tip: Natural black shows off the looped texture best - keep it distressed.
Why Choose Short Butterfly Locs?
Short butterfly locs are the practical, comfortable choice - they weigh far less than waist-length locs, which means less tension on your scalp and edges and no heavy pulling by the end of the day. They install faster, so you spend less time in the chair, and they are easier to wash, dry and wrap at night. For a first-time loc wearer, a bob or shoulder-length install is a great way to try the style without committing to long, heavy locs. They still deliver all the boho texture the trend is known for, just in a lighter, fresher package.
Styling Short Butterfly Locs
Short locs are surprisingly versatile. A deep side part instantly adds glamour, a half-up style keeps them off your face, and even a small low bun works for a tidy, professional finish. Gold cuffs and beads fill out the look and add a boho-chic touch, while lighter face-framing pieces brighten your complexion. Because there is less length to manage, short locs are quick to restyle day to day - which is part of what makes them so popular for busy schedules.
Caring for Short Locs
Care is the same as for longer locs but easier thanks to the shorter length. Wrap them in a satin scarf or bonnet at night to protect the texture and reduce frizz, and keep your scalp clean and lightly moisturised. Focus product on the roots rather than the length, avoid heavy build-up, and be gentle with your edges. With good care, short butterfly locs stay fresh for the full four-to-six-week window and dry much faster after washing than long locs do.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do short butterfly locs take to install?
Short butterfly locs usually take less time than long ones - often 3-5 hours depending on size, since there is less hair to wrap. Jumbo sizes install faster than mini locs.
Are short butterfly locs lighter than long ones?
Yes, significantly. Because there is less added hair, short locs put much less weight and tension on your scalp and edges, making them more comfortable for all-day wear and a great choice for a first install.
How much hair do I need for short butterfly locs?
A short or bob-length install typically uses fewer packs than a long one - often around 4-6 packs of water-wave hair depending on size and thickness. Your loctician can confirm for your chosen look.
Can you put short butterfly locs in a bun?
Yes, if they are at least shoulder-length you can gather them into a small low or half-up bun. Very short bob locs may be too short for a full bun but style beautifully with a side part or half-up look.
Do short butterfly locs suit round faces?
Yes. A deep side part, face-framing pieces or a shoulder-length rather than chin-length cut all add flattering shape. Longer-than-chin lengths tend to be most flattering on round faces.
Which butterfly locs look are you saving?
Short butterfly locs prove you do not need length to make a statement - the boho texture looks just as striking on a bob or shoulder-length cut, with the bonus of being lighter and easier to manage. Save the styles and colours you love, and bring the photos to your loctician so your install comes out exactly how you picture it.
