Cartoons have given us some unforgettable characters over the years. From heroic figures to comedic ones, these characters come in all shapes, sizes, and styles. One unique and cool hairstyle that has stood out in many animated shows is dreadlocks, or dreads. Dreadlocks are a hairstyle where hair is twisted into rope-like strands, and they’ve been a symbol of cultural identity, rebellion, and style for centuries. In cartoons, dreadlocks give characters a distinctive look that makes them memorable.
If you love cartoons and appreciate unique hairstyles, then you’ll enjoy discovering these 11 cartoon characters with dreads. These characters stand out not just because of their dreads, but also because of their personalities, actions, and the roles they play. Let’s dive into the world of animated characters with dreads!
Table of Contents
1. Jamaica – The Boondocks
The Boondocks, created by Aaron McGruder, is known for its sharp commentary on social issues, and one of the standout characters is Jamaica. This character rocks a set of long, flowing dreads that complement his laid-back attitude and strong connection to his roots. Jamaica’s dreads are symbolic of his Caribbean heritage, and he often uses his hairstyle as a way to express his cultural pride. His dreads make him instantly recognizable, contributing to the show’s unique aesthetic.
2. Aang – Avatar: The Last Airbender
Aang, the main character from Avatar: The Last Airbender, may not technically have dreads at first, but his airbending skills give him a special connection to spirituality and nature. Aang’s hairstyle changes over time, and when he grows his hair out, he sports dreads. Aang’s hair is tied into small locks that perfectly symbolize his journey from a carefree child to the last Airbender. His dreads reflect his growth as a leader, showing his evolution from fun-loving kid to wise and courageous hero.
3. Fred Jones – Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated
Fred Jones from Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated is known for his iconic mystery-solving skills and always trying to catch the bad guys. While his hair is not long enough to fall into full dreadlocks, he has a set of curly, wild locks in the animated series that often appear like messy dreadlocks. These curls give Fred a distinctive and fun look compared to his earlier versions. His dreads help highlight his energetic and adventurous personality, making him an important part of the team.
4. Tiana – The Princess and the Frog
In Disney’s The Princess and the Frog, Tiana is a hardworking, determined, and ambitious young woman who has a dream of opening her own restaurant. Throughout the film, she is seen with dreads that perfectly match her bold and unique character. Tiana’s dreads are a symbol of her deep connection to her roots, highlighting her African-American heritage. They add to her individuality and strength, showing how her beauty and inner power are a reflection of her hair.
5. Michelangelo – Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have been around for decades, and each turtle has his own distinctive personality and style. Michelangelo, the fun-loving and easygoing turtle, sports some serious dreads. His dreads reflect his carefree nature and his ability to remain calm in any situation. As the comic-relief character of the group, Mikey’s dreadlocks highlight his fun-loving personality, making him a favorite among fans of all ages.
6. Ziggy – Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated
Another character from Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated with dreads is Ziggy. A friend of Velma and Daphne, Ziggy’s dreads give him a cool, laid-back vibe. While he may not be one of the main characters, his style and relaxed attitude make him stand out. His dreadlocks add a unique touch to his character, setting him apart from the typical animated character designs. His dreads represent freedom and individuality, much like his personality.
7. Garfield – Garfield and Friends
Garfield, the lazy and sarcastic cat, is famous for his love of lasagna and his laid-back attitude. In some animated versions of Garfield and Friends, he’s seen with a set of dreads that emphasize his cool and chilled-out personality. While Garfield’s dreads may not be as prominent as other characters, they still contribute to his overall laid-back image. These dreads add a funky flair to an otherwise traditional cat character.
8. Trent Lane – Daria
Trent Lane, the lead guitarist from the animated series Daria, is one of the coolest characters in the show. Trent’s dreads symbolize his laid-back, artistic nature. He’s often seen strumming his guitar, living the life of a rockstar while navigating the highs and lows of teenage life. His dreads are a visual extension of his creative and free-spirited personality. As a musician, Trent’s dreads reflect the alternative culture he’s part of, adding a unique charm to his character.
9. Cleo – The Casagrandes
In The Casagrandes, Cleo is a stylish and confident character with a flair for drama. She sports vibrant dreadlocks that match her fun and fearless personality. Cleo’s dreads are more than just a hairstyle; they’re an expression of her bold attitude and colorful character. Whether she’s dealing with a difficult situation or helping her friends, Cleo’s dreads always add a touch of confidence and individuality to her character design.
10. Lola – The Loud House
Lola from The Loud House is known for her bubbly and sometimes spoiled attitude. She’s the youngest member of the Loud family and loves to stand out. With her long, bouncy dreads, Lola’s hairstyle perfectly reflects her over-the-top personality and her love for fashion. Her dreads set her apart from the other characters, making her one of the most memorable figures in the show. Lola’s style, including her dreads, shows her vibrant and youthful energy.
11. Doc McStuffins – Doc McStuffins
Doc McStuffins, the beloved character from the animated series Doc McStuffins, is a young girl who can heal and fix broken toys. While her dreads may not be as long as others, her hair is still styled into small, cute locks that add a unique touch to her character. Doc’s dreads complement her positive attitude and caring nature, showing that even young girls can express themselves through their hairstyles. Her dreads make her an even more adorable character that resonates with kids everywhere.
Conclusion
These 11 cartoon characters with dreads have earned their place in animation history thanks to their distinctive hairstyles and strong personalities. From the laid-back attitudes of Aang and Michelangelo to the cultural pride of Tiana and Jamaica, these characters show how dreads can symbolize much more than just a cool look. Dreads in cartoons can reflect a character’s background, journey, or identity, making them an important visual tool in storytelling.
