Crochet braids were very popular during the nineties and slowly lost popularity at the turn of the century. Now, crochet braids are gaining popularity again; however, these braids are different than the braids of the nineties.
The first thing you will notice is that hair used for crochet braids is much more natural looking. This means that the hairstyles that you can create with crochet braids look more like traditional natural hairstyles.
You have probably mistaken crochet braids for natural hair. If you’ve been thinking of exploring crochet braids, continue reading this article. It will teach you everything you need to know about crochet hairstyles.
What Are Crochet Braids?
Many people are confused when it comes to understanding crochet braids. The name isn’t specific to the type of hair that’s used to create crochet braids, instead the name refers to the method that’s used to add the extensions to your hair (more about that later).
The crochet method is similar to getting certain types of weaves, in that you must first cornrow your hair before any extensions are added. However, unlike a weave that is a large section of hair that is sewn in, in this instance the hair is loose.
A crochet needle is inserted into the cornrow braid. Then, a small amount of hair is threaded onto the needle and pulled through the cornrow braid and tied in a knot to secure it to the hair. Don’t worry, we provide video tutorials later in this article.
What Are the Benefits of Crochet Braids?
Almost everyone loves the look and feel of crochet braids. When properly maintained, they can be a protective style that offers many benefits, including:
Crochet braids are perfect for do it yourself people. As long as you know how to cornrow your hair, you can do crochet braids. Although, it’s important to note that the cornrows do not need to be perfect as they will be covered by the crocheted braids.
Crochet braids are an inexpensive braid style and they can look very natural. Also, depending on the style you wish to create, you can install crochet braids in only a few hours.
Crochet Braids Hairstyles, Video Tutorials & Pictures
You can wear crochet braids in a variety of different styles. They look great straight, twisted, curled or braided.
1. Beautiful Purple Updo
We love this cute braided updo hairstyle with exposed sides and purple tints. She’s also rocking a purple nose ring and vibrant, green lipstick.
2. Twist Out Hairstyle with a Middle Part
This is a great, shoulder length, twist out hairstyle with a middle part. It looks elegant and polished. This hairstyle works well for casual events and formal, black-tie events. It’s easily one of my favorite natural hairstyles.
3. Fabulous Ombre Hairstyle
An ombre hair color can make your braids look truly fabulous. It adds a whole new dimension to your whole appearance.
4. Cute Curly Braids with Thick Hair
These braids also look great with thick hair, and they offer a cute, elegant style that works for any occasion.
5. Traditional Curly Girl Style
These beautiful combed braids blend together nicely to create an elegant style.
6. Purple and Black Curly Braids
Pull your braids into an up-do and add some dye to a few strands of your crocheted hair. Purple makes a great statement and it’s ultra-modern.
If you’re looking for a new hairstyle, enjoy these fabulous tutorials put together by some of our favorite vloggers.
The BEST Crochet Braids Video EVER!!
Hairstyle: Jessica’s rocking an afro (4C hair type) with light brown highlights and wearing a beautiful jewelry from Hawas Boutique.
Products Used/Mentioned: 3 bundles of kinky blonde sugar hair by Xpress Your Kinks, beader, scissors and hair clips.
The Best Curly Crochet Braids
Hairstyle: Highlighted medium sized afro
Products Used/Mentioned: The Hair Brand: X-Pression Kinky Curl Crochet Hair (5.5 packs), Trader Joes Organic Virgin Coconut Oil and Miss Jessie’s Curly Meringue
Crochet Braids Tutorial with Cuban Twist
Hairstyle: Beautiful curls with light brown highlights and nice gold hoop earrings.
Products Used/Mentioned: Shake-N-Go Cuban Twist
How To Do Crochet Braids with Marley Hair
Wash your hair before you start the process. Take the time to moisturize your hair before you get started, too. You’ll probably want to keep the braids in for at least a couple of weeks, and you don’t want your hair to become excessively dry during this time.
Use your best judgment when spacing out the crocheted hair. Remember that you can always make adjustments and additions after most of the braids are installed. You can remove braids that feel or look too thick and add braids in places where you want more volume.
As you work your way towards your hairline, we recommend using thinner strips of hair and keeping your knots small to minimize visibility.
In this tutorial, TheChicNatural uses marley hair. She also provides an informative overview on curling the hair after installation (if needed).
What’s the Best Hair for Crochet Braids?
What kind of hair should you use for crochet braids? It’s probably worth noting that the various brands of Marley hair are produced with different levels of quality and usability. Plus, depending on where you live, your local beauty supply store may only carry certain brands.
Some brands of marley hair are lower quality, more difficult to style and simply don’t look as natural as other brands. Typically, marley hair used for crochet braids is relatively inexpensive; therefore purchasing high quality hair is usually only marginally more expensive. With that said, we recommend purchasing the highest quality hair you can reasonably afford.
The Best Hair for Crochet Braids
Description: Isis Caribbean Bohemian Braiding Hair with Bohemian soft water braiding hair.
Description: Afro Marley Braiding Hair by Janet Collection with off-black braiding hair.
Description: Femi Collection Marley Braiding Hair with 100% kanekalon flame retardant hair.
Description: Janet Collection Afro Twist Marley Braiding Hair with marley braid crochet hair extensions.
Description: Janet Collection Havana Medium Mambo Twist with medium havana twists.
Knotless Crochet Braids with Marley Hair (Beginner Friendly)
Keeping your knots out of sight with crochet braids is a prime concern for a lot of people. Concealment the knots is pretty easy if you’ve chosen to go with large, chunky curls; they usually provide ample coverage of the knots at your hairline. However, it can be more difficult to conceal the knots when you choose more intricate styles. In the video below, AseaMae discusses a knotless, invisible installation technique.
Recommended Braid Pattern for Crochet Braids
The best braid pattern for crochet braids is really an individual choice, since you can get good results from several different braiding patterns. However, we recommend braiding your hair to the back using cornrow braids.
You’ll notice in the video above, courtesy of TheChicNatural, that she starts off with six thin braids (in the center part of her head) that merge into three braids as she works towards the back of her head. It’s important to note that she also has additional cornrows on the sides, as you can she from the video.
You should consider creating thinner braids wherever you intend on having a part. Although, be sure to create the braids on either side of your part as close together as you can so that the part doesn’t end up looking too wide open.
As the TheChicNatural shows in the video, some ladies assemble the ends of their cornrows together into one final cornrow braid. This method certainly works, but there are other options to consider also. You can, instead, simply tuck the ends of your cornrows away by laying them flat against another cornrow. You can keep it secure by crocheting a little hair through the loose end and the cornrow next to it.
The Beehive Braiding Pattern
The beehive braiding pattern is also an excellent choice. Although, with all braiding patterns, always keep your edges in mind when you select your preferred braiding pattern. It’s important to avoid styling techniques that tug on your hairline. These techniques can ultimately lead to female hair loss.
Daily Maintenance: Taking Care of Your Crocheted Hair
Keep both your natural hair and the added hair moisturized by using a light spritz. Water plus your favorite leave-in conditioner is always an option, but you have several options for moisturizing your hair.
With proper maintenance, your crochet style can last for several weeks. We don’t generally recommend going much beyond 4 weeks, although you’ll be able to monitor your hair to determine how much time is right for you. Watch Kiitanaxo video below for additional tips regarding daily maintenance of crochet braids.
How to Wash Your Crochet Braids and Scalp
Washing crochet braids can be tricky because there is a good chance that you’ll loosen the knots if you use standard shampooing techniques.
Due to this, many people avoid washing their hair while wearing crochet hairstyles. While we don’t recommend this approach, if you’re not going to wear your braids for too long it’s a reasonable approach. Just be sure to wash your hair before installing the crochet braids.
In the video below, tastePINK provides an overview of how to wash crochet braids and your scalp.
Crochet Braids at Bedtime
It’s pretty common for women to pineapple their crochet braids at bedtime, although most women just use a satin bonnet to cover them.
Removing Crochet Braids
Taking crochet braids out isn’t hard. Step one is to cut the added hair out. Be sure to get as close to the knots as possible and don’t cut your natural hair. Step two is to unravel your cornrows, and the knots will fall away as you undo your braids. The video below provides a step-by-step overview of the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are crochet braids?
Crochet braids are synthetic hair extensions that involve braiding, weaving, or crocheting synthetic hair extensions into your natural hair with a crochet hook or latch hook. These braids are often referred to as latch hook braids due to the braiding technique used. Crochet braids are also commonly confused with box braids. Crochet hairstyles are associated with African American hair culture and have been popular in the black hair community for many years.
How do you crochet hair?
Crochet braids incorporate some traditional braiding methods, similar to weaves and hair extensions. Generally, your natural hair is braided in cornrows before incorporating the crochet hair extensions, but your hair can also be braided in other styles or twisted too.
Using either a crochet hook or a latch hook, the hair extensions are pulled through the underside of each cornrow, securing it to your existing hair. This is done by working from the front to the back, at a 90-degree angle.
How long do crochet braids last?
Your braids can be expected to last for several weeks with proper care. Some women can wear crochet styles for as long as eight weeks at a time. We don’t recommend wearing them beyond roughly four weeks, however, by monitoring your natural hair, you’ll be able to determine how long is right for you.
How long does it take to crochet your hair?
It’ll vary, depending on what your personal style preferences are, but in most cases, you’ll be able to install crochet braids in 3 hours or less. Done right, they are an inexpensive way to add volume and style to your hair, which also looks very natural.
Maria Johnson says
I would love crochet braids but my hair is so soft and corn roll braids will not stay in. Any suggestion without using a net?
Kenneth says
Yes, you could try a few other braiding patterns and you could also use a coarse weave hair within your cornrows to help them hold.
Michelle says
I have the same issue my hair is so soft I do use coarse hair when corn rowing but it pulls my real hair out
MJ says
My hair is very fine also. I add a substantial amount of coarse hair to each cornrow with out making it bulky. I delicately crochet the hair to each cornrow in small pieces. The larger crochet hair is too stressfull on the braided foundation so I stay away. I spritz with water/olive oil daily. The key is low manipulation for the next few weeks. Also, hair with a wave or kinky pattern works best on fine hair as for durability. I am able to last about 2 1/2 to 3 weeks.