For those looking to experiment with their hair without using heating tools and without undergoing costly treatments, crochet braids are the best choice. These braids were quite popular during the 90’s among the African Americans. Surprisingly, they are trending now yet again.
The reasons for the emerging trend can be several. But, we envisage crochet braids being a protective hairstyle (a style where a natural process is involved to create the end result) has led to its popularity.
There are numerous crochet braid styles to flaunt, taking cue from the top celebrities and hairstylists. So, in this article we bring you every insight you need about these crochet braid extensions for both beginners and experts. In the end, we will also list out some of the contemporary crochet braids you can try out easily.
What Actually are Crochet Braids?
Crochet braiding is a natural technique where you add extensions to your hair. These extensions can be wavy, straight, curly and will instantly make your hair voluminous and stylish.
The term “crochet” has a similar meaning to “weaving”. It is using this weaving-like process that the extensions are fixed to your hair. To firmly hold these extensions, your hair is first made into braids with equidistance. Then, using a hook-like device, the extensions are tied to these braids.
Benefits of Crochet Braids:
Apart from giving a natural look to your hair, there are several other benefits of installing crochet braid extensions to your hair.
- They are inexpensive and you can get this look right from the comfort of your home.
- These braids are easy to manage once they are installed properly.
- Crochet braids protect your hair from excessive styling using heating tools.
- The extensions do not come in the way of your natural hair, hence heaving the scalp breathable.
- They are compatible with all types of hair textures and lengths.
How Long Does Crochet Braids Last?
The uniqueness of crochet braids is that they can be worn in many ways including curly, twisted and braided. And, no matter the form, any crochet extensions can easily last up to 1 month 80 days, which is nearly up to 2 months with proper care. Don’t worry! These braids require the least amount of maintenance from your side, which we’ll discuss later in this article.
Types of Crochet Braids
There are tons of different varieties of crochet braids in the market that suit different face shapes and hair textures and also purposes. Here are some of those:
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Crochet Twist Out
This twist out hairdo is quite popular as it resembles the natural hair twists. It makes your hair look short but voluminous. These extensions cover the entire part of your head, so you can create a variety of styles from them.
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Box Braids
These box braids are versatile and can be worn by anyone with any hair length and texture. When these boxes are done right, these extensions appear more natural. However, it takes up to 3 hours to install them.
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Faux Locs
Faux locs is a wrapping method where your natural hair is first made into braids and then the extensions are wrapped to each braid. These are ideal for someone who is worried about locking their hair with extensions.
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Senegalese Twists
Also known as rope twists, these senegalese twists can be created by first braiding your natural hair, wrapping the crochet braids around them and then double twisting the hair right from the roots till the ends.
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Havana twists
These twists are somewhat a larger version to the senegalese twists. They have more width and dimension than the senegalese and suit people who want a voluminous look.
How do you Crochet Hair Extensions?
Now that you know the basics of crochet braid extensions and the types of them, you just have to select the type of extensions you want. Once you choose one, the next step is to know how to properly install them. How to crochet braids for beginners? Is the common question we hear. So, here we bring you the step-by-step guide on installing them properly.
- First, your natural hair is cornrowed. You can make around 8 to 10 straight back cornrows. The ends of your cornrows are concealed, which means you can plait all the ends together and hide them.
- Now, add a single extension to one braid using a crochet needle or even a bobby pin.
- Then, slide the needle under the braid. Here, the latch is closed.
- Now, open this latch and insert the hair under the needle and then close the latch.
- Then, pull the needle till a loop is formed perfectly under the conrow.
- At this time, you will have a loop to one end and a tail to the other.
- Take this tail through the conrow and then pull it from the loop.
- Then, twist this loop using your fingers and then pull the tail through the loop once again. Now, your stitch is tight and safe.
Confused? Here’s a clear video tutorial that eliminates all your doubts and makes crochet braiding an easy process (for beginners).
Are Crochet Braids Damaging to Hair?
Crochet braids are one of the best protective hairstyles. So, the damage caused to your natural hair by them is very less and in fact null. But, proper maintenance is always necessary. Below, you’ll clearly know how to wash and maintain the braid extensions clearly. However, make sure you don’t use them continuously for more than 8 weeks.
How to Wash and Maintain Crochet Braids?
There are several ways to wash crochet braids, however, the least difficult method is to:
- Utilize a shower container of diluted cleaner and splash your scalp with the blend.
- You can softly knead your scalp with the stack of your fingers.
Caution: Cowash the additional hair tenderly.
At that point tenderly flush out the blend you used to clean your scalp (and the cowash in the additional hair).
Discretionary: Condition the additional hair as you would condition your typical hair. At that point flush out the conditioner.
- Condition your very own cornrowed hair by splashing it with a light blend of leave-in conditioner.
- Wrap up by delicately adding a cream to your hair and the additional hair and fixing with an oil.
Keep both your common hair and the additional hair saturated by utilizing a light spritz. Water in addition to your most loved leave-in conditioner is dependably an alternative, however, you have a few choices for saturating your hair.
With appropriate upkeep, your stitch style can keep going for a little while. We don’t by and large prescribe going much past about a month, in spite of the fact that you’ll have the capacity to screen your hair to decide how much time is ideal for you.
5 Best Tips to Maintain Crochet Braids
Here, we are providing you with some of the best tips, so you can never go wrong while installing or maintaining the crochet braids. Take a look!
- The first time when you try crochet braids, you might need to have an expert or a talented companion do the establishment. Make sure you watch someone doing it first and then try for yourself for best results. You can even follow a legitimate tutorial on Youtube and watch it several times before you actually start.
- For more clarity on what you’re doing, utilize at least two mirrors, so you can accurately observe the back and sides.
- On the off chance that your hair is frail or thin, you could include a portion of your twisting hair into the cornrows themselves. This will make a more grounded base to introduce your new plaits onto.
- In the event that you begin in the back and work forward, the introduced hair won’t obstruct your vision to such an extent. Nonetheless, beginning in the front guarantees that you will have enough material for the most vital part, surrounding your face.
6 Best Crochet Braids – Review
1. Firstcyh Hair 14crochttwisthair (12, BLACK)
About the Product
- The hair is lightweight and really easy to apply.
- It’s soft and looks super natural.
- If it’s your first try at crochet braids. This product is the one to try.
- Lasts longer than others
- It does not lose its curls even after a workout session
Pros
- Lightweight
- Long lasting
- Smooth and shiny look
Cons
- Slightly expensive
2. Wavy Senegalese Twist Crochet Braids 6packs
About the Product
- It has no unpleasant smell.
- It is soft and smooth
- Extremely wavy and durable.
- There is No Shedding and has a Comfortable Hold for a long time.
Pros
- No smell
- Smooth
- Long lasting
Cons
- Loose ends
3. 22″ Senegalese Crochet Twist Black (8 Packs)
About the Product
- Made with top class Japanese Synthetic Fiber 100
- Pre Twist Crochet Braids Hair, Small Thin Havana Mambo Twist
- Comes with Free Crochet Hook Needle & Hair Beads
Pros
- Lightweight
- Curly
- Free pins and needles
Cons
- Loose ends
- Might be smelly initially
4. Goddess Faux Locs Crochet Hair Extensions
About the product
- It has no smell and no knots.
- Looks natural and has a bright glow.
- Feels smooth and has soft waves.
- Easy to install.
Pros
- No fugly smell
- Looks real like natural hair
- Different colour options
- Shiny and smooth looking
Cons
- Heavier than others
- Expensive
5. Senegal Twist Curly Goddess Crochet Hair Synthetic Hair Extension
About the product
- Weight: 100g/Pack
- Colour: purple plus burgundy
- Length: 18 Inches, 30 Pre-Looped Strands
Pros
- Has a Natural shine
- It is Smooth and wavy and gives a natural look.
- Light and soft
- Easy to install
Cons
- Colour may not be for everyone
- Smaller braids than others
6. Silike (3 Pieces) Wavy Senegalese Twist Crochet Braids 14″ Curly Havana Mambo
About the Product
- Japan made, ensuring high-quality.
- No smell
- Can be useful for daily use
- Its very Light weight and soft
Pros
- No fragrance
- Used everyday
- Not heavy
Cons
- Not very long lasting
- Loose ends
Some Frequently Asked Questions
The number of packs you need basically depends on the type of hairstyle you want to create. According to certain hair experts, a person will need a minimum of 4 packs of crochets to cover the entire head. If you want to go for really long and voluminous hairstyles, then you will need at least 10 packs.
In every way, crochets are much better than natural braids you do with your hair. This is because these braided extensions are easy and quicker to install than braiding your entire hair. Also, It takes very less time to remove the extensions from your hair and to untie the cornrows.
The crochet braid extensions tend to wear out due to the rupture during your nap time. So, night care is extremely essential to preserve them. You can just wrap your hair in a silk bonnet right before you go to sleep to safeguard the extensions. When you feel the hair is getting dry, you can apply a moisturizer to get your braids to life.
Conclusion:
As you might have got a sneak peak into the crochet braids, you might have understood that they are not only versatile but also one of the best protective hairstyles. Unlike others, these crochet extensions will never damage your hair but instead make them look healthy and strong. This is the reason most Africans prefer this hairstyle than the rest.
If you feel confident about this hairdo, do try it out and let us know how you feel about it.