Beginner’s Guide to crochet hair styles: What You Need to Know
Girl, can we just take a moment to appreciate how amazing Black women are with hair? I mean, we’re literally switching between braids, twists, and wash-and-gos like it’s nothing. But let me tell you about something that’s been a total game-changer for me and so many others: crochet hair styles.
If you haven’t tried these yet, you’re seriously missing out! I’m gonna walk you through everything – and I mean everything – about crochet hair styles. We’ll cover what they are (spoiler: they’re genius), why they’re amazing, all the gorgeous styles you can try, how to keep them looking fresh, and how to install and remove them without damaging your hair. By the time we’re done chatting, you’ll understand why crochet hair styles braids have become my go-to for protection and style. Ready? Let’s dive in!.
Why I’m Team crochet hair styles (And You Should Be Too!)
Your Hair Will Thank You Later
Listen, the protection game is strong with crochet braids. You’re basically putting your natural hair in a protective bubble where it can just chill and grow without all the daily manipulation that leads to breakage. Plus, those extensions act like a moisture-locking shield, which is perfect if you’ve got dry or curly hair that’s always thirsty for hydration.
And can we talk about the no-heat thing? You get stunning styles without frying your hair with hot tools. Your hair’s integrity stays intact, and future you will be SO grateful.
Here’s something cool that I learned: unlike those individual braids (box braids, knotless braids, etc.), crochet hair is attached to your cornrows, not individual strands. So there’s way less tension on each hair follicle. If you’ve got a sensitive scalp or you’re worried about traction alopecia, this is your friend.
The Convenience Factor Is Real
Girl, the versatility is UNMATCHED. Want curls today and straight hair tomorrow? No problem. Feeling bold colors but don’t want to commit? Crochet’s got you covered. The styling possibilities are literally endless.
And time-wise? Installing crochet braids takes like half the time of traditional braiding. Once they’re in, your morning routine becomes a breeze. We’re talking wash-and-go levels of convenience here!
Something Most People Don’t Know
Here’s a game-changer that nobody talks about enough: you can actually get to your scalp! With other protective styles, washing and moisturizing your scalp is like trying to solve a puzzle. But with crochet braids, you just part the hair and boom – direct access to clean and moisturize your scalp properly.
If you’re dealing with hair thinning (it happens to the best of us), skilled stylists can even use special nets in those areas and attach the extensions to the net instead of your scalp. Less tension, full coverage – it’s brilliant!
Style Inspiration That’ll Have You Booking Your Next Appointment
Let me show you some looks that are absolutely stunning (and yes, I’m totally stealing some of these ideas!):
For My Curly Hair Girls
Loose Curl Afro: Think Taraji P. Henson vibes – that gorgeous 70s-inspired afro with the invisible part. It’s giving vintage glam but make it modern.
Springy Curls: Like what Quinta Brunson rocks – vibrant colors with that perfect bounce. You can play with color without the commitment, which is honestly genius.
Bouncy Bob: Those soft coil bobs using Wand Curl crochet hair styles ? They look like you spent hours with a roller set, but you didn’t. I’m here for this level of fake-it-till-you-make-it energy.
Voluminous Pixie: Short, sassy, curly pixie with no leave-out? Yes please! Maximum protection, maximum cuteness.
Braided Beauties
Braided Top Knot: Sanaa Lathan made this look so effortlessly chic. It’s that perfect balance of braided sophistication and updo convenience.
Cornrows and Crochet: Issa Rae’s half-up, half-down combo with cornrows in front and flowing crochet braids in back? Chef’s kiss It’s stunning.
Mambo Braids: Want those big, bold braids without sitting in the salon chair for 8+ hours? Keke Palmer’s got the right idea with lightweight crochet versions.
Sleek Situations
Textured Ponytail: Professional but still has that volume and movement. Perfect for work-to-happy-hour transitions.
Straight crochet hair styles Braids: Clean, polished, and so versatile. You can wear them down for casual vibes or throw them up for more formal occasions.
The Creative Stuff
Crochet Wig Method: Okay, this is next-level lazy (and I mean that in the best way). The hair’s already attached to a wig cap – you just slide it over your cornrows. Simone Missick knows what’s up.
Ombré crochet hairstyles: From subtle blonde highlights to dramatic color fades, the color possibilities are endless. No bleach damage, all the fun.
Real Talk: How Long Do These Actually Last?
With proper care (and I’ll tell you exactly how to do that), crochet braids can last anywhere from 4 to 12 weeks. But here’s what affects how long yours will last:
The Hair You Choose: Human hair extensions are gonna last longer and look more natural, but they’re pricier. You can heat style them, wash them, even color them. Synthetic hair is budget-friendly and comes in tons of styles, but it won’t last as long and you can’t use heat on it. There are also blended options that give you the best of both worlds.
Who Installs Them: This isn’t the time to go to your cousin’s friend who “does hair sometimes.” Proper installation is everything. Your natural hair needs to be braided evenly but not too tight, and those extensions need to be secured properly.
How Well You Take Care of Them: This is huge. Regular cleaning and moisturizing will make or break (literally) your crochet experience.
Don’t Make These Mistakes (Learn From My Fails)
Stop Touching Your Hair: I cannot stress this enough. Constant touching leads to frizz and breakage. Your hair is not a stress ball!
Don’t Let Them Install Too Tight: If your scalp is screaming, speak up! Tight installation can damage your hairline and cause long-term problems.
Don’t Neglect Your Scalp: Your natural hair is still under there and needs attention. Clean it, moisturize it, love on it.
Prep Your Hair First: Wash, condition, and stretch your natural hair before installation. Trust me on this – it makes the whole process so much smoother.
DIY Installation (For the Brave Souls)
If you’re feeling adventurous and want to try this at home, here’s the breakdown:
Prep Work
Start with clean, conditioned hair. Blow dry on low heat to stretch it out (this makes braiding easier), then section everything off with clips.
The Foundation
Braid your hair into neat cornrows. They need to be tight enough to hold the extensions but not so tight that your scalp is in pain.
The Fun Part
Get yourself a good crochet hook with a latch. Take small sections of extension hair, fold them in half, hook them under your cornrows, and pull them through to create loops. Then pull the ends through those loops to secure. Check each section to make sure it’s secure but not crazy tight.
Taking Them Out (Without Destroying Your Hair)
When it’s time to say goodbye to your crochet braids, please don’t rush this part!
Cut the Extensions First: Carefully trim the synthetic hair, but be super careful not to cut your natural hair. Take your time with this.
Unravel Gently: Use a rat-tail comb to help loosen stubborn braids, but don’t force anything. Patience is key here.
Show Your Hair Some Love: After everything’s out, give your natural hair a good wash and deep conditioning treatment. It’s been on vacation and needs some TLC to get back in shape.
The Bottom Line
Look, crochet hairstyles are honestly a game-changer. They protect your natural hair, give you endless styling options, and save you time in your daily routine. Plus, they’re a beautiful way to honor our hair heritage while trying something new and fun.
With the right installation, proper care, and gentle removal, you can rock gorgeous crochet styles that keep your natural hair healthy and growing. Whether you’re new to protective styling or you’re ready to switch things up, crochet braids might just become your new obsession.
So what do you think? Ready to give crochet braids a try? Trust me, once you experience that “I woke up like this” convenience, you’ll wonder why you waited so long!