We’ve seen crochet braids, crochet weaves, and twists but do you know all of these variations are under the crochet hair umbrella?
This gorgeous hairstyle comes in different shapes, styles, and lengths. It’s a low-maintenance look that gives your natural hair a break while still looking fabulous. Little wonder it has influenced the hair industry ever since its arrival.Â
If you’re one of the many ladies who want to get acquainted with the hairdo, we’ve got you covered. In this piece, we’ll discuss everything you need about crochet hairstyle and show you ideas to help you rock the hairdo.
What is Crochet Hair?
Crochet hair is synthetic or human hair attached to your natural hair using a special crochet needle and latch hook. Unlike traditional weaves and wigs requiring glue and other chemicals, you install this hairdo by hooking the hair into thin cornrows or twists. This creates a smooth, natural-looking style.
Although it started in the 90s, the trend returned when people realized an alternative option didn’t damage their hair roots or threaten their hairline. With this style, you don’t have to worry about thinning hair. Furthermore, women who lead busy lives love this look, as celebrities like Solange Knowles, Rihanna, Lupita Nyongo, etc., have been seen sporting the hairdo.
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Why Do We Call Them Crochet Hair?
Back in the 70s, famous singers rocked a new form of braids. American stylists wanted to recreate these looks but desperately needed to cut down installation time. This was because, during that period, braids could take days to finish, so crafters offered a solution: they designed yarn braids with crochet hooks. Soon, hairstylists began to dump yarn for better hair extensions. Before long, the term stuck in the States since it originated there and has spread like wildfire worldwide. Ladies are now slaying with different variations of the hairstyle.
Benefits of Wearing Crochet Hair
Crochet hair has become a go-to look for these reasons:
Protective styling
Installing crochet braids gives your natural tresses a much-needed break from heat styling, combing, and environmental damage. This allows your hair to grow thicker and stronger.
Versatility
Crochet hair comes in various curl patterns and colors, making it easy to switch up your style. Popular options include bounce curls, deep waves, ombre highlights, faux locs, twists, and more.
Low maintenance
Once installed properly, crochet hair requires very little upkeep. You can easily go four to six weeks between installations.
Cost-effective
Crochet styles are typically more budget-friendly than sew-ins. This is because they take less time and energy to install.
How to Install Crochet Hair
Installing your crochet hair is pretty straightforward. Follow the steps to guide you if you wanna DIY at home:
- Start by doing a cornrow with your natural hair or a two-strand twist, whichever you are comfortable with. Ensure you create small, uniform parts, as this will anchor the crochet hair securely.
- Use a clip to section off parts of your hair to focus on one area at a time.
- Take your crochet needle and hook your selected hairpiece onto the latch.
- Identify your first cornrow and insert the needle underneath the braid, piercing the looped hair.
- Use the hook end to grab the loop and pull it through gently.
- Separate the hair ends and tie a double knot near the base of the cornrow. Don’t tie too tightly.
- Repeat the above process row by row until you achieve your desired fullness.
- Remove clips and repeat the process section by section until you’ve finished installing.
If you do this correctly, your crochet hair will feel secure but not painfully tight. You want room for your natural hair to breathe beneath.
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How to Remove Crochet HairÂ
When it’s time to remove your crochet hair, follow this process:
- Start by lightly misting your entire head with water or setting lotion. This helps loosen knots.
- Identify a bottom corner row and locate its knots.
- Carefully snip each knot using a small scissors.Â
- Gently pull the opposite loose side of the hair until the strands slide out.
- Repeat the snip and slide process on the rows until you remove all the extensions. It should pull out easily, row by row, if it’s adequately moistened.
- Loosen your cornrows.Â
- Wash and condition hair and scalp before wearing another protective style or a straight, natural look.
How to Care for Crochet Hair
Caring for your crochet style is simple if you follow these tips:
- Use a silk bonnet at night to preserve styling and reduce friction.
- Gently pat your edges with an edge control brush if you have stray strands.
- Wash your hair once or twice a week by lightly shampooing the hair extensions.
10 Crochet Hair Ideas For a Stylish Look
Now that you know this coiffure better ourselves, recreate any of these crochet hairstyles to elevate your hair game.
Side Cornrows and Wavy CrochetÂ
Nothing says beautiful and feminine than this hairstyle. It perfectly frames your face and highlights your facial features. Consider this look for a chic hairdo.
Faux Locs
The crochet faux locs are one of the easiest ways to wear locs without the commitment of dreadlocks. It comes in different types, such as butterfly locs, soft locs, and others. Also, it offers numerous styling possibilities. So, if you love a versatile look, try it right away.
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Crochet Beach Curls
The crochet beach curls are perfect for any styling you want. The bouncy look accentuates your hairstyle, giving you an edgy, timeless look you don’t wanna miss out on.
Spring Curls With Side Cornrows
Crochet hair comes in different forms; it can be twisted, braided, or curled. Whichever one you go for will give you a gorgeous look.
Half Up, Half Down Crochet Style
Create a gorgeous hairdo with this bouncy half-up, half-down style with your crochet extensions. You will be thankful you did.
Crochet Braids With Curly Ends
If you love boho braids or any braids with curly ends, this crochet variation is the perfect way to get your desired hairstyle in less time.Â
Crochet Jumbo Twists
This gorgeous hairdo is an innovative variation of twists. Like braids, they help you get your desired hairstyle and save you time.
Passion Twists
Also known as spring twists, this statement hairstyle is a must-wear. Go for the crochet version of passion twists for an easier and faster installation.
Colored Crochet Curls
Just as they come in different styles and forms, crochet hair also comes in different colors. So, if you want a blonde, green, blue, silver, purple, or red look, this hairdo has got you covered.
Locs With Curly Ends
It’s safe to say the hair industry has come a long way from what it used to be. New styles spring up every day, often featuring a modern spin on old ones. It’s a never-ending journey, and we are here for it. For a gorgeous look that saves time and stress, try this locs with curly ends and turns head wherever you go.
ALSO READ: 31 Gorgeous Loc Styles For Women that’ll Elevate Your Dreadlocks
Crochet Hair: An Innovative and Statement Look for Ladies
Crochet hair has become one of the hottest protective styles for good reason. Its smooth installation and countless styling possibilities explain why the braids have dominated the natural hair scene. Who doesn’t want a stylish, no-fuss hairdo that gives your strands a much-needed breather? Absolutely no one!
This hairstyle allows you to experiment with different colours, lengths, and hair textures, from faux locs to butterfly locs, passion twists, beach curls, and other crochet braids. So, join many ladies on the crochet hair train. But if you need styles to get you started, check out the photos below:
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