Crochet Braids
Table of Contents
As you scroll through Twitter, Tik Tok, and Instagram, you have probably seen many famous influencers rocking a new style that’s grabbing lots of attention. Crochet Braids are the way to rock any braided hairdo effortlessly. The mixture of new amazing crochet braid styles has hit our social media and flooded our feeds with trendy new ways of looking good and protecting your natural hair.
WHAT ARE THEY?
Crochet braids are braided hair extensions meant to be installed with a crochet tool or latch hook device. These beautiful hairpieces are made from synthetic fibers or natural hairs.
- These lovely braids are typically pre-looped at the hair ends for quick and effortless installation into your natural hair.
- “These braids are a hybrid of a crochet technique and braided hair extensions,” say sites like Wikipedia.
- Most popular styles can be found at beauty supply stores but the best looks can only be found online.
- Prices range anywhere from $5 dollars per pack all the way up to $35 dollars a pack.
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT CROCHET BRAIDS
Crochet braids can be installed in human hair or on a full lace wig for a costume or hairpiece. They are straightforward to install as most crochet braids come with a pre-loop and are ready to attach straight out of the package using a crochet needle or latch hook tool.
Typically crochet braids are made of specialized synthetic fibers designed to look like real human hair with healthy cuticles and good light reflectivity. These fibers are also created to withstand a higher range of heat and surface abrasion and are styled to have kinky or curly characteristics. This can make these fibers very resourceful and highly sought-after for use in hair.
HOW TO INSTALL CROCHET BRAIDS
Crochet braids are completely styled and braided and ready to install upon delivery. Crochet braids do not arrive like typical packs of braiding hair that require more braiding. This limits the work you need down to two basic things.
The first is choosing a hair base to attach your braided locs to. Braided plaits are nothing if they won’t stay in your hair. The best-specialized base for crochet braids gives something for the hair extensions to loop around and tie off successfully. This can be a simple cornrow or box braid designed or even more intricate by adding twists or zig-zag patterns for more personalized looks.
The second thing left for you is to do is actually loop the crochet braided plaits around your natural hair that has been successfully styled in an optional base. Follow this easy to use guide
DOING IT RIGHT TAKES A LITTLE EXTRA TIME AND INGENUITY
Cornrows and box braids are the best bases for installing crochet braids. Because these techniques wrap the hair in an engulfed style before installing the braided-plaits, they are safely protected and allowed to grow freely. This makes them a protective styling and very easily manageable for added restorations or hair care.
QUICK STEP BY STEP GUIDE
- Thoroughly clean your hair or dreads(click here for information on dread shampoo.)
- Create your base; Box braids, Cornrows, Twists..etc.
- Rinse or soak crochet braids and let dry completely for proper cleaning before use.
- Begin to add crochet braids one by one starting in the back.
- Using the crochet needle, insert through natural hair and attach crochet braid loop over the device hook to pull the braid back through the base.
- Once the braid is far enough through the twist, fold the plait and pass the tip through the pre loop. Pull the hair tight.
- This process is repeated throughout the entire head to achieve a full crochet braid styling.
CROCHET BRAIDS VS SOW IN
Another technique of achieving box braid extensions in your hair is to sow them in. This variation of adding hair extensions has been around for many years. The stylist uses Human hair And Synthetic hair fibers to successfully suture plaits and extensions under the user’s natural hair or onto a weft. When the hair has been laid flat down, the styling looks natural with more volumes and added length.
Why are crochet braids Better than sow-in? , instead of a couple of small thread fibers holding your hair attached, instead, crochet braids Are entirely wrapped around your Natural hair. This allows for a complete hold and less chance of your hair getting snatched off. This also allows for a broader range of styles and selection because the hair is attached in protective styling. That allows your Natural hair To grow and accept routine haircare continually.
BEST CROCHET HAIR FOR CROCHET BRAIDS 2021
Finding the right brand of hair extensions for your crochet braids can be difficult.
Other quality brands that have created good reputations and repeatedly have also produced quality products would be; Kanekalon, Marely, Toyotress, Sensationnel lulutress, Bobbi Boss, Janet Collection Outre.
WAYS TO STYLE CROCHET BRAIDS TO STAND OUT THIS SUMMER
Choosing a way to style your crochet braids is for the advanced and utmost prestige crochet braid carriers. Merely installing a crochet braid is amateur. The real prize winners know that you have to do more to stay above. Styling those locs is the best way to customize even the most basic braid installs.
MOST POPULAR CROCHET BRAID COLORS IN 2021
Just as any other hair extension can come in an array of beautiful and different hair colors, well, so can synthetic crochet braids. We won’t leave you hanging either as we’ve done the research, and below, you’ll see a list of the best-selling colors!
- BURGUNDY
- RED
- GREY
- BLACK
- OMBRE
Customizing the color isn’t enough. Changing the style to an original creation will set you apart from everyone else.
HAIRSTYLES TO CHOOSE FROM
- STRAIGHT BOHO BRAIDS
- GODDESS BRAIDS
- BRAZILIAN DEEP TWIST BRAIDS
- PASSION TWIST BRAID
- FREETRESS CROCHET BRAIDS
- JAMAICAN OR MARLEY
- KANEKALON BRAIDS
- SENEGALESE BRAIDS
- WATER WAVE BRAID
- SPRING TWIST BRAIDS
HOW MUCH ARE CROCHET BRAIDS
Crochet braids are priced differently depending on whether you are getting a bundle deal or directly purchasing the hair. To understand the pricing, You must understand how hairstylists and manufacturers are pricing and packaging hair extensions.
ACTUAL PRICE OF HAIR AND CROCHET BRAID LOCS…LET’S BREAK IT DOWN
Braided hair extensions without installation can range from 50$ USD to 350$ USD.
The price varies for the styling and the hair type used. Typically braiding hair is sold in packs. These packs come with strands of pre-braided locs That are already rolled, sealed, and ready for installation.
Braids typically range from 8$ – 20$ USD a pack. These packs can carry anywhere from 6 to 12 strands in each. Packages with a higher strand count will cost a little more but work themselves out in the end. It can take up to 10 packs to complete many popular styles such as Senegalese twists And mamba locs.
SOME STYLES REQUIRE LESS HAIR THEN OTHER STYLES.
HOW LONG DO CROCHET BRAIDS LAST
The length of time you can keep your crochet braids in your hair is different for every person. The amount of time you can safely keep those locs is determined by your hair care routine, weekly maintenance, sleeping patterns, and daily exposure.
Properly governing these variables can lead to longer and healthier looking hairstyles.
USE THE RIGHT PRODUCTS TO CLEAN YOUR DREADS FOR THE BEST RESULTS. ALL HAIR IS DIFFERENT, DO YOUR RESEARCH
HOW TO PROPERLY CARE FOR CROCHET BRAIDS
Locs and crochet braid hair extensions don’t require lots of maintenance or cleaning if they are left untouched and protected from the elements. It’s more about cleaning and maintaining your scalp health and natural hair that holds the hairpieces onto your head. If your hair extensions become dirty or very used, this can become one of the most contentious parts of this style.
DONT WASH TOO MUCH TO LOWER THE RISK OF DAMAGING YOUR CROCHET BRAIDS
HOW TO WASH CROCHET BRAIDS
When washing any braid, twist, or crochet hair, you run the risk of damaging the hair extension. Many pre-made styles use knots, knotless braids, and hair glues to hold the tresses from unraveling. These can be easily undone from consistent washing and rough handling.
- A safe practice to wash in the shower is using a hair net to hold your braided hairs from unwinding while still allowing you to rinse and lather your scalp and natural hair.
- To help extend the life of your extensions, ALWAYS PRE WASH AND RINCE ALL CROCHET BRAIDS BEFORE INSTALLING.
- This not only restarts the stopwatch that’s counting down the time
- Only wash your braids when you need to, and if you can, remove them for a fresh, clean start and use this time to clean your scalp.
SPRAY BOTTLE TECHNIQUE THAT NEVER FAILS
Grab a spray bottle and add your favorite shampoo and water. Shake and spray the scalp and base of the braids. Using an old toothbrush or rag, try to agitate the roots and scalp to help remove build-up.
When you are drying and cleaning up, gently Dab a rag to dry the roots and scalp. You might notice a little itch as your hair dries. Try not to scratch. For curly crochet hair, Just run fingers through them to help the curly itch hair.
SATIN BONNET METHOD
You need to avoid roughing your braids, as this might cause them to frizz and unravel. The best way to do this while showering is to wear a Satin bonnet. This will hold your Braided Hairstyle From getting messed. The best part of the bonnet is the braids cant twist out. This is also great for all those Synthetic Crochet braids And other Braid styles.
2021 GUIDE TO TAKING OUT CROCHET BRAIDS
If you need to take out your braids because it’s the end of their life, or maybe you just want a fresh, clean start. Removing any kind of crochet braided hairstyle is going to take some patient and diligence. If you installed using the cornrow method, they would follow the below guide to helping you remove those dirty dreads.
Cut the braids close to the knots they are holding them attached to your hair.
Begin to slowly loosen the knot and remove the loop that’s are wrapped around the leftover braids. Repeat this until all your braids are removed.
When braids are completely removed, you can begin unwinding your cornrows.
FAQ
Most frequent questions and answers
WHAT KIND OF HAIR DO YOU USE FOR CROCHET BRAIDS?
Crochet hairs are made with a wide variety of fiber strands. These fibers are either man-made (Synthetic) or found growing on earth on their own (Naturally). Fiber strands are specifically selected depending on the desired style, appearance, cost-effectiveness, texture, versatility, and longevity.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO CROCHET HAIR?
2-6 hours – It depends on the Crochet braid Styling You choose and the Hairstylist. Our top stylist says it can take anywhere from 2-6 hours, depending on the length of hair and condition of Natural hair. To help extend the interlocking process, try a stay in Conditioner Before starting.
DO CROCHET BRAIDS DAMAGE YOUR HAIR?
Crochet braids are considered protective stylings. This is because you have to prepare your hair into some sort of base before attaching crochet braids. Once the imitation dreads are fully installed, they completely engulf and protect your natural hair. The best part is this still allows for natural hair growth, so this can help when you need to grow out that short curly hair. Regular maintenance can be performed, and cleaning and haircare, so protective styles let you rock those diva looks while still being you, powerful black woman!
HOW MANY PACKS OF CROCHET HAIR DO I NEED?
6 Packs on Average. The amount of Crochet Braid Hair packs you will need will be determined by the hairstyle. You are trying to achieve. Crochet braids Typically come in packs of 10-20 strands. Many Stylings Require at least 100 strands. You will need a range of 5-8 Crochet braid Packages.
HOW DO I MAINTAIN FREETRESS DEEP TWIST CROCHET BRAIDS?
The proper crochet braid maintenance is going to make all the difference in your hairstyle. Some styles require more love than others but will not drastically require a considerable change in good habits. Correctly following the brand manufacturers’ labeled directions and advice, you should regularly maintain those locs comfortably.
ARE CROCHET HAIRSTYLES BAD FOR EDGES?
Any time you are crochet braiding hair, You risk putting tension on your hairline and edges. The added stress can pull and tug on edges and thin hair and cause the pores to rip from the epidermis.
BOX BRAIDS VS CROCHET BRAIDS
Box braids are any braids created by sectioning the hair into boxed sections and then braided. This can include four-strand and three-strand braids.
Crochet braids are any braid that requires the use of the crochet method for installation. It is possible to section the natural hair in box patterns to add crochet braids for an imitation box braid.
DO YOU NEED PRE-STRETCHED HAIR TO INSTALL?
Pre-stretched hair is when we take the hair and stretch the strands so that the ends of the hair bundle is not blunt yet tapered to achieve the nice finish look you see on most braided styles. This also can be done with X-pression Synthetic Hair Extensions. Pre-stretching hair before adding it to your hair means it has been stretched to its max length, and you know what you’re working with. Stretching allows you to see the Hair textures and natural size.
CONCLUSION
I’m glad we had a chance to discuss some excellent Crochet braid Literature. These techniques are the best for when you want to lock in that hairstyle! If have any questions or comment, please submit them below! We are always happy to engage.