Crochet braids have become a massive trend amongst black women for the past few years. However, the crochet braiding hairstyle has been a part of black culture since its inception. Before we talk about the types of crochet braids, let us define crochet braids.
Crochet braids, also known as latch hook braids, are techniques for braiding hair that involve crocheting synthetic hair extensions to a person’s natural hair with a latch hook or knitting hook. While crochet braids are a hybrid of traditional braids, they’re more similar to weaves. This method is associated with African hairstyles known as a protective style. The technique can assist with hair growth if cared for properly. Crochet braids can be worn straight, curly, twisted, or braided.
TYPES OF CROCHET BRAIDING HAIRSTYLES
Crochet Box Braids
If you want to channel your inner ’90s child but don’t have the nerves to go through the hour-long sittings that come with creating this style, the crochet version is for you. Crochet box braids can be purchased pre-made and take as little as two and a half hours to complete.
Curly Crochet Braids
There is nothing more fabulous than a head full of luscious beylikdüzü escort curls. Today, curly crochet braids come in various natural-looking styles, from long beach curls to soft waves or tight ringlets.
Long Crochet Braids
Regardless of your hair’s natural length, you can get the hair of your dreams with a crochet hairstyle and some extra-long extensions. If you don’t want to settle for curly or straight, you can get a natural texture that allows you to switch up your style as you go.
Short Crochet Braids
For a fun summery look, opt for a shorter ‘do. Short crochet braids are always effortlessly stylish and ideal for any occasion, whether a cheeky, curly pixie or a voluminous chin-grazing bob haircut.
Crochet Braid Twists
Twists are a great way of mixing up your crochet style. Opt for a thicker twist for a faux dreadlock look or thinner crochet twists for a more refined everyday style.
Knotless Crotchet Braids
Knotless/invisible crochet braids will be your friend if you love switching up your hairstyle quite frequently. This crochet technique will hide your knots in areas that are likely to show when parting your hair or trying different styles.
Vixen Crochet Braids
The intricacy of the vixen crochet pattern makes your crochet knots virtually disappear. Thus, opening the doors to an infinite amount of styling opportunities. Whether you love a bun or a ponytail, vixen crochet braids will make it possible.
Marley Crochet Hair
Marley crochet hair is thicker and more coarse than traditional synthetic hair and, therefore, bears a close resemblance to natural hair. It’s typically braided using the knotless/invisible root technique for an even more natural look and is often worn in twists.
Straight Crochet Braids
Straight hair can make an excellent option for ladies with crochet braids. Depending on the nature of your extensions, you can blow-dry them or use a hair straightener to achieve an extra polished look.
Crochet Micro Braids
Try starting with the beehive pattern to achieve the super chic yet intricate look of micro crochet braids. Remember to complete your micro braids before beginning the crocheting process for easy installation.
Crochet Jumbo Box Braids
Crochet jumbo box braids create a bold look perfect for the upcoming festival season. You can achieve this ultra-cool hairstyle with pre-braided extensions in less than an hour.
Senegalese Twist Crochet Braids
Senegalese twist crochet braids typically use Kanekalon hair, which results in a tighter and smoother finish. The individual braids are smaller in diameter than Marley or Havana twists and, therefore, tend to appear more defined and less dreadlock-like.
Ombre Crochet Braids
Opt for ombre crochet braids to give your hairstyle a fresh and summery twist. The different shades will add a stylish touch to your hair while adding extra visual depth.
Deep Twist Crochet Braids
Deep twist crochet braids will give you a full head of dreamy, loose curls. The style features an even and defined curling pattern, which adds a very smooth and feminine finish to your overall look.
Havana Twist Crochet Braids
Havana twist crochet braids are much larger in diameter than the Marley and Senegalese styles. When creating the look, the rule of thumb is to do one Havana twist for every two to three Marley twists.
Jamaican Bounce Crochet Braids
Jamaican bounce crochet braids are a neck-grazing hairstyle perfect for adding maximum volume and extra life to your hair. The look features tight yet large ringlets that frame the face beautifully.
Bohemian Crochet Braids
The curls of Bohemian crochet braids are a lot tighter than those of Jamaican bounce braids but just as stunning. These extremely natural-looking curls can be ultra-long or stylishly short.
Water Wave Crochet Braids
Water wave crochet braids are pretty similar to their bohemian cousin. However, while this still is an incredibly natural look, the individual curls are slightly more prominent, resulting in less overall density and more definition.
FAQs
What are crochet braids?
Crochet braids are a protective and chic hairstyle that is perfect for giving your hair some time to breathe. Like a weave, the hair is initially braided into cornrows but not quite as tightly, which puts less tension on your scalp. Instead of sewing extensions in, they’re threaded through your braids with a crochet needle and secured via a twist-and-knot technique. Crochet braids are incredibly versatile, undeniably stylish, and easy to DIY in your own home without burning a hole in your wallet.
How long do crochet braids Last?
How long you can wear your crochet braids depends on several factors, including the complexity of your braiding pattern, the quality of the extensions installed, and your maintenance routine. In general, your crochet hairstyle can last from four to eight weeks. But note that it’s not recommended to keep your braids for longer than two months as it can put too much strain on your natural hair, resulting in unwanted breakage.
How to wash crochet braids?
While wearing a crochet hairstyle, some people opt not to wash their hair at all. Depending on your lifestyle, you might be able to get away with this. However, if you feel like your locks need a clean, focus on your scalp rather than the lengths of your hair. Just spray some diluted shampoo on your roots and give your scalp a little massage before rinsing the mixture out. If you wish, you can co-wash (conditioner only) the added hair, but be sure to avoid your roots and use a watered-down leave-in conditioner on them instead.
How do you style crochet hair?
- Cornrow your hair back using your preferred style.
- Slide the crochet needle underneath the cornrow.
- Hook the hair onto the needle.
- Pull the hair through the cornrow, creating a medium-sized loop.
- Fold the ends over the cornrow and through the loop, but don’t tighten yet.
- Twist the loop with your fingers and slide the long ends through the loop again. Repeat once.
- Now tighten the loop to secure the braid.
- Add strand by strand using this method until your whole head is complete.
What is the best hair for crochet?
The best option for crochet hair is synthetic hair, as it holds better in a knot than natural hair. Beyond that, the kind of hair you choose will depend on the look you’re going for. You can get pre-curled, pre-styled, and pre-colored hair. Look for Freetress, Janet Collection, Kanekalon, Afri Naptural, and X-Pression.
Do crochet braids grow your hair?
Like other protective styles, crochet braids can help growth by protecting your natural hair from damage and breakage. Of course, you’ll still need to look after new growth as it comes through, using quality shampoos and conditioners to keep the hair and scalp moisturized and healthy. Lastly, don’t leave your braids in for more than two months; otherwise, this can put too much strain on your scalp and hair and ultimately have the opposite effect.
What hair do you use for crochet braids?
There is a wide variety of hair that you can use for crochet braids. What you choose will depend on the look and color you want, as well as your budget. The hair can come pre-curled, pre-styled, and pre-colored; however, you’ll always want to choose synthetic hair options for better results. Look for Freetress, Janet Collection, Kanekalon, Afri Naptural, and X-Pression.
Are crochet braids damaging to the hair?
Crochet braids are a protective hairstyle that looks after your Afro-textured natural hair. It’s also a great way to give your scalp a break, as the cornrows aren’t braided as tightly as other styles. However, it would help if you looked after your crochet braids with regular washing and conditioning like any protective hairstyle.
