Crochet Braids Guide – Everything You Need to Know

Crochet braids are a hot hair fashion. Individuality is what everyone is pursuing, and crocheted hair is a hair fashion that can be personalized. If you have naturally curly hair and want to try more personalized hairstyles, you need to find a crochet-braided wig that suits your needs. Whether you have long, luxurious curls or a short, sweet bob, crochet braids will bring you many surprises.

Let’s take a look at today’s hairstyle secrets, from the crochet braids and know the way to the charm of popular styles.

What Are Crochet Braids?

Crochet braids are a protective hairstyle that uses a hand-crocheting technique to weave in hair extensions with natural hair. The crochet braiding technique is a great choice for Black women to wear a protective hairstyle that preserves their natural curls and gives them a look that is both pleasing and stylish.

The basis of this crochet braiding technique is braiding hair. Then, using a special crochet hook to latch on synthetic or human hair strands one at a time into the braids. There is no glue or sewing, so there is no heavy pulling on the roots that comes with traditional braiding. You can end up with a voluminous, thick, and versatile long hairstyle in a short time.

Benefits of Crochet Human Hair Extensions

• Natural Texture: Crochet braids with real human hair are made from natural hair used as raw material. That makes them shiny and soft as if they were your own hair. The seamless fit and natural look of conventional wigs can be achieved with the micro-thread connecting technique.
• Strong and flexible: natural hair crocheted braids are much more wear-and-tear resistant than synthetic fiber, which mats and has a very short shelf life, and can last 6 to 8 months or longer when properly cared for.
• Multiple Styling Options: You can straighten it at high temperatures, use curling irons, dye it, or perm it. From office-ready professional elegance to special-occasion waves for the night out, this hairpiece lets you wear great styles without damaging your natural locks.
• Scalp-friendly: The braiding method is breathable on the scalp, and the hair around the extensions can be washed directly while showering. There is no risk of hair follicles being blocked, unlike with traditional hair extensions.
• Easy to maintain: Just run a wide-toothed comb through your hair every day, and give it a gentle wash once or twice a week. A leave-in hair oil will help keep it soft and spare you the hassle of a complicated hair care regimen.

How Do I install Crochet Braids?

Step 1: Cleansing & Conditioning
First, wash your hair with warm water and a mild shampoo to remove oil and dirt. Since Black women's hair tends to be dry, it is best to select a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner (like one with shea butter). After you add the conditioner, comb your hair with a wide-toothed comb to avoid tangles. Concentrate on massaging the roots and ends to seal in moisture. Braids on wet hair can cause loosening, so make sure you use a low heat setting on your hairdryer with a diffuser attachment to dry your hair until it’s fluffy.
Step 2: Braiding
Pick a braiding technique that best suits the style you want to achieve:
Scalp-hugging single braid: For a low ponytail and updo. Braid a single braid from the hairline close to the scalp and secure the end with a bobby pin.
Sectioned cornrows: Part the hair into multiple small sections and cornrow them into microbraids; this disperses the tension.
Free edge with natural hair: Leave 1 to 2 centimeters of your natural hair at the forehead or temple to hide the edge of the wig; this works best with curly or full hairstyles. As you braid, apply a bit of styling gel to increase friction. Please don’t braid too tightly!
Step 3: Crochet installation  
First, you will need to prepare the hair extensions. Pick up a human hair strand for crocheting and fold it in half, as you normally do, to make a loop, with the rounded ends meeting in the middle. Hook the hair loop from the center of the nape of the neck, crocheting hook under the braid. Then carefully pull the hook to the other side, pull the tip of the hair extension through the loop, and tighten to make a knot. Repeat the process at intervals of 0.5-1 cm to cover the entire braided region.
Step 4: Style
Run your fingers or a wide-toothed comb through your hair for natural, full-bodied waves. While straightening or curling, spray a heat protectant (a keratin-based product is recommended) and keep the temperature under 320°F.

Trending Popular Human Hair Crochet Braids Hairstyles

Here are a few of the most popular styles currently available, helping you achieve an individual look that can be easily customized.

How to Maintain Crochet Braids?

Crochet braids are great because they look natural and work well in a variety of styles, but they aren't immune to dryness, frizz, and damage. Here's how to care for your 'do so that you can extend your styling power.

• Cleaning and Hydrating: Wash your scalp every 2-3 weeks with a mild sulphate shampoo. You need to focus on rubbing the crochet braid connections, but be gentle and avoid yanking your hair. Pick a conditioner with keratin or shea butter and rake it through from the ends to the mid-lengths.
  Note: Do not comb wet hair. Use an absorbent towel to dry by patting until no longer wet, then comb out the tangles with a wide-toothed comb in small sections.
• Deep Nourishment: Do an oil treatment every other week. Combine coconut oil and olive oil (3:1 ratio). Using a dropper, apply along your scalp partings. Cover with a heat cap for 20 minutes, then wash and blow-dry.
• Morning Styling: Lightly spritz a bit of water mist to dampen your hair, then use your fingers to shape natural curves, and finally tame flyaways with a light-hold styling gel. To make spiral crochet braids last longer, you may want to use a diffuser and low Heat.
• Heat Styling Instructions: If you need to straighten or style, apply a heat protectant cream and keep the temperature under 320°F. Use a ceramic ion straightener on your synthetic hair to reduce heat damage.
• Sleep Protection: Braid your hair before bed. To prevent frizz and breakage, wear a silk sleep cap and use a silk pillowcase.

If you take care of your human hair crochet braids, they will stay soft, shiny, and bright in color, and you can keep the hairstyle you want for several weeks.

Conclusion

Crochet braiding is a wonderful blend of natural lightness, versatility, and easy maintenance. It is the warmth and meticulous care of the hand-braid that turns every strand of your hair into a part of your personality. Pick out the crochet braids for your hair and style, and make the most of getting the best and most perfect-looking look.
So no more concerns about your hairline or being held back by your hair length. Get your turn to shine with crochet braids.