How to Do Crochet Braids

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crochet braids
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Crochet Braiding Hair: How to Do Crochet Braids

One of the growing hair trends that everyone is sportin’ these days are crochet braids. These braids first hit the scene back in the late nineties to early 2000’s. This practical hairstyle is back on the block and being worn in various styles. The styles of crochet braids that are worn now are heavily influenced by the natural hair movement. The variety of textures are more natural looking while the styles that are showcased are those typical of a naturalista. Such hairdos include braid outs, Havana twists, flexi rod sets, and much more. Crochet braids look very natural which is one of the reasons so many women don these braids style. Learn how to crochet braids with our ultimate crochet braiding guide.

1What are Crochet Braids?

When you hear about crochet braids, you may think people are referring to the hair itself. In actuality, crochet braids are a method of adding hair to a person’s head. Also known as the crochet method, crochet braids are another way of adding extensions to your hair. The foundation of the crochet method is first cornrowing your hair and then applying extensions to your cornrows, similar to a weave. The hair used in this particular method is loose and not on a weft. Crochet braids are not sewn in but instead are looped under the cornrows with a crochet needle and secured with knots.

2Benefits of Crochet Braids

Everyone loves crochet braids and the many benefits these wonderful locks of hair have to offer will have you stylin’ crochet braids in no time.

One of the best characteristics of crochet braids is that you are able to apply them to your hair yourself. Crochet braids are a great way to begin to style your hair on your own. It is important to know how to cornrow your hair before installing crochet braids. Your cornrows will be covered so do not worry about how they look. Patience and mirrors will be your friends throughout this process.

Crochet braids are budget friendly for everyone. The styles that everyone is wearing are more natural styles so braiding tresses like Kanekelon hair is typically used. This type of hair can be found at your local beauty supply shop.

If you want to don a hairstyle that is relatively fast to install, crochet braids are the way to go. You could spend as little as two and half hours applying crochet braids, depending on the style you prefer. Installing this protective hairstyle is not very time consuming.

Crochet braids are extremely versatile and you can have different hairstyles installed over time. Your natural hair is easy to keep clean and is highly protected by wearing crochet braids. Most protective styles put a lot of tension on your scalp, but crochet braids actually lessen the tension. Be sure your cornrows are not put in too tight. Maintaining a healthy scalp and skin condition is easily accomplished through this hairstyle.

3How long do crochet braids last – Things to Consider

As with all hairstyles, there are important points to consider when thinking of having crochet braids installed. Understanding the downsides to the crochet method will help you as you journey through the world of hairstyles.

This particular type of hair has the tendency to frizz up easily and does not last as long as box braids. Crochet braids are not as easy to wash. You will have to change the hair often or the hair you install needs to be of high quality.

A certain hooking needle known as a latch hook is needed to apply the braids. A bobby pin can be used, but the application process takes longer.

Be sure to apply the braids correctly or they sag which causes the braids to look shabby. Knots can often be seen in people’s hair if the braids are not installed correctly.

4How to Braid Hair for Crochet | Items Needed to Install Crochet Braids

The following list of items are needed to install crochet braids.

  • A neat, combed through coupe that has been braided into cornrows.
  • You will need a latch hook which can be purchased at your local hair shop or store. Latch hooks are also available at embroidery, hobby, or furniture stores.
  • About three to five packs of braiding hair are needed (depends on your style, crochet length, and the volume you’d choose to have). Different kinds of crochet hair such as Marley or Kanekalon Aishwarya Curls can be used to create crochet braids.
  • If you wanna give your hair more bounce and curl definition you can also use curlformers or Flexi rods.
  • Hot water is needed to fixate your new curls.
  • A leave-in condition will keep your new hair soft and super silky.
  • To keep your natural hair healthy, oil and scalp spray are needed.

5Steps to Installing Crochet Braids

  • Step One: Apply cornrows to hair that is clean and has been moisturized. You are able to choose from a variety of patterns of cornrows depending on the type of hair you are using and how you would like to style it.

Cornrows that go from ear to ear are wonderful for straight textures as well as pre-braided or pre-twisted textures. Hair is able to lay flat and there are no parts exposed.

Curly and wavy textures go well with cornrows that are straight back and attached across the nape of your neck. Hair is able to be pulled up and no braids are exposed.

A beehive cornrow pattern is great for increased volume and full styles. The beehive is best used when the braid starts at the middle and ends at the perimeter. If you prefer your hair to be voluminous and large, this is the perfect cornrow pattern for you.

  • Step Two: Lace the crochet hair through the cornrow using a crochet needle.
  • Step Three: Slide the needle under the cornrow. Be sure the latch is closed.
  • Step Four: Open the latch and hook the hair onto the needle. Close the latch.
  • Step Five: Pull the hair and needle under the cornrow. A medium-sized hoop needs to form.
  • Step Six: Now, a loop should be on one side of the cornrow and tails on the other side.
  • Step Seven: The tails need to be folded over the cornrow and put through the loop. Do not tighten just yet.
  • Step Eight: Twist the loop with your fingers and pull the tails through the loop once again. Do this one more time. Then, pull to tighten and secure your hair.
  • Step Nine: At this point, your first crochet stitch should be secured. Repeat these steps until your whole head is covered.

6Tips for Installing Crochet Braids

  • Be sure your hair is neat and clean before you install crochet braids or any other type of weave or braids.
  • Hair needs to be adequately moisturized before installing crochet braids. The braids will be in for a few weeks and you want to make sure your hair is not too dry.
  • Use your best judgment when spacing the hair. When most of the hair has been installed, feel and look around your head. If you would like to achieve more volume, add hair in places. If certain places are too thick, take some hair out.
  • As you get to the front of your hair, be more careful. At this point, you may want to start using thinner strips of hair to ensure smaller knots that are less visible.

7How to Care for Your Crochet Braids

Your crochet braids can last anywhere from two to eight weeks depending on how well you care for them. The recommended duration for wearing crochet braids is four weeks. If you would like to wear your crochet braids for a longer period of time, a tightly curled texture is best as it will take more time for the curls to loosen or frizz. There are numerous tips on how to maintain your crochet braids throughout the weeks.

8Washing Your Crochet Braids

The most contentious part of crochet braids is washing them. If you wash these braids you would your natural hair or even a weave, there is a chance you will loosen the knots. There are those who opt not to wash their hair when they wear crochet braids. This is fine if you do not wear the crochets for too long and you clean your hair before installing the braids. Here is a simple way to wash your crochet braids.

  • Spray your scalp with a bottle of watered down shampoo.
  • Lightly massage your scalp.
  • Gently cowash the added hair. This is an optional step.
  • Carefully rinse out the watered down shampoo from your scalp and hair.
  • Condition the added hair as you would your natural hair and rinse. This is an optional step.
  • Condition cornrowed hair with a light mixture of leave-in conditioner.
  • Gently add a moisturizer to your hair and the added hair. Seal with an oil.

The main component of this approach is to focus on your scalp rather than your added hair. Make sure to dry your hair thoroughly to reduce mildew forming in your hair. Wash your hair once every two weeks.

9Crochet Braids Daily Maintenance

  • Keep the added hair and your natural hair moisturized by spraying it with a moisturizing mixture such as aloe vera water and a leave-in conditioner. Coconut oil is another excellent choice.
  • As you shower or sleep through the night, you can pineapple your crochet braids or cover them with a satin bonnet. Braiding the hair up into large, loose braids is also an option.
  • That’s it, now it’s time for you to wear your beautiful new crochet braids with dignity and grace for any occasion.
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