How To Braid Hair For Crochet: Best Hair-Styling Tips!

For a simple crochet braid, begin by parting your hair and clip away sections you’re not working on. Start braiding from the back, use the tail-end technique for consistency. After that, switch the braid direction for a balanced look. 

Divide the front hair into sections and create 15-18 symmetrical braids, using a consistent technique. Lastly, focus on maintaining braid direction for a smooth and flat overall installation. 

Now, you know how to braid hair for crochet. For a clear overview and more styling tips, have a read ahead.

Key Takeaways:

  • To prepare for crochet braids, start by cleansing hair and scalp, then moisturize using castor oil, and blow dry
  • Braid hair for crochet with beginner steps like parting and sectioning, back section braiding, edge crocheting, and front patterning
  • Crochets allow various styles like Beehive, Micro-Pattern, Four-Way Vixen, Zig-Zag, Invisible Part, U-Part, Straight-Backs, etc. to offer diverse options

What’s A Crochet Braid?

A crochet braid is a hairstyle that uses a crochet hook for weaving synthetic hair extensions through natural hair. As the name suggests, crochet braids are made of synthetic hair that are crocheted into your hair. 

Crochet Braids can survive for several weeks if properly cared for and maintained. This hairstyle trend started with Beyoncé’s beehive look and changed from sew-ins. So, they are quite a wonderful option for folks who want to try out new hairstyles.

The crochet braids trend is all about making hairstyling easy and quick. It’s a new hairstyle that helps to protect your hair. Crochet braids are a less time-consuming alternative to braiding each strand of hair individually. 

Preparing Hair For Crochet Braids

For every hairstyle, you need to start with a perfect base. So, you have to prepare your base or hair first. Here is the step-by-step procedure with clear instructions on how to prepare hair for crochet braids:

Cleanse Your Hair and Scalp

Start with cleaning your hair and scalp thoroughly with a sulfate-free shampoo like PURA D’OR Anti-Thinning Biotin Shampoo. It would break down the old product build-up, excess oil, and dry scalp. Then, use a shampoo that gently cleans away the impurities without leaving your hair feeling all stripped and parched.

Moisturize Your Hair

Once your strands are clean and good to go, add moisture back to your hair with a rinse-out conditioner. Then, lay a moisturizer foundation along with a hair mask or a conditioner. 

It will help as well in making the detangling process much smoother. Use a combing creme like Kerastase Nutritive Lait Vital to aid in the detangling process.

Protect Your Hair

If you plan on blow-drying your hair right before weaving your cornrows, spritz in the castor oil. It is good for heat protection and extra fortifying.

Following these steps properly, you can ensure that your hair is in good condition prior to applying crochet braids.

Product NameFeatures
PURA D’OR Anti-Thinning Biotin Shampoo and ConditionerIt is the cleanest and most moisturizing natural shampoo and conditioner set available.
Kerastase Nutritive Lait Vital ConditionerIt is a Nourishing and lightweight formula for hydration as well as healthy hair. Illuminates shiny hair then easily detangles them. Good for normal or dry hair.
Cliganic Organic Castor OilIt is USDA organic certified for ensuring ultimate quality and integrity.

Simple And Easy Steps To Braid Hair For Crochet

After preparing your hair, you can follow these simple and easy steps to braid your hair for crochet. These are detailed and beginner-friendly steps, that would guide you all the way to the end. 

Parting and Sectioning

  • Use a right tail comb for parting. That is a comb with a pointed end for creating clean and precise partings in the hair.
  • Choose a comb that’s gentle on the scalp. When selecting a comb, it’s important to opt for one that won’t cause discomfort or irritation to the scalp.
  • Part slightly a bit off-center due to a widow’s peak. The parting should be slightly off-center to accommodate a widow’s peak. It is a V-shaped hairline formation at the forehead.
  • The parting line should be created from one ear to the other. Also extending slightly beyond the ears for improved hair arrangement and styling.
  • Clip away sections for later. Sections of hair that are not being immediately worked on are secured or clipped away to keep them organized. 

Braiding The Back Section

  • Start with back section braiding. Begin the braiding process with the hair at the back of the head.
  • Braid using a tail-end technique. This technique involves using the tail or end of a previous braid as part of the new braid. This can help maintain a consistent and seamless pattern.
  • Alternate braid direction for even distribution. To achieve a balanced and uniform appearance, alternate the direction in which the braids are created.
  • Distribute bulk for a flat, realistic look. Ensure that the hair is evenly distributed within each braid, preventing any bulky or uneven sections.
  • Braid edges with precision for neatness. Pay close attention to the edges of the braids to achieve a neat and well-defined finish.
Source: Pinterest

Edge Crocheting

  • Apply hair growth oil for a full look. Hair growth oil is used to enhance the thickness giving a full look to the hair.
  • Pull the tail end of a braid through neighboring braids for a flat base. This technique involves weaving the end of a braid through nearby braids to create a flat and secure foundation.
  • Use edge control for a polished look. Edge control products are applied to smooth and tame any flyaway hairs along the hairline, providing a polished appearance.

Creating the Front Section Braid Pattern 

  • Divide hair into sections for front braids. The hair at the front side of the head is divided into sections in preparation for braiding.
  • Create 15-18 braids, aiming for symmetry. A specific number of braids (15-18) are created in the front section. The goal is to attain a balanced and symmetrical look.
  • Use the same braiding technique as the back section. The braiding technique used in the front section is consistent with the one in the back section.
  • Focus on the braid direction for a flat install. Attention is given towards the direction in which the braids are formed to ensure a smooth and flat installation.

Also, here is a video tutorial that is visually demonstrating the steps mentioned above. 

Crochet Braid Pattern For VERY NATURAL LOOKING INSTALL!

How To Crochet Braided Hair?

For crocheting the braided hair, you can follow the method below.

  • Take hair strands of a suitable size and loop them around the index finger.
  • Insert a latch hook through a braid, loop the hair, close the latch, and then pull the hair through.
  • Continue crocheting along the braids, ensuring even spacing between sections.
  • For invisible parts, go under the braid, and loop hair around the finger. Use half of the hair for each knot, and secure with bobby pins to maintain flatness.
  • Complete crocheting using large pieces of hair, ensuring a natural and full appearance.
  • Achieve a natural, textured appearance using affordable Kanekalon hair.
  • Crocheting takes under 30 minutes for the entire head, providing quick and stunning results.
  • Cut and layer the hair for added dimension or blow-dry/straighten it for a flattering look.

For proper visual guidelines, you can see this video and follow it as well.

HOW TO CROCHET WITH BRAIDING HAIR: Detailed Tutorial Kanekalon Crochet

You may easily find crochet braid hairs online. You can use regular-pack hair, like Kanekalon crochet hair extensions, which is cost-effective and readily available. 

But do consider looking into the crochet braid prices and compare before that. 

Product NameFeatures
SuCoo Kanekalon Jumbo Braiding ExtensionsThey are High-Temperature Fiber Crochet Twist Braids. You Can Choose the Nice Color or Whatever You Want since multiple colors are available.

Popular Crochet Braid Hairstyles

Crochet braids offer several hairstyles, ranging from natural afros to elegant blowouts. You can try popular DIY styles including Faux Locs, Passion TwistsSenegalese Twists, etc. 

You can achieve a textured Medium Afro or a salon-like Straight Blowout by threading and fluffing. Marley Twists, resembling rope-like Senegalese twists with spiraled texture, are another option. 

7 Popular Additional Braiding Styles

Crochet braiding offers various styles, including braids, twists, weaves, and wigs. Popular patterns include-

  1. The Beehive, 
  2. Micro-Pattern, 
  3. Four-Way Vixen Pattern, 
  4. Zig-zag Pattern, 
  5. Invisible Part Method, 
  6. U-part Pattern, 
  7. Straight-back Cornrows. 

These 7 popular braid style procedures are versatile and can be customized with different hair textures and lengths. The Beehive is ideal for long natural hair, while Micro-Pattern involves tiny braids from scalp to end.

How Much Does It Cost To Do Crochet Braids?

If you want to install a crochet braid, don’t lose your calm when you find the process challenging. You can always install a crochet with the help of a hairstylist. 

Highly experienced stylists and celebrity choices can be pricey, reaching $500-$600. For budget-conscious individuals, local hairstylists charge around $100-$300. 

Some places like Harlem or Chicago offer options as low as $75-$100. In Atlanta, you can do crochet styling with an average price of $90-$160. 

For New Orleans, the average crochet braid styling costs around $100-$275. Whereas, in Detroit, the average cost for crochet braiding ranges between $51-$270.

Researching salons based on your preferences is valuable in finding the right fit. 

Meanwhile, you can also have an idea about the cost of installing crochet braids for your hair type. 

Benefits Of Having Crochet Braids

Crochet braids offer numerous benefits, including convenience for hair care and heat protection. They are a cost-effective use of synthetic hair, good for quick installation, and offer versatile styling options. 

Crochets are ideal for DIY enthusiasts. They provide an accessible entry point for those transitioning from salon visits to DIY. Because they offer a stylish and budget-friendly option.

Caring For And Maintaining Crochet Braids

You need to make sure to take proper care to maintain your crochet braids. You can follow the following tips below to ensure that.

  • Prioritize scalp care during crochet braid installation by using a lightweight, deeply moisturizing oil. 
  • Moisturize natural hair using hair oil and Mimosa Hair Honey to combat frizz.
  • Crochet braids can last 4-8 weeks. But aim to remove them not later or more than eight long weeks to maintain hair health. 
  • Wear a bonnet or satin scarf to protect your style while sleeping, to prevent drying, matting, or frizz.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Installing Crochet Braids Time-Consuming?

Not, really! Installing crochet braids is far less time-consuming than other related hairstyles, like box braids. It takes around one and a half to three hours in terms of a professional’s effort. However, It may take more time if you are trying it the first time.

Do Crochet Braids Damage Your Hair?

Yes, if done incorrectly or carelessly crochet braids can damage your hair. The base in the case of this hairstyle is cornrows braided over to the scalp. If the cornrows are overly tight, the stress caused by the braids will result in hair loss and thinning. 

How Many Pack Of Hair Do You Exactly Need For A Crochet?

Normally, you would need four to eight packs of hair to crochet. But, it varies because of length and body sometimes. Like, if you want knee-length Solange-worthy hair, you’ll probably need 10 packs of hair for body and length.

Conclusion Line

You probably got the idea of how to braid hair for crochet. With these helpful tips and easy-to-follow steps, you may start your crochet braiding adventure with confidence. 

Now you can match this stylish trend and meanwhile, at the same time, protect your hair. Enjoy stylish and well-maintained crochet braids that showcase your unique style as well as personality.

Katharyn Riedel

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