If you are a lover of self-styled hair, you must have heard about crocheting. And if you have not, it’s about time you learnt about it.
Crocheting refers to a method of adding hair extension by fixing it on cornrows using a crochet hook. You can wear the hair extension twisted, straight, curly or braided. It creates a natural look.
Most people mistake weaving for crocheting. Although the two methods are similar in that the hair used is fixed on cornrows, they differ. In weaving, you sew in a large part of the hair. Crocheting, on the other hand, involves letting the hair extension loose.
Why You Should Crochet Your Hair
There are numerous reasons why crocheting is the go-to style. Let’s look at a few.
It is easy to do
If you are seeking to reduce your trips to the salon, crocheting is a great start. With time and practice, you can become a master of styling hair. The best thing about crocheting is that the cornrows do not have to be perfect. The hair extensions will cover them.
They are affordable
With crocheting, you can look good without breaking your budget. You do not need to pay a hairdresser. All you need are quality braids or hair extensions, a crotchet hook, and a thread. And you can use a bobby pin in place of the crochet hook.
They are fast
Compared to braiding or twisting your hair the traditional way, crocheting is quick. You can complete the entire head in about two and a half hours. It could take more or less time, depending on the style. As you get used to crocheting, your hands will get faster.
It is protective
Crocheting is a protective hairstyle that facilitates hair growth. It keeps you from exposing your hair to too much heat. It is also gentle on your hairline because there is not much pulling involved.
Step by Step Guide to Crocheting Your Hair
Step 1
Wash your hair and moisturize your scalp. You are going to be wearing the crochet hair for a few weeks; you need your hair to be clean.
Step 2
Braid your hair into cornrows. They will act as a base for the hair extensions you will be using. To create cornrows, divide your hair into one-inch sections from your forehead towards the nape of your neck. Braid through.
There are different types of cornrows you can use. For instance, you can have ten cornrows at the front, joining to five cornrows at the back, or twelve cornrows joining to six at the back.
Tie down the loose ends of cornrows by sewing them together. Use a thread that is the same colour as your natural hair.
Step 3
Use a crochet hook to begin crocheting at the base of your neck. Open the crochet hook. Push it under one of the braids. Hook hair extension on the needle. Ensure that it is all in. Close the latch. Pull the needle with the hair under the cornrow. It should form a loop that is medium-sized. The loop will be on one side of cornrow and the tail on the other.
Take the tail and pass them through loop.
Now twist this loop and pass the tails through it again.
Pull to tighten. It should form a knot on the cornrow. Repeat these stitches until your head is covered.
Important Tips
When working on the front, use less strips of hair. It will make the knots less visible.
Once you complete working on the entire head, check for places where the volume does not appear enough and add some hair. Where it is too thick, remove some stitches.
Work slowly to avoid damaging your hair or the extensions.
Creating Invisible Knots
You may want to create invisible knots at the front of your hair. It makes your crochet braids neat. It is best to create invisible knots on the two cornrows where the hair parts.
To make an invisible knot, pull the hair extension under cornrow to create a loop as you did with the rest of the hair. But instead of pulling both ends of the hair through loop, only pull one end to create a knot. Repeat this in every area where the knots are likely to be exposed.
How to Clean Crocheted Hair
It may not be necessary to clean the hair if you are keeping it for two weeks. But for four to eight weeks, clean it once every two weeks.
Here is how to go about it.
Add a mixture of watered-down shampoo into a spray bottle. Spray it on the scalp and massage it.
Although your focus should be on your natural hair and scalp, you can gently co-wash the hair extension or braid.
Rinse out the shampoo and co-wash.
Condition your natural hair by spraying it with a watered-down leave-in conditioner. For the hair extension, condition it normally and rinse out.
Ensure that the hair dries well.
Use a moisturizer on your cornrows, scalp, and hair extensions. Finish up by applying your favourite hair oil.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How long do crochet braids last?
How long your crochet braids last will depend on your natural hair. But with proper care, they will last up to eight weeks. But it is recommendable to wear them for four weeks. Monitor your natural hair, and you will know when it is time to remove the braids.
How do you moisturize crochet hair?
You can moisturize crotchet hair by spraying a water-based moisturizer on your natural hair and scalp under the braids. Massage the scalp and hair with oil to lock in the moisture.
How do you take care of crochet braids at night?
To take care of crochet braids at night, use your fingers to disentangle the hair. Divide the hair into sections. Create two-strand twists of the sections to keep the curls. Cover the hair with a satin scarf or bonnet.
How do you take out crochet braids?
To take out your crochet braids, cut the extensions at the base, right above the knots. Be sure not to cut your natural hair. Undo the cornrows. With the hair extension cut, the knots will come off effortlessly.