Crochet hairstyles, with their roots in the ’90s and resurgence in the mid-2000s, have emerged as a go-to hair extension technique that marries style with convenience. In an era where DIY natural hair care reigns supreme, crochet hairstyles are making a strong case for their place in your style repertoire.
Dissimilar to their counterparts like feed-in braids, crochet hairstyles offer a host of unique benefits, as hairstylist and author Kee Taylor notes. “The standout advantage of crochet hair is its speed,” Taylor explains. “Traditional extensions can be a time-consuming process and may cause discomfort due to scalp tension. Conversely, crocheting hair extensions can be a breeze if executed skillfully.”
To demystify this technique, Taylor provides an insightful breakdown of what you need to know about crochet hairstyles.
Understanding the Crochet Hair Technique
Envision it as a creative form of fabric crochet, but for your hair. “It’s the art of integrating hair extensions into cornrows or braided hair using a latch hook,” Taylor elaborates. “Once the extensions are secured in place, they are looped through the pre-braided cornrows.”
The cyclical resurgence of this technique can be attributed to its simplicity, as it offers an easier path to achieving iconic ’90s hairstyles, such as jumbo twists, with significantly less effort. Furthermore, opting for crochet extensions sidesteps some of the side effects typically associated with traditional hair extension methods. “Since these extensions are attached to the cornrows, they exert less tension on your roots, reducing the risk of breakage,” Taylor explains. “Crochet styles also offer more versatility than their manually installed counterparts. With crochet, you can choose to expose some of your natural hair depending on the spacing of your braids and your preference for daily styling.”
When it comes to styling your crochet extensions seamlessly, Taylor shares a valuable tip: “Ensure that your braids are tightly woven near the parting, ensuring that your natural hair remains discreet, and your closure appears impeccably integrated.”
Drawing Inspiration from Crochet Hairstyles
The beauty of crochet hairstyles is their adaptability to suit any hair type, provided your natural hair is prepped with cornrows. Here, we offer a glimpse of some enticing variations of this trend:
1. Half-Up, Half-Down Crochet Hairstyle
Embrace the versatility of crochet extensions with a captivating half-up, half-down hairstyle.
2. Crochet Bob Hairstyle
For those seeking a departure from traditional braids, crochet accommodates looser hair texture extensions, as exemplified by this chic bob.
3. Cornrowed Crochet Hairstyle
This style cleverly mimics the popular cornrow sew-in, employing the crochet technique for a fresh take on a classic.
4. Crochet Curls
If you desire voluminous curls, this crochet style is designed to turn heads.
5. Kinky-Curly Crochet Hairstyle
With a kinkier hair texture, you can opt for crochet extensions at the back while leaving your natural hair at the top, achieving a seamless blend.
Crochet hairstyles offer a blend of nostalgia, convenience, and style, making them a viable addition to your hairstyle repertoire, regardless of your hair type. These effortlessly chic extensions continue to captivate fashion-forward individuals, offering a creative outlet for self-expression.
