How to Style Crochet Braids

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: October 25, 2021 References

Crochet braids are a popular way to add hair extensions to your natural hair. This look adds more texture to your hair and gives you a variety of options when it comes to styling. From updos to half-up styles, you can give your crochet braids a different look with just a few steps. You can then maintain your crochet braids to ensure they look their best every day.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:
Creating Updos

1
Do a high ponytail. Create a simple, easy style by gathering your hair onto the top of your head. Secure your hair by wrapping a hair tie around it several times and then separate the hair into 2 equal sections. Lay each section over your shoulders so they frame your face nicely.^{[1]
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- You may use more than 1 hair tie if you have thick crochet braids.
- If you have shorter sections of hair in the front of your face, you may pull them out from the ponytail so they frame your face.
2
Create a high bun. Gather your hair on the top of your head with your hands, forming a ponytail. Wrap the hair around on the top of the ponytail to create a bun. Slide hair pins into your hair to secure it. You can also wrap a hair tie around the bun several times to secure it.^{[2]
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- A high bun is a great style for a formal event or a special occasion.
3
Do side braids. Part your hair in the middle from your forehead to the nape of your neck, forming 2 sections. Separate 1 section into 3 smaller sections and loop each section over 1 another, braiding them. Repeat this on the other side, forming 2 braids on either side of your head.
- Secure the ends of the braids with hair ties. Dab hair oil on the ends of the braids to prevent frizz or flyaways.
4
Create a braid crown. Start by separating your hair into 2 sections. You should have 1 section that is a horizontal area from the top of your ears to the top of your head, and 1 section that is a horizontal area from the bottom of your ears to the nape of your neck. Take 3 small sections from the top part and do an inside-out French braid along your hairline, adding more hair to each section as you go.^{[3]
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- If your crochet braids are thick, you can twist each section and then braid them so they stay together. Secure the braid at the other end of your head with hair pins, forming a braid crown.
- Finish the style by wrapping the bottom section of hair around itself into a bun at the nape of your neck.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:
Doing Half-up Styles

1
Do a half bun or ponytail. Part your hair horizontally from ear to ear. Pull the top section of your hair onto the top of your head. You can twist the hair upward to create a nice, even sweep if your crochet braids are long or thick. Then, wrap the hair around to form a bun or leave it loose to create a ponytail. Secure the bun or ponytail with a hair tie. Leave the bottom section of your hair loose for a half-up look.
- If there are any loose sections around your face, you can pull on them with your fingertips so they frame your face.
2
Create a side twist or loose braid. Make a deep side part from your forehead to the nape of your neck. Lift 1 to 2 in (2.5 to 5.1 cm) of hair near your forehead on the side with more hair. Braid the hair in a thick braid or twist the hair several times to form a side twist. Place the end of the braid or twist at the back of your head, towards the nape of your neck.^{[4]
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- Take 1-2 strands of hair near your forehead from the opposite side of your head and use them to tie the ends of the twist or braid. Loop the pieces together to form a loose knot so the style stays in place.
- You can then smooth the loose section with your fingers to remove any frizz or flyaways.
3
Do a loose back knot. Part your hair in the middle, running from your forehead to the nape of your neck. Then, take 1-2 strands of hair from the bottom side sections of your head, just below your ears. Hold each section in your hands on either side of your head. Lift the sections upward and bring them to the back of your head. Secure them together at the back by tying them in a loose knot.^{[5]
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- For a more dramatic look, you can take 3-5 strands of hair from bottom side sections of your head and tie them together in the back. This will create a higher front section on your head.
- This is a great style if you are on the go and want an easy option that keeps the crochet braids out of your face.
4
Try 2 small side ponytails for a fun look. Part the top section of your hair in the middle, running from your forehead to the nape of your neck. Then, take a 2- to 4-in (5.2- to 10.2-cm) section of hair from your hairline between the center part and your ear. Angle the section upward, away from your face, and tie it up with a hair tie to form a side ponytail.^{[6]
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- Repeat this on the other side, creating 2 small side ponytails with your hair.
5
Create a top crown style with 2 small side ponytails. Part your hair vertically in the center from your forehead to the crown of your head. Gather the hair from your hairline to the crown of your head on 1 side of the part and put it in a ponytail. Repeat on the other side, then:^{[7]
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- Twist 1 ponytail around several times and place it across the top of your head so the ends touch the top of the other ponytail. Wrap the end of the ponytail around the top of the other ponytail, securing it with hair pins.
- Next, take the other ponytail and twist it around several times, placing it on the top of your head, next to the existing twist. Curl the ends of the ponytail around the other, secured ends and pin it in place to form a top crown.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:
Maintaining Crochet Braids

1
Apply moisturizer to your hair and scalp before you go to bed. Your hair can become dry and frizzy on a day to day basis, especially if it is thick. Use a hair moisturizer that contains hydrating ingredients like shea butter and coconut oil. Rub a handful of moisturizer into the ends of your hair before bed.^{[8]
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- You should also massage the moisturizer into your scalp to ensure it does not become dry or irritated.
2
Wear a satin cap or scarf over your hair when you sleep to reduce frizz. You can apply moisturizer before you put the cap or scarf on to keep your hair extra hydrated.^{[9]
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- You can also sleep on satin pillowcases to prevent frizz.
3
Put moisturizing hair oil on the ends of your hair once a day. Keep your ends from appearing dry or frizzy by using coconut, jojoba, or argan oil. Dab 1-2 drops of oil on the ends of your hair once a day and rub it into your hair with your fingertips.
- Do this first thing in the morning or at night before bed as part of your hair care routine.
4
Trim stray ends of the crochet braids with scissors. If you want to wear crochet braids for weeks on end, you will need to trim the ends to keep them clean and healthy. Use small scissors to trim any pieces of hair at the ends that appear frizzy, raised, or dry.^{[10]
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- Always cut downward at an angle so the ends do not appear too blunt or unnatural.
5
Take out the crochet braids after 3-4 weeks. Crochet braids are a great protective style you can wear for several weeks at a time. Keeping the braids in for longer than 4 weeks can cause scalp irritation and other issues. Remove the braids by gently unbraiding them from your natural hair.
- Crochet braids are often kept in place with cornrows so you may need the pointed end of a rat comb to undo the cornrows.
- You can also get them removed professionally at a salon to avoid damaging your natural hair.

Community Q&A

Question

When doing crochet braid,s how can I ensure both sides of your head are even?

Community Answer

Try to pre-part the hair you will braid. This way, you will know how many braids there are on each side of the head.