Editor’s Note: One of the best things to help you gain a new outlook on life is to refresh your style. Whether it’s autumn cleaning or time for a winter update, a new hairstyle is the best way to embrace your uniqueness, and I find that a new hairstyle always leaves me with an extra skip in my step! Crochet braids are a great choice for switching up your style, as they are low-maintenance and long-lasting. They are also great for learning how to DIY, if you’re like me and love learning how to take care of your hair by yourself. Concerned you won’t know how to take care of your new crochet braids? Don’t forget to check out our maintenance guide at the end of the article for tips on caring for your new look.
If you have natural hair, one of the best ways to change up your style is to install some crochet braids. These braids are easily installed, available in a variety of different styles, and last for a fairly long time. Not to mention, they don’t take that long to install or take out!
If you’re interested in DIYing your own crochet braids, the first thing you’ll need is some quality crochet hair. There are so many brands out there offering hair in different colors and pre-braided styles that it can be quite overwhelming to find the best product. Fortunately, that is where we come in!
We’ve created a list of the best hair for crochet braids out there and included a full breakdown on what you need to know about crochet braids. Read on to find out our top 10 hair picks!
- What Are Crochet Braids?
- Top 10 Best Hair for Crochet Braids 2024
- 1. Best Overall Hair: Beyond Beauty Spring Twist Synthetic Braiding Hair
- 2. Best Premium Hair: Dorsanee Passion Twist Crochet Braiding Hair
- 3. Best Budget Hair: Befunny Senegalese Twist Crochet Braiding Hair
- 4. Best Hair for DIY Lovers: Difunee Pre-Stretched Braiding Hair Extensions
- 5. Hair With Best Color Variety: Toyotress Passion Twist Hair
- 6. Best Hair for Medium Styles: MIRRA'S MIRROR Spring Twist Crochet Hair
- 7. Best Hair for Locs: Karida Curly Faux Locs Crochet Hair
- 8. Best Hair for Short Styles: Kori Koli Curly Pre-Twisted Synthetic Crochet Hair
- 9. Best Hair for Long Styles: Flyteng Senegalese Twist Hair Crochet Braids
- 10. Best Hair for Adding Volume: Admutty Havana Twist Crochet Hair
- Everything You Need to Know About Crochet Braid Hair
- What Are the Benefits of Crochet Braids?
- Types of Crochet Braid Styles
- How to Install Crochet Braids
- Pro Tips for Smooth Installation
- Can You Have Braidless Crochet Braids?
- How to Take Care of Crochet Braids
- How Long Can You Wear Crochet Braids?
- How to Freshen up Crochet Braids
- Taking Out Your Crochet Braids
- Can Crochet Braids Damage Your Hair?
- Can You Reuse Crochet Braid Hair?
- The Best Braided Style for You
What Are Crochet Braids?
Though many people refer to the actual hair as crochet braids, this name actually refers to the style in which the hair is installed. Crochet braids are any type of low-maintenance style that is created using synthetic or natural hair extensions.
These extensions are added onto the head via the crocheting method of looping the hair through a cornrow and fastening it with a type of knot. This method is slightly more natural looking and better for the hair than other extension styles would be, and it is fairly simple to learn to DIY.
For more information on the benefits of crochet braids, you can skip down below.
What to Look for in Crochet Braid Hair
When selecting a set of crochet hair to purchase, there are some important factors to look for that can help you make your decision.
Length
Crochet braid hair is available in a number of different lengths ranging from 10 to 22 inches long; lengths are measured in increments of 2. Shorter and medium hairstyles can be created with 10-, 12-, or 14-inch hair, with any length over 14 inches being categorized as a long style.
If you are not sure what length you want, select a brand like MIRRA’S MIRROR Spring Twist Crochet Hair that has multiple lengths available so you can try out your options and select your favorite.
Number of Packs
Most crochet hairs are sold in packs of 3, but you can find some available in packs of 8 and 12. On average, it takes 4 to 6 packs of hair to cover your head, but this amount can change on the type of crochet hair you’re buying, if the hair is pre-twisted or not, and how much volume and braid width you want to add into your style.
Material
Most hair for crochet braids will be made out of Kanekalon fiber. This is a synthetic fiber that is super soft and perfectly suited to crochet braids, as its texture resembles relaxed natural hair. It is also easily maintained and fairly lightweight. Alternatively, you can find crochet hair that is made out of other types of synthetic fibers or, less commonly, from human hair.
It may be helpful for you to look for a hair that is able to be “hot water set,” as this will come in handy when it is time to finalize your crochet style. You can read more about this later in our full guide.
Color
When choosing a brand of hair to work with, it is very important to make sure that the color you prefer is available. Most crochet hairs will be available in a range of natural colors, with some brands also offering ombre styles or hair dyed in fashion colors.
For a product that is available in a number of colors, we recommend Toyotress Passion Twist Hair.
Style
There are many different styles that you can pull off with your crochet hair. You can purchase hair that is already pre-braided or twisted in a certain style (like goddess locs or passion twists), or you can select something like Difunee’s Braiding Hair Extensions which are pre-stretched and ready to be turned into whichever style you desire.
Now that you know the basics of what to look for in crochet braid hair, let’s get to our list of the top 10 products out there!
Top 10 Best Hair for Crochet Braids 2024
1. Best Overall Hair: Beyond Beauty Spring Twist Synthetic Braiding Hair
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Lengths Available: 8 to 16 inches
- Packs Included: 3
- Material: Kanekalon Fiber
- Colors Available: 15
- Style: Spring Twist
The Synthetic Braiding Hair from Beyond Beauty is created from Kanekalon Fiber, allowing it to be supremely soft. The texture feels natural and lightweight, so you won’t have to worry about it weighing down your head as you wear it. The spring twists themselves are bouncy and healthy-looking. It’s a good choice of product for someone who prefers their hair to look and feel as natural as possible.
There is a lot of hair included per pack. Even though they’re only sold in packs of 3, it is generally enough to cover your whole head. However, if you have a slightly larger head or prefer a fuller look, you may need to go ahead and purchase another pack of 3.
On the downside, this hair does tangle easily, and it can be a little hard to work with right out of the pack. It may also not last as long on your head due to the fact that the ends are so prone to tangling. If you are looking for a more reusable, lasting hair, we suggest Dorsanee Passion Twist Crochet Braiding Hair instead.
Pros
- Soft and lightweight
- High coverage per pack of hair
- Bouncy, natural looking spring twists
Cons
- Tangles easily
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Lengths Available: 12 to 22 inches
- Packs Included: 6, 7, or 8
- Material: Low Temperature Synthetic Fiber
- Colors Available: 15
- Style: Passion Twist
The Dorsanee Passion Twist Crochet Braiding Hair is very simple to work with. The texture of it is soft and natural feeling, and the twists themselves are high quality. They will not unravel easily, making this a great product to get if you are interested in reusing your hair. This product is easily freshened up and installed again for another style.
The coloring on each of the hairs is very true to color. If you are looking for a product to perfectly match your skin tone and natural hair, or want more of a fashion color, this hair is a good choice. Each of the options offered are vibrant and stylish, and what you see in the pictures will be what you get, so you don’t have to worry about the hair not matching you.
Unfortunately, this hair is not prelooped, which can be a hassle for installing the hair. Every pack of hair you get also needs to be washed or soaked before use, as there is a little bit of a smell and a synthetic sheen on top of the strands that make them look less than natural.
Pros
- Easily reusable
- Product is very true to color
- Simple to work with
Cons
- Hair is not prelooped
- Needs to be washed before use
3. Best Budget Hair: Befunny Senegalese Twist Crochet Braiding Hair
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Lengths Available: 14 to 22 inches
- Packs Included: 3 or 8
- Material: Heat Resistant Synthetic Fiber
- Colors Available: 7
- Style: Senegalese Twist
The price of this hair is very affordable, making it a great choice for anyone who is looking for hair while on a budget. It is available in packs of 3 or 8, so you are able to choose exactly how much hair you need. The hair itself has a natural sheen to it that doesn’t look fake or give away that the hair is synthetic, making it a good choice for someone who prefers natural looking crochet styles.
This product is packaged with a crochet hook and multicolored hair beads, making it a good option for someone who likes value. These items are also incredibly handy to have if this is your first-time crocheting and you need a needle to get you started.
The quality control on this hair can be a little bit hit or miss, however. In general, the hair you receive will be great quality and very natural looking, but you could also receive an order that has hair with a more synthetic feel or hair that sheds easily. If this happens to you, you can reach out to customer service and have them replace your order.
Pros
- Super affordable
- Packaged with crochet hook and hair beads
- Hair has natural sheen
- Good for first-time crocheters
Cons
- Quality control can be hit or miss
4. Best Hair for DIY Lovers: Difunee Pre-Stretched Braiding Hair Extensions
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Lengths Available: 16 to 30 inches
- Packs Included: 8
- Material: Yaki Synthetic Fiber
- Colors Available: 17
- Style: Relaxed/Silky Yaki
Difunee’s Pre-Stretched Braiding Hair Extensions is great for anyone who loves to create their own braids. This hair can be installed and left as a relaxed, natural style, or you can braid it into your favorite twist or braid style.
Yaki synthetic fiber is used to create this hair. This fiber is very high quality and designed to look like chemically relaxed Afro-textured hair. It is very soft and very easy to work with, and a great choice for anyone who prefers super soft, natural looking hair.
The ends of this hair can be a little stiff, which takes away from the natural look and can make them slightly hard to braid. Additionally, this hair may be hard to hot water seal, leaving your ends looking a little messier than other brands of hair would.
Pros
- Great for DIY use
- Natural looking Yaki synthetic fiber
- Good for straight, relaxed looks
Cons
- Hair ends can be stiff
- Hard to hot water seal
5. Hair With Best Color Variety: Toyotress Passion Twist Hair
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Lengths Available: 12 to 24 inches
- Packs Included: 2, 6, or 7
- Material: Low Temperature Synthetic Fiber
- Colors Available: 14
- Style: Passion Twist
If you’re looking for a brand of hair that features a variety of colors, this product may be just the one for you. Toyotress has passion twist crochet hair available in 14 different colors that range from natural, to fashion colors like blonde, purple, red, and ombre. It is a good choice if you are a fan of vibrant, eye-catching styles.
The ends of this hair are very long-lasting and will not frizz or tangle up on you. They can last up to 8 weeks on your hair while still looking as fresh as the day you installed them. Additionally, this hair doesn’t have any residue or a fake synthetic sheen on the surface, allowing you to use it straight out of the pack, if you choose.
This hair may have a somewhat unpleasant odor to some, and while this smell can go away as you let the hair air out or as you install and start wearing the hair, some users may want to select a product without this problem. We recommend Difunee Pre-Stretched Braiding Hair Extensions in this situation.
Pros
- Large range of vibrant colors
- Hair ends are long-lasting
- No residue or fake gloss on hair surface
Cons
- Hair can have a bad smell
6. Best Hair for Medium Styles: MIRRA'S MIRROR Spring Twist Crochet Hair
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Lengths Available: 10 to 20 inches
- Packs Included: 6
- Material: Low Temperature Synthetic Fiber
- Colors Available: 6
- Style: Spring Twist
This brand of hair is very long-lasting and will stay looking fresh on your hair up to 8 weeks. It is great for creating medium length looks, as the lengths available range between 10 and 20 inches. It also makes a good choice if you want the flexibility of choosing from many different lengths each time you style your hair.
There is a lot of hair included in each pack. One order includes 6 packs of hair, and each of these individual packs has a lot of strands in it. It is a good choice if you want to be able to have some hair left over for touch ups or creating a new style.
This hair does tend to lose curls off of its ends; this creates excess frizz and a slightly unraveled look, which can be a nuisance for some, but can be fixed by hot water sealing your hair and trimming off any frizz that does occur.
Pros
- Great for creating medium length looks
- Long-lasting hair
- Lots of hair included in each pack
Cons
- Can lose curls at the end
7. Best Hair for Locs: Karida Curly Faux Locs Crochet Hair
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Lengths Available: 14, 18, or 24 inches
- Packs Included: 3 or 6
- Material: Kanekalon Fiber
- Colors Available: 15
- Style: Goddess Locs
This crochet hair is styled into a long goddess loc style and is incredibly comfortable to wear. Each of the locs is well made and not likely to unravel or become super frizzy. It is a great choice if you are looking for a longer loc style that is easy to manage on a daily basis.
There is a good natural texture to this hair. It is soft and feels real, and doesn’t have any of the stickiness or stiffness that is associated with synthetic hair. It makes a good option if you want a goddess loc hair that is as real looking as possible.
One drawback of this hair is that is can be a little bit itchy. It may cause your neck or scalp to itch, or in some cases it could cause a slight rash. To prevent this, it is a good idea to prewash or soak your hair in apple cider vinegar before installing it.
Pros
- Comfortable to wear
- Flawless goddess loc style
- Great natural texture
Cons
- Hair can be itchy
8. Best Hair for Short Styles: Kori Koli Curly Pre-Twisted Synthetic Crochet Hair
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Lengths Available: 10 inches
- Packs Included: 3
- Material: Kanekalon Fiber
- Colors Available: 6
- Style: Spring Twist
Kori Koli’s Curly Synthetic Crochet Hair is perfect for shorter crochet hairstyles. If you prefer something that is more face-framing and kinky curly, this product is a good option for you. It effortlessly resembles natural, 4C curly hair, which is great if you want the product to match closely to your natural hair type.
Because this product is curly and spring, it is great for creating fuller looks and adding volume onto a thinner head of hair. It is great if you are a fan of shorter bobs and want something easy to manage.
Unfortunately, you do need at least 6 packs of this hair to fully cover most heads, and the texture of the curls can be a little bit rough. This may lead to itchiness and the hair not looking exactly like natural hair. For a softer crochet hair, we recommend Beyond Beauty’s Spring Twist Synthetic Braiding Hair.
Pros
- Great for short crochet hairstyles
- Resembles natural 4C hair
- Perfect for creating full, thicker looks
Cons
- Need at least 6 packs for a full head
- Texture can be rough
9. Best Hair for Long Styles: Flyteng Senegalese Twist Hair Crochet Braids
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Lengths Available: 14, 18, or 22 inches
- Packs Included: 8
- Material: Kanekalon Fiber
- Colors Available: 8
- Style: Senegalese Twist
The individual twists that make up this product are super neat and stylish looking. They are thin braids that work together to create a long, fashionable style. The lengths available of this product are fairly long, making it a good choice for long hair lovers or anyone who prefers a long Senegalese Twist look.
This hair doesn’t really shed, which is a definite plus. The twists are tight and keep all the hair in place, leading to your look staying relatively fresh and frizz free for as long as you wear it. If you hate crochet hair that sheds everywhere, this product may be a good choice for you.
It is important to note that there is not a lot of hair included per pack with this product. Each order contains 8 packs of hair, but if you have a larger head or prefers more full coverage, you will likely have to order two 8 packs of hair to get the look you want. The hair may also cause you scalp irritation if you don’t wash or soak it before wearing.
Pros
- Neat, stylish looking Senegalese twists
- Great for long hair lovers
- Hair doesn’t shed
Cons
- Hair may cause scalp reaction
- Not a lot of hair per pack
10. Best Hair for Adding Volume: Admutty Havana Twist Crochet Hair
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Lengths Available: 12, 18, or 22 inches
- Packs Included: 6
- Material: Low Temperature Synthetic Fiber
- Colors Available: 6
- Style: Havana Twist
The thicker Havana Twist style braids of this crochet hair are perfect for adding volume to thinner hair. They are also a good choice if you want a striking, face-framing look, or you are a fan of more voluminous braids. The hair itself is very true to size and length, so you can purchase with confidence once you find a picture of the style you like.
On the downside, these braids can be quite heavy, and are not the best choice if you are tender-headed or prefer a more lightweight braid. They are also a little hard to manage on a daily basis due to their size, and may be a little bit uncomfortable to sleep on.
If you are looking for larger braids but want something a little more comfortable to wear, we recommend Kori Koli’s Curly Pre-twisted Synthetic Crochet Hair.
Pros
- Great for adding volume
- Thick Havana Twist braid style
- Very true to size and length
Cons
- Can be quite heavy
- May be hard to manage on a daily basis
Everything You Need to Know About Crochet Braid Hair
Whether you’re a serious beginner or an experienced user of crochet braid hair, this guide can give you all the information you need to know about wearing and maintaining crochet braids.
What Are the Benefits of Crochet Braids?
Crochet braids have many benefits to offer, and you may even find yourself preferring them as your go-to low-maintenance style.
Easy DIY
Crochet braids are one of the easiest low-maintenance style styles to install, and they are simple to install on yourself. All you have to do is know how to cornrow your hair, and even then, it doesn’t have to look pretty because they will be covered up by the time you’re finished.
Jump down to our section on installing crochet braids for the information you need to get started.
Inexpensive
Hair for crochet braids is fairly inexpensive, and you can often end up finding packs of hair that will last you a long time for a low price. This makes the style budget-friendly and a good way to look great without splurging on more expensive hairstyles.
Quick Installation
The time that you spend on installation varies, but for most styles it will be between 2 and a half to 3 hours. While this can still seem like a lot of time to some, it is a pretty quick time for a DIY installation and is much faster that creating box braids or twists.
And if those looks are your favorite, you can always purchase crochet hair that is preset in those styles.
Super Versatile
Not only do crochet braids come packaged in a wide variety of styles, but they also come in plain, pre-stretched versions that you can install and style exactly how you like.
They are designed to look as natural as possible, allowing you to pass them off as your real hair, if you choose. This, combined with how easy it is to install them, makes them a wonderfully versatile choice.
Types of Crochet Braid Styles
There are a few types of crochet braid styles that you may see pre-braided into the hair you purchase. Check out our list for help in navigating the differences between the most popular options.
- Passion Twists: This style is a combination of goddess locs and Senegalese twists. They have a very curly texture and a soft, almost unraveled feel.
- Goddess Locs: Comprised of long, less-than-perfect looking locs, this style is inspired by the bohemian beauty
- Havana Twist: This style is similar to the Senegalese twist, except there are fewer braids and the
- braids are thicker, giving a more voluminous appearance.
- Water Wave: Water wave hair is typically longer. It features curly waves that go in all directions, creating a full look that is also lightweight.
- Senegalese Twist: Senegalese twists are tightly twisted, neat looking braids. They are smaller in diameter and sometimes referred to as “rope twists.”
- Spring Twist: This style features medium-sized braids whose thick wavy pattern resemble springs.
There are many more styles that you are able to create or purchase preset on your crochet hair, but these are the most commonly seen ones. If you are looking for more ideas on what style to wear your crochet hair in, check out this article.
How to Install Crochet Braids
Installing crochet braids can be a little confusing at first, but once you get the hang of the method, it is a fairly simple DIY process.
Below, we have a basic step by step guide for you to reference.
- Cornrow all of your hair.
- Use a crochet needle to start adding in your hair. You should be using larger pieces near the back and thinner pieces near the front for the most natural look.
- To use the crochet needle, loop it through one section of cornrow with the latch closed.
- Once it is through, open the latch, add the hair in, and close the latch.
- You can now pull the needle through the cornrow to create a medium-sized loop.
- Take the end of the hair, fold it over the cornrow, and pull it through the loop. Be careful not to pull it tight yet.
- Using your fingers, twist the loop and pull the end of the hair back through it. Repeat this process one more time before pulling the hair tight.
This is the process for one crochet stich. You can check out this video for a more detailed guide on how to easily crochet your own hair. Keep in mind that you will typically have to hot water set the ends of your braids in order to ensure smoothness and prevent frizz.
Pro Tips for Smooth Installation
Before installing your braids, there are a few things you can do to help the style go on more easily and protect your natural hair.
Wash and Moisturize
Make sure to wash, condition, and thoroughly moisturize your natural hair before installing any type of crochet braid. This helps to protect your hair and prevent any kind of damage.
Remember, you’ll have this style in for several weeks at least; your hair needs to be clean and protected from drying out.
Install First, Trim Later
It can be tempting to start trying to trim and style your hair during the installation process, but this is actually not a good idea. You should be installing all of the hair first before going back to remove frizzy areas and trim or even out the volume of your hair.
Can You Have Braidless Crochet Braids?
If you don’t know how to cornrow but seriously want to try the crochet braid style, it is possible to install crochet braid hair without cornrows. This video can guide you through the technique.
However, you should keep in mind that the double-knotting technique most commonly used to achieve cornrow-less crochet braids may be harder to take out than regularly installed crochet braids.
How to Take Care of Crochet Braids
Taking good care of your crochet braids while they’re installed is the best way to ensure your style looks good for as long as possible.
Washing
You may have heard otherwise, but it is actually important to wash your crochet braids at least every 4 to 5 days after they have been installed for 2 weeks. Doing this helps decrease frizz in the synthetic hair and keeps your style looking fresh as long as possible. This guide can help you out with the washing process.
Remember that you need to make sure your crochet braids are completely dry after washing in order to prevent mold.
Daily Maintenance
Even though your natural hair is up in braids, it is still extremely important to take care of it, and your scalp. You can do this by applying a moisturizing oil to your scalp and natural hair roots every few days, and using mousse on a regular basis to help smooth and control your braids.
Sleeping
While sleeping, you should be tucking your hair into a satin bonnet. This minimizes frizz and tangles on your crochet hair and can keep the style intact for much longer.
How Long Can You Wear Crochet Braids?
In general, your crochet braids should last you between 2 and 8 weeks. Yours might last longer or shorter than this depending on the quality of the hair you use, how you maintain your hair, and the type of style you are wearing.
If you want your braids to last as long as possible, wearing a tightly braided or twisted style is a good idea, as this hair will take longer to unravel and look messy.
How to Freshen up Crochet Braids
Once it’s been several weeks of you wearing your crochet braid style, you may notice that it is not looking as good as it did when you installed it. If you still want to wear the style for a couple of weeks, you can freshen it up by giving it a trim.
You can either choose to trim off any messy ends and clean up frizz, or chop your hair into a much shorter style, like the one demonstrated in this video.
Taking Out Your Crochet Braids
Fortunately, removing crochet braids is a fairly easy process and can be done by yourself at home. In order to remove your hair, you should be cutting each strand you installed as close to the fastening knot on your cornrows as possible. This will help you maintain maximum length if you want to reuse the hair.
Once the knots are all that is left on your natural hair, you can start unbraiding your hair. The knots should fall out as you do this. It is a good idea to use a product that gives your hair some slip while working on the braids to prevent damage.
This video can help you better understand the removal process.
Can Crochet Braids Damage Your Hair?
It is possible for crochet braids to create breakage in your hair or cause traction alopecia as a result of the weight of hair extensions pulling down on your natural hair. This risk of damage greatly increases if you are not taking proper precautions to care for your natural hair in between styles.
In order to prevent damage, you should be maintaining your natural hair in between crochet braids. This is a process that is unique to every individual, but all hair routines should at least include a moisturizing and strengthening product.
In addition, you should select hair that is fairly lightweight, like Beyond Beauty’s Synthetic Braiding Hair, and make sure to keep your scalp clean in order to prevent stunted hair growth.
Crochet Braids and Allergic Reactions
Another, less common, issue is allergic reactions to the chemicals or dye that is used in the creation of crochet braid hair. This occurs when the braids are installed for too long, allowing these ingredients to come into prolonged with your natural hair and scalp, potentially creating a reaction.
If you are experiencing extreme itchiness, pain, or a rash after installing your crochet braid, it is probably a good idea to remove the hair.
Pain When Installing Crochet Braids
As a side note, crochet braid hair shouldn’t hurt to install, and you should not be experiencing extreme pain as anyone braids your hair. Tighter is not always better when it comes to installing any kind of braid or hair extension, and pain should not be a normal part of the styling process.
Can You Reuse Crochet Braid Hair?
You can, in fact, reuse crochet braid hair. As long as your style is not tangled, knotted, or excessively frizzy, you should be able to take it out, wash it, and reinstall it. This guide can help you understand this process.
Just remember that your hair shouldn’t be reused more than once, as it will probably not be in very good condition by then.
The Best Braided Style for You
Selecting crochet braid hair can be a somewhat overwhelming process with all of the brands and styles on the market today. The process of installing your hair can be equally as confusing, but there are many resources out there to help you learn how to DIY your own crochet braids.
When choosing which hair to purchase, keep in mind the length, color, style, and amount of hair you need, and you should be able to find a product that perfectly matches your style in no time!