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Crochet Box Braids - Your Guide To Amazing Hair

Kayla Wunsch Sr.

Thinking about a fresh hair look that is pretty simple to get and also keeps your natural hair safe? Well, you might want to give crochet box braids a real look. These aren't your grandmother's braids, you know; they offer a cool twist on a well-loved style, letting you achieve a wonderful braided appearance without spending hours upon hours in a salon chair. It's truly a fantastic way to change things up, giving your hair a break while still looking absolutely put together.

This particular hair approach has really changed how folks get their braids done, making it quicker and less of a fuss to get those lovely, full braids we all admire. It's a pretty big deal for many, especially those who appreciate styles that look good and also offer some sort of shield for their own hair. So, if you're curious about how this whole thing works, or perhaps you're just looking for some fresh hair ideas, this guide will walk you through what you need to know about these popular braids.

We'll talk about what makes them special, how they come together, and how you can keep them looking good for a decent stretch of time. You'll find out about the different ways to put them in, whether you want to do a full head of individual plaits or add just a few cornrows for a quicker setup. There's a lot to cover, and, you know, it's all about making your hair journey a little bit easier and a lot more fun.

Table of Contents

What Are Crochet Box Braids Exactly?

Crochet box braids are a really clever spin on the traditional box braid look. Instead of someone braiding hair extensions directly into your own strands, which can take a good long while, this method uses a special hook, a crochet hook, to loop pre-made hair extensions onto your natural hair. This typically happens after your own hair has been put into cornrows, or sometimes, you know, even if it's just sectioned off in small individual plaits. The idea is to create the appearance of separate, distinct braids, but with a much quicker setup time. It's a bit like a shortcut to getting that full, braided head of hair.

The hair used for these is usually already braided into individual sections, often with little loops at the top. This makes it super simple to attach them. You just slide the crochet hook through a section of your own hair, hook the loop of the pre-braided extension, and pull it through. Then, you secure it, and there you have it, a neat, individual braid. It’s a pretty neat trick, really, and it means you can get a whole head of braids in a fraction of the time compared to the older ways. This technique is, in a way, a game-changer for those who love the look of braids but don't have endless hours to spare.

These braids offer a very similar visual appeal to classic box braids, giving you that full, textured look. But, you know, the way they are put in is quite different. They are also considered a protective style, meaning they help shield your natural hair from the everyday wear and tear of styling and environmental factors. So, it's not just about looking good; it's also about taking care of your own hair underneath. They come in all sorts of colors and lengths, too, so you can really get creative with your style. For example, you can find them in ombre shades, like black fading into honey blonde, which is, you know, a very popular option.

How Do You Put In Crochet Box Braids?

Putting in crochet box braids involves a few steps, and the exact way you do it can change a little bit depending on the look you're going for. The basic idea, though, is always about using that crochet hook to attach the pre-braided hair. Most people start by preparing their own hair first, which often means washing it, conditioning it, and then making sure it's completely dry. Then comes the sectioning, which is, you know, pretty important for a neat finish.

One common approach involves putting your own hair into cornrows. These cornrows act as the anchor for the crochet braids. You braid your hair back in rows, making sure they are not too tight, but firm enough to hold the weight of the extensions. Once the cornrows are done, you then take your crochet hook, slide it under a cornrow, hook the loop of a pre-braided extension, and pull it through. There are different ways to secure the extension, often by looping it through itself or tying a small knot. This method tends to be quicker for a full head of braids, and it's, you know, pretty straightforward once you get the hang of it.

Another way, which many folks prefer for a more natural look, is the "no cornrows" method. With this one, you section your hair into very small individual plaits all over your head. Each of these tiny plaits then becomes the attachment point for a single crochet box braid. This takes a bit more time on the preparation side, as you're braiding your entire head into these small sections. But, the result is that each crochet braid appears to be growing directly from your scalp, which is, you know, a very desirable outcome for many. It truly makes the style look a lot more organic, in a way.

What Do You Need for Crochet Box Braids?

To get started with your crochet box braids, you'll need a few key items. The most obvious one is the hair itself. You'll want to pick up packs of pre-looped crochet box braid hair. These often come in various sizes, from small to large, and in many different colors, so you can pick what suits your style. For a full head of small crochet box braids, you might need just under seven packs of the 24-inch hair, for instance. Some people might use a bit more, some a bit less, it truly depends on how full you want your hair to look and, you know, the size of the braids you're putting in.

Next up, you'll definitely need a crochet hook. This is the main tool for putting the hair in. They are pretty simple to use, with a small latch that opens and closes to secure the hair as you pull it through. You'll also want some hair clips to help section off your own hair as you work, making the process a lot more organized. A good comb for parting your hair is also pretty essential for neat sections, whether you're doing cornrows or individual plaits. Some people also like to have a mirror, you know, a handheld one, so they can see the back of their head as they work.

It's also a good idea to have some hair product on hand, like a light oil or a leave-in conditioner, to moisturize your own hair before you start. This helps keep your hair healthy while it's in the protective style. And, of course, a pair of scissors might be handy for trimming any stray hairs or opening the hair packs. So, with these items, you'll be pretty much set to start your crochet box braid project. It’s, in a way, a relatively small list of things for such a big hair transformation.

How Long Does It Take to Install Crochet Box Braids?

The time it takes to put in crochet box braids can vary quite a bit, depending on the method you choose and, you know, how quickly you work. If you opt for the "no cornrows" method, where you individually plait your whole head before attaching the crochet braids, it could take up to three hours for the actual installation. This is because you're spending a fair amount of time on the initial braiding of your own hair into those small sections. It's a bit more labor-intensive on the front end, but many feel the natural look is worth the extra time, that is that, really something.

However, if you decide to add some cornrows to your head, the installation time generally drops quite a bit. Cornrowing your hair can be faster than doing hundreds of tiny individual plaits, especially if you're good at it or have someone help you. Once the cornrows are in place, looping the crochet hair onto them is usually a much quicker process. So, for those looking to save some time, using cornrows as the base is often the way to go. You can even, you know, achieve box braids in under one hour on natural hair if you use a very versatile crochet braid pattern, as some people have shown.

It also depends on the size of the braids you're putting in. Larger crochet braids might take less time simply because there are fewer of them to attach. Smaller ones, like the 3x small box braided knotless extensions, will naturally take a bit longer because you'll need more of them to cover your head. So, when you're planning your hair day, it's good to think about these factors. All in all, it's pretty much always faster than getting traditional box braids, which is, you know, one of the biggest appeals of this style.

Why Choose Crochet Box Braids for Your Hair?

There are quite a few good reasons why someone might pick crochet box braids over other hair options. One of the biggest draws is how they act as a protective style for your natural hair. By having your own hair tucked away, either in cornrows or individual plaits, it's shielded from the elements and the constant handling that comes with daily styling. This can help reduce breakage and allow your hair to rest and grow, which is, you know, a pretty big benefit for hair health.

Another major plus is the speed of installation. As we talked about, getting these braids put in is significantly faster than traditional braiding methods. This means less time sitting in a chair and more time enjoying your new look. For busy people, or those who just don't want to commit to a multi-hour or even multi-day braiding session, crochet box braids are, in a way, a fantastic solution. They really have changed hair styling by making it faster and easier to get great braids without spending ages in a salon.

Beyond protection and speed, these braids offer a lot of versatility in terms of style. You can get them in various lengths, colors, and even with different textures, like curly ends for a goddess look. This means you can change your appearance quite easily without making a permanent change to your own hair. They are popular among many people because they are versatile and look good on nearly any hair type or length. So, if you are looking for a new braided style, these box braids could be, you know, pretty much perfect for trying out different looks.

Can You Get Crochet Box Braids Without Cornrows?

Yes, absolutely, you can get crochet box braids without putting your hair into cornrows first. This method is often called the "individual" or "no cornrows" method, and it's quite popular because it gives a very natural-looking finish. Instead of braiding your hair into rows, you section your entire head into many small, individual plaits or twists. Each of these small sections then becomes the base for one crochet box braid. It’s a bit more work on the initial prep, but the end result is, you know, often worth the effort for many.

When you install crochet box braids as individuals, your braids will have a more natural appearance when done right. The way it works is that each pre-braided extension is looped onto one of your tiny individual plaits. This makes it seem as though each box braid is emerging directly from your scalp, just like a traditional box braid would. This can be especially appealing for those who want to avoid the visible lines of cornrows or prefer a softer, more free-flowing look for their hair. It truly gives a very organic feel to the style, in a way.

While this method might take a bit longer to set up, as you're braiding your whole head into these small sections, the installation of the crochet hair itself is still pretty quick once your base is ready. Some people find this method a bit more comfortable, too, as it distributes the weight of the extensions more evenly across the head. So, if you're aiming for that truly natural, "I just grew these" kind of vibe with your crochet box braids, the no-cornrows individual plait method is, you know, definitely one to consider.

How Can You Style and Keep Up Your Crochet Box Braids?

Once you have your crochet box braids in, the fun really begins because there are so many ways to style them. Since they are individual braids, you can treat them pretty much like you would traditional box braids. You can pull them up into a high ponytail or a messy bun for a casual look. They also look great in half-up, half-down styles, or you can sweep them to one side for a more elegant feel. The versatility is, you know, one of the best things about this style, allowing you to change your look daily without much fuss.

Keeping your crochet box braids looking good involves a few simple steps. First, it's important to moisturize your scalp regularly. You can use a light oil or a scalp spray to keep your scalp from getting dry and itchy. Just spray or dab it directly onto your scalp in between the braids. You should also cover your hair with a satin bonnet or scarf at night. This helps to reduce frizz and keeps the braids looking neat, and it's, you know, pretty essential for longevity.

While you shouldn't wash your crochet braids too often, you can gently cleanse your scalp with a diluted shampoo or apple cider vinegar rinse if needed. Just focus on the scalp and rinse thoroughly. Avoid scrubbing the braids themselves too much, as this can cause them to frizz. If you have curly ends, like with goddess crochet box braids, you might want to refresh the curls with a little mousse or water to keep them bouncy. With proper care, your crochet box braids can last for several weeks, giving you a beautiful and low-maintenance style for a good stretch of time.

Where Can You Find the Right Crochet Box Braid Hair?

Finding the right hair for your crochet box braids is pretty simple, as these types of extensions are widely available. Your best bet is usually a beauty supply store, either a physical shop in your area or an online retailer. These stores typically carry a wide range of brands, lengths, colors, and styles of pre-looped crochet braid hair. You'll find everything from straight box braids to those with curly ends, like the goddess style, and, you know, in pretty much every shade imaginable.

When you're shopping for the hair, pay attention to the pack size and how many strands are in each pack. This will help you figure out how many packs you'll need for a full head. As mentioned before, for small crochet box braids, you might need around six or seven packs of the 24-inch length, but it can vary. Some brands, like Model Model, are pretty well-known for their quality crochet hair. You can also find ombre options, like black to honey blonde, if you're looking for a specific color blend, that is that, a very popular choice.

Reading reviews from other customers can also be helpful when choosing a brand or specific type of crochet hair. People often share their experiences with how easy the hair was to install, how long it lasted, and how it held up to styling. So, you know, taking a moment to check those out can save you some trouble later on. With so many options out there, you're pretty much sure to find the perfect hair to create your stunning crochet box braids.

Are Crochet Box Braids a Good Choice for Everyone?

Crochet box braids are, in a way, a pretty versatile hairstyle that can work for a wide range of people. They are considered a protective style, which means they are generally good for any hair type or length, as they help to shield your natural strands. Whether your hair is short, long, curly, or straight, you can usually find a way to make crochet box braids work for you. The key is in how you prepare your own hair underneath, whether that's through cornrows or individual plaits, that is that, the main thing.

They are also a fantastic option for beginners to protective styles or even to braiding in general. Since the hair comes pre-braided, you don't need to have advanced braiding skills yourself. The looping method with the crochet hook is relatively easy to learn, and many people find they can install these braids themselves after watching a few tutorials. This guide will help you become pretty much an expert at making beautiful box braids using crochet techniques, you know, with a little practice.

However, like any hairstyle, it's important to make sure your own hair and scalp are healthy before getting them installed. If your scalp is sensitive or if you have any existing hair issues, it's always a good idea to consult with a hair professional first. But for most people looking for a beautiful, relatively easy-to-install, and protective braided style, crochet box braids are, you know, a very solid choice. They offer a fantastic way to style and protect your hair, giving you a versatile look that's pretty simple to put in, even for those just starting out.

This article has covered what crochet box braids are, how they are put in using different methods like cornrows or individual plaits, and the time it might take. We also talked about the tools and hair you'll need, why many people choose this style for its protective qualities and speed, and how to keep your braids looking good. Lastly, we touched on where to find the hair and if this style is a good fit for you.

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  • Name : Kayla Wunsch Sr.
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