When I initially installed my first crochet braids style I thought I would have to take it out in about three weeks, but three weeks came, went, and the hair still looked like I just installed it. I back tracked and realized why these crochet braids may be lasting so long. Fast forward quite a few years from my 1st crochet braids install and I have some must try tips for long lasting crochet braids.
7 Easy Tips to Long Lasting Crochet Braids
1. No separation.
I did not separate the pre-curled hair at all. The hair came in a length of 20 inches and I simply cut it in half to achieve the Just-above-shoulder length that I have. Not separating the hair definitely keeps the curl definition intact. This may not be ideal for crochet hairs with looser wave patterns, but it should work best on crochet hair with curl
2. No Hand In Hair Syndrome.
Keeping my hands out of my hair has definitely contributed to the longevity thus far. Other than squeezing the roots to perk up my hair and smoothing my hands across it to lay it down when it gets too crazy, I keep my hands out my hair. Raking and end twirling is no bueno for this style if you want the curl last long. Similar to your natural twistouts, the more separation you do the more frizzy and less defined your curls become. It also shortens the life of your style.
3. Tie Your Hair.
I don’t sleep on this hair or leave it out if I’m at home. I use the pineapple method and tie my hair with a satin/silk/that smooth material type scarf and a durag (to make sure I don’t wake up with my scarf m.i.a. )#naturalhairstruggles . Keeping it tied and out of the way decreases your chance of creating unwanted frizz which ultimately contributes to how long the style lasts.
4. Cut the Frizz.
If you wear your crochet braids for a really long time or the hair is not the best quality it will frizz. Let me say that again. Your synthetic hair crochet braids at some point will frizz. However, frizzy crochet braids can be fixed so don’t take them down unless you’re ready too. Take your scissors and tug at the frizzy,webby bits and snip them away. I typically work on a row of curls at a time. Use your braid pattern as your guide.
5. Refresh your curls with heat.
If your crochet braids have lost their bouncy curls, it is possible to redefine them without the hazards of hot water. Wrap your dying curls around the appropriate sized perm rods or flexi rods, and apply heat on each rod using a blow dryer. Let the hair cool to set and unravel.
6. Consider a crochet wig.
It’s very easy to achieve long lasting crochet braids installed on your own hair, but they will last even longer if it’s a wig. Hair that’s crocheted on a wig cap lasts longer because it doesn’t get as much manipulation as the hair crocheted onto your head. You can take it off and place it on a foam wig head every night. This is a great option for anyone that HAS to do a natural hair wash day every week or even more often than that.
7. Apple Cider Vinegar Soak.
The majority of synthetic hairs available for crochet braids are coated with alkaline to preserve the hair from degrading. This alkaline coating is often irritating to your eyes and your scalp if you have a sensitivity to it. That sensitivity shows up in the form of irritation and excessive itching. That constant itching can create unwanted scalp conditions and excessive frizz. If you know you have an alkaline sensitivity or you just don’t want to take the chance, soak your crochet hair in an apple cider vinegar solution (1part ACV to 2 parts water). Run the curls under the water flow to rinse without disturbing the curl pattern.
Crochet braids were definitely a hot style that isn’t going any where right now. These tips will definitely keep your style from looking a hot mess and lasting longer than the rest. Interested in curly long lasting crochet braids, check out my playlist of crochet braids styles that I’ve done thus far, including this natural looking one for the new year. This playlist also includes videos showing how I sleep with crochet briads, how I wash them, and also how I remove curly crochet braids quickly!
