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Crochet Braids – Human Hair

Human hair crochet braids have become increasingly popular among women looking for a protective style that offers versatility, a natural appearance, and long lasting beauty. While synthetic crochet hair remains a popular option, many clients are now choosing human hair crochet braids because they closely mimic natural hair and provide more styling possibilities.

As with any protective hairstyle, there are both benefits and drawbacks. Understanding the pros and cons can help you decide whether human hair crochet braids are the right choice for you.

What Are Human Hair Crochet Braids?

Human hair crochet braids are a protective hairstyle where extensions made from real human hair are attached to a braided foundation using a crochet needle. Depending on the desired look, the hair can be installed directly onto the cornrows or attached to a net that has been sewn onto the braids.

The finished result can resemble natural curls, blow dried hair, loose waves, twists, or even a silk press.

This type of crochet braid is designed differently. For easier installation and improved durability, a string is attached to each hair piece. The loop used with the latch hook is created from this string. See photos below.

Human Hair Crochet Braids – Loop String

Pros of Human Hair Crochet

1. Natural Appearance

One of the biggest benefits of human hair crochet braids is how natural they look. The texture, movement, and softness of human hair closely resemble your own hair, making the installation appear seamless.

Many clients love that they can wear their style confidently without the shiny appearance that some synthetic hair can have.

2. Incredible Versatility

Human hair offers endless styling options. You can:

Wear it curly or straight
Create updos and ponytails
Use heat tools when appropriate
Part and style it in multiple ways
Add layers and face framing pieces

For clients who enjoy changing their look, human hair crochet braids provide much more flexibility than synthetic alternatives.

3. Better Hair Quality

High quality human hair generally feels softer and more realistic than synthetic hair. It tangles less when properly maintained and often ages more gracefully over time. This investment in quality hair can result in a more luxurious look and feel.

4. Lightweight and Comfortable

Depending on the amount of hair installed, human hair crochet braids can feel surprisingly lightweight.

5. Long Lasting and Reusable

Premium human hair can often be reused for future installations if it is properly cared for. This can make human hair crochet braids more cost effective over time despite the higher initial investment.

6. Great for Protective Styling

When installed correctly, crochet braids protect your natural hair by minimizing daily manipulation and reducing exposure to heat styling.

This can support healthy hair growth and help retain length.

7. Excellent for Clients Experiencing Hair Loss or Thinning

Human hair crochet braids can be customized to create fullness and coverage for clients experiencing thinning hair or alopecia. When combined with techniques such as closures or net installations, the finished style can look incredibly natural.

Cons of Human Hair Crochet

1. Higher Cost

Human hair is significantly more expensive than synthetic hair. The cost of the hair itself and the installation may be higher, making it a larger investment.

However, many clients find the natural appearance and versatility well worth the additional expense.

2. More Maintenance

Because it is real hair, human hair requires more care than synthetic hair. You may need to:

Moisturize regularly
Detangle carefully
Refresh curls or straighten when needed
Use quality products to maintain the hair

The style can require a little more effort to keep it looking its best.

3. Humidity Can Affect the Style

Like natural hair, human hair extensions can react to weather conditions. Straightened styles may frizz or revert in humid climates.

4. Removal Can Be Difficult

One drawback that is not often discussed is the string used on many human hair crochet extensions. These strings can make removal difficult because it can be hard to distinguish the extension from your natural hair.

Attempting to cut the strings directly from the braids can increase the risk of accidentally cutting your own hair.

Here’s A Solution: The Hair Net Method

One technique that can make removal significantly easier is sewing a hair net onto the cornrows before installing the crochet hair.

Instead of attaching the extensions directly to your braids, the crochet hair is attached only to the net.

Benefits of the hair net method include:

- Easier and safer removal
- Less risk of cutting your natural hair
- Additional protection for your braids
- More flexibility in placement and volume
- A comfortable foundation for fuller styles

This technique is especially beneficial for curly human hair crochet styles and clients who plan to reuse their hair.

Are Human Hair Crochet Braids Worth It?

For many clients, the answer is absolutely yes.

If you love natural looking hairstyles, enjoy versatility, and want a protective style that can be customized to your preferences, human hair crochet braids are an excellent option.

The higher upfront investment is often balanced by the realistic appearance, styling flexibility, and potential to reuse the hair.

Most importantly, choosing an experienced stylist and using proper installation techniques, such as the hair net method, can help you enjoy all the benefits of human hair crochet braids while minimizing some of the common challenges.

CAUTION

Only purchase human hair crochet from reputable vendors. If you are purchasing from a marketplace such as Amazon, please read the reviews before making a decision. The quality of the hair you purchase will determine your experience.