(The illustration is from an unknown source - if you do know who's it is please comment below so I can credit it)
A naturalistas dream look, crochet braids yassssssssss. Up until a few weeks I didn't really know what this was - I just knew there was a style which could give the illusion of natural hair - did my research and boom - crochet braids. I showed my mom and she fell in love too and we began.
This is just to answer every question I can and if I leave out any - be sure to leave them down below!
WHAT DO I NEED?
5 packs of Marley hair (any beauty supply store) (£3.99 per pack)
Shea butter (recommended) or any creamy moisturiser for natural hair
Coconut oil
A wide tooth comb or brush
Crochet needle
approx 75 perm rods
LOTS OF TIME.
HOW DO I DO IT?
There are a gazillion tutorials on youtube but here are the ones I used to do mine:
P.S: I used more perm rods for slightly more defined curls
and to comb hair out I used coconut oil & Shea butter to soften texture
I also recommend leaving perm rods in overnight for longer lasting curls
For more curls use more perm rods
For bigger curls use less rods
(P.S 2 - You don't have to curl hair - it can also be worn as a blow out or any other type of way you would do natural hair - do some research!)
For an invisible parting? (hair looks like it's coming from scalp)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjW4O1jYAMo
HOW LONG DOES IT LAST?
The curls stay defined for up to a week so I curled them every Sunday
I kept the entire thing in for 6 weeks but it all depends on your hair however no more than 8-10 weeks as the longer it is left in your hair, the more difficult to take out as it starts to blend into your hair.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?
Installing the crochet braids 45 minutes - 1 hour
Curling them - 2 hours & 30 minutes approx (including hot water process)
Removing them - 1 hour or less
IS IT HIGH MAINTENANCE?
YES (ish) - I decided to take mine out as it was taking way too much of my time up as I kept getting curls wrong and it took about like 4 days as I had to keep redoing them and eventually gave up (only until exam season is over then I'll most likely get them again) - It's very low maintenance during the week as it's literally get up and go, however on Sundays it does take a good 3 hours so high maintenance once a week.
HOW DO I MAINTAIN?
Sleep with perm rods when you curl (once a week)
Cover with silk scarf
Don't finger comb curls for fun
Redo them throughout the week - if a few curls fall out during the week redo that one or two if you want
Redo curls once a week - instant refresh
When undoing the curls don't pull them apart harshly, only slightly pull to desired look then let them fall naturally to last longer
HOW VERSATILE IS THE STYLE?
Very, however for best look, do invisible partings in places which it would most likely show e.g. if you might want a ponytail then do an invisible parting around the edge or if you might want to do 2 french plaits then do an invisible down the middle
WILL IT DAMAGE MY HAIR?
No, crochet braids are a great style for protecting your hair as it covers it all therefore low manipulation. It is also very lightweight therefore won't put tension on your hair which braids could do especially around the edges - make sure you don't braid edges too tightly. Slightly better than weave/extensions as there is no need to straighten a leave out which could lead to heat damage - it is also a lot cheaper! However as it is synthentic hair it could dry your hair out - to keep this at a minimum Oil hair scalp, hair body and especially the ends before installing & re-oil scalp weekly and don't keep in for too long! (no more than 8-10 weeks)
I hope that answered all the questions you may have but if I did miss any please comment below! x
(How I preferred my curls)
