15 Crochet Hairstyle Ideas, Sorted by the Type of Crochet Hair
The first time I tried crochet hair, I couldn’t believe how quickly it came together. A few hours, a latch hook and a pile of curly hair later, I had full, bouncy curls that looked like I’d spent all day at the salon. Friends kept asking whether it was my real hair.
Crochet styles have become a favorite protective style because they’re faster to install than many braided styles, easy on your edges when done well, and incredibly versatile. You can wear big curls one month, faux locs the next and sleek, pre-twisted styles after that.
The biggest decision is the type of crochet hair you choose. So I’ve sorted these 15 crochet hairstyle ideas by hair type: curly, pre-twisted, locs, braids, straight and wavy, and natural texture. For each, you’ll see roughly how many packs you might need and whether the hair is often reusable.
How Crochet Hair Works
Crochet styles are installed in three main steps:
- Your natural hair is braided into cornrows, creating a flat foundation.
- A latch hook is used to loop the crochet hair under each cornrow.
- The hair is secured with a knot, then shaped and styled.
Some crochet hair is attached in individual pieces, while some comes pre-looped, making installation even faster. Because your natural hair stays braided underneath, crochet styles can protect your ends from daily manipulation.
Curly Crochet Styles
Big, bouncy and full of volume, curly crochet hair is one of the most popular choices.
1. Bohemian Deep Curls
Full, voluminous, defined curls that fall well past the shoulders. It’s glamorous, bold and perfect for vacations and special occasions.
Packs: about 6–8, depending on fullness
Reusable? sometimes, if the curls stay soft and untangled
2. Short Tapered Curly Crochet
Short, defined curls that are fuller on top and shorter at the sides and back, mimicking a natural tapered cut. It’s a great way to try a short style without cutting your hair.
Packs: about 3–4
Reusable? often, since short hair tangles less
3. Long Water Wave Crochet
Loose, wet-looking waves that fall in a relaxed pattern. It’s soft, romantic and lovely at long lengths.
Packs: about 5–7
Reusable? sometimes
4. The Curly Crochet Bob
A rounded bob of springy curls that ends around the chin. It’s playful, cute and low-maintenance.
Packs: about 4–5
Reusable? often
Pre-Twisted Crochet Styles
These styles come already twisted, so you get the look of hours-long twists in a fraction of the time.
5. Crochet Passion Twists
Soft, bohemian twists with a slightly messy, carefree look. Installing them with crochet is much quicker than twisting each one by hand.
Packs: about 6–8
Reusable? rarely, since twists can fray
6. Crochet Spring Twists
Light, bouncy spring twists that look like tiny coils. They’re usually shorter and very quick to install.
Packs: about 4–6
Reusable? sometimes
7. Crochet Senegalese Twists
Sleek, rope-like, pre-twisted Senegalese twists. They look polished and elegant, and can be worn long or cut into a bob.
Packs: about 6–8
Reusable? sometimes
Crochet Locs
Faux locs let you enjoy the look of locs without a long-term commitment.
8. Classic Faux Locs
Smooth, neat faux locs that look like mature, natural locs. They’re bold, beautiful and can be styled into buns, ponytails and updos.
Packs: about 6–8
Reusable? often, with care
9. Butterfly Locs
Butterfly locs are distressed, slightly looped faux locs with a soft, textured, bohemian look. They look effortlessly lived-in.
Packs: about 6–8
Reusable? sometimes
10. Goddess Locs
Goddess locs are faux locs with curly strands woven in and loose curly ends. They’re romantic, feminine and full of movement.
Packs: about 6–8
Reusable? sometimes, though the curly strands can tangle
Crochet Braids
Pre-braided hair gives you the look of box braids in much less time.
11. Pre-Looped Box Braids
Box braids that come already braided and looped for easy crochet installation. They look like traditional box braids but take far less time.
Packs: about 6–8
Reusable? often
12. The Crochet Braided Bob
Pre-looped braids cut and shaped into a chin- or shoulder-length bob. It’s chic, lightweight and easy to style.
Packs: about 3–5
Reusable? often
Straight and Wavy Crochet Styles
Crochet isn’t only for curls, locs and twists.
13. Kinky Straight Crochet
Kinky straight hair looks like natural hair that’s been blown out: straight but full of texture and volume. It blends beautifully with natural hair.
Packs: about 4–6
Reusable? sometimes
14. Body Wave Crochet
Soft, loose S-shaped waves that look glamorous and bouncy. It’s a great alternative to a sew-in.
Packs: about 4–6
Reusable? sometimes
Natural Texture Crochet
15. The Fluffy Afro Crochet
Kinky, afro-textured crochet hair shaped into a full, rounded afro. It looks incredibly natural and celebrates natural texture without daily styling.
Packs: about 4–6
Reusable? often
Choosing Your Cornrow Foundation
The way your natural hair is braided underneath affects the final look:
- Straight-back cornrows are simple and work for most styles that are worn down.
- Beehive or spiral cornrows spread the hair evenly around your head and are great for full, round styles like afros and curls.
- Part-friendly patterns leave space for a visible part, so your style looks more natural.
- Updo-friendly patterns are braided in directions that allow ponytails and buns.
Tell your stylist how you plan to wear your hair before they start braiding.
Making Crochet Hair Look Natural
A few small tricks make a big difference:
- Leave out a little natural hair around your hairline, if your texture matches.
- Use a closure at the front for a realistic part.
- Separate curls gently with your fingers to make them fuller and less uniform.
- Cut and shape the hair to suit your face, especially around the front.
- Vary the placement of curls and twists, so they don’t look too perfect.
Taming Curly Crochet Frizz and Tangles
Curly crochet hair can tangle and frizz over time. To keep it fresh:
- Never brush curly crochet hair. Use your fingers instead.
- Apply a light mousse to define curls and reduce frizz.
- Separate curls that start to clump together.
- Trim tangled ends with scissors if they become matted.
- Sleep in a satin bonnet to protect curls overnight.
Washing a Crochet Style
You can wash crochet styles, but be gentle:
- Dilute your shampoo with water in an applicator bottle.
- Apply it directly to your scalp and cornrows.
- Massage gently without rubbing the crochet hair.
- Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.
- Squeeze out excess water with a towel.
- Dry completely, using a hooded dryer if needed, so your cornrows don’t stay damp.
DIY Crochet for Beginners
If you’d like to try installing crochet hair yourself, you’ll need:
- A latch hook (crochet needle)
- Your crochet hair
- Sectioning clips and a rat-tail comb
- Leave-in conditioner and edge control
Basic steps:
- Cornrow your hair in your chosen pattern.
- Insert the latch hook under a cornrow, from the bottom up.
- Loop a piece of crochet hair over the hook.
- Pull the hook back under the cornrow, bringing the hair with it.
- Pull the ends through the loop and tighten gently to secure.
- Repeat across your head, working in rows.
Start with a simple style, like a short curly crochet or pre-looped braids, before trying something more detailed.
Final Thoughts
Crochet hairstyles offer an amazing range of looks, from big bohemian curls to faux locs, braids and natural-textured afros. They’re quick to install, protective when done well and perfect for changing your look without changing your natural hair.
Choose the crochet hair type that matches the look you want, protect your hair underneath, and enjoy your new style.
Which crochet hairstyle are you trying next? Let me know in the comments below.
