Lets Talk about Crochet Braids.....
- Thread starter LightEyedMami
- Start date
Wanna be newbie crochet-braid buddies? 
bajandoc86
Lipstick Lover
Honey Bee
Well-Known Member
@bajandoc86, Girl, I am >>>this<<< close. I'm 15 wks post and trynna make it to 20, I need all the help I can get.
My mother is transitioning, so I might practice on her first. I can cornrow and I crochet, so it looks like I already have the skill set, just gotta put 'em together, lol. The Brazilian hair is similar to my hair in a braid-out, so I might use that. My mother would love the Marley, though. 
My concern is that I henna, so I can never find weave hair in the right color/ with the right tint (you can see it in my avvy). I might not be able to leave any hair out at all. Would that mean I always have to wear it down?
o/t, whenever you and I talk, I think about my Bajan ex-sil since, oddly, I don't run into too many Bajans here.
bajandoc86
Lipstick Lover
Honey Bee I have actually seen persons do the braids with no leave out and still do updos/buns. So if you can't find braid hair with the right colour/tint that is an option.
As for my accent - living in Jamaica for the better part of the last 10 yrs has diluted it a bit. But let me land home and walk through the airport - BOOM, accent back with a vengence. LOL. Then when I come back to Ja, my friends are like 'Chile, we can't understand a word you sayin'!'
As for my accent - living in Jamaica for the better part of the last 10 yrs has diluted it a bit. But let me land home and walk through the airport - BOOM, accent back with a vengence. LOL. Then when I come back to Ja, my friends are like 'Chile, we can't understand a word you sayin'!'
SkySurfer
Well-Known Member
My Current Crochet Braids
Brand: Model Model
Curl: Brazilian Braid
Colour: 2/30 and 4/30
Install time: Took a day to braid and crochet the hair in (with lots of breaks)
Planned time for wear: 6-8 weeks
Regimen: Spray every 2-3 days with S-curl. Coconut oil on scalp before a wash. Wash every 2-3 weeks (diluted shampoo and conditioner).
So yeah, here is my current protective style. I really like it, and I've gotten many compliments on it, as well as new business in terms of hair clients. I hope to keep it in for a while to get good retention
The brazilian braid can be a pain in the neck to put in as it's so much thinner than the bohemian braid or the water wave, so you need more pieces and smaller braids for it to look right. But I still love it 
Brand: Model Model
Curl: Brazilian Braid
Colour: 2/30 and 4/30
Install time: Took a day to braid and crochet the hair in (with lots of breaks)
Planned time for wear: 6-8 weeks
Regimen: Spray every 2-3 days with S-curl. Coconut oil on scalp before a wash. Wash every 2-3 weeks (diluted shampoo and conditioner).
So yeah, here is my current protective style. I really like it, and I've gotten many compliments on it, as well as new business in terms of hair clients. I hope to keep it in for a while to get good retention
The brazilian braid can be a pain in the neck to put in as it's so much thinner than the bohemian braid or the water wave, so you need more pieces and smaller braids for it to look right. But I still love it Attachments
Funmiloves
Well-Known Member
SkySurfer
Well-Known Member
jprayze
Well-Known Member
So I have crochet kinky twists. My hair was cornrowed. Marley hair was crocheted on and twisted into kinky twists. So basically 2 styles in one. Benefit is basically that my hair is enclosed in the cornrows, protected and no worries about it not blending with the twists.
It's supposed to save time, but it really didn't,
It's supposed to save time, but it really didn't,
4HisGlory
Well-Known Member
I did my first set of crochet braids on Sunday and I must say that I love them. I have NEVER conrowed my own hair before so I was surprised at how good they came out. Downside is, it took me 3 hours just to do that part. About halfway through, I felt like some of the braids might be too large so I ended up putting some small ones in the front and feeding them into larger braids in the back. I was so tired after and hour and I was worried about one side being thicker that the other since I changed up the size. I was tired and I figured the front was most important that it be full anyway. So, I ended up with 7 large ones in the back and them some of the ones in the front have 2 rows feeding into the one large one in the back. I ended up with 11 across the front.
Next mistake . . . I picked the wrong hair. Uggh!
Should have paid attention to post #86
My local BSS only had Vivica Fox braid hair and Bobbi Boss. I was conflicted because the Vivica Fox just didn't look right or sound right. I didn't even know she made braid hair. Anyway, I went went with the Bobbi Boss, Deep Pony. WRONG! The hair is too silky. I did a triple twist and loop and in some places I also did a knot. Youtube did not prepare me for this hair. LOL! After further research, I see that I should have also spritz or glued the knot. Ain't nobody got time for that! That's ok though. I won't be using that again. Also, some of my braids are showing in the back, so I have to check the mirror often and really fluff to keep the braids from showing. I also added in another 1/2 pack last night for good measure. (2.5 packs used total)
Another negative . . . It took me 3 more hours to install the hair. 6 hours total. I hadn't expected to put in that much time and my arms and shoulders were TIRED.
I LOVE the overall look and that it is a cheap protective style that I can do myself. My husband doesn't even like weave and he said it looks really good. He was surprised how I did for a first timer. I will only be keeping this for a week though because the hair is slipping out and I have pulled a few out on accident when fluffing. LOL. Disastrous! No way I can wash, condition and continue to wear this. I plan to revisit this again in 2 or 3 weeks. Next time I will be using water wave and hopefully it won't take as long to install.
Next mistake . . . I picked the wrong hair. Uggh!
Should have paid attention to post #86
My local BSS only had Vivica Fox braid hair and Bobbi Boss. I was conflicted because the Vivica Fox just didn't look right or sound right. I didn't even know she made braid hair. Anyway, I went went with the Bobbi Boss, Deep Pony. WRONG! The hair is too silky. I did a triple twist and loop and in some places I also did a knot. Youtube did not prepare me for this hair. LOL! After further research, I see that I should have also spritz or glued the knot. Ain't nobody got time for that! That's ok though. I won't be using that again. Also, some of my braids are showing in the back, so I have to check the mirror often and really fluff to keep the braids from showing. I also added in another 1/2 pack last night for good measure. (2.5 packs used total)
Another negative . . . It took me 3 more hours to install the hair. 6 hours total. I hadn't expected to put in that much time and my arms and shoulders were TIRED.
I LOVE the overall look and that it is a cheap protective style that I can do myself. My husband doesn't even like weave and he said it looks really good. He was surprised how I did for a first timer. I will only be keeping this for a week though because the hair is slipping out and I have pulled a few out on accident when fluffing. LOL. Disastrous! No way I can wash, condition and continue to wear this. I plan to revisit this again in 2 or 3 weeks. Next time I will be using water wave and hopefully it won't take as long to install.
Attachments
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kandiekj100
Well-Known Member
I did my second set of crochet braids. I really need to learn to be a little less heavy handed with the hair. It was huge when I was done. I cut a lot off and it is still big. I think I need to do 2 things differently next time. I need less braids and tighter braids. I put in about 12 braids which on my head are super tiny. Because they were tiny I couldn't braid as close to the scalp as I would have liked (I'm not a great braider) and all those rows mean a lot of extension hair added. I had a similar amount of braids when I did the crocket kinky twists and that thing was massive. I was originally going for puffy twists look but had to switch to kinky twist twisting method b/c of the size. Anywho, pics below.
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close up of part
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close up of part
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OhTall1
Well-Known Member
I've posted my crochet braid pics in this thread in the past, but I just got them re-done today. She used Water Wave in 1B with some 30 highlights at the top.
Rnjones
Well-Known Member
delitefulmane
Well-Known Member
delitefulmane
Well-Known Member
kandiekj100, Can you further explain how you did your part? The pattern of the braids I mean. Yours turned out great!
kandiekj100
Well-Known Member
Thanksdelitefulmane!
sort of like this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=FanMr4SrErs#t=345). However I only had two horizontal rows in the back b/c my hair isn't as thick and I think I probably have a peanut head.
sort of like this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=FanMr4SrErs#t=345). However I only had two horizontal rows in the back b/c my hair isn't as thick and I think I probably have a peanut head.
delitefulmane
Well-Known Member
kandiekj100, you could have warned me about "goldmouth".
I was like 
I wasn't ready! But I like her braiding pattern. Yes, this does make sense. Thank you.In regards to the part, essentially does how you lay the hair determine the look of the part in the crochet hair (like you had)?
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kandiekj100
Well-Known Member
@kandiekj100, you could have warned me about "goldmouth".
In regards to the part, essentially does how you lay the hair determine the look of the part in the crochet hair (like you had)?
Sorry about that. I was taken aback as well
The direction in which you latch will determine how the part looks. With most of the hair it won't matter which direction the knot is. But with the part, you want to make sure to the knots end up being on the opposite side of the part/underside of hair.
I tried to find a video that explains (I could have sworn I saw one before doing my set) but I couldn't. I hope I've explained it okay.
delitefulmane
Well-Known Member
Sorry about that. I was taken aback as well
The direction in which you latch will determine how the part looks. With most of the hair it won't matter which direction the knot is. But with the part, you want to make sure to the knots end up being on the opposite side of the part/underside of hair.
I tried to find a video that explains (I could have sworn I saw one before doing my set) but I couldn't. I hope I've explained it okay.
I understand sorta kinda. I guess trial and error will have to be my best teacher.
BmoreCoco
Member
I LOVEEEEEEEE crotchet braids! I'm about to take down my second set. It's been 7 weeks and I'm still getting compliments.
View attachment 251773
View attachment 251773
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ToSelahWithLove
Active Member
I installed my own crocheted senegalese twists, and it was pretty successful! I originally put this on FB, but I figured since I got some tips here I'd post about them on here, too.
*deleted*
1. One row of individual Senegalese twists around the perimeter for better camouflage.
2. My own hair is cornrowed straight back into about 15/16 cornrows (the closer together, the better). I just let the ends of my cornrows hang, because they blend in with the twists; no need to sew them up or anything.
3. Then I installed about 2.5 packs of Rast Afri Senegal Soul Microbraid twists (pre-twisted hair).
4. I used the tiny, blue perm rods on each twist and dipped them in hot water to get the curls.
And voila! Something I am proud of lol
*deleted*
1. One row of individual Senegalese twists around the perimeter for better camouflage.
2. My own hair is cornrowed straight back into about 15/16 cornrows (the closer together, the better). I just let the ends of my cornrows hang, because they blend in with the twists; no need to sew them up or anything.
3. Then I installed about 2.5 packs of Rast Afri Senegal Soul Microbraid twists (pre-twisted hair).
4. I used the tiny, blue perm rods on each twist and dipped them in hot water to get the curls.
And voila! Something I am proud of lol
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ladybug71
Well-Known Member
You ladies crochet braids are gorgeous!
I am just about at the end of my first install. It's been 5 weeks and I will be taking them down this weekend, but I LOVED them and was surprised at the compliments i got! I used Freetress Appeal, but it's really starting to tangle a bit. The break from "doing" my hair has been nice though. I hope to get another install for summer.
I am just about at the end of my first install. It's been 5 weeks and I will be taking them down this weekend, but I LOVED them and was surprised at the compliments i got!
I used Freetress Appeal, but it's really starting to tangle a bit. The break from "doing" my hair has been nice though. I hope to get another install for summer.
Babygrowth
Well-Known Member
I love this! This is my summer style! Can you post more pics or a link so I can see it better?
ToSelahWithLove
Active Member
Thank you! I definitely think it's something you should do... it's sooo fast, and so simple and suuuper cute.
I created an album in my photobucket called Crochet Senegalese Twists - March 2014, and it shows the hair from a few different angles. Under each picture I wrote a description explaining what it is you're seeing. I hope it helps a bit more! If you have other questions, or want other tips, just let me know and I will answer them as best as I can! HTH
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Babygrowth
Well-Known Member
This pictorial is extremely helpful. I can't wait to do this! Thank you soo much!
LivingDoll
Well-Known Member
I am absolutely intrigued by this thread! As soon as my sides grow in (I have a pixie mohawk at the moment), I think I'm going to transition again using crochet braids. I was going to big chop this time, but I would have to cut it close like a caesar and I'm not feeling that. I also don't want to go through the visible "in-between" stage. Crochet Braids seem like an easy alternative for a transitioner.
I have a few questions:
1. Why do some people's knots show and others don't?
2. Is there any hair that I should avoid (besides straight hair..I know that won't knot well)?
3. Seems like Freetress is the go-to brand. Between Bohemian, Water Wave, and Go-go curl, which hair is easier to manage?
4. Anyone have a crocheter in Maryland? I live in Balto but I'm willing to drive as far as DC. I saw www.crochetbraidsbytwana.com. She seems nice, but I don't want to drive to Fredericksburg.
@LaChaBla...you're hair looks awesome! Do you still live in NoVA? Who does your hair? PM me if you don't want to post in the thread. Thanks.
TIA!
I have a few questions:
1. Why do some people's knots show and others don't?
2. Is there any hair that I should avoid (besides straight hair..I know that won't knot well)?
3. Seems like Freetress is the go-to brand. Between Bohemian, Water Wave, and Go-go curl, which hair is easier to manage?
4. Anyone have a crocheter in Maryland? I live in Balto but I'm willing to drive as far as DC. I saw www.crochetbraidsbytwana.com. She seems nice, but I don't want to drive to Fredericksburg.
@LaChaBla...you're hair looks awesome! Do you still live in NoVA? Who does your hair? PM me if you don't want to post in the thread. Thanks.
TIA!
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ToSelahWithLove
Active Member
I believe it has to do with a few things. Mainly: which direction you slide the latch-hook needle. You should slide it in the direction you want the hair to fall. For me, this is always a downward motion. When you do it that way the knot ends up being "under" the braid, not on top of it, and it's much more hidden.
I also think the knots are better camouflaged when the hair color matches your own. I'd tried 1b/27 before and the 27 part seemed to show a LOT more than the 1b, because it contrasted with my own hair color so much. It seemed to make it more obvious that it was a knot.
And lastly, I think there are some people who have perfected a way to hide the knots after they've installed their hair. Like, take a bobby pin and place it just so, or use extra hair after, or something like that. I saw some folks on YT do it, so I'm sure you could find it. I think just searching How to Make Crochet Braids Look Natural, or something similar.
I can't answer any of the other questions cuz I've only ever used pre-twisted hair for crocheted senegalese twists and I don't live in the DMV, but I hope this helped a little!
LivingDoll
Well-Known Member
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