Crocheting hair into your natural hair involves using a special latch hook tool to pull hair extensions through small sections or loops of your own hair, typically styled in braids or cornrows.
This technique allows you to add length, volume, and style using various types of hair extensions without directly braiding, gluing, or sewing them into your natural hair.
Understanding the Basic Technique
The fundamental action of crocheting hair, as demonstrated in the reference, is centered around using a crochet hook to secure hair extensions to your natural hair base. The process involves:
- Creating a base for the extensions (usually cornrows or individual braids).
- Using a crochet hook to hook the hair (the extension).
- Pulling the hooked extension through a loop created on your natural hair base.
- Securing the extension by tying a knot or looping the hair through itself.
Step-by-Step Process
While specific methods can vary depending on the desired style and type of hair extension, the core mechanism remains consistent. Here's a breakdown based on the principle shown in the reference:
1. Prepare Your Natural Hair
Your natural hair needs to be prepared to serve as the anchor for the crochet extensions. This most commonly involves braiding it down in cornrows. The pattern of the cornrows will determine how the finished style lays.
2. Gather Your Supplies
| Item | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Crochet Latch Hook | Used to pull the extension hair through |
| Hair Extensions | The hair you will be crocheting in |
| Scissors | To trim excess or cut hair (optional) |
| Clips | To section hair |
3. Begin Crocheting
This is where the action described in the reference comes in. Working section by section along your braided base:
- Open the latch on your crochet hook.
- Slide the hook under a cornrow or braid.
- Close the latch.
- Take a piece of your hair extension. Fold it in half to create a loop.
- Hook the hair extension's loop onto the crochet hook.
- Close the latch to secure the extension loop on the hook.
- Gently pull the hook through the loop you created under your natural hair braid. The extension loop is now pulled through.
- Remove the hook. You will have the extension loop pulled partway through your natural hair braid, with the tails of the extension on the other side.
- Open the extension loop.
- Pull the tails of the extension hair through the loop. This creates a knot securing the extension to your natural hair braid.
- Pull gently to tighten the knot.
As noted in the reference: "Using the crochet hook hook the hair pies through the loop again hook the hair and pass it through the loop." This emphasizes the repetitive motion of hooking the hair extension and pulling it through the loop on your natural hair base.
4. Repeat and Style
Continue this process, attaching hair extensions at desired intervals along your cornrows until your head is covered. Once all the hair is crocheted in, you can trim, layer, or style the extensions as needed to achieve your final look.
Tips for Success
- Sectioning: Work in small sections for control and even distribution.
- Knot Security: Ensure the knot is secure but not so tight that it causes tension on your scalp.
- Hair Type: Choose extensions that complement the desired style and texture.
- Natural Hair Care: Keep your natural hair clean and moisturized under the style.
Crocheting hair is a versatile protective styling method that offers a quick way to change your look. By mastering the technique of using the hook to pull hair through loops, you can achieve beautiful and long-lasting styles.
