Removing crochet twists involves carefully cutting the installed hair and then gently taking down your cornrows.
Here's a step-by-step guide on how to remove crochet twists while minimizing damage to your natural hair:
Essential Steps for Removing Crochet Twists
The core process involves locating where the crochet hair is looped onto your cornrows and cutting the extension hair above that point before unraveling your natural hair.
1. Gather Your Supplies
Before you begin, make sure you have everything you need:
- Sharp scissors (preferably small, precise ones)
- A mirror (or two)
- Clips or hair ties to section your hair
- A wide-tooth comb or detangling brush
- Your favorite conditioner or detangling spray
- A towel or cape to catch cut hair
2. Prepare Your Hair
Start with dry hair. It's easier to see and feel the crochet knots when the hair is dry. Section your hair into manageable parts using clips. This helps prevent accidentally cutting sections you're not working on.
3. Locate the Attachment Point
Crochet hair is typically attached by looping the extension hair under a section of your cornrow and pulling it through to create a knot or loop. You need to identify this point on each twist. Follow the twist down to where it emerges from your cornrow.
4. Carefully Cut the Twist
This is the most crucial step. Using your scissors, carefully cut the crochet twist above the point where it is attached to your cornrow.
As seen in the reference video (0:14), you should cut close to the base where the extension is looped onto your natural hair. Cutting too close to your scalp risks cutting your own hair. Cut just above the knot/loop that secures the crochet hair to your cornrow.
- Important: Be absolutely sure you are only cutting the extension hair. Feel for the knot and cut above it. Cutting different lengths as you work can help ensure you don't accidentally cut your own hair hiding among the extensions.
5. Unravel Your Cornrows
Once the bulk of the crochet twists are cut off, you will be left with your cornrows. Your natural hair has been braided and protected under the twists, but it will likely contain shed hairs and product buildup.
- Gently loosen each cornrow: Start from the end of a cornrow and carefully unravel the braid. Work slowly and patiently.
- Apply conditioner or detangling spray: As you unravel each braid, apply a generous amount of conditioner or detangling spray. This will help loosen shed hairs and any buildup, making the detangling process easier and less damaging.
- Detangle as you go: Use your fingers to gently separate sections of your natural hair as you unravel the braid. Remove shed hair and buildup carefully.
- Use a comb: Once the braid is fully unraveled and conditioned, use a wide-tooth comb or detangling brush to gently comb through the section, starting from the ends and working your way up to the root.
6. Repeat for All Sections
Continue this process, section by section, cutting the crochet twists and then carefully unraveling and detangling each cornrow until all the extensions are removed and your natural hair is free.
Tips for a Smooth Removal
- Take your time: Rushing can lead to cutting your own hair or causing breakage during detangling.
- Work in good lighting: Ensure you can clearly see what you are doing.
- Use a mirror: A handheld mirror can help you see the back of your head.
- Protect your clothes: The cut hair can be messy.
- Condition generously: This is key to minimizing breakage when detangling matted hair.
- Consider a helping hand: If you have difficulty reaching certain areas, ask a friend or family member for assistance.
By following these steps and being patient, you can safely remove your crochet twists and prepare your natural hair for cleansing and conditioning.
