14 Crochet Hairstyles to Inspire Your Next Protective Look

Naturalistas know that when it comes to protective styles, the options just keep getting better. Protective natural styles (opens in new tab) are popular for a reason: They allow you to wear your hair in a myriad of ways without the need for hot tools, (opens in new tab) which can cause damage, breakage, and weak strands if over-used. One of the most gorgeous ways to rock a protective style is with a crochet hairstyle. Crochet hairstyles are created with crochet braids, a special method of braiding that adds extensions to the hair. Crochet hair can be worn straight, braided (opens in new tab), twisted, or curly, and can last up to eight weeks if cared for properly. Yes, eight whole weeks. They're the most practical protective style of the bunch because they require the least amount of upkeep. Perhaps that's why crochet hair has been favored by busy celebs like Issa Rae, Lupita Nyong'o, and Solange Knowles, with each woman rocking her own chic, unique look. Check out the most popular styles on Instagram, below, then bring this article to your stylist.

1. Cornrows and Waves 

Celebrity hairstylist Felicia Leatherwood created the perfect crochet half-up, half-down look on Issa Rae for the 2017 Image Awards. To adopt this stunning style yourself, start by cornrowing the crown of your hair up into an off-center bun. Finish with crocheted-in waves.

2. Bold Curls 

Show up as your boldest self with this face-framing, voluminous crochet style created on Aïssata Diallo (opens in new tab). Fluff up your curls from the top of your head for even more drama.

3. Half-Up Curls 

Keep it classic with this half-up, half-down hairstyle like this 'do on Melissa Walker (opens in new tab) . For an undetectable look, keep the crown of your natural hair exposed so it seamlessly blends into your ponytail.

4. Voluminous Ringlets 

Complement your big, voluptuous curls with golden highlights like Alyssa's look (opens in new tab). Keep your ringlets super defined like this photo, or comb through them for a carefree, imperfect curl. The style options are endless.

5. Crochet Curly Fro 

Craving big volume? No problem. Try this mesmerizing, face-framing crocheted curly fro as your next protective style. Part it down the side, middle, or let your curls hang freely. After all, the beauty of crochet hairstyles is the versatility.

6. Curly Crochet Low-Ponytail 

Protect the ends of your natural hair with a low-maintenance, tucked-back style. Then take your pony volume to the next level by incorporating a curly crochet style. It's a win-win hair situation.

7. Face-Framing Curls 

Try a free-flowing look like these shoulder-length curls on Alicia (opens in new tab) and brush them out to shape the style. Keep this curly 'do up for the long haul by sleeping in two strand twist or flexi rods.

8. Free-Flowing, Natural Curls

If you like undone and carefree curls, replicate this style. To add a little height to your hair, look for springy, bouncy curls when buying your crochet hair, like this extensions brand (opens in new tab). Then, use a wide tooth comb like this Revlon Perfect Styling Comb Set For Thick & Curly Hair (opens in new tab) to tease each curl for extra volume.

9. Extra-Long, Shaggy Curls

Here's proof that crochet hair has the ability to gift you with goddess-level curls like this stunning look on Ines (opens in new tab). Warning: this style takes hours and hours of sitting, but it's obviously worth the wait. Part your hair into tiny sections and braid a couple inches down, stopping prematurely at the root. Brush out your hair for these effortless, shaggy-looking curls.

10. A Shapely, Textured Bob

Adding shape and structure to your crochet curls can create a unique, fashion-forward look, like this face-framing style with chin-length curls and major dimension. Fluff up your curls with your hands to amp up the texture.

11. Close-Cut Curls

Crochet curls look good at every length. If short hair is your style, rock a curly 'do like this iteration on Annisa LiMara (opens in new tab)—ringlets look even more defined with a short cut. As I mentioned above, color, like this eye-catching platinum hue, makes everything better. Be sure to consult a stylist on which shade will suit your skin tone the best.

12. Faux Dreadlocks

How gorgeous are these faux locs on Jasmine Newbold (opens in new tab) using crochet hair? If you're not sure about making a permanent commitment to dreadlocks, crochet hair lets you try out the look first. Faux locs are a beast to master on your own, though, so I recommend taking an inspiration photo like this to a salon that specializes in faux loc styles. A professional will know how to replicate this specific crochet method.

13. Wavy, Goddess Locs

There are so many things to love about this style on Jessica Odoh (opens in new tab). For one, this is another rendition of faux locs commonly known as "Goddess Locs," a wavier style. Second, the gradual blend from black-t0-brown-to-honey blonde is a stunning take on ombré. Add this to your saved hair collection on Insta ASAP if you haven't yet.

14. A Crochet Ponytail

As gorgeously proven on Jodi (opens in new tab), braided styles pair perfectly with crochet hair. Let your creative juices take over and experiment with cornrows and added embellishments like hair jewelry (try these gold cuffs (opens in new tab) and stretchy ribbon (opens in new tab)). Bring this look together with a curly crochet ponytail that adds extra volume.