The Crochet Braid Craze!!!

The Crochet Braids, although by no means a new trend, has become increasingly popular in recent times. It is every natural's protective style dream. Why? you may ask, when there are weaves, braids, ponytails etc. You may be thinking that the excitement is unwarranted and the hype is really much ado about nothing. WRONG!!! This hair styling technique boasts many benefits not afforded by its fellow protective styling counterparts. The Crochet Braids stand a cut above the rest for the following reasons:


1. Hair is Fully Protected - The process of installing crochet braids enables your hair to be fully braided down. Now this is a BIG plus, especially for naturals, as t he hassle of trying to blend weaves used in sew ins is quite frustrating at times, unless of course the choice of hair is one similar to your

natural texture. The fact that there is no leave out to contend with in the case of crochet braids, is a welcomed change. So here is a protective hairstyle that is not only cute and versatile, but doesn't require hair to be left out. Some, however opt to wear a leave out especially if the hair being installed is of a natural texture and  the intention is to give the illusion that the hair is actually growing out of the scalp. I love that I can braid down my entire hair and therefore give it the much needed break it needs from the daily manipulation and exposure to the elements.

2. No Pressure on the Scalp & Edges -  Crochet Braids are not limited to a particular style or type of hair. It can be done to mimic natural hair, full weave and even individual braids. Many naturals opt for single plaits or twists as a their protective style of choice. The down side to this is that, if not properly done, or if kept in for too long, these braids can pull on your roots and cause damage to the hair follicles and possible put pressure on the scalp to the point where it could pull your hair out, especially at the edges. The great news is that these single braids can be installed using the crochet technique thus giving the wearer the best of both worlds. Not only are you able to rock the style desired, but it can be done without the risk of damaging the hair since the hair is not attached directly to the hair strands but rather looped around your cornrows.How genius!!! Any hairstyle that helps a woman retain her length is a winner, and I'm sure my fellow naturals are with me in declaring that the Crochet Braids have won our hearts as that realistic looking, easy to install hairdo, without the threat of damage.

3. Short Instillation Time - Although we love, love, love to see those fabulous protective styles and desire to rock them from time to time, upon finding out the long hours that are required to achieve most of them, most times the decision is to pass on it and go for a style that requires a shorter instillation process. The Crochet Braids can take a little as 2 hours to be completed and what a treat, two hours is even less time than it takes for some of us to style our very own hair. That is a ooohhh la la moment right there. Any long lasting hairdo that can be done in such a short time frame is worth every fiber of hair used to complete it. This hairdo is the full time mother, full time working woman or just about every woman's dream for that matter. It doesn't force a woman to have to trade off her day to day responsibilities in order to get dolled up. What more can we ask for?

4. Offers Versatility - This Crochet Braids protective style technique is not just limited to one look. The hairstyle however can be done with kinky hair, curly hair, straight hair, human hair, synthetic hair, braiding hair etc. The options are limitless and therefore makes it that much more attractive as a cute and convenient protective style of choice. Different hair can be interchanged in between styles to give a totally different look, even though the same process is used to install the hair. Oh how we love to keep them guessing, "what will she come with next" they ask, and with the crochet braid as the style of choice, you will not be out of options.

5. Reasonably Priced - Crochet braids are easy to do and is perhaps one of the most highly embraced DIY hairdo options for many women today, both naturals and those with chemically treated hair alike. It is also pretty inexpensive because of the time it takes to be applied and the fact that it doesn't require expensive hair to make it look fancy. Of course if you are able to DIY then you are way ahead of the game as the only thing you would need to worry about is the cost of the hair.

I could find many more reasons to support the practicality of this AWESOME hairstyle, but I think you get the gist. If you haven't yet tried it, you definitely should, you won't regret it.



Photo Credits:

http://www.examiner.com/list/5-protective-styles-for-natural-hair-girls

http://www.pinterest.com/explore/marley-crochet-braids/

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/426505027184302895/

http://www.citychickonline.com/New-Hair-Do-Crochet-Braids-today-my-1-year-anniversary-being-Natural-33893490