Crochet Hair: The Protective Style Everyone Loves (And Its 3 Main Types)

Oct 1

3 min read

Updated: Oct 2

If you want a beautiful, natural-looking style without sitting for 6+ hours, crochet hair is your best friend. It's fast, versatile, protective, and perfect for fall.

At Fafa Braids Toronto, crochet installs are one of our most requested services. But did you know there are 3 different types? Here's the breakdown:

What is Crochet Hair?

Crochet is a technique where extensions are looped through your cornrowed natural hair using a latch-hook needle. Your natural hair is fully protected underneath, no glue, no tension on your edges.

Benefits: Lightweight, low maintenance, 4-6 weeks longevity, budget-friendly, and endless styling options.

The 3 Types of Crochet Hair You Should Know.

i. Synthetic Crochet Hair

This is your classic crochet hair. Made from Kanekalon / Toyokalon fibers. Synthetic crochet comes in different types — curly hair, twists braids, box braids, boho curls and even faux locs. Its install is achieved by looping individual curls into either base cornrows or single braids. When done in single braids, there is a wrapping technique method that creates a softer look, making it look more like temporary locs. This style is perfect if you like to keep your hair for over 2 months as it gets better as it ages.

Gogo curls bouncy crochet hair at Fafa Braids Toronto

Pros:

Most affordable - great for trying a new style
Holds curls and twists the longest
Huge variety of colors and lengths

Cons:

Can tangle faster if not maintained
Low heat tolerance
Slight shine that looks less natural up close

Best for: First-timers, festival/party styles, and budget-friendly installs.

ii. Master Mix / Human Hair Blend Crochet Hair

Master Mix is a premium blend - synthetic mixed with human hair fibers. It's similar to featherless hair strands where two strands of hair are joined by a single thread. They appear more natural at the base since there are no visible knots.

Hawaiian curls color 2T1B/30 At Fafa Braids Toronto

human hair blend thread At Fafa Braids Toronto

Pros:

Most natural look and feel - blends like real hair
Very lightweight and soft on scalp
Less tangling, can use low heat
Lasts longer than pure synthetic
More color varieties

Cons:

More expensive than synthetic
Needs a little more care to keep the blend soft
The thread is less strong compared to human hair featherless, easy to break

Best for: Clients who want that "is that your hair?" look. Perfect for Soft Locs, Goddess Locs, and if you have locs you can add some curls on it. This is our MOST REQUESTED at Fafa Braids

iii. Featherless Crochet Hair

This is the new luxury standard. It's called "featherless" because the roots are sealed and there are no bulky knots on the scalp. It's the most natural looking crochet style. Two strands of human hair are joined with a thread, which you then use to tie a knot on the base cornrows. They have to use a thread because human hair cannot be easily looped on the cornrows without getting loose.

featherless Burmese curls bundle 18" At Fafa Braids Toronto

burmese curls crochet hair on Fafa Braids Our Master Stylist

Miracle knots crochet hair Home Appointment Fafa Braids Toronto

Pros:

Super natural, flat installation - looks like it grew from your scalp
Zero bulk at the cornrow - no bumps
Lightest of all three, no tension on edges
No matting at the root, easiest to maintain
Reusable up to 3 times!
Versatile - you can switch it up, use the hair to do miracle knots, boho curls, or half cornrows half featherless