Skip to Content

38 Best Crochet Hairstyles to Try in 2023

And yes, you can totally DIY them.

By and
one person on the left wearing a crochet hairstyle with two space buns and loose hair in the back, and one person on the right wearing crochet braids with loose curly ends
Instagram: @spstyled | @niseyo_hair

We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we love. Promise.

If you need a sign to try out crochet hairstyles, hi, hello, this is your sign. Not only are crochet hairstyles a super versatile protective style—which can be worn straight, curly, twisted, or as a braided or faux loc hairstyle, all without damaging your hair—but they’re also just really freaking pretty. “A crochet hairstyle is the method of cornrowing your hair to attach extensions with a crochet tool,” says hairstylist Kamara Brown. “It’s basically a weave, but a different way of installing it, and it allows for even more hairstyle versatility.” Plus, says Brown, you don’t even need to see a professional stylist or braider to get it done—it’s totally doable at home.

Meet the expert

If that wasn't enough to convince you, Brown points out that crochet hairstyles are more affordable than typical sew-ins. While a regular sew-in weave can range anywhere from $100 to $600, crochet hairstyles typically stay in the $100 to $150 range, says Brown, with the extensions themselves costing $10 to $30. So if you're ready to add a crochet style into your rotation, get ready to screenshot some inspo. Ahead, the 38 prettiest crochet hairstyle ideas (from faux locs to loose curls) that will convince you to make the switch.

1

Crochet Locs

Brown suggests that when you’re trying to decide which hair extension brand to go with for your crochet hairstyle, don’t just Google the type of hair extensions you need—start with YouTube first. “Type in the name of the hair brand into YouTube, and you’ll be able to see videos of other people using the hair and how it looks on a person outside of the package," says Brown.

2

This Loose Crochet Hairstyle

This wavy crochet hairstyle is a great option if you want a weave with the freedom to install it at home. Check out this crochet hair install tutorial that will walk you through exactly how and where to install the extensions. And as you know from any other protective style, it takes time, so Brown says to be prepared for it to take anywhere from two to six hours, depending on your skill and speed.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
3

Super-Long Crochet Curls

Love long hair? This long curly hairstyle is ideal for you. And it'll be worth the time it takes to get installed (whether you see a stylist or DIY it), because Brown says it'll last four to eight weeks (depending on how fast your hair grows).

4

This Crochet Headband Hairstyle

If you're on the hunt for a cute way to style your crochet locs, you can't go wrong with this classic headband hairstyle. Put your locs into a ponytail or bun, then wrap a scarf around your head and pull a few locs out for a lived-in look.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
5

This Burgundy Crochet Updo

One of the best parts about crochet hairstyles is the freedom to pick whatever color makes you happiest—like this pretty burgundy shade. Pick up some dyed braiding hair ahead of your appointment with your braider.

6

Short Crochet Locs

If you love the look of locs, but don't want to worry about starting locs or the commitment, crochet locs are a much quicker route to go. Plus, how pretty are these brown to blonde ombré locs?

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
7

This Cornrow and Loose Hair Crochet Combo

Can’t decide between braids or loose hair? No prob, you don’t have to. Screenshot this pic for your braider and ask for this cornrow-loose hair combo, so you can recreate this really pretty wrapped ponytail hairstyle.

8

This Bob Loc Hairstyle

K, butterfly locs are already cute enough, but this side-parted bob hairstyle takes it to the next level. Plus, it's a great way to get locs without actually locking your hair.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
9

Passion Twists with Gold Cuffs

There’s never a bad time to introduce cuffs or beads to your protective hairstyle, whether it’s for box braids or faux locs. Order a pack of cuffs on Amazon and take them to your braider, or follow a crochet hair tutorial to install your crochet style at home.

10

These Crochet Passion Twists

Passion twists are an excellent option for your crochet hairstyle, as evidenced by this super pretty look. You'll want to go for wavy braiding hair (not too tight and not too loose) when recreating this style, but feel free to play around with length.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
11

These Crochet Locs

Level up your crochet hairstyle and go for a bold hair color like these dark-magenta locs. P.S., Don't forget to spritz on a sheen spray through your scalp for extra moisture and shine.

12

This Ombré Crochet Hairstyle

Look closely, and you'll notice the subtle ombré hair color in this crochet hairstyle. The slight contrast between light- and dark-brown hair is always a winning style, but there's nothing wrong with choosing your own color combo too.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
13

This Crochet Hairstyle With Cuffs

After your braider finishes this cool crochet hairstyle, add a few cuffs throughout your updo. Remember: Just because your hair is in a protective style doesn't mean you should dial back on your styling products, so keep your scalp hydrated with your favorite lightweight moisturizer.

14

This Crochet Updo

Perfect for those days when you want to get your crochet hairstyle off your neck, this updo is equal parts pretty and functional. Gather your locs at the top of your head and leave out a few face-framing pieces for good measure.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
15

These Crochet Butterfly Braids

I mean, what's not to love about these gorgeous crochet butterfly braids? Don't forget to invest in a silk bonnet or a silk or satin pillowcase—it'll help keep unwanted flyaways at bay and even extend the life of your style.

16

These Crochet Mermaid Twists

The coolest thing about these crochet mermaid twists is that they're decked out with the prettiest color combos. Like, don't you just love those shades of green, yellow, and blue sprinkled throughout the look? This one's a great option if/when you're not afraid of color.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
17

This Braidless Crochet Hairstyle

You don't have to braid or cornrow your natural hair when trying a crochet hairstyle, btw. Follow this braidless crochet hair tutorial from YouTuber TheKeyIsMe for a quick install (seriously—you won't believe how fast you'll get through this one) that's super lightweight and bouncy.

18

This Long, Curly Crochet Hairstyle

Crochet hairstyles are a great excuse to try a longer length. Longer hair = a bit more tension on your scalp though, so make sure you take the time to regularly massage on a hydrating oil to avoid irritation.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
19

This Curly Crochet Hairstyle

Half-up styles are a nonnegotiable for any crochet hairstyle, especially when they look this cute. A tighter curl pattern is the perfect way to create a more realistic-looking crochet hairstyle, so if you're working with 100 percent human hair, use a skinny curling iron to refresh any strands that loosen up over time.

20

This Double-Bun Crochet Hairstyle

Meet the prettiest addition to any curly crochet hairstyle: two double knots on either side of your part. Finish off the look by laying your baby hairs with a non-crunchy edge control.

Headshot of Sami Roberts

Sami Roberts was the previous beauty assistant at Cosmopolitan. Keep up with her cat-filled life in New York on Instagram

Headshot of Valeriya Chupinina

Valeriya Chupinina is a freelance beauty and wellness writer exploring the multifaceted connection between the aesthetic and internal. You can find her work in outlets like Coveteur, HYPEBAE, and NBGA. In addition to her editorial work, she consults on social media strategies for brands. You can keep up with her on Instagram @valeriyaliyevna

Watch Next 
one person on the left wearing a crochet hairstyle with two space buns and loose hair in the back, and one person on the right wearing crochet braids with loose curly ends
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below