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Best crochet hairstyles, from synthetic Afro styles to miracle knots

The possibilities are endless...

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two hairstyles one with voluminous curls and another with twisted locks
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If there’s one hair technique that’s dominated my FYP, it’s crochet. Yes you’re reading that right and no, I’m not talking about looping yarn with a hooked needle, although there are a few similarities.

Crochet is a protective styling method using a hook needle to install extensions into braided hair. The method can be applied to pretty much every hairstyle, from braids, to twists and even to loose curls. It’s incredibly versatile and the best bit – it’s simple and easy to DIY.

While crochet is currently the hot topic online, thanks to the trendsetting Miracle Knots hairstyle (more on that later), the styling method has been around for decades and so, has evolved tenfold, meaning there’s a huge range of styles that you can create using a crochet needle and some extensions. For those in need of inspo, here’s everything you need to know about the best crochet hairstyles.

Best crochet styles for Afro-textured hair

1

Fulani crochet

Fulani Crochet braid styles take on the front of a typical Fulani cornrow style, but leaves the back out, rather than braided down, and this can be curly, straight or however you like.

Using curly crochet hair extensions, you can create a fun, lightweight half and half look that’s perfect for festivals, holidays or a night out with the girls.

2

Crochet twist-out

Looking for a light and natural hairstyle that’s quick and easy to DIY? Look no further than a Yanky Twist-Out. This crochet hairstyle utilises ‘Yanky Twist’ hair extensions, which can be styled as they come, or, for this twist out style, unravelled once hooked onto your base braids. This creates a natural coily hairstyle that mimics the corkscrew ringlets typically found in type 3c to 4a textures.

Whether you’re buying your extensions from Amazon or your local hairshop, Yanky Twist extensions are typically synthetic but this helps the style remain bouncy and light.

Styling tip: If you’re using synthetic hair, use a dry oil mist like the Got2b Curlz Refreshing Dry Oil Mist to maintain a natural finish on your coils. Alternatively, if there’s too much shine, a dry shampoo can help keep this at bay.

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3

Short crochet twists

This bob-length crochet hairstyle is perfect for those wanting to cut their install time in half, but still have a full and neat result – as if you’ve just come from the salon. Short Crochet Twists are a lightweight, beginner-friendly protective style and if you use pre-twisted extensions, you’ll be able to pick up the crochet technique in no time.

The easy-to-DIY installation makes short crochet twists popular, as it gives the illusion of a single twist, when in reality, the hair pieces come pre-twisted straight out of the pack, with a handy loop at the top of the hair that gets knotted into place.

4

Miracle knots

Miracle Knots are the key trend that put crochet hairstyles back on the map ahead of summer 2026. They look just like goddess braids, but they offer a flatter, more natural-looking finish compared to traditional crochet installs because the hair extensions are braided into your natural hair – this also makes the style practically “weightless” especially if human hair extensions are used.

For a boho, holiday-ready look, I recommend using the Deep Wave Bundles from Unice – they’re soft, bouncy and easy to maintain – plus since it’s human hair you can dye to whatever colour you fancy.

Maintenance Tip: Although pricey, human hair extensions can be reused! Keep your Miracle Knots fresh by gently detangling with a curl cream or mousse – I love The Doux’s Mousse Def Foam – daily and wash weekly. After about 2-3 months, carefully take the style down (consult a hairstylist for help if needed) and keep the extensions for your next crochet look.

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5

V-Part wig invisible part

For wig installs using a v-part unit, crochet can help to create an invisible part to achieve a natural blend that’ll leave anyone second guessing whether you’re wearing a protective style or are just rocking your natural ‘fro.

This method can be used on any hair texture, but curly units often reap the best results. I’d recommend a v-part wig like the Unice Invisiblend V Part Curly Wig, which has a flatter-than-most opening for a seamless blend with your natural hair.If you have shorter curls and coils that you struggle to blend, or would prefer not to leave your hair out for a protective style, this is the best crochet option for you.

6

Crochet curls

Crochet curls are hands-down one of the most inventive crochet hairstyles I’ve seen. It takes the look of a curly sew-in and gives it a completely new installation method. They are ideal for those wanting a low-tension, seamless hairstyle with a natural-looking finish.

The style rose in popularity as it can be created using synthetic curly hair, which is often cheaper than human hair, but when human hair is used, the style is fully customisable using curly hair products and water. It also doubles as a no-part, invisible style that can be worn in a multitude of ways, from half-up half-down to a low ponytail, the possibilities are endless.

Styling tip: Messy, voluminous roots give this style a natural finish. Use a comb to lift and add volume by gently backcombing the roots, thus hiding the base of the crochet hair for a seamless, straight-from-your-scalp look.

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7

Crochet goddess braids

If sitting in a salon chair for four or more hours isn’t how you want to spend your weekend, but you’re still in the mood for a braided protect style, it could be time to try crochet goddess braids. This style cuts braiding time in half, as pre-braided extensions can be crocheted in place, completing your goddess braid hairstyle in no time.

It’s ideal for those who prefer low-tension protective styles, but want to get involved in braided hairstyles, minus the long install time and tight braids – a win-win.

8

Jumbo crochet twists

Jumbo crochet twists are ideal for the less-is-more girlies, because although bigger than usual twists, it’ll take less pieces for a full yet lightweight look that appears just like a traditional twisted hairstyle.

Jumbo crochet twists can be purchased pre-twisted or you can buy pre-stretched braiding hair and twist it yourself – this option usually allows for more colour variations and length. Popular styles include Havana twists, which are softer and fluffier, Senegalese twists are usually sleeker or marley twists, which have a kinkier, more textured look.

Styling tip: Wrap a strand of hair tinsel around your Jumbo Crochet Twists for a makeshift festival look with added sparkle.

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9

Crochet faux butterfly locs

Traditional locs take time, effort and plenty of dedication, but for those who might not be ready to put all their eggs in this basket, there’s a crochet hairstyle to satiate your loc desire. Crochet faux butterfly locs can be purchased pre-made, with a loop at the end of the hairpiece to attach to a cornrow base, as you would with any crochet hairstyle.

Crochet faux butterfly locs have a distressed, textured appearance with curly loops peeking out like butterfly wings – hence the name – and offer the soft locs with a twist.

10

Crochet blowout

A crochet blowout is one of the newest forms of crochet hairstyling, and proves just how creative this technique can get. If you prefer not to straighten your natural hair and would only go as far as blowdrying, this crochet hairstyle is the perfect look for you. Only a slither of natural hair is left out, as the rest of the crochet hair is left to blend with yours, resulting in a seamless, natural looking finish that leaves the crochet knots practically invisible.

Styling tip: Opt for yaki (a textured hair extension type) hair textures, like YWigs’ Kinky Straight Crochet Human Hair, which comes pre-looped and ready to install. This hair texture matches blow-dried coily hair, making it an undetectable match for type 4 girlies.

Headshot of Lauren Gordon
Lauren Gordon
Beauty Contributor

Lauren Gordon is a contributor for Cosmopolitan’s Black Beauty Hub and the Emerging Audiences Editor at The Mirror, where she leads the Under-35s team and serves as the creator-curator of The Gulp, a weekly lifestyle and culture newsletter.

With nearly a decade of experience across leading newsrooms and digital platforms, Lauren’s career in lifestyle and beauty journalism flourished after earning her journalism degree from the University of the Arts London.

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