Why Crochet Braids is the Best Protective Style!

If you need a break from styling your hair, are looking for a great transition style, or you simply want to try something different, try crochet braids! I will warn you that this protective style is addictive - it may cause you to keep a stash of bulk hair in your home and have you watching on tutorial after another on how to create this style :). 

Crochet Braids using Janet Collection Marley hair in a roller set.

When I discovered crochet braids via YouTube, my life was forever changed. This go-to protective style is hands down my favorite as it allows me to still look natural, with certain types of hair, and gives me just enough escape time from the hustle and bustle of detangling, twisting, and shaping for at least four weeks. 


Whether you are transitioning to natural hair or have been natural for weeks, months,or years, here are my top three reasons why I believe Crochet Braids are the best protective style.

1. It's inexpensive. The most I've invested in this style was $28 initially and $18 after that. You can purchase a crochet latch hook from Wal-Mart for $2.35 or use a bobby pin like this sister did (too much work for me) and eliminate that cost all together. The cost of synthetic hair ranges from $0.99 (kanekalon hair) to $6.99 depending on the brand you choose. I personally prefer Freetress Brazilian Braid, Zury Marley Hair, and Glance Model Model Water Wave, and all can be found either online or at a local beauty supply store. 

2. It's a time saver. When I had micro braids installed back in the day, it took close to 8 hours, and I vowed NEVER to get them again especially after removing them...fast forward 14 years later, and I the awesome crochet braids have only taken me four hours at the most (for the roller set Marley style) and one hour at the least. I'm happy to invest that amount of time because the return on this investment is at least four weeks of rest from detangling, shampooing, twisting and deep conditioning. That alone makes me shout thank you Jesus! I love getting up in the mornings, removing my bonnet, whipping my hair back and forth and walking out the door. 

Freetress Brazilian Braid with a part in the middle.
Wearing: thrifted animal print jumpsuit, sandals and gold skinny belt.

3.  It's versatile. I can wear this style with a bang, without a bang, with a part in the middle, with a part on the side, with straight hair or with curly hair. The possibilities are limitless. I prefer synthetic hair over human hair as it looks more natural on me. Although it can become matted, it's easy for me to just snip the matted part with a pair of scissors, fluff, and go!

I know I said I had three top reasons why I believe crochet braids are the best protective style, but I have to add one more:

4. It's easy to maintain and remove. When I’m ready to remove my braids, I simply cut the hair right where the loop is and remove the small piece of hair. It takes me at the most 15 minutes to remove the braids and another 10 minutes to undo my cornrows - way less time than micros for sure.

Freetress Water Wave with a side part
Wearing: thrifted skirt, sash, cuff, and animal print slingbacks

Tag me on instagram at #thethriftynatural when you rock this style! View the pictures below for more inspiration now that you have all the information. If you have any questions or comment, and/or love this protective style as much as I do, I would love to hear from you below!

Janet Collection Marley Hair roller set for lucious curls
Wearing: thrifted emerald green dress, Jessica Simpson clutch, belt and heels

I hope you have enjoyed the start of this Crochet Braids Series.  Next week’s topic is how to shampoo your scalp without removing your braids!

Question: What protective style is your go-to and why? Comment below!