French Curl Braiding: A Beginner's Guide to Crochet Braids

French curl braiding, also known as crochet braiding, is a popular hair styling technique that involves crocheting hair extensions into your natural hair. It’s a great way to add length and volume to your hair without the use of glue or sew-ins. This method involves creating small braids using a crochet hook and attaching pre-curled hair extensions to each braid. The result is a natural-looking hairstyle that can add length, volume, and texture to your hair. French curl braids are a popular protective hairstyle because they require minimal maintenance and can last for several weeks with proper care.

Let’s discuss everything you need to know about French curl braiding, from how to prepare your hair to how to care for your braids.

 

Preparing Your Hair for French Curl Braiding

Before you start braiding, it’s important to prepare your hair. This includes washing and conditioning your hair to ensure that it’s clean and free of any product buildup. You should also detangle your hair using a wide-toothed comb to make sure that there are no knots or tangles.

Next, you should section your hair into small parts. The size of the sections will depend on the thickness of your hair and the size of the braids you want. You can use hair clips or rubber bands to keep each section in place.

 

How to Do French Curl Braiding

1. Once your hair is prepared, you can start the braiding process. Here are the steps to follow:
2. Take a small section of your natural hair and use a crochet needle to pull a loop of hair through the center of the braiding hair.
3. Use the crochet needle to pull the end of the braiding hair through the loop.
4. Twist the braiding hair and wrap it around the natural hair, using your fingers to make sure that it’s tightly secured.
5. Continue to braid your natural hair with the braiding hair, adding more hair to the braid as you go along.
6. Once you reach the end of your natural hair, you can secure the braid with a hair tie or a rubber band.
7. Repeat this process for each section of hair until all of your hair is braided.

 

Tips for Caring for Your French Curl Braids

Once your French curl braids are done, it’s important to take good care of them to keep them looking great. Here are a few tips:

1. Use a satin scarf or pillowcase when you sleep to prevent your braids from becoming tangled.
2. Avoid getting your braids wet, especially if you’re using synthetic hair. Water can cause the braids to unravel and can also lead to mildew and odors.
3. Moisturize your scalp regularly to prevent dryness and itching. You can use a leave-in conditioner or oil to keep your scalp hydrated.
4. Avoid pulling or tugging on your braids, as this can cause them to become loose or fall out.
5. When it’s time to take out your braids, be gentle and use a pair of scissors to cut them out instead of pulling them out.

The current trending style with French braiding hair is the "Feed-In" French braid or also called the "Invisible" French braid. This technique involves adding small amounts of hair as you braid, creating a natural and seamless look that appears as if the braid is growing out of your scalp. The Feed-In technique allows for versatility in styling, such as creating intricate designs and patterns with the braids. Another popular trend is incorporating accessories, such as beads, cuffs, and colored extensions, to add an extra dimension to the braids. The result is a stylish and unique hairstyle that is both practical and fashionable.

French curl braiding is a great way to add length and volume to your hair without using glue or sew-ins. With the right preparation and care, your braids can last for several weeks, giving you a stylish and low-maintenance look. Just remember to take good care of your braids to keep them looking great and to protect your natural hair.