Of all the crochet braiding techniques out there, the Express Crochet Method is known as the easiest and quickest way to achieve a beautiful, full look in minimal time.
Exploring 4 Traditional Crochet Braid Install Methods
1. The Cornrow Base Method
This is the most traditional and widely used technique. It involves braiding the natural hair into cornrows to create a secure, flat foundation. The crochet hair is then attached by looping it through the gaps in the cornrows. This method offers excellent durability and support for heavier hairstyles, though it requires more time and tension on the scalp during installation.
2.The Elastic Band Base Method
A fantastic time-saving alternative to cornrows. Small elastic bands are tied around small sections of natural hair to create anchor points across the head. The crochet hair is then tied directly onto these bands. This method is significantly faster, reduces tension on the scalp and edges, and is ideal for those seeking a quick, protective style with minimal manipulation.
3.Crochet Braid Using a Wig Net
This versatile method uses a mesh wig net as a supportive base, offering a fantastic alternative to traditional braiding. It typically involves two installation approaches:
Pre-Made Unit: You can create the entire style off-head by securing the wig net to a mannequin and crocheting all the bulk or pre-looped crochet hair through the net. Once complete, you simply wear the full unit like a wig.
Direct-On-Head Install: The net is first secured snugly to your head. Then you can crochet the bulk braiding hair strands directly through the net's holes, simultaneously catching small sections of your own underneath hair for security.
The core benefit of both approaches is that the wig net provides a clear, organized grid of anchor points for crocheting. This not only significantly speeds up the installation but also distributes weight and reduces tension on your scalp. It's the perfect solution for a quick, protective style that allowing you to simply secure your own hair into a low bun without the time-consuming process of creating cornrows.
4.Crochet Braid Using a Braid Cap
This innovative technique utilizes a pre-made braided wig cap—a specialized foundation featuring integrated pre-braided tracks or pre-looped circles designed for effortless crocheting. Simply secure the cap to your head and attach your desired braids directly onto the tracks or through the loops for a flawless, instant installation.
This method dramatically reduces installation time, eliminates the need for custom cornrowing —making it especially ideal for users with super short hair or can’t do neat braids. It ensures even tension distribution across the scalp, resulting in a quick, professional-looking, and genuinely scalp-friendly protective braid style.
What Is Express Crochet Method
While traditional crochet braids are created by attaching individual strands of hair one by one, the Express Crochet Method uses a innovative looping technique that applies hair in entire rows at a time. This row-by-row installation process significantly reduces the time required, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a efficient and gorgeous crochet hair style.
How to Install Express Crochet Braid Step by Step?
Materials You Need for Express crochet braid:
- Beader
- Crochet hook
- Rat-tail comb
- Small elastic bands
- Pre-looped crochet hair or pre-twisted crochet braids
Step1.Section your hair
- Divide your hair into two main sections: an upper section from ear to ear across the crown, and a lower section below.
- In the front (upper section), create 6–8 neat straight-back rows or 12–16 small square parts.
- In the back (lower section), create 10-12 larger rectangular horizontal sections.
Step2.Twist or Braid the front sections.
- Begin at the front. Take the first section, braid or twist about 1 inch, then incorporate hair from the section directly behind it.
- Continue braiding backward, merging each new row with the previous braid until the entire front is complete.
- Clip the finished front braids up to keep them out of the way.
Step3.Braid the back sections.
- Start braiding at the nape of your neck. Braid each section toward the side of the head rather than in the middle.
- As you move up toward the ears, as you approach the sections around or above the ears, incorporate that hair into the adjacent front braid you just created.
- Complete all back sections until your entire hair is cornrowed.
Step4.Install Pre-Looped Crochet Hair-Back First
- Begin with the two bottom braids near your neck.
- Using a beader, attach 5-10 pre-looped crochet braids separately onto each of these two braids, depending on their thickness.
- Secure the ends of these two braids in the middle using a small elastic band for a firm hold.
- Move to the row directly above. After attaching the next row of crochet braids, gather their ends together with the secured ends from the previous row below and bind them together with another elastic band.
- Repeat this process—working upward and attaching each new row's ends to the secured bundle from the row beneath—until the entire back of the head is filled and all the ends are neatly gathered and secured in the center.
Key point:
This braids securing technique works by anchoring each new row of braids to the one below it, creating a secure bottom-up structure that not only conceals all hair ends seamlessly but also forms an interlocking support system for superior hold. By integrating the side sections behind the ears with the front hair, the weight is distributed evenly across the entire head—significantly reducing tension on the scalp and hair roots. The result is lasting comfort, enhanced scalp protection, healthier hair, and unmatched security.
Step5.Install pre-looped crochet braids on the front
Use a crochet hook to add more pre-looped crochet braids to any gaps along the front braids for fuller coverage and a seamless blend.
You may also interested in:
Master the art of Crochet Braids & Unlock 2024 Hot Style Trends
How to DIY Hair Extensions Using Bulk Braiding Hair
Reach out to us at [email protected] with any fresh braiding hair tips you've discovered or questions about hair. Enjoy your braiding and twisting journey, and keep shining!