Crochet Human Hair Extensions, Everything You Need To Know In 2026

I have always loved clean-looking hair with all the creative detail and precision (AKA protective hairstyles). It was a way for me to express my creativity while looking good.

I grew up wearing protective hairstyles like three-strand braids, twists, African threading, etc. While these hairstyles looked the part (creative precision, beauty, etc.) I soon dealt with two major downsides:

1. Hair damage

2. Limited flexibility

The first is the major challenge. I dealt with tension-related hair damage that almost stopped me from wearing my natural hair. The big question was, would I sacrifice the health of my natural hair over the aesthetic effect of precise protective hairstyles?

I struggled with this decision for years until I discovered a solution that allows me to “sort of” eat my cake and still have it. Crochet Hair Extensions.

Discovering crochet hair extensions was a game-changer. I could now add length and volume to my natural hair without experiencing tension-related damage. Aside from this, the flexibility is unmatched.

Like me, if you love wearing protective hairstyles using hair extensions, but are not ready to deal with the possibility of tension-related hair damage, I bring you a great option:

Human Hair Crochet Extension.

We are going to unpack everything you need to know about feather crochet human hair extensions and how you can wear them, even if it is your first time.

Let’s get started!

What is Human Hair Crochet Extension?

Crochet human hair extensions, as we call them, are not a specific type of hair. This type of hair extension is described by its installation method. Crochet hair extensions can be made from a wide variety of hairs (synthetic, fibre, blend, or 100% human hair).

However, the crochet human hair extensions are made from 100% human hair (that is, if you get a high-quality one).

The crochet hair extension specifically focuses on the installation method. This type of hair extension is installed on your natural hair with the use of a crochet hook. Yes, the kind of hook that is used in crocheting sweaters.

So, when you hear people say crochet hair extension, they mean the type of hair extension that is pre-looped and can be attached to the natural hair using a crochet needle or hook. The crochet hair extension is attached to the natural hair by looping it under a cornrow or track of some sort.

Aside from the texture, crochet hair extension comes in loose (crochet bundles) or pre-made strands (crochet braids, faux locs, etc.). The hairstyle you wish to achieve will determine the kind of crochet hair extension you should go for.

Why Crochet Human Hair/Benefit of Crochet Hair?

If you are used to wearing protective hairstyles like braids, twists, etc. You may be like, Why crochet hair?

1. Great Option for DIY Hair

My biggest reason for saying yes to crochet hair extensions is the ease of DIY. Remember the story I shared with you about how braiding hair extensions almost damaged my natural hair?

“DIY-ing” with crochet hair extensions helped me regrow my hair because I can easily avoid tension. I understand my natural hair, and I know how to treat it, and the hairstyles not to try. Since I noticed more damage around my edges, I've been choosing hairstyles like half-cornrows and half-braids.

This hairstyle allows me to avoid pulling the hair in that region without sacrificing the flexibility of extra length and volume. Plus, I could achieve this in minutes.

If you’ve always wished to style your hair yourself, using a crochet hair is a great way to start (especially if you can’t braid 😉). Using crochet human hair extensions will give you a cleaner result.

2. It Is Cheap

The cost of installing crochet hair extensions is cheap compared to their alternatives. Many crochet hair extensions come pre-made; they are already in your favorite style. Let’s say you want to wear three-strand braids; the crochet version will come already braided in your preferred style (e.g, three-strand braids with curly ends).

Installing a crochet hair extension is cheaper than installing loose hair bundles from scratch. You don’t agree?

Consider this scenario: You go to get braids done. You will do the following:

a. Buy your braiding hair

b. Find a hair braider to install the braids on you

c. You will be charged based on the hairstyle or the time it took to install

d. Pay for products used to set/finish the hairstyle

All these result in spending more money. On the other hand, if you use human hair crochet hair extensions, you will split the price in half. Here’s a breakdown:

a. Buy your human hair braiding extension

b. Install it on your head yourself

c. Or visit your braider and get it done for a fraction of the time it takes to install your braids

d. Need to pay for extra products because the crochet hair extensions come pre-made.

3. Quick Installation Time

This is one of the biggest advantages of wearing crochet hair. It is quick to install and take down. You spend as little as 30 minutes installing a crochet hair extension (depending on the hairstyle).

For example, you can install a pre-braided crochet hair extension in minutes. Weave hairstyles may require more time (about 21/2 hours).

Types of Crochet Human Hair Extensions

There are broadly two types of crochet human hair extensions: the loose hair crochet bundles and the pre-braided crochet human hair.

There are sub-categories under these categories. Let’s talk about these broad categories:

a. Loose human hair crochet bundles

Do you remember when TikTok was buzzing with the curly boho braids hairstyle on type 4C hair?

Many people used the crochet method to add the pre-curled hair strands to their braids. The whole idea of this kind of crochet hair is that it doesn’t come pre-braided like the regular ones you are used to.

Some come in looped, loose strands (i.e, pre-arranged loop at the top with loose hair). This hair is looped for easy installation, like the pre-braided crochet hair. This type of crochet human hair is great for beginners who want to create custom hairstyles.

Others come as individual strands without the loop. This type of crochet human hair looks like braiding hair bundles. The difference is that they may have already been processed to prevent shedding.

They come in different textures (straight, curly, kinky, wavy, etc.)

b. Pre-braided crochet human hair

This is the common option for crochet human hair extensions. These type of crochet human hair extensions comes in different styles like:

● Three-strand braids

● Twists

● Faux locs etc.

Pre-braided crochet hair extensions come in synthetic and human hair. While the synthetic crochet hair is common, the human hair version looks better, lasts longer, and weighs less. You know, less weight = less tension.

The type of crochet human hair extension you choose depends on the hairstyle you wish to achieve. If you want to create a custom hairstyle, opt for loose crochet human hair extensions. For braided hairstyles, opt for pre-braided crochet human hair.

How to Install Crochet Human Hair Extension (Step-by-Step)?

There are different methods for installing crochet human hair extensions (you will find tons of videos on YouTube). The hairstyle you wish to achieve will determine the preferred method.

The installation method for a pre-braided crochet human hair is different from what you use when crocheting loose hair along a track to create an invisible part.

Here are our top YouTube video recommendations to help you better:

a. How to install crochet boho braids for beginners

b. How to install crochet hair extensions

Our Quick Step-by-Step Guide to Installing a Crochet Human Hair Extension

We understand you may need to adjust some processes to achieve your desired hairstyle. However, let’s walk you through a general process for installing a crochet for the first time.

Step 1: Put your hair in a cornrow (in an all-back manner). This forms the track for the crochet hair extension.

Step 2: Arrange your crochet human hair extension. This makes it easy to pick up if you are installing it yourself.

Step 3: Start attaching your crochet human hair extension to the cornrows you created earlier using a crochet needle ( you can use a booby pin if you don’t have a crochet needle/hook).

To do this, slide the crochet needle under the cornrow. Open the latch and hook your crochet human hair extension, close the latch, and gently pull the hair under the cornrow.

Step 4: Secure the crochet hair extension by pulling the ends of the hair extension through the loop. Doing this creates a knot that holds the hair extension in place.

Step 5: Repeat the process until you have covered the whole head. You can add more hair to the areas where you want more volume.

Important tips to note: Installing crochet human hair for the first time can be tricky. Here are some things to note:

a. Start with clean hair. Washing your hair in crochet braids is not as simple as your loose hair or individual braids.

b. Take note of spacing your cornrows. Having a wide space makes the hair look unnatural, especially at the front. You can install smaller cornrows in front for a cleaner look.

c. Be careful with the sizing of your hair extensions. Using small hair strands in front makes small knots, which in turn makes the hair appear realistic.

Crochet hair saved me from damaged hair when I needed it the most. If you have read this quick guide, congratulations, you have successfully installed your first crochet extension.

Now, what?

How to Care for Crochet Hair Extensions?

You need to learn to care for crochet hair extensions to ensure they serve you for the period you want them on. Here are quick tips to help you:

Wrapping it Up!

That's it! You know all it takes. It is now time for the next steps - installing your crochet human hair extension. When will you be trying it out?

Let us know if you have more questions in the comments.