Crochet braids are one of the most versatile protective styles available right now. They install quickly, they come in dozens of textures, and when they are done well they look stunning.
But I see the same thing happen repeatedly. A client leaves the salon with a fresh install and two weeks later the style looks like it has been in for two months.
The braids were fine. The care routine was not.
How long do crochet braids actually last
With proper care, crochet braids last 4 to 6 weeks. Some clients stretch them to 8 weeks if their natural hair and scalp are happy.
Without a care routine, you are looking at 2 to 3 weeks before the style starts to look tired. The hair gets frizzy, the roots get dry, and the whole install loses its shape.
The difference between 3 weeks and 6 weeks is almost entirely about what you do after you leave the salon.
How to maintain your scalp with crochet braids in
Your scalp still needs attention even when your hair is in a protective style. Apply a lightweight oil directly to your scalp every 3 to 4 days. Jojoba oil and tea tree oil work well. Avoid anything too heavy that will cause buildup.
If your scalp feels itchy, dilute apple cider vinegar with water and apply it with a spray bottle. It balances the scalp's pH and relieves irritation without disturbing the braids.
How to keep the hair itself looking fresh
Most crochet hair is synthetic, which means it does not absorb moisture the way natural hair does. A light mist of water and leave-in conditioner every few days helps keep the texture looking defined.
At night, wrap your hair in a satin scarf or sleep on a satin pillowcase. Friction is the fastest way to frizz up a crochet install.
Avoid excessive heat near the hair. Most synthetic crochet textures are not heat-friendly and will melt or lose their curl pattern permanently.
When to take crochet braids down
Take your crochet braids down when you start to see significant new growth at the roots, when the hair itself has become too tangled or frizzy to refresh, or when your scalp is telling you it needs a break.
Do not push past 8 weeks. Your natural hair needs to breathe and your scalp needs a proper wash between installs.
Ready for a fresh crochet install in Sandy Springs
If you are in the Sandy Springs or Atlanta area and you want crochet braids done properly from the start, text me a photo of the style you are thinking about at 770-687-0425.
I will let you know what hair to buy, how long the install will take, and give you a quote the same day.