How to Crochet Faux Locs

Crocheting faux locs is an increasingly popular hair styling technique that offers a versatile and low-maintenance look. This method allows you to achieve the appearance of traditional locs without the long-term commitment, making it an ideal choice for those who want to experiment with their style.

Whether you’re aiming for a bohemian aesthetic, protective styling, or simply a bold new look, crocheting faux locs provides a creative and efficient way to transform your hair. This guide will walk you through the basics of how to crochet faux locs, ensuring you can achieve a professional finish right from the comfort of your home.

What Are Crochet Faux Locs?

Crochet faux locs are a versatile and stylish protective hairstyle that mimics the appearance of natural dreadlocks. They are created by crocheting pre-formed loc extensions into your natural hair using a crochet needle, making the process quicker and less labor-intensive compared to traditional loc methods.

Faux locs come in a variety of textures, lengths, and colors, allowing for endless customization to suit personal preferences and style. This technique not only helps protect your natural hair from daily wear and tear but also offers a low-maintenance solution for those who want a trendy, polished look without the time commitment of growing real locs.

Tools and Materials You’ll Need

To successfully install faux locs, having the right tools and materials is essential. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:

• Crochet Needle: This tool is used to loop and secure the faux locs into your natural hair.
• Faux Locs Hair Extensions: Choose the type, texture, length, and color that best suits your desired style.
• Hair Comb: A fine-toothed comb for parting your hair neatly.
• Edge Control Gel: To smooth and lay down your edges for a polished finish.
• Hair Clips: These will help you section your hair and keep it organized during the installation process.
• Rubber Bands (Optional): Useful for securing the ends of sections before crocheting.
• Moisturizing Spray or Leave-In Conditioner: To keep your natural hair hydrated beneath the locs.
• Scissors: For trimming any stray strands or uneven ends.

Having these materials at hand will ensure a smooth and efficient process while creating your faux locs.

10 Methods How to Crochet Faux Locs

1. Understand the Basics of Crochet Faux Locs

Crochet faux locs are a popular protective hairstyle that mimics the look of traditional dreadlocks while providing versatility and ease of installation. Made from synthetic or human hair, faux locs are installed by crocheting pre-made locs or braiding hair into natural hair using a crochet hook.

They offer a natural, textured appearance without the long-term commitment of permanent locs. Understanding this foundational concept helps you choose the right method and materials, ensuring a seamless and stylish result.

2. Choose the Right Hair for a Realistic Look

Selecting the appropriate hair type is crucial for achieving natural-looking faux locs. Common options include synthetic fibers like Kanekalon or Marley hair, which offer a coarse, dreadlock-like texture. For a more natural appearance, you can opt for human hair loc extensions. Consider the length, color, and texture that best suit your style.

Pre-looped faux locs save time, while loose braiding hair allows for more customization. Choosing the right hair type ensures that the locs blend seamlessly with your natural hair, providing a convincing and attractive finish.

3. Prepare Your Natural Hair for Installation

Proper preparation is key to ensuring that your faux locs last long and remain comfortable. Start by washing, conditioning, and thoroughly moisturizing your hair. Detangle carefully and apply a leave-in conditioner for added softness. Next, braid your hair into cornrows or box braids, depending on your desired base pattern.

Keep the braids neat and uniform to maintain consistency during installation. Proper preparation ensures that your natural hair remains protected and healthy underneath the faux locs.

4. Install the Base Cornrows or Box Braids for a Secure Foundation

Creating a solid foundation is crucial for durability. Cornrows are ideal if you want a flatter, more natural look, while box braids work well for a more voluminous and fuller style. Part your hair into even sections using a rat-tail comb and braid each section, making sure the base is secure. Tie the ends with small rubber bands if necessary.

A well-constructed base not only makes the crochet process easier but also ensures the locs lay naturally and do not cause tension or discomfort.

5. Crochet the Faux Locs into Your Braids

Use a crochet hook to install the faux locs. Insert the hook under the braid, loop the faux loc onto the hook, and pull it through the base. Next, pull the end of the loc through the loop to create a knot.

Repeat this process across your entire head, ensuring the locs are evenly spaced. Be mindful of the tension to avoid scalp strain. Installing faux locs using this crochet method guarantees a secure attachment while maintaining a natural-looking fall.

6. Wrap the Base for a Natural Blend

To make your faux locs look more authentic, wrap the base of each loc where it meets your natural hair. Use Marley hair or similar textured hair to wrap around the root and down the loc, blending seamlessly. Wrap tightly but not too firmly to avoid tension. Once you reach the end, seal it with a lighter or dip it in hot water, depending on the hair type.

Wrapping the base ensures that your natural hair remains concealed and the loc appears to originate from your scalp.

7. Seal the Ends to Prevent Unraveling

Sealing the ends of your faux locs is essential for longevity. Use methods like dipping in hot water, burning with a lighter, or using a sealing product like beeswax or setting mousse. Hot water works well for synthetic hair, while a lighter is more suitable for Marley hair.

Make sure the ends are completely sealed and feel secure before moving on. Properly sealed ends prevent the faux locs from unraveling, keeping your style neat and intact for weeks.

8. Style and Customize Your Faux Locs for a Personal Touch

Faux locs offer a canvas for creativity. You can add hair jewelry, beads, or cowrie shells for a bohemian look. To make the locs appear more natural, consider thinning the ends or adding curls by wrapping the tips around flexi rods and dipping them in hot water. You can also combine different loc sizes or colors for a more dynamic appearance. Customizing your faux locs enhances their uniqueness, allowing you to express your personal style.

9. Maintain Your Faux Locs to Prolong Their Lifespan

Proper maintenance is vital to keeping your faux locs looking fresh. Moisturize your scalp regularly with lightweight oils like jojoba or tea tree oil to prevent dryness. Wrap your locs at night with a silk or satin scarf to reduce frizz and maintain their neatness. Clean your scalp periodically using dry shampoo or a diluted apple cider vinegar rinse.

Regular maintenance not only preserves the appearance of your faux locs but also protects your natural hair underneath.

10. Remove the Faux Locs Safely to Avoid Hair Damage

When it’s time to take down your faux locs, do so with care to protect your natural hair. Start by cutting the locs near the base, being cautious not to cut your own hair. Use a crochet hook or your fingers to unravel the remaining part of the loc.

After removal, gently detangle your hair and follow up with a deep conditioning treatment to restore moisture. Removing faux locs properly minimizes breakage and ensures that your hair remains healthy after the protective style.

Tips for Achieving the Best Faux Locs

Choose High-Quality Hair Extensions

Investing in good-quality extensions not only enhances the appearance of your faux locs but also ensures they last longer and cause minimal stress to your natural hair.

Prep Your Hair Before Installation

Properly wash, deep condition, and moisturize your hair before starting the installation process. This creates a healthy foundation and reduces the risk of dryness or breakage during and after wearing the style.

Opt for a Lightweight Style

When selecting the size and length of your faux locs, opt for lightweight options to avoid putting excessive tension on your scalp, which can lead to discomfort or hair loss.

Keep Your Scalp Clean and Hydrated

Use a scalp spray or lightweight oils to maintain moisture and prevent build-up. Clean your scalp periodically with a diluted shampoo or dry scalp cleanser to keep it fresh and healthy.

Don’t Leave Them in Too Long

While faux locs are a protective style, leaving them in for too long can cause matting or hair damage. Aim to keep the style in for 6-8 weeks and remove them gently for best results.

By following these tips, you can achieve stunning faux locs while keeping your natural hair healthy and well-maintained.

Conclusion

Crochet braid styles faux locs are an excellent protective style, providing length, volume, and a trendy aesthetic without long-term commitment. They are ideal for individuals looking to experiment with locs without permanently locking their natural hair. The versatility in styling—from updos to loose waves—allows you to change your look effortlessly.

Plus, the crochet method is significantly faster than traditional wrapping, making it a practical choice for those seeking a quick yet durable hairstyle.