You're sitting in the chair. It’s been four hours. Your neck hurts, your stylist is onto her third iced coffee, and you still have half a head of box braids to go. We’ve all been there. It’s the classic tension between wanting that crisp, snatched braided look and actually having a life to get back to. That’s exactly why braid front crochet back styles have basically taken over the hair world lately. It’s a literal "best of both worlds" situation. You get the intricate, detailed aesthetic of individual braids or cornrows framing your face, but the back—the part that eats up all your time and kills your patience—is done with the speed of crochet.
Honestly? It’s genius.
Most people struggle with the "wiggy" look that full crochet sets sometimes have at the hairline. No matter how small the knots are, sometimes you can just tell. By putting the braid front crochet back technique to work, you eliminate that "tell." You can pull your hair up. You can show off your edges. You can look like you spent ten hours in the chair when you were actually in and out in under three.
The Technical Reality of Combining Braids and Crochet
So, how does this actually work without looking messy? It’s a strategic split. Usually, the front section—about three to four inches from the hairline back to the crown—is done as individual knotless braids or tiny cornrows. The back is then braided into a flat foundation of cornrows, where the bulk of the hair is crocheted in.
Stylists like Pearl The Stylist and The Boho Babe on social media have popularized this because it solves the weight issue. If you’ve ever had a full head of heavy individual goddess locs, you know that "heavy head" feeling that makes you want to sleep sitting up for a week. With the braid front crochet back method, the back is hollow or looped, meaning the tension on your scalp is significantly reduced.
Why the "Front" Matters More Than You Think
The front is your "money" area. This is where people see the scalp. Using knotless techniques here is the move. Because knotless braids start with your natural hair and gradually feed in the synthetic hair, the tension is almost zero. When you transition to the crochet in the back, you’re hiding the knots under the "curtain" of the front braids.
It’s about illusion.
If you do cornrows in the front, you can get really creative. Tribal braids (think Fulani style) are the most common choice for a braid front crochet back look. You have the beads, the criss-cross patterns, and the symmetry up front, while the back stays voluminous and lush with crochet curls or locs.
Let’s Talk About the Time (And Money) You’re Saving
Let’s be real. Time is the only thing we can't get more of. A full head of small knotless braids can take 8 to 12 hours depending on the braider's speed and your hair density. A braid front crochet back set? You’re looking at 2.5 to 4 hours.
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- Prep time: You still have to wash, blow-dry, and stretch your hair.
- The Front: 1.5 hours for the detailed work.
- The Back: 45 minutes to an hour for the cornrows and the crochet looping.
Cost-wise, you’re also winning. In major cities like New York or Atlanta, a full set of small knotless braids can run you $300 to $500. Stylists usually charge significantly less for the hybrid braid front crochet back because they can turn over their chair faster. You might pay $150 to $250. Plus, you’re buying fewer packs of braiding hair and just a few packs of crochet hair, which often comes pre-curled or pre-looped.
Common Mistakes That Ruin the Transition
The biggest "fail" in a braid front crochet back style is the "shelf." This is when the front braids are thin and the back crochet is super chunky, creating a visible line where one ends and the other begins. It looks like you’re wearing a half-wig that doesn’t fit.
To avoid the shelf:
- Density Matching: If you’re using thick crochet hair in the back, your front braids can’t be micro-sized. They need enough volume to blend.
- Color Blending: Ensure the braiding hair used for the "front" perfectly matches the "back." Even a slight shift in 1B vs. 2 can look weird in sunlight.
- The Overlap: Your stylist should crochet a few strands into the base of the last row of front braids. This blurs the boundary.
Some people think they can skip the "front" part and just do a few rows. Don't do that. You need at least three inches of depth to make the movement look natural. If you go too shallow, the crochet tracks will show the moment a breeze hits your hair.
Maintenance: It’s Not Just "Set It and Forget It"
A huge misconception is that crochet hair lasts forever. It doesn’t. In fact, the synthetic hair used for crochet (like Freetress or Lulutress) tends to tangle faster than the hair used for individual braids.
Night Routine is Key
You absolutely have to wear a satin bonnet. No exceptions. Because the back is crochet, the friction against a cotton pillowcase will turn your hair into a matted bird's nest in about four days. If you’re doing a braid front crochet back with curly hair, use a pineapple method (gathering the hair at the very top of your head) before putting on the bonnet.
Scalp Care
Since the back is cornrowed under the crochet, you have easy access to your "parts." Use a nozzle-tip bottle to apply an oil like Mielle Rosemary Mint or Wild Growth Hair Oil directly to the scalp. Don't over-oil. You don't want the crochet knots to slip.
The "Refresh"
The best part about this style? You can refresh the front without doing the whole head. If the front braids start looking fuzzy after three weeks, you can take just those out, re-braid them, and the whole style looks brand new. The back usually stays tucked away and protected.
Is Braid Front Crochet Back Better for Your Edges?
Short answer: Yes. Long answer: If done correctly.
Traditional box braids can be heavy. That weight pulls on the follicle. Over time, this leads to traction alopecia. By using the braid front crochet back method, you’re significantly reducing the total weight of the install. The "back" section distributes the weight across cornrows, which is much safer for your hair than individual strands hanging off a few hairs.
However, if your stylist braids the front too tight to get that "clean" look, you’re still at risk. Always speak up. If it hurts, it’s too tight. There is no such thing as "it’ll loosen up in a few days" without doing damage.
Picking the Right Hair for the Job
Not all hair works for the braid front crochet back combo. You want a seamless look.
- For Goddess Looks: Use Kanekalon hair for the front braids and a high-quality water wave or deep twist crochet hair for the back.
- For Locs: Use the "wrapping" method for the front few rows of locs and pre-made crochet locs for the back.
- For Twists: Passion twist hair is the easiest to blend because it’s inherently "messy" and textured.
Brands like Outre and Sensationnel have started making "multi-pack" kits specifically for this, but honestly, mixing and matching usually gives a more custom, high-end look.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Appointment
If you're ready to try the braid front crochet back style, don't just show up and hope for the best.
First, check your stylist's portfolio specifically for "hybrid" or "half-and-half" styles. Some braiders are amazing at cornrows but terrible at crochet tension.
Second, buy your hair in advance if the stylist doesn't provide it. You’ll need roughly 2-3 packs of braiding hair for the front (you won't use it all) and 3-5 packs of crochet hair for the back depending on the volume you want.
Third, prep your edges. A week before the appointment, do a protein treatment. Stronger hair can handle the tension of the front braids much better.
When you're in the chair, make sure the "transition row"—that middle ground between the individuals and the crochet—is tight enough to stay put but loose enough to move. Once you're done, keep a small pair of shears handy at home. Crochet hair will get "frizz strings." Snipping them off every few days keeps the style looking fresh for 6-8 weeks.
This style is a total game changer for anyone who wants to look polished but doesn't have an entire Saturday to sit in a salon chair. It's efficient, it's cost-effective, and when done right, nobody will ever know you didn't spend the whole day getting braided.
Final pro tip: If you're going on vacation, this is the style to get. It dries faster than full braids after swimming, and you can easily get to your scalp to rinse out salt or chlorine. Just keep that mousse ready to tame the frizz.