You’ve probably seen them everywhere. On Instagram, in the grocery store, or maybe on your best friend who suddenly has waist-length hair overnight. Hairstyles with crochet faux locs have basically taken over the protective styling world, and for good reason. They’re fast. They’re relatively cheap. But honestly, most people are still stuck in the "just let them hang there" phase of wearing them.
That’s a waste.
When you get crochet locs, you aren’t just getting a shortcut to a Bob Marley aesthetic; you’re getting a versatile canvas. But here is the thing: if you don’t know how to manipulate the tension or the specific type of fiber you’re using, you’re going to end up with a stiff, unnatural look that screams "I just came from the beauty supply store."
We need to talk about why some styles look like a $500 salon visit while others look like a DIY project gone wrong. It usually comes down to the install method and how you’re actually layering the locs once they're on your head.
Why Your Choice of Fiber Changes Everything
Not all synthetic hair is created equal. Seriously. If you’re looking at hairstyles with crochet faux locs, you have to decide if you want the "New Goddess" look or the "Bohemian" vibe. Most brands, like Sensationnel or Outre, use Kanekalon or Toyokalon fibers. Kanekalon is stiffer. It holds a shape better. If you want a structured updo or a high ponytail that stays put, that’s your go-to.
Then there’s the human hair blend. It’s pricier. It feels softer. But it also tangles if you look at it funny.
Dr. Kari Williams, a world-renowned trichologist and the stylist who actually patented the "Goddess Loc" look for celebrities like Meagan Good and Tyra Banks, often emphasizes the importance of scalp health during these installs. If the loc is too heavy, you’re looking at traction alopecia. That is a real risk. You want the style to look good, but you don’t want to go bald for it.
The Individual vs. Cornrow Base Debate
Most people think crochet means cornrows. It doesn't have to.
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If you do the traditional cornrow base, you’re finished in two hours. It’s efficient. But you lose the ability to do a deep side part or a high-up top knot without showing your braids underneath.
The "individual" method—where you braid your natural hair into small singles and then pull the crochet loc through the base—is the real game-changer for hairstyles with crochet faux locs. It gives you 360-degree movement. You can flip your hair. You can run your fingers (sorta) through the roots. It looks like the hair is growing out of your scalp. It takes longer to install, sure, but the styling possibilities jump from "two options" to "infinite."
Five Ways to Style Your Locs Right Now
Let’s get into the actual looks.
The Half-Up, Half-Down Top Knot. This is the undisputed queen of crochet styles. Because the locs have a bit of "grip" to them, the bun stays voluminous without needing forty-seven bobby pins. Just grab the top third of your hair, twist it loosely, and secure it with a thick elastic. Let the rest fall over your shoulders. It’s effortless.
The Low Messy Bun. If your locs are starting to age (maybe you're on week four), this is the "I’m a busy professional" look. Don't make it neat. The stray hairs and the frizz actually make the faux locs look more like real, matured locs.
Side-Swept Glamour. Take a handful of locs from one side of your head. Use a large decorative hair cuff or even a piece of gold wire—which you can get for three bucks at a craft store—and pin them back behind your ear. It shifts the volume to one side and instantly makes you look like you’re headed to a wedding.
The Space Bun Trio. Why do two when you can do three? If you have shorter, shoulder-length crochet locs, try three small buns in a row down the center of your head, like a Mohawk. It’s edgy, and it keeps the hair off your neck during the summer.
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The Scarf Wrap. Sometimes, your edges need a break. Grab a silk scarf. Fold it into a triangle. Wrap it around the back and tie it at the crown. Leave the locs spilling out the top and back. It’s a classic Neo-soul look that hides any regrowth.
Maintaining the Illusion of Reality
Frizz is your friend. This is the part most people get wrong. They try to put mousse and gel on faux locs to keep them "neat."
Stop.
Real locs have texture. They have little flyaways. If your hairstyles with crochet faux locs look too perfect, they look fake. A little bit of frizz at the roots and along the shaft of the loc actually adds to the realism.
If they start looking too messy, take a pair of scissors and lightly "shave" the locs. Don't cut into them; just run the open blade along the surface to trim the excess fuzz. Then, hit them with a light oil sheen. Not a heavy grease. A light mist.
The Science of Scalp Care
You can’t forget the skin under the hair. Since your natural hair is tucked away, it can get dry. A lot of people experience "the itch" around day three.
This isn't just because the hair is synthetic. Sometimes, the manufacturers coat the hair in an alkaline base to prevent mold during shipping. That coating is what makes your scalp scream. A pro tip? Soak your crochet hair in a mix of water and apple cider vinegar for 20 minutes before you install it. Rinse it well. No more itch.
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Use a needle-nose bottle to apply a mixture of peppermint oil and water to your parts. It’s cooling. It’s anti-fungal. It keeps the environment under your hairstyles with crochet faux locs healthy.
Breaking the "One Month" Rule
How long can you actually keep these in?
Most stylists say six to eight weeks. If you push it past that, your natural hair starts to mat into the base of the crochet loc. Removing it becomes a nightmare. You'll end up cutting your own hair. Don't be that person.
If you want longevity, go for the "distressed" look. These are intentionally messy locs. As they age, they just look more "distressed" and less "old." It’s a subtle distinction, but it’s the difference between a style that looks intentional and one that looks neglected.
Beyond the Basics: Accessories and Color
Don't be afraid of hardware.
Standard gold cuffs are fine, but everyone uses them. Try wooden beads for a more organic feel. Or better yet, go to the jewelry department and buy some small charms. Use a bit of jewelry wire to attach a tiny moon or a star to the end of a few locs. It creates a "hidden treasure" effect that people notice when you move.
Color-wise, "peek-a-boo" colors are trending. Install mostly 1B or #2 locs, but tuck three or four bright copper or honey blonde locs in the bottom layer. They only show up when you put your hair up or when the wind catches it. It’s a sophisticated way to do color without committing your whole head to a bright hue.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Install
If you're planning your next look, here is how you ensure it actually turns out well:
- Prep your hair properly. A deep condition is non-negotiable. Your hair is about to be in "jail" for two months. Give it some moisture first.
- Order more hair than you think. There is nothing worse than getting to the top of your head and realizing you’re three locs short. For a full head, you usually need 6 to 7 packs of pre-looped hair.
- Vary the sizes. Use slightly thinner locs around your hairline and thicker ones in the middle. This mimics natural hair density and prevents the front from looking too heavy.
- Practice the "pull-through." If you're doing the individual method, make sure your braid is tight at the base but not "headache tight." If your scalp is red, it’s too tight. Undo it.
- Sleep on silk. A satin bonnet or pillowcase is the only way to prevent your synthetic locs from turning into a matted bird's nest while you sleep.
Faux locs aren't just a "lazy" style. They are a legitimate fashion choice that, when done with a bit of strategy, can look incredibly high-end. Focus on the tension, embrace a little bit of the frizz, and don't be afraid to experiment with how you tie them back. Your scalp will thank you, and your mirror will too.