For naturalistas, crochet braids are the ultimate playground for style. They let you switch between curls, coils, and kinks with ease. But when you crave the sleek, polished look of straight hair, the game changes. Unlike textured styles that naturally add volume at the roots, straight hair lays flat. This can make it tricky to conceal the base of the crochet braids and achieve a natural-looking parting line, risking a less-than-natural finish.
The secret to a seamless silk press look lies in the technique you choose and the crochet hair you use. The goal is to make the crochet hair appear as if they are truly growing from your scalp. This guide will explore the four best methods to install straight crochet hair, focusing on both leave-out and no leave-out techniques, to help you achieve that flawless, invisible blend.
Choosing Your Method: A Quick Guide
| Method | Skill Level | Best For | Key Advantage | Consideration |
| 1. Leave-Out | Beginner | Anyone seeking the easiest and most efficient crochet method. | Easiest way to achieve a natural, blended front hairline. | Requires daily blending of your natural hair with the extensions. |
| 2.No Leave-Out Hybrid (Feather Crochet+ Traditional Bulk Hair) | Beginner | A balance of natural look and full protective styling. | Use invisible crochet technique on front-row braids to hide the knots. | Requires precision in the front rows for optimal invisibility. |
| 3.No Leave-Out Lace Closure & Feather Crochet |
Intermediate to Advanced | Anyone wanting a realistic,no-maintenance part; Those with thin edges. | Provides the most realistic scalp illusion with zero daily effort. | Higher initial cost and skill needed to install/clustomize the closure. |
| 4.No Leave-Out Traditional Bulk Braiding Hair Only | Beginner | A cost-effective, full protective style using one hair type. | Uniform look and feel throughout. | Most time-consuming to install and remove; front knots require careful technique. |
Method 1: Pre-Twist/Braid Base with Leave-Outs
This is the foundational and most popular method. Leaving out a section of your own hair is the most straightforward way to conceal the crochet knots, creating a natural-looking front hairline that perfectly blends with the extension hair.
Best for: All hair densities (thin to thick).
Recommended Hair: Feather Crochet Human Hair. This type is ideal as it's easier and faster to install and remove, and provides a more invisible, natural result due to its knotless design.
Step-by-Step Installation:
Preparation: Wash and completely dry your natural hair and the crochet hair. Section the crochet bundles and put them in order for easy access.
- Section Your Natural Hair: Decide on the amount of hair you wish to leave out (typically from the front). Create small, neat vertical sections from the front to the back for braiding(approximately 12-20 braids.Because straight hair lays flat, keeping your braid bases smaller than you would for kinky or curly styles is better for a flatter, more seamless base).
- Create the Braid Base: Cornrow or flat-twist the remainder of your hair (except the leave-out) into a secure base. Ensure the braids are neat and flat against your scalp.
- Attach the Crochet Hair: Using a crochet needle, insert the hook under a cornrow, hook onto the pre-made loop of the feather hair, and pull it through , place entire hair ends into the loop and tighten to secure.
- Blend & Style: Once all the crochet hair are installed, straighten your natural leave-out hair to seamlessly blend its texture with the extensions.
Method 2: No-Leave-Out with Traditional & Feather Crochet Human Hair
Achieving an invisible finish with no leave-out requires strategic installation. The key is to perfectly conceal the crochet knots in the front rows—where you plan to part your hair—, so the hair above naturally cascades over and covers the roots behind it. (This method aligns with techniques shown in video tutorials like the one you referenced).
Best for: All hair densities (thin to thick).
Step-by-Step Installation:
- Preparation & Sectioning: Follow the same wash, dry, and organization steps. Section all your natural hair into small, neat cornrows or flat twists(approximately 16-22 braids for full coverage).
- Create the Braid Base: Cornrow your entire head, including the front hairline.
- Attach Feather Crochet Hair (Back and Side Rows): Begin by installing the straight feather crochet hair onto the back and side sections of your head, leaving the first 3-4 center front rows unattached.
- Attach Traditional Braiding Hair (Front Rows): On the empty front rows, use traditional bulk braiding hair. Employ the "invisible knot" method: pull one strand of the braiding hair through the crochet loop to create a tiny, discreet knot. After securing, use a small clip to press the root of the attached hair flat against your scalp in one direction. This mimics the natural flow of hair growth and eliminates bulky knots.
Method 3: Pre-Twist/Braid Base with Lace Closure
For those who want the a natural seamless front with zero blending effort, a lace closure is a game-changer. It creates a perfect, pre-parted scalp look.
Best for: All hair densities, especially those with thinner hair who want maximum realism at the part.
Step-by-Step Installation:
- Preparation: Wash and dry your hair and extensions.
- Create the Braid Base: Cornrow your natural hair into a flat base. (typically 4x4 inches).
- Install the Lace Closure: Secure the closure to the front by sewing it onto the braids . Choose the HD lace closures with the most undetectable lace and customize the closure by plucking the part and bleaching the knots for a natural look.
- Attach the Crochet Hair: Install your straight feather crochet hair onto the remaining braids. The closure seamlessly covers the entire front section, requiring no leave-out or additional knot-concealing tricks.
Method 4: Pre-Twist/Braid Base with Traditional Bulk Hair Only
This method uses only traditional bulk braiding hair for the entire head. It is versatile but often more time-intensive for both installation and, especially, removal compared to feather crochet hair.
Best for: All hair densities.
Step-by-Step Installation:
- The steps are similar to Method 2, but you will use traditional bulk hair for every row.
- Follow the preparation, sectioning, and braiding steps from Method 2.
- Attach the traditional braiding hair to all cornrows using the invisible knot method described above.
- Expert Tip for a Flatter Front: To ensure the front lays perfectly smooth, create even smaller, flatter cornrows for the first 3-4 middle rows. This provides a less bulky base, helping the straight hair lie flat and natural from the root.
Reach out to HOTBRAIDS at [email protected] with any fresh braiding hair tips you've discovered or questions about hair selection. Enjoy your braiding and twisting journey, and keep shining!
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