by Sarah Dee of Coils So Beautiful
Crochet Micro Senegalese Twists. I know, that’s a mouthful to say. I don’t even know if that is an official style but that’s the best way to describe what I’ve got going on here.
Below is my braid pattern:
I would suggest doing the braids in the middle smaller and in an s-pattern rather than chunky braids. Also, to further reduce tension, you can add synthetic hair to your braid pattern just as you would a sew in. The only negative thing is the bulk it adds to the front when doing these twists. If you use Marley hair or a thick/curly hair, it won’t be as noticeable.
I used four packs of Xpressions hair and I cut them in half. I also used a bobby pin instead of a crochet needle. I tried using the crochet needle (with closing-latch hook) this past April and it did not work out for me. I started off fine but snagged my hair often in the needle. It was frustrating to use the crochet needle and I didn’t have the patience so I took out what I started and did some micro braids with the hair. After that, I told myself I wouldn’t try crochet braids again. So this is my first successful attempt at crochet braids, using a bobby pin and my tool of choice instead. It’s just easier for me.
So what changed my mind?
I wanted to install Senegalese twists for January, but I was concerned about the tension and pulling on my edges. Ideally, I wanted to avoid or lessen breakage at all costs. So I figured crocheting these twists on would ease the tension. I went on YouTube to see if anyone had done crochet braids with Senegalese twists and I found a couple of women who did! I put two and two together: crochet braiding and Senegalese twists. Additionally, I stumbled upon an alternative to the crochet method and heard about the bobby pin method. I didn’t search for any videos on the process, I just envisioned it in my mind and instantly realized how it should be done.
Process Below:
- Take a small amount of hair and “stretch” it so that the ends are not blunt (this will help the ends from unraveling)
*by stretching I mean pulling some strands in the opposite direction to make the ends uneven - Take the hair by the middle and slide it in the opening of the bobby pin all the way to the end
- Use one hand to hold the strands tightly (close to the middle where it bends) and with the bobby pin in other hand, take and push the closed end underneath your braid and pull through with the hair
- Remove the bobby pin from the hair and pull one of the strands through so that they are even on both sides
- *Twist the strands together
*I used a spray bottle with water and spray the synthetic hair to give slip and twist faster..it helps my hands not use so much energy which made all of this pain-free! 🙂
Notes
- I used 4 and half packs of Xpressions brand kanekalon hair: colors 27 and 30.
- I cut each pack in half and stretched the hair by pulling on the ends of the strands to make it uneven.
- The install took me 2 and a half days to complete.
- The braid pattern I used was trial and error..total error. I would suggest straight back cornrows to avoid the bulkiness
Video Tutorial Below
Pros
- Reduces tension and manipulation of hair; also preserves edges from breakage and damage
- Lasts longer than traditional twists because natural hair is not twisted in strands and therefore the hair will not become frizzy
- Can use any color of hair because it wouldn’t show your natural hair in the twists like traditional senegalese twists
- Versatility: can be styled or worn down
- Easier to moisturize hair and scalp simultaneously
Cons
- Natural braids may show at edges (some may not consider this style versatile for that reason)
- Can be heavy if too much hair is used
- Tedious and time consuming method for installation
I plan to keep in this style only for a month and a half, and so far so good! (see image below)
Have you tried crocheting with a bobby pin? Will you try out the senegalese twist as a protective style?
Sarah is natural hair enthusiast and blogger. She returned natural in 2010 and has been enjoying her natural hair journey ever since. She likes to do hair for fun and challenges herself by trying different and difficult styles.
