Why Is Hair Soft After Removing Crochet Hair?

raniy0516

The first time I took out my crochet hair, I was actually bracing myself for the worst. I had heard plenty of stories about how protective styles could leave hair tangled, dry, or prone to excessive shedding upon removal. So, as I sat in front of the mirror carefully unraveling the crochet hair, I was a bit nervous. The result, however, completely surprised me. Once my natural hair was let down, my immediate reaction upon touching it was, "Why is it so soft?" The ends, in particular, felt nothing like they did during my usual daily routine of combing and tugging; running my fingers through them felt almost like the result of a deep conditioning treatment. At first, I wondered if I had used a particularly good hair product, but I’ve had similar experiences every time I’ve removed crochet hair since then.

I eventually realized that this softness is actually quite normal. While wearing crochet hair, my natural hair was mostly tucked away in braids, spared from the daily rigors of combing, straightening, curling, or repeated styling. People often underestimate the impact of daily habits—like the tension from a ponytail, the friction of brushing, or even just frequently running fingers through one's hair—on the hair's surface. With pre looped feather crochet hair, these actions came to a halt. My hair enjoyed a "rest period," and moisture loss slowed down significantly. Sometimes, before taking the style down, I’d spritz on a moisturizing spray or leave-in conditioner to soften the braids, which also contributed to that soft texture. Additionally, many people perform a deep cleanse and treatment on the same day they remove crochet hair; the smoothness resulting from this extra care can sometimes be mistaken for a sudden, inherent change in hair quality.

Now, whenever I take out my kinky curly crochet hair, I pay close attention to its condition. If it feels soft and smooth, I usually take the opportunity to do a deep conditioning treatment and let my hair rest for a few days before styling it again. Of course, softness doesn't necessarily mean the hair is perfectly healthy, nor can hair quality be judged solely by touch. But in my experience, crochet hair really does give my hair a break from the wear and tear of daily life. That softness is often the most immediate sign that my hair has finally been liberated from constant combing and styling. So, if you find your hair feels softer after taking out your crochet braids, there is no need to be surprised; this usually indicates that your hair was well-protected during that time.