Why Is the Process of Latch Hooking Hair Called Crochet?

lWhen I first started exploring crochet hair, I always found the name a bit odd. In my mind, "crochet" always referred to the craft of using a hook to work with yarn—creating scarves or handmade items—so it didn't seem to have much to do with hair. When I first visited a salon to get "crochet hair" done, I actually asked the stylist why it was called that; after all, the process looked more like installing hair extensions than traditional weaving or knitting.

It wasn't until I witnessed the installation process firsthand that I understood the origin of the name. The key tool used is a crochet hook. During installation, the stylist braids the natural hair into cornrows, then uses the hook to pull the prepared hair extensions underneath the braid and secure them. This motion mirrors the mechanics of traditional crochet work—looping and pulling the material through. Although the material shifted from yarn to hair extensions, the tools and the logic of the movement remained essentially the same. Because the installation technique borrows from the craft of crochet, the style came to be known as "crochet hair." Over time, the term has expanded to cover a wide range of styles—from curls and braids to faux locs—as long as they utilize this specific installation method.

Once I learned the origin of the name, I found it incredibly fitting. The essence of crochet hair lies not just in the final look, but in the installation method itself. Beginners often mistake crochet hair for a specific hairstyle, but it is actually a technique. You can install curls, straight hair, box braids, or various styles of faux locs; as long as a crochet hook is used to secure them, they fall under the category of crochet hair. So, when people ask me about the name, I usually explain that it evolved from the principles of crochet crafting, and the name has simply stuck.