Crochet Locs vs Faux Locs: Method, Weight and Which Look Lasts
Crochet locs and faux locs both give the loc look without committing to real locs, but they are built differently and feel different on your head. This guide compares the install methods, weight and tension, texture, and longevity so you can choose the right loc-look style.
Crochet Locs vs Faux Locs: Quick Answer
Crochet locs use a crochet installation — pre-made loc strands are looped through cornrows — for a fast, uniform, light style. Faux locs are created individually by wrapping hair around each section of your natural hair, giving a more organic, textured look but taking far longer and adding more weight per loc. Choose crochet for speed and lightness; faux for authenticity and texture.
How Each Method Works
In crochet locs, your hair is cornrowed and pre-made loc strips are attached with a crochet hook, section by section — a full head can take 2–4 hours. In faux locs, each loc is wrapped by hand around your own braided hair, which takes 6–10+ hours and creates a bulkier, more natural-looking loc with your hair inside.
Weight and Tension Differences
Crochet locs are lightweight because the locs are hollow and attached at the braid only, keeping tension low — great for sensitive scalps and delicate edges. Faux locs are heavier because each loc wraps around your natural hair, adding bulk and weight that pulls more over time. Edge health favors crochet locs.
Look and Texture Compared
Faux locs look more organic — tapered, textured, and individually wrapped, with realistic variation between locs. Crochet locs are more uniform and can look newer and neater; some crochet locs are pre-distressed for a lived-in finish. If realistic variation matters, faux wins; if clean uniformity matters, crochet wins.
Install Time and Cost
| Factor | Crochet locs | Faux locs |
|---|---|---|
| Install time | 2-4 hours | 6-10+ hours |
| Cost | Lower (shorter session) | Higher (long session) |
| Removal | Quick unlooping | Slow unwrapping |
Longevity and Care
Both last 4–8 weeks with care. Crochet locs hold up well and refresh easily because they are not wrapped around your hair — just re-hook if one loosens. Faux locs need gentler handling; the wrapping can loosen or fuzz, and the weight means shorter comfortable wear. Moisturize the scalp weekly in both.
Which to Choose
Choose crochet locs for fast install, light weight, edge protection, and easy removal. Choose faux locs when you want the most realistic, textured loc look and have the time and scalp strength for a heavier, longer install. Your schedule, edges, and style priority decide.
FAQ
Are crochet locs better than faux locs?
Crochet locs are better for speed, light weight, and edge protection - they install in hours and sit gently on cornrows. Faux locs are better for a fully natural, textured loc look, but they take 6-10+ hours and are heavier. Choose by your schedule, hair health, and how authentic you want the texture.
How long do crochet locs last?
Crochet locs typically last 4-8 weeks with proper care. They hold up well because each loc is looped onto cornrows and can be re-hooked if one loosens. Moisturize the scalp weekly and take them down by eight weeks to protect edges.
Do faux locs damage your hair?
Faux locs are not inherently damaging, but they are heavier and the wrapping adds weight and tension at the root, which can stress edges if worn too long or installed too tight. Keep tension moderate, install on healthy hair, and remove by 6-8 weeks to protect your scalp.
Choose Your Loc Look
Shop crochet locs at YWIGS and check shipping before ordering.
