Curly crochet hairstyles in NYC are having a full-on moment. Big, bouncy curls with very little daily work are the reason this look keeps topping our bookings. Crochet curls give you instant volume, customizable length and color, and they play nicely with your parting preferences. Below, we’ve pulled inspo from our files to show the most-requested ways New Yorkers wear the look, plus care tips to keep your curls cute longer.
Curly crochets installs: big hair energy
If you love drama, go full volume. This first set of looks is all about dense, uniform ringlets that hit past the shoulders for a cloud-soft silhouette. And the curl pattern hides the base braids beautifully. Go for a side part, middle part or both! Ask your stylist for a dense install around the crown; the extra fullness frames the face and photographs like a dream.
Short and sunlit color
Crochets aren’t just long. Shoulder-skimming curls in warm caramel or honey blonde read chic and effortless. Shorter lengths feel feathery; they sit off the collarbone so you get movement without tangling on jackets. A whisper of color brightens the face and adds definition to the curl pattern. Go solid for a bold switch-up or try highlights for sun-kissed dimension.
Add swoopy accents and detail
Edges make it intentional. Soft, swooped baby hairs polish the hairline and help blend your curls with a clean part. Some clients pair their crochet with a few face-framing cornrows before the curls start; it adds texture contrast and keeps the front super flat. The result is editorial but wearable, and the mix of sleek and curly looks great on camera.
Quick care tips so curls last
- Let curls stay together. Separate sparingly to avoid frizz.
- Sleep in a satin bonnet or on a silk pillowcase and pineapple gently–gather your curls loosely at the very top of your head (like a pineapple) with a satin scrunchie or scarf. It keeps curls from getting squashed overnight and helps them spring back in the morning.
- Trim stray fuzzies with shears; avoid brushing.
- Oil the scalp lightly with a nozzle bottle between rows; cleanse with diluted shampoo on a cotton pad if needed.
- Skip hot tools; if you must shape, use the coolest setting on a diffuser for a few minutes.
Curls that keep up with your life
Curly crochets give you that “I woke up like this” finish without hours of daily styling. Pick your volume, length, and part; decide if you want color now or next time; then wear it down, half-up, or pinned for whatever your day throws at you. Save your favorite photos, talk through the look with your stylist, and let the curls do the heavy lifting. For more inspo and real client transformations, follow us on Instagram @wetheunruly.
Live in NYC, LA, or the DC area and ready to get your own curly crochet install? You can book a stylist through Unruly and we come to you, bring the vibe, and get you photo-ready. If you’re elsewhere, use these photos as inspo and ask for “curly crochet install with [your length/color/parting].”
FAQ
With a solid night routine, 4–6 weeks is typical.
Most installs use 4–7 packs depending on brand, curl size, and how full you like it. Bring an extra pack if you want big volume.
Limit manipulation, sleep in satin, refresh with a light mousse, and snip fuzzies instead of brushing. Keep ends off your collars when possible.
Synthetic curls can frizz faster than human hair; friction against coats or scarves speeds that up. You have slightly less direct scalp access than loose hair, and if the base braids are too tight you may feel tension. Work with an experienced stylist and follow a gentle routine.
