What is illusion crochet?
Illusion crochet is a hairstyle that looks like your own hair growing straight from your scalp, even though it isn't. The hair is textured to match your natural hair, just longer and fuller.
It's a favourite for anyone who wants length and volume without losing a natural look. You can wear it down, or pull it up into a bun and still have a full hairline that looks like yours.
The name covers two things: the hairstyle itself, and the hair used to create it. Here at Illusion Crochet, we sell the hair, made by the team behind Hair by Kissa, who install the style for their clients.
Illusion crochet vs 360 illusion crochet vs weft
These names get mixed up a lot, so here's the difference.
- Illusion crochet: individual pieces of hair are added straight into cornrows with a crochet needle. Because each piece goes in on its own, the hair looks like it's coming from your scalp.
- 360 illusion crochet: the same method, but done all the way around the perimeter of your head. That means the whole hairline looks like yours, front, sides and back, so you can wear it up from any angle.
- Illusion crochet weft: a different method. The hair comes stitched together on a track (the weft), which is laid over cornrows or sewn in. It still gives an illusion finish, but it isn't the same as using individual pieces.
In short, 360 describes where the illusion goes (all around), while weft describes what kind of hair is used (stitched tracks rather than individual pieces).
Why pre-pulled, feathered hair matters
The hair you choose makes or breaks the illusion. Hair with blunt ends looks bulky and gives the style away.
Pre-pulled and feathered hair has tapered ends, so it falls in soft layers. The result is seamless, light and natural, with no heavy, chunky finish.
Every pack from Illusion Crochet arrives already pre-pulled and feathered. Each pack is 4 bundles' worth of hair, which is a full head in most cases. Browse our premixed blends or single colours to find your shade.
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How long does illusion crochet last?
Illusion crochet usually lasts 4 to 8 weeks. How long you keep it in depends on your own hair.
If you have less hair, plan to take it out sooner. As your hair grows, the install starts to move, and finer hair can't support the weight of the extensions for as long. Fuller hair can usually hold it closer to 8 weeks.
How to look after illusion crochet
- Skip the oil on your scalp. Oil can dry your hair out and lock in buildup. Since you won't be washing every day, buildup can leave your scalp itchy and the hair harder to look after.
- Use a light, water-based serum instead. It nourishes your scalp without weighing it down, and still lets your hair dry properly.
- Use leave-in conditioner on the extensions, not oil. It stops the hair from feeling dry and keeps it easy to brush and style.
- If you wash it, let it air dry.
- Go easy on heat. Our hair is synthetic, so even low heat can change its texture, and once it's changed, it won't go back.
- Avoid swimming pools. Chlorine dries out synthetic hair and makes it much harder to care for. If you do swim, wear a swimming cap.
Good to know: our hair is synthetic, so heat changes its texture for good. Skip straighteners, curling tongs and hot blow-drying.
Before your install, we recommend an ACV (apple cider vinegar) rinse. Please don't use the hair if you're allergic or sensitive to synthetic hair.
Common illusion crochet mistakes
- Styling it too tightly. Pulling all the hair up in one go, instead of tying it in sections, drags the illusion upwards. It ends up feeling too tight and stops looking like your own hair.
- Using too much heat. Heat changes the texture of synthetic hair for good. Once it loses its texture, it no longer looks like it's growing from your scalp.
Illusion crochet FAQs
How many packs of hair do I need?
One pack is 4 bundles' worth, which is a full head in most cases.
Do I need to prep the hair first?
No. All our hair arrives already pre-pulled and feathered.
Can I put my hair in a bun?
Yes. That's one of the best things about illusion crochet, and a 360 install gives you a natural hairline all the way round.
Can I swim with illusion crochet?
We don't recommend it, as chlorine dries out the hair. If you do, wear a swimming cap.
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Ready to try illusion crochet?
Shop our premixed blends and single colours, all pre-pulled and feathered, with free tracked UK delivery. Got a question? Get in touch through our contact page or online chat.