Crochet braids are one of the quicker protective styles to install, so labour is often lower than box or knotless braids, but the pre-made hair can add a fair bit. This posts explains how the two parts stack up, and how to get a quote you can rely on.
Typical crochet braid prices in the UK
These are indicative 2026 ranges from live UK salon and booking listings. Some braiders quote install only and ask you to bring the hair, while others include it. So, use these as a starting point and confirm.
| What you’re booking | Typical UK price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Install only, simple style | £50–£90 | Your hair cornrowed down and the crochet hair looped in |
| Install, fuller or longer style | £90–£150 | More hair, more time, curly or waist-plus looks |
| The crochet hair | £15–£40 | Around 4–7 packs, from ~£7 a pack for synthetic |
| Premium or human-hair crochet | £150–£200+ | Hair cost rises sharply; mostly London and larger cities |
| Take-down | £0–£30 | Sometimes included, sometimes a small add-on |
Indicative mid-2026 ranges. Prices vary by braider, area, the hair you choose and how full you want it. Always confirm what the quote includes before you book.
The two parts of the price: install and hair
Crochet braids cost breaks into labour and hair, and it helps to think of them separately.
The install
The braider cornrows your natural hair flat, then uses a crochet hook to loop pre-made hair, braids, twists, curls or waves, through those cornrows. Because the hair comes ready-made rather than braided strand by strand, it is quicker than box or knotless braids, so the labour is often lower. A simple set can be done in an hour or two; a full, curly look takes longer.
The hair
This is where crochet braids can catch you out. You need pre-made crochet hair, roughly four to seven packs depending on the style and how full you want it. Prices for those are typically start from about £7 a pack for synthetic. So the hair alone can add £15 to £40. The cost of premium and human-hair crochet climbs well beyond that. Which means that a low install price plus several packs of hair still a adds up.
What affects the price
Style and fullness
A sleek, straight crochet set uses less hair and less time than a big, curly, voluminous look. The fuller and curlier you go, the more packs you need and the longer the install, so the price rises.
Length
Longer hair costs more, both in packs and in the time to loop and style it. A shoulder-length set is the cheapest version; waist-length or longer is the dearest.
The hair type
Synthetic crochet hair is affordable and by far the most common. Human hair, or premium branded curly hair, costs a lot more and pushes the whole job up in price. While colour and pre-styled textures can add a little extra too.
Where you book
Expect a salon in central London to charge more than a home-based or mobile braider in a smaller town, for the same style. Some of that is overheads, some is demand. It is worth comparing a few braiders near you.
Is crochet cheaper than box or knotless braids?
Often, yes, on labour. Because the hair is looped in ready-made rather than braided from scratch. Crochet is usually quicker to install, so the braider’s fee tends to be lower than a full head of box or knotless braids.
The gap narrows once you add the cost of good crochet hair, but for a comparable length, crochet is frequently the more budget-friendly protective style. If you are weighing it up, see our box braid cost guide and knotless braid cost guide.
Is the hair included, or extra?
Check every time. Some UK braiders include the crochet hair in their price; many quote install only and ask you to bring it or buy it on the day.
Before you book, get three things clear: whether hair is included, how many packs your style needs, and whether take-down is separate. That is the difference between a £60 quote and a day that costs £100+.
How to get an accurate quote
Message the braider with the style, length and fullness you want, and send a photo if you have one.
Ask directly: what is the total, is hair included, how many packs, and is take-down extra.
A good braider will give you a clear number and tell you how many packs to buy if you are supplying your own. Vague pricing usually means a surprise at the end.
Find a braider who does crochet braids near you
Prices here are UK averages. The real number depends on the braider and the hair you choose, so compare a few in your area. Browse crochet braiders by city below, or start from the main crochet braids page.
Frequently asked questions
- How much do crochet braids cost in the UK on average?
- Most sets cost £70 to £150 including install and a straightforward style. A simple set can start around £50; longer, fuller or human-hair looks run higher, into the £150 to £200-plus range.
- Is the crochet hair included in the price?
- Sometimes. Many braiders quote for the install only and ask you to bring the hair or buy it on the day. Crochet hair is roughly four to seven packs from about £7 each, so it can add £15 to £40. Always check first.
- Are crochet braids cheaper than box braids?
- Usually on labour, yes. The hair is looped in ready-made rather than braided strand by strand, so crochet installs faster and the fee is often lower. The gap narrows once you add the cost of the crochet hair.
- How long do crochet braids take to install?
- Less time than most braided styles. A simple set can be done in an hour or two; a full, curly look takes longer. The quicker install is part of why the labour cost is often lower.
- How long do crochet braids last?
- Usually four to eight weeks with good aftercare. Keeping the cornrows underneath clean and dry, and wrapping your hair at night, helps them last and keeps your own hair healthy underneath.
- Are crochet braids cheaper outside London?
- Usually, yes. London and the larger cities sit at the top of every range; smaller towns and home-based or mobile braiders tend to be lower for the same style.
