Faux Sisterlocks Crochet Styles That Are Lightweight and Protective
Faux Sisterlocks crochet styles are one of the most requested protective hairstyles right now — and for good reason. If you love the neat, uniform look of Sisterlocks but aren’t ready to commit to permanent locs, faux Sisterlocks crochet styles give you the beauty without the long-term decision.
They’re versatile.
They’re lightweight when done properly.
And they’re incredibly protective for natural hair, especially 4C textures.
In this detailed guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about faux Sisterlocks crochet styles, from installation methods to the most lightweight options, styling ideas, maintenance tips, and frequently asked questions.
If you’ve been searching for a protective style that looks elegant but doesn’t strain your scalp, this is for you and if you’re still deciding whether to go temporary or permanent, you may also want to read Temporary & Fake Sisterlocks Styles That Look Real, which explains the key differences and when each option makes the most sense.
What Are Faux Sisterlocks?
Faux Sisterlocks crochet styles are temporary loc extensions installed using a crochet method onto cornrowed natural hair. Unlike real Sisterlocks, which are installed individually using a specialized interlocking technique, faux Sisterlocks crochet styles are pre-made locs that are attached to braided hair.
The result?
A neat, uniform, small-sized loc style that closely mimics real Sisterlocks — but can be removed whenever you’re ready.
The key difference is commitment:
Real Sisterlocks = permanent loc journey
Faux Sisterlocks crochet styles = temporary, flexible, protective
Save this guide: How to Start Sisterlocks on Short 4C Hair
Why Choose Faux Sisterlocks Crochet Styles?
There are several reasons why faux Sisterlocks crochet styles have become so popular:
1. They Are Protective
Your natural hair is braided underneath, tucked away and shielded from daily manipulation. That reduces breakage and helps retain length.
You may find this helpful: Starter Loc Methods that Last the Longest
2. They Are Lightweight (When Installed Correctly)
Unlike bulky faux locs, well-made faux Sisterlocks crochet styles are slimmer and lighter. The smaller size means less tension on the scalp.
3. They Look Very Real
Modern faux Sisterlocks crochet styles are made with textured fibers that mimic natural loc patterns. From a distance — and even up close — they can pass for real Sisterlocks.
4. They Save Time
Installation is much faster than traditional faux loc wrapping. Crochet installation can take 2–4 hours depending on size and fullness.
Lightweight Faux Sisterlocks Crochet Styles You’ll Love
When choosing faux Sisterlocks crochet styles, weight matters. Heavy locs can cause tension, headaches, and even traction alopecia. Below are the most lightweight and protective options.
1. Butterfly Faux Crochet Locs
Butterfly faux crochet locs are textured locs with small loops and curls throughout the strands, giving them a soft, boho-inspired appearance.
How It Is Done
The hair is first braided into cornrows across the scalp. Using a crochet needle, pre-made butterfly locs are attached to each braid. The locs already have wrapped fiber and looped strands built into them, so they only need to be crocheted onto the base.
Sometimes stylists also add curly strands or loose pieces during installation to enhance the butterfly texture.
Why It Is Lightweight
Butterfly faux crochet locs are lightweight because the wrapping around the loc core is intentionally loose and airy. This prevents the locs from becoming dense or stiff. The soft fibers also allow the locs to move freely, which reduces strain on the scalp.
2. Passion Twist Crochet Locs
Passion twist crochet locs combine the appearance of faux locs with the soft texture of passion twists, creating a relaxed and natural-looking protective style.
How It Is Done
The natural hair is braided into cornrows as a foundation. Pre-twisted passion loc strands are then crocheted into the braids. The stylist secures the loop and allows the twist to hang freely.
Sometimes a stylist will twist additional hair around the root area to blend the crochet hair with the natural base.
Why It Is Lightweight
Passion twist crochet locs are lightweight because they use stretched synthetic fibers that are soft and fluffy instead of dense. The twisted structure also allows air to move through the hair, reducing overall weight and pressure on the scalp.
3. Goddess Faux Crochet Locs
Goddess faux crochet locs feature soft curly ends that create a romantic, flowing loc style. The curls add movement and dimension to the locs.
How It Is Done
After braiding the natural hair into cornrows, pre-made goddess locs are crocheted onto the braids. These locs have curly ends attached to the bottom.
The stylist installs the locs evenly across the scalp and gently fluffs the curly ends to create volume and shape.
Why It Is Lightweight
Goddess faux crochet locs remain lightweight because only part of the strand is wrapped into a loc structure. The loose curly ends are lighter than fully wrapped locs, which reduces the total amount of hair used in each piece.
This keeps the style comfortable even with longer lengths.
4. Micro Faux Crochet Locs
Micro faux crochet locs are extremely small and thin loc extensions designed to resemble very fine natural locs.
How It Is Done
The natural hair is braided into small cornrows to match the size of the micro locs. Thin pre-made loc strands are then crocheted individually onto the braids using a latch hook tool.
Because the locs are small, more pieces are installed to achieve fullness.
Why It Is Lightweight
Micro faux crochet locs are lightweight because each strand contains very little fiber. Instead of a few thick locs pulling on the scalp, the weight is distributed across many small locs.
This balanced distribution reduces tension and helps the style feel more natural.
5. Wavy Faux Crochet Locs
Wavy faux crochet locs combine a loc structure with subtle waves along the length of the strand. The waves add softness and movement to the style.
How It Is Done
The stylist braids the natural hair into cornrows as the base. Pre-made wavy loc extensions are crocheted into each braid using a crochet needle.
After installation, the stylist separates and adjusts the locs so the waves fall naturally.
Why It Is Lightweight
Wavy faux crochet locs are lightweight because the hair fibers are stretched and shaped rather than tightly wrapped. The waves prevent the loc from becoming overly dense, allowing the style to remain soft and flexible.
This reduces heaviness while still giving the fullness of a loc hairstyle.
Styles like butterfly locs, passion twist locs, goddess locs, micro locs, and wavy crochet locs provide beautiful protective styling while keeping the scalp comfortable and reducing tension on natural hair.
How to Install Faux Sisterlocks Crochet Styles Properly
Proper installation determines whether faux Sisterlocks crochet styles will be protective or damaging.
Step 1: Prepare Your Natural Hair
Wash and deep condition
Stretch gently
Moisturize lightly
Step 2: Cornrow the Hair
The base matters. Braids should:
Not be too tight
Be evenly spaced
Follow a pattern that allows styling flexibility
For versatile faux Sisterlocks crochet styles:
Do straight-back cornrows
Or a leave-out perimeter braid pattern
Step 3: Crochet the Locs
Using a crochet needle:
Insert through cornrow
Hook the loop
Pull through and secure
The loc should feel secure but not tight.
Step 4: Trim and Style
Once installed:
Trim uneven pieces
Shape into desired style
Apply light oil to scalp
Are Faux Sisterlocks Truly Protective?
Yes — if done correctly.
Faux Sisterlocks crochet styles protect your hair by:
Read this next: 15 ways to protect your locs in summer
Minimizing daily manipulation
Reducing exposure to heat
Locking in moisture underneath
Allowing hair to rest
However, they are only protective when:
Not too heavy
Not installed too tightly
Worn for 4–8 weeks maximum
Leaving faux Sisterlocks crochet styles in for too long can cause matting at the roots.
How to Maintain Faux Sisterlocks Crochet Styles
Maintenance determines how long faux Sisterlocks crochet styles stay fresh.
1. Moisturize Your Scalp
Use:
Water-based sprays
See this: How often should you moisturize your locs
Light oils like jojoba or grapeseed
Avoid heavy products that cause buildup.
2. Sleep With Satin or Silk
Protect at night using:
Satin bonnet
Silk scarf
Satin pillowcase
This reduces frizz.
Keep this page open: How to care for your locs the right way
3. Clean Gently
If needed:
Dilute shampoo
This guide will help you: How to wash your starter locs without unraveling them
Focus on scalp
Learn more here:
Pat dry with towel
Avoid soaking heavily.
4. Avoid Excessive Styling
Too much pulling into tight ponytails defeats the protective purpose of faux Sisterlocks crochet styles.
Check this guide: Low tension locs styles that protect your hairline
How Long Do They Last?
Typically:
4–8 weeks.
Factors that affect longevity:
Installation quality
Maintenance routine
Learn more here: How to care for your locs the right way
Hair growth rate
Product buildup
If properly maintained, they stay neat for over a month.
However, protective styling only works when the hair underneath stays healthy. If you’re starting your loc journey later, learning How to Tell If Your Starter Locs Are Healthy can help you understand what healthy hair growth should look like.
Pros and Cons of Faux Sisterlocks Crochet Styles
Pros
Lightweight (if chosen correctly)
Budget-friendly
Temporary commitment
Protective
Easy removal
Cons
Can look bulky if poor quality
May cause tension if too heavy
Not as customizable as real Sisterlocks
Who Should Choose This Sisterlocks styles?
This style is ideal for:
Women testing the loc look
Students needing cute and low-maintenance hair
Professionals wanting neat protective styles
Brides who want temporary loc elegance
Anyone transitioning from relaxed to natural
If you’re unsure about permanent Sisterlocks, faux Sisterlocks crochet styles let you experiment safely.
Final Thoughts
Faux Sisterlocks styles are a beautiful balance between style and protection. They offer the polished look of Sisterlocks without the lifelong commitment. When you choose lightweight options, install them properly, and maintain them well, they become one of the safest and most elegant protective hairstyles available.
If you want something that:
Looks neat
Feels light
Protects your natural hair
And gives you styling freedom
Then faux Sisterlocks are absolutely worth trying.
And remember — the key isn’t just the style. It’s choosing quality, protecting your scalp, and prioritizing healthy hair underneath.
That’s how you truly win with protective styling.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are faux Sisterlocks heavy?
Not if you choose slim, quality versions. Shorter and handmade faux Sisterlocks crochet styles are usually lightweight.
2. Can faux Sisterlocks damage my edges?
Only if installed too tightly or if the locs are too heavy. Proper installation protects edges.
3. How many packs are needed for full faux Sisterlocks?
Usually 6–8 packs for medium fullness. It depends on head size and desired density.
4. Can I wash faux Sisterlocks?
Yes, but gently. Focus on the scalp and avoid excessive soaking.
5. Do Sisterlocks crochet styles look real?
High-quality faux Sisterlocks crochet styles look very realistic, especially handmade versions.
6. Can I reuse faux Sisterlocks crochet styles?
Yes, if carefully removed and maintained. Store them neatly for future use.
7. How long does installation take?
2–4 hours depending on size and skill level.
8. Are faux Sisterlocks good for 4C hair?
Yes. They are especially protective for 4C textures when installed correctly.
9. Can I style this sisterlocks style into buns and ponytails?
Yes. They are versatile enough for updos, half-up styles, and ponytails.
10. What length is best for lightweight faux Sisterlocks?
8–12 inches is ideal for minimal tension and maximum comfort.
11. Can I swim with faux Sisterlocks?
Yes, but rinse afterward and dry thoroughly to prevent odor and buildup.
12. Are faux Sisterlocks cheaper than real Sisterlocks?
Yes. They cost significantly less since they are temporary and quicker to install.
