In the vibrant world of hair braiding, the choice of hair is just as crucial as the braiding technique itself. The right braiding hair can transform a simple style into a work of art, while the wrong choice may lead to disappointment. Whether you’re a professional hair stylist or someone who loves experimenting with DIY hairstyles at home, understanding the different types of braiding hair available is essential. In this article, we’ll explore various factors to consider when choosing braiding hair and examine some of the top options on the market.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Braiding Hair
Purpose and Style
The first step in choosing the best braiding hair is to determine the purpose and style you want to achieve. Are you creating a protective style like box braids or cornrows? Or perhaps you’re aiming for an elegant French braid for a special occasion? Different styles may require different types of hair. For example, box braids often look best with thick, long hair extensions, while a delicate French braid might suit finer, more natural – looking hair.
Hair Texture
Your natural hair texture plays a significant role in selecting the right braiding hair. If you have straight hair, you might opt for straight – textured braiding hair to create a seamless blend. On the other hand, if your hair is curly or coily, choosing hair with a similar texture will result in a more natural look. Matching the texture also helps with the overall styling and maintenance of the braids.
Budget
Braiding hair comes in a wide price range, from affordable synthetic options to high – end human hair. It’s important to set a budget before making a purchase. While human hair generally offers a more natural look and feel, it can be quite expensive. Synthetic hair, on the other hand, is more budget – friendly and still provides a great look for many braid styles.
Durability
Consider how long you want the braids to last. Some types of braiding hair are more durable than others. For example, high – quality human hair and certain synthetic fibers can withstand daily wear and tear, while lower – quality synthetic hair may start to tangle or fray after a few weeks.
Types of Braiding Hair
Human Hair
Virgin Human Hair
Description: Virgin human hair is unprocessed and retains its natural cuticle. This means the hair is in its purest form, with the cuticles all running in the same direction. As a result, virgin human hair is less likely to tangle and has a natural shine.
Advantages: It looks and feels incredibly natural, allowing for seamless integration with your own hair. Virgin human hair can be styled just like your natural hair, meaning you can curl, straighten, or color it without fear of damage. It also tends to last longer than other types of braiding hair, making it a great investment.
Disadvantages: The main drawback of virgin human hair is its cost. It’s significantly more expensive than synthetic hair or even other types of human hair. Additionally, it requires more maintenance to keep it looking its best.
Suitable Styles: Virgin human hair is ideal for styles where a natural look is crucial, such as a single braid down the back or a French braid. It’s also great for creating custom – colored or styled braids.
Remy Human Hair
Description: Remy human hair is also of high quality. The cuticles are intact and aligned in the same direction, reducing tangling. However, it may have undergone some minimal processing, such as cleaning and conditioning.
Advantages: Remy hair offers a good balance between cost and quality. It still looks and feels natural, and can be styled to some extent. It’s more affordable than virgin human hair, making it a popular choice for many.
Disadvantages: Compared to virgin human hair, Remy hair may not be as durable or versatile. It may not hold up as well to repeated styling or long – term wear.
Suitable Styles: Remy human hair works well for a variety of braid styles, including box braids, Senegalese twists, and two – strand twists.
Synthetic Hair
Kanekalon Hair
Description: Kanekalon is one of the most common types of synthetic hair used for braiding. It’s made from a special type of fiber that mimics the look and feel of human hair. Kanekalon hair comes in a wide range of colors and textures, from straight to curly.
Advantages: It’s extremely affordable, making it accessible to a wide range of people. Kanekalon hair is also easy to work with, as it holds its shape well during the braiding process. It’s available in various lengths, allowing you to create different styles.
Disadvantages: It doesn’t look as natural as human hair, especially up close. Kanekalon hair is also less durable than human hair and may start to look frizzy or tangled after a few weeks. It can’t be heat – styled like human hair.
Suitable Styles: Kanekalon hair is great for styles like box braids, cornrows, and Marley twists. It’s a popular choice for those on a budget or for temporary hairstyles.
Toyokalon Hair
Description: Toyokalon hair is another type of synthetic hair. It has a softer texture compared to Kanekalon, giving it a more natural appearance. Toyokalon hair is known for its ability to hold curls and waves well.
Advantages: It offers a more natural look than Kanekalon hair, while still being more affordable than human hair. Toyokalon hair is also relatively easy to manage and style.
Disadvantages: Like other synthetic hair, it can’t be heat – styled extensively. It may not last as long as high – quality human hair.
Suitable Styles: Toyokalon hair is suitable for styles where a natural – looking curl or wave is desired, such as fishtail braids or loose, beachy – style braids.
Specialized Braiding Hair
Marley Hair
Description: Marley hair is a type of synthetic hair specifically designed for braiding. It has a textured, kinky appearance that mimics the look of natural afro – textured hair.
Advantages: Marley hair is lightweight and easy to braid. It creates a full, voluminous look, making it perfect for styles like Marley twists and some types of box braids. It’s also relatively affordable.
Disadvantages: It may tangle more easily than some other types of braiding hair. Marley hair may not hold its shape as well over time, especially if not properly maintained.
Suitable Styles: Marley hair is ideal for styles that embrace a textured, natural look, such as Marley twists, Senegalese twists, and certain types of cornrows.
Crochet Braid Hair
Description: Crochet braid hair is pre – braided or pre – twisted hair that is attached to your natural hair using a crochet hook. It comes in various styles, such as dreadlocks, twists, and curls.
Advantages: Crochet braid hair is quick and easy to install, saving you time and effort. It offers a wide range of styles, allowing you to achieve complex looks without extensive braiding skills.
Disadvantages: The installation process may require some practice to master. Crochet braid hair may not blend as seamlessly with your natural hair as other types of braiding hair.
Suitable Styles: Crochet braid hair is perfect for styles like faux locs, passion twists, and Havana twists.
Maintenance and Care of Braiding Hair
Human Hair
Washing: Wash human hair braids gently with a mild shampoo and conditioner. Avoid over – washing, as this can strip the hair of its natural oils.
Styling: If you want to style human hair braids, use heat – styling tools on a low setting to avoid damage. Apply a heat protectant spray before styling.
Moisturizing: Keep the hair moisturized by using a leave – in conditioner or hair oil. This helps prevent dryness and breakage.
Synthetic Hair
Washing: Wash synthetic hair braids with a gentle detergent specifically designed for synthetic hair. Avoid using hot water, as it can damage the fibers.
Styling: Synthetic hair should not be heat – styled, as it can melt or become misshapen. Instead, use styling products like hairspray or gel to hold the style.
Detangling: Use a wide – tooth comb or your fingers to detangle synthetic hair gently. Avoid pulling or tugging, as this can cause the hair to break.
Conclusion
There is no one – size – fits – fits – all answer to the question of what is the best type of braiding hair. The choice depends on various factors, including your budget, desired style, hair texture, and how long you want the braids to last. Human hair, particularly virgin and Remy hair, offers a natural look and greater versatility but comes at a higher cost. Synthetic hair, such as Kanekalon and Toyokalon, is more affordable and still provides a great look for many styles. Specialized braiding hair like Marley hair and crochet braid hair offer unique styling options. By considering these factors and taking proper care of your braiding hair, you can achieve the perfect braided look that suits your individual needs and preferences. So, go ahead and experiment with different types of braiding hair to create stunning, long – lasting hairstyles.
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