Best Braiding Hair for Flawless, Long-Lasting Braids

You want to get a nice-looking braid this season, but the big question dawns on you - what is the best braiding hair?

These days, there are too many braiding hair options that have us confused about what the best braiding hair is to use on our hair. Certainly, there should be the best and the worst braiding hair, right?

Well, that's correct!

Using the wrong braiding hair might cause damage to your hair. I'm talking about breakage and tangles. In fact, it might even cause itching, and the style won't look great as you imagined. But use the right braiding hair, and you'll have extensions free of tangles, no hair breakage, totally safe, and a style that just looks really perfect.

In this post, I've put together all the information you need to choose the best braiding hair based on your style. I've also gone through the mass of options available and selected some of the best braiding hairs.

Are you ready to have the best braiding hair for different gorgeous braids? Discover the best option below.

What is Braiding Hair?

Braiding hair are hair extensions without wefts. They are extensions used to braid the hair to create different protective styles.

Sometimes referred to as “ hair attachments”,  they add texture, length, and even color to the hair.

These are extensions used to achieve styles like knotless braids, box braids, boho braids, twists, and other intricate braid styles.

How to Pick the Best Braiding Hair?

Thankfully, selecting the best braiding hair isn't complicated. You can pick based on a few factors to have a narrower set of options. Some of these factors are:

1. Texture

The texture of the hair matters a lot when you are selecting braiding hair. While straight braid styles like box braids and cornrows will require you to use gentle options without curls or waves, wavy braiding hairs will be best for boho braids and other styles with curls.

The common types you'll find for your straight braid styles are yaki straight and bone straight. They aren't curly or wavy.

2. Style

What style are you going for? Knotless Braids? Traditional braids? Twists? Goddess braids? For instance, French curl braids require the use of a specific type of hair extensions.

This means your braid style determines the braiding hair you'll use. And once you’ve picked a style, you can narrow your options further, making you to choose the best hair based on style.

Here are some of the best braiding hair for your popular braid styles:

Best Braiding Hair for Boho Braids

● Hermosa Hair Deep Wave Bulk Hair

● Freetress Shake-n-Go pre-curled Braid

● Starlet Human Bulk Hair Wet and Wavy

Best Braiding Hair for Cornrows

● Sensationnel X-pression Pre-Stretched Braiding Hair

● Zepin Pre-Stretched Braiding Hair

● Hermosa One Bundle Sale Straight Hair Weave Bundles 100% Unprocessed Virgin Human Hair

Best Braiding Hair for Knotless Braids

● Indique Pure Wavy Braiding Hair

● Ywigs Silky Straight Bulk Hair Extensions for Braiding

● Latched and Hook Pre-Stretched Braiding Hair

Best Braiding Hair for French Curl Braids

● Darling French Curl

● Ywigs French Curl Human Braiding Hair Natural Color

● Ruka's French Curl Hair

3. Weight

Braiding hair can be heavy or light. While some hair extensions are quite heavy, there are also lightweight options available.

It is advisable to choose light hair extensions to feel more comfortable and reduce risks, such as headaches and hair loss.

I took out time to research which braiding hairs are lightweight, and I discovered that synthetic kanekalon fibers are lighter than human hair.

They are more lightweight compared to human hair bundles. However, if you want to use human hair, you can adjust the weight by using fewer packs or mixing it with synthetic hair extensions.

4. Comfort

Choose comfort over anything else. If the hair extension causes itching issues or any other kind of discomfort, it's best to avoid using such braiding hair. So, as much as you prioritize style, make sure to also prioritize your comfort.

Generally, human hair braiding options are more comfortable than synthetic hair. This is because they feel soft and aren't stiff like synthetic hair. So, if you have a sensitive scalp, human hair is the best option.

5. Pre-stretched

Some braiding hairs come pre-stretched, while others don't. Pre-stretched hairs can be used immediately on the go, saving you time and energy, but those that aren’t pre-stretched are the opposite.

Check out these pre-stretched braiding hairs for your protective styles below.

- Outre X-Pression 3x Pre-Stretched Ultra Braid 52.”

- 3X Ruwa Pre-stretched Braid 54″

- 28" 3 Bundle Pack Non-Toxic Hypoallergenic Braiding Hair

6. Overall Quality

Generally, women are now concerned about the overall quality of braiding hair as recent scientific researches show that some brands’ braiding hair (synthetic hair) have levels of volatile organic compounds (VOC) that cause medical issues in the body and scalp.

While some chemists have also countered these studies, people's worries are valid since braiding hair shouldn't pose a certain level of risk to our health.

That's why, to remain safe rather than sorry, you can narrow down your options further. Go for braiding hair that is safe and doesn't pose any risk to your health.

7. Durability

Braiding hairs need to be long-lasting and durable. Choose extensions that not only last, but stay tangle-free, beautiful, and soft when you braid.

These are some of the different types of braiding hair and how long they can last:

● Synthetic hair - a month to two months

● Hair blend - two months to three months

● Human hair - up to 5 months

● Plant-based Hair - a month to two months

8. Budget

Another way to choose braiding hair is by budget. Each braid style has a different cost due to the length and volume. If you are on a tight budget and plan to rock a style that requires using more packs of hair extensions, synthetic hair extensions are a more affordable option. But with a simpler style that requires fewer bundles, you can choose human hair extensions.

This is a breakdown of how much each braiding hair may cost:

● Synthetic hair (like Kanekalon) costs between $5 - $20

● Human hair may cost between $50 - $300

● Plant-based braiding hair costs between $45 - $70

● Hair blend may cost between $15 - $35

The Different Types of Braiding Hair

Here are some of the common braiding hairs available on the market. In this section, let's see what each has to offer and consider which of them is the best for braids.

1. Synthetic Hair

This is one of the most popular braiding hair products in the market. It is affordable, budget-friendly, and cost-effective. Many women who don't like to reuse their hair extensions prefer this option because it's on the low side.

Aside from that, synthetic hair is also lightweight and can come pre-stretched, making it a cheaper alternative to human hair.

Pros and Cons of Synthetic Hair

Pros

● Synthetic hair is shiny

● Come in different colors

● It has silky texture

● It is lightweight and budget-friendly

Cons

● Synthetic hair are coated with silicone

● They are prone to tangles

● Doesn't blend with natural hair

What Braid Styles are Synthetic Hair Used For?

Synthetic hair is used for many braid styles since it is quite versatile. It is often used for cornrows, box braids, knotless braids, traditional braids, tribal braids, and many more.

2. Kanekalon Hair

This is a type of synthetic hair that's popular for cornrows, box braids, and Senegalese twists. It is usually shiny, super lightweight, and available in different colors.

You'll probably see many Kanekalon hair options when you go hair shopping. But what I love the most about this braided hair isn't the easy availability; it's the “yaki” texture that resembles natural hair.

Pros and Cons of Kanekalon Hair

Pros

● Kanekalon sets in hot water to give a gorgeous style

● Can be used for diverse braiding styles

● Comes in different colors to match skin tones

● Can come pre-stretched

Cons

● Cannot withstand hot tools

● It tangles easily

● Has a short lifespan

● It frizzes

What Braid Styles are Kanekalon Hair Used For?

Kanekalon hair is used for popular braid styles like Senegalese twists, boho braids, box braids, knotless braids, and feed-in braids. Since it is a better option than some synthetic hair, it is really popular for braiding many protective styles.

3. Human Hair

This is a luxurious braiding hair option that offers you a natural-looking style. Though it's on the high side and might stretch your wallet, it is reusable and safe. You can use them over again, making them cost-effective, as replacing hair extensions won't happen too often.

But the most amazing part about braiding hair is its versatility. You can easily switch things up and look really fantastic.

Pros and Cons of Human Hair

Pros

● They can be washed, colored, and styled as you wish

● Human hair is not chemically processed (virgin human hair)

● Tangle-free, lightweight, and doesn't break

● Come in different textures

Cons

● They cost higher

● Not many colors are available  

What Braid Styles are Human Hair Used For?

You can use human hair extensions for any braid style of choice. However, many stylists recommend it for boho braids or any style with curls, as human hair appears natural.

4. Plant-based Hair

A braiding hair option that's designed not only for beauty, but for environmental and health safety is the plant-based hair. This hair type uses natural fibers like banana and other materials as an alternative to plastic hair (synthetic).

It is non-toxic, natural, and very healthy. This means it doesn't affect your scalp by causing itchiness or other serious issues, but nourishes it.

Pros and Cons of Plant-based Hair

Pros

● They have healthy ingredients like jojoba and ginseng that benefit the scalp

● Can last long

● Lightweight, soft and breathable

Cons

● Not many color options are available yet

● It can be harder to install than synthetic

● Tends to frizz faster than other braiding hair options

● It can be a bit pricey

What Braid Styles are Plant-based Hair Used For?

Plant-based braiding hair is just like any other braiding hair option. You can use them to achieve any braid style, including box braids, twists, knotless braids and cornrows.

So, what is the best type of braiding hair?

The best braiding hair for you might be different from what it is for me because of our differences in priorities. But going by their characteristics, quality, and other factors, the best braiding hair type has to be human hair.

Which Braiding Hair and Hair Brands are the Best for Braids?

Just as I promised at the beginning of this post, these are some of the best braiding hairs and their brands for your braids:

1. Hermosa Hair Bulk Human Braiding Hair

If you are searching for a no-stress braiding hair, Hermosa hair is the answer. This braiding comes pre-stretched and properly finished (perfect for achieving clean braids). If you are a DIY girl who loves to do her hair, then Hermosa Hair Deep Wave bulk human braiding hair is the best choice.

You can install your boho braids half the regular time it requires using Hermosa hair, plus you have a variety of braiding hair to choose from.

2. Nourie Hair

Nourie is a plant-based braiding hair I discovered while searching for safer braiding options earlier this month. It is not just healthy for women, but it also nourishes and moisturizes the scalp.

As a brand, Nourie has grown to become a safe space for many who are scared to use synthetic hair.

3. Outre X-Pression 3x Pre-Stretched Ultra Braid 52”

With the hair pre-stretched, you can start braiding immediately, which reduces any form of shedding and delay. Outre X-Pression 3x Pre-Stretched Ultra Braid 52” has a good texture and seals very well once you dip it in hot water.

4. Yummy Extensions

This is a hair brand founded by a Nigerian-American entrepreneur to meet the needs of customers searching for quality human hair extensions.

At the Yummy Extensions site, you'll find luxury curly braiding hair that is perfect for your fall twist and boho braids. All you need to do is visit their site, add the braiding hair of your choice to the cart, and make your purchase.

Quick Note: They don't have a lot of braiding hair options at the moment.

5. Boho Locs Queen Locs in Naturel

The Queen Locs in Naturel from Boho Locs is textured, pre-looped, and very lightweight. It actually looks like the real hair and can be installed in under 2 hours. But what's fun is that the hair is water-friendly, so you can swim with it and wash it.

6. Latched and Hook Pre-Stretched Braiding Hair

Here's a non-toxic, pre-stretched braiding hair that's perfect for all styles: Latched and Hook pre-stretched braiding hair.

The brand offers more than 20 pre-stretched braiding hair colors on its page. So, you can select any color before purchasing.

7. Water Wave Freetress

Have fun with the Water Wave Freetress braiding hair. You can use them to make passion twists or a bohemian style. Since it is smooth, can be easily managed, and it is available in different shades, I'm certain you'll stick with it once you try it.

8. Befunny Ombre Braiding Hair

Do you want an ombre braiding hair you'll always go back to? Try Befunny's ombre hair. It is soft, thick all through, and offers you a natural look.

Many reviewers praised it on Amazon, mentioning its good quality, soft texture, and availability in different colors.

Final Thoughts

You can now select the right braiding hair for your styles and feel super comfy. No longer do you need to use braiding hairs that may irritate your scalp.

I'll recommend going through Hermosa Hair Bulk Human Hair For Braiding collection. They have the best braiding hair you need. Want to make your choice? Click right here!