Alright, so you’re ready to braid your hair. Or maybe you’re about to braid someone else’s hair and you don’t want to get roasted for showing up with the wrong pack. Either way, let’s just say this: choosing hair for braiding is not as easy as it looks on YouTube tutorials.
The first time I bought braiding hair, I thought I was doing something. I walked into the beauty supply like, “Yeah, I know what I’m doing.” Grabbed the first pack that said “EZ Braid” and walked out. Two days later? My scalp was itching like I rolled around in fiberglass. It was a humbling moment.
So now I’m here to help you avoid that same fate.
Not All Braiding Hair Is Created Equal
This might sound dramatic but honestly… some of the stuff out there shouldn’t even be called “hair.” If it feels like shredded gift ribbon and smells like burnt plastic when you dip it in hot water, run. Some of these cheaper packs might look fine in the store, but the second they hit your scalp — it’s game over.
When you’re choosing hair for braiding, you want three main things: softness, durability, and no weird chemical smell. Bonus points if it’s pre-stretched because ain’t nobody got time to be manually tugging on every piece of hair like it’s a jump rope.
Synthetic vs. Human Hair: The Eternal Debate
Let’s clear this up.
If you’re doing box braids, knotless, twists, or cornrows — synthetic hair is totally fine. Actually, it’s usually preferred because it holds the braid shape better. Plus it’s cheaper. But not all synthetic is the same.
Brands like New Village Braid make synthetic options that don’t feel like straw. Their hair is soft, lightweight, and doesn’t get tangled in the middle of the install. That last part is huge. Nothing worse than pausing every 5 minutes to yank a knot out of your section like you’re solving a puzzle.
Human hair, on the other hand, is great for more natural styles like boho braids or feed-ins with loose ends. It blends better if you’re leaving your own hair out and want that seamless look. But yeah, the price will hit you. It’s giving “I just got paid, let me treat myself.”
Pre-Stretched Hair Is a Lifesaver (Literally)
Let me put it this way — pre-stretched hair is like pre-cut fruit. Can you do it yourself? Sure. Will it save your time and sanity if it’s already done? Absolutely.
Stretching braiding hair manually takes forever and your arms will hate you. Pre-stretched hair means smoother braids, less tangling, and quicker installs. And if you’re paying a stylist by the hour? You might actually be saving money.
A lot of folks are switching to brands that only sell pre-stretched hair for braiding now because they’re just over the prep work. I mean, we braid to protect our hair, not to spend two hours prepping before the actual braiding even starts.
Color Is More Than Just Aesthetic
Look, I love a good 1B. Classic. Never fails. But don’t sleep on color. A subtle ombre or even a bold pop (burgundy, honey blonde, deep green if you’re feeling wild) can change your whole look without going full rainbow unicorn.
One trick I picked up from Instagram braiders: mix two close colors together to add depth. Like, 1B and 4? Game changer. Makes the hair look more natural and full. Kinda like contouring… but for your scalp.
Also: always double check if the colored hair is dye-safe (if you’re planning to get artsy) and won’t bleed all over your neck. That happened to my cousin once with bright red braids. She looked like a horror movie character after the first workout.
TikTok Is the New Beauty Supply Review Board
No lie, half the hair brands I try now are because someone on TikTok said, “No itching, no tangling, 10/10 would recommend.” The comments section is where the real reviews live.
When you’re checking out hair for braiding, don’t just go by what’s on the packaging. See how it moves, how it lasts, and if it still looks good three weeks in. If people are saying, “Day 21 and it still looks fresh,” that’s your sign.
A Few Quick Tips Before You Buy:
- Always buy more than you think you need. It’s better to have extra than to be halfway through and realize you’re short one pack.
- Avoid anything that says “non-itch” but smells like a chemical lab. Trust me.
- Boil or rinse hair before use if you’re sensitive. Some brands still have that alkaline coating on them and it’s the #1 reason people end up scratching like crazy.
- Stick with trusted suppliers. Places like New Village Braid are actually putting effort into quality. That $1.50 hair in the clearance bin? It’s not your friend.
So yeah. Buying hair for braiding isn’t rocket science, but it is kinda an art. You’ve got to find the right balance of texture, length, softness, and of course — vibes. Because yes, vibes matter when it comes to braids.