Knotless braids and vacation just go together. I’ve gone on vacation with my natural hair several times, and while there are ways make traveling with natural hair easy, I prefer the wake-up-and-go convenience of knotless braids. But instead of my usual knotless braids with synthetic hair, I decided to try something new: human hair knotless braids.
I have dense but fine hair and braids can be rough on my strands. I’ve been toying with the idea of getting knotless braids with human hair for a while and finally decided to take the plunge for my nine day vacation in southern Spain. For my braids, I went to Queen Maman in Harlem and I absolutely loved the results. (Side note: Queen Maman does braids, any size and length, just just $220!)
After getting knotless braids with human hair once, I won’t be going back to synthetic hair. Of course, using human hair is a more expensive, but the results are worth it.
Heres’s why you should consider getting human hair knotless braids:
Human hair puts less tension on your hair and scalp
This is the most important reason to try using human hair next time you get braids. Synthetic hair can be taxing on your strands, especially if they’re fine like mine. Your edges are especially sensitive and prolonged tension can lead to hair loss. Synthetic hair is oftentimes made from fibers like literal plastic, which can’t really absorb hydrating and moisturizing products, which are important to use to care for your hair in braids. With human hair, products will absorb well, allowing you to keep your real hair soft and moisturized for the duration of the time you’re wearing braids.
Real hair is lightweight and comfortable
This was the first major difference I noticed between human hair knotless braids and synthetic braids. Usually, my hair feels heavy right after getting knotless braids. Anyone who gets box braids knows that sleeping that night is not easy. That’s not the case with human hair. My hair felt light and there was no stiffness. I wrapped my hair with a silk scarf and had no trouble sleeping that night!
Styling human hair braids is easier
Because you’re using human hair, your braids are going to fall more naturally and look more seamless. Oftentimes with synthetic braid hair, the braids can have a shiny, almost plastic-like look and stiffness. For my style, I used straight Starlet brand bulk braiding hair. You can use a wavy or curlier texture hair depending on the look or style you’re going for.
Also, styling braids with human hair is so much easier. Putting my hair up with regular knotless braids is usually not a great option because of the stiffness and the tension on my edges. With human hair, putting my hair up felt like just putting up my own hair.
Human hair knotless braids last longer
Knotless braids with real human hair pays off in the long run. With proper care and maintenance, these braids can last for months. On the other hand, synthetic braid hair tends to fray, tangle, and lose its shine over time, leading to a shorter lifespan, especially if you wash your braids or get them wet at the beach or pool.
Investing in human hair for your braids is an investment in your hair health. Braids are a great protective style; take that protection up a notch by using human hair, which is better for your hair and scalp, and the environment too!
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FAQs
There are two types of human hair – Indian Remi and yaki. It is down to preference and the desired result for which one you choose. Remi hair is considered the best grade for quality. It's sourced from a single (human) donor which means the cuticles are aligned in one direction.
Can human hair be used for knotless braids? ›
Human hair knotless braids have a much sleeker, natural look compared to synthetic hair. Knotless braids and vacation just go together. I've gone on vacation with my natural hair several times, and while there are ways make traveling with natural hair easy, I prefer the wake-up-and-go convenience of knotless braids.
What hair to use for knotless goddess braids? ›
Are human hair extensions better than synthetic for goddess braids? As mentioned, I opted for human hair curls to complete my knotless goddess braid look — synthetic hair was used to braid my hair, while the human hair curls were added to the ends.
Is Xpression hair good for box braids? ›
Sensationnel 3X X-Pression Braid 84″
"You can also use heat, steam, and hot water to help maintain the style. This hair is great for jumbo braids, ponytail braids, box braids, and cornrow braid hairstyles."
How many bundles of human hair do I need for box braids? ›
The number of bundles you need depends upon the length you want. Hair extensions bundle are of the same weight, if the hair is long then it will have short wefts, and if the hair bundle is short the longer the weft. For sew-in hair is it short or long I recommend you to buy 4-5 bundles of extensions.
What is the softest braiding hair? ›
Best known for looking and feeling like human hair, Toyokalon braiding hair has a softer and silkier texture than other types of braiding hair. Unlike Kanekalon, Toyokalon braiding hair isn't crimped and is gentler on fingers when braiding. Toyokalon braiding hair is also more heat resistant than hair fibre.
What is the best hair piece for braids? ›
"Kanekalon is typically the go-to choice for braiding because it's widely available in a variety of lengths and colors," says Alexander, adding that it creates a great result for most braided styles.
What is the difference between knotless braids and knotless box braids? ›
A knotless braid is a box braid installed using a different technique to lessen scalp tension & create a more natural look. This braided hairstyle will begin at the root just like regular box braids but will start with your natural hair, then eventually feed in the hair extension as the braid continues.
Are knotless braids healthy for your hair? ›
"Knotless braids are a great protective style as they help to improve hair growth by protecting the hair strands," says Oludele. "It's also very easy to moisturize your scalp and keep the hair hydrated while wearing the braids."
What is the best human hair for box braids? ›
Braiding the best human hair for braided styles is usually 100% virgin Remy or unprocessed human braiding hair that has been carefully sorted according to cuticle direction.
Texture Match
A perfect knotless braid requires an effortless combination of extensions and natural hair. Synthetic hair, such as Kanekalon, is frequently preferred for its yaki texture, which is similar to relaxed or thermally straightened natural hair texture.
Can you use Xpression hair for Goddess braids? ›
Did my own Boho Goddess Braids 😍, I used 3 packs of Xpression Braiding Hair 52 inch, and also 1 in a half pack of Janet 24in Wavy Braiding Hair.
What kind of hair is best for braids? ›
Kanekalon braiding hair is arguably the most widely diffused braiding hair. The braiding hair has a coarser and crimped texture to mimic that of Afro-Caribbean human hair. This makes this type of braiding hair good for voluminous up-dos such as chignons or bubble ponytails.
What makes knotless braids better? ›
"Knotless braids are definitely a better option because [they put] less stress and tension on the hair and scalp," says Williams. "Braids can still be heavy if too much hair is used in the extension," she adds. But, she notes that when the technique is done correctly, you can help prevent traction alopecia.
Are knotless braids good for hair growth? ›
"Knotless braids are a great protective style as they help to improve hair growth by protecting the hair strands," says Oludele. "It's also very easy to moisturize your scalp and keep the hair hydrated while wearing the braids."
