When it comes to protective styles like box braids, twists, or feed-ins, one of the biggest decisions you’ll make is whether to use human or synthetic braiding hair.
While both options have their merits, the best choice often depends on your budget, desired look, and how long you plan to keep your style in.
Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of each.
Human hair: Luxurious but costly
Human braiding hair is made from 100% real hair, offering a soft, natural feel and versatility. It’s lightweight, blends effortlessly with your own hair, and can be washed, heat-styled, and reused, making it a favorite for styles that require a natural finish, like knotless braids or boho goddess locs.
However, quality comes at a price. Human hair is significantly more expensive than synthetic options, especially when purchasing enough for a full head. It also requires more maintenance to keep it looking fresh and tangle-free.
Synthetic hair: Affordable and convenient
Synthetic braiding hair is made from various plastic fibers like kanekalon or toyokalon. It’s pre-stretched, holds styles well, and is available in a wide range of textures, colors, and lengths. This makes it ideal for intricate or dramatic styles like jumbo box braids, crochet braids, or colorful looks.
The biggest appeal of synthetic hair is affordability and accessibility. It’s easy to find, cost-effective, and style-ready straight out of the pack. On the downside, it can feel heavier, doesn’t tolerate heat styling as well (unless labeled “heat-friendly”), and tends to tangle or frizz faster than human hair. Some types can also irritate the scalp, especially for those with sensitive skin.
Which one’s right for you?
If you’re going for a sleek, long-lasting style and are willing to invest, human hair may be worth the splurge. But if you want a bold look on a budget, or plan to change styles often, synthetic hair offers the flexibility you need.
Ultimately, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The key is to understand your hair goals, lifestyle, and maintenance preferences before sitting in the stylist’s chair.
