In the world of hair fashion, braided hair extensions remain a staple of style, versatility, and self-expression. Whether you’re creating long, luxurious box braids or close cornrows, selecting the appropriate type of braiding hair—human or synthetic—is essential. Both offer unique benefits and potential pitfalls, depending on your fashion objectives, budget, and maintenance needs. In this comprehensive guide, we will break down every aspect of synthetic versus human braiding hair extensions to help you make the best-informed decision.
What Are Synthetic Braiding Hair Extensions?
Synthetic braiding hair is produced from various man-made materials, including Kanekalon, Toyokalon, or fibers processed with acrylic or polyester.
Advantages Of Synthetic Braiding Hair
- Cost-Effective: One of the best aspects of it is its low cost.
- Pre-Styled and Lightweight: Most synthetic hair is pre-curled or pre-stretched, so you save time on preparation.
- Color Options: Come in bright, intense colors and ombré shades not possible with human hair.
- Holds Style Longer: Ideal for styles that don’t require frequent restyling, as it maintains shape with minimal manipulation.
Drawbacks Of Synthetic Braiding Hair
- Limited Longevity: That last approximately 4–6 weeks, depending on maintenance.
- Cannot Be Heat-Styled (most often): Regular synthetic hair burns at high temperatures, making curling or straightening an impractical option.
- Less Natural Look and Feel: While newer types, such as Kanekalon, appear relatively natural, they are still less soft and less movable than human hair.
- Potential for Irritation: Many users experience itchiness or scalp irritation due to the chemical coating on synthetic hair.
What Are Human Braiding Hair Extensions?
Human braiding hair extensions are composed of 100% genuine human hair, which is either donated or stripped of the cuticle layer for processing. It is appreciated for its natural feel, shine, and versatility.
Advantages Of Human Braiding Hair
- Natural Look: Cornrows complement your hair beautifully, providing genuine texture and movement.
- Heat and Chemical Styling: Can be curled, flat-ironed, dyed, or chemically processed exactly like your own locks.
- Longer Lifespan: With proper care, human hair extensions can last 8–12 weeks or more.
- Low Irritation Risk: Free from harsh chemicals, making it more scalp-friendly and comfortable.
Cons Of Human Braiding Hair
- Expensive: High-quality human hair is significantly more costly than synthetic alternatives.
- Requires More Maintenance: Needs regular washing, conditioning, and detangling.
- Limited Color Options: Unless custom-colored, most human hair comes in natural black and brown hues.
- Can Frizz or Tangle: Similar to your hair, it can respond to humidity, shed, or tangle when not properly maintained.
Which Hair Type Is Best for Different Braiding Styles?
Box Braids
- Synthetic Hair: Ideal for those seeking pre-stretched, budget-friendly, low-maintenance braids with a range of color options.
- Human Hair: Ideal for those who desire soft, long-lasting braids with a natural appearance.
Cornrows
- Synthetic Hair: Good for temporary looks or when experimenting with bright colors using ombre braiding hair.
- Human Hair: Perfect for sleek, polished cornrows that need to last and blend with your real hair.
Knotless Braids
- Human Hair: Often preferred for lightweight, scalp-friendly knotless braids that look completely natural.
- Synthetic Hair: This type can work well if you’re using Kanekalon or X-Pression brands, which are known for their softness.
Goddess or Boho Braids
- Human Hair: Highly recommended for styles that require loose curls or waves at the ends.
- Synthetic Hair: Not suitable because it tends to tangle and frizz more rapidly when braids are worn loose.
Maintenance: Synthetic vs. Human Braiding Hair
Taking Care Of Synthetic Braiding Hair
- Steer clear of heat, and only use lukewarm water when washing.
- Apply a braid spray or lightweight leave-in conditioner to minimize frizz.
- Steer clear of excessive manipulation or combing.
Taking Care Of Human Braiding Hair
- Shampoo every 1–2 weeks with sulfate-free shampoo.
- Condition regularly in order to maintain moisture and softness.
Scalp Health: What’s Better For Sensitive Skin?
For sensitive scalps, human hair extensions are usually the safer option. Synthetic hair—particularly low-cost types—is likely to have alkaline coatings and chemicals that can lead to itchiness, breakouts, or irritation. If synthetic hair must be used, try ACV rinsing (Apple Cider Vinegar) to wash out irritants prior to installation.
Environmental Impact: Which Is More Sustainable?
Human Hair is naturally biodegradable and thus more sustainable in the long term. Synthetic Hair consists of non-recyclable plastic strands that end up as environmental waste after disposal.
Which One Should You Choose? Final Verdict
It all comes down to your requirements when deciding between human and synthetic braiding hair extensions:
- Select Synthetic Hair if you desire cheap, vibrant, and simple-to-style hair for temporary use.
- Select Human Hair if you desire longevity, natural-looking hair, and ultimate versatility.
- If you’re just starting or testing braiding with synthetic hair, it’s an excellent place to begin. If you’re looking for a high-end feel and appearance, though, human hair braiding extensions are the way to go.
Pro Tip: Professionals often combine both—utilizing synthetic hair for length but incorporating braiding hair extensions in the leave-outs or edges to achieve a natural-looking finish without paying the full price for human hair.