What do knotless, goddess, and box have in common? The type of hair

If your FYP looks anything like ours, it’s packed with flawless braids—box braids, knotless, goddess styles, braids are everywhere. From Black TikTok creators serving daily slay to IG influencers showcasing their next-level protective styles, braids are the blueprint for timeless beauty and creativity.

But we can’t lie, the magic isn’t just in the stylist’s hands—it’s in the braiding hair. Pick the wrong hair, and you’re dealing with tangles, breakage, or a style that just won’t hit right. Choose the right braiding hair, though? Smooth installs, scalp comfort, and a look that’ll have you snapping selfies nonstop.

How do you choose the best braiding hair for your style? We’re breaking it all down for you—from lightweight options for knotless styles to silky strands that keep your goddess braids flowing. Because when it comes to braids, the details matter—and the right braiding hair makes all the difference.

 

What makes braiding hair “the best”?

Well, just like us, every type of braiding hair is unique. The secret to finding your hair match? It’s all about achieving your dream look with ease and serious durability. Here's how to pick out your perfect hair partner.

 

Texture: Whether you're going for sleek and polished or a little more voluminous, texture is everything. Soft options like kanekalon are perfect for a clean-girl look, while coarser textures bring that natural, effortless volume—hello, boho goddess energy!

 

Weight: Comfort is key! You want braids that feel right and won’t weigh you down. Go for lightweight strands, especially for styles like knotless braids, so you can slay all day without any discomfort.

 

Durability: Long-lasting braids that won’t frizz or tangle? Yes, please! The best braiding hair stays fresh from day one to week three (or longer), making it an investment worth making.

 

Pre-stretched or Not: In a rush? Pre-stretched hair is a game-changer. It saves you time, so you can get that flawless, consistent look with half the effort.

 

Scalp comfort: No one has time for itchy scalps. Opt for soft, non-irritating braiding hair that keeps your scalp happy and itch-free.

 

Ultimately, the best braiding hair is the one that gets *you*. The one that suits your vibe, fits your lifestyle and leaves you looking and feeling amazing.

 

How to choose the right braiding hair for your style

Choosing the right braiding hair is more than just a quick decision—it’s about finding the perfect match for your lifestyle, and the look you’re going for. Here’s a breakdown to help you make the best choice, without all the guesswork (thank us later). 

Knotless braids

Sleek, subtle, and effortlessly chic—knotless braids are the ultimate style for the girl who loves polished perfection. These braids lay flat, with zero bulky knots, making them feel as light as air. Your scalp stays happy, your look stays fresh, and you can rock that natural yet refined look all day, every day. This is the braid for the girl who’s all about a flawless finish with minimal effort.

Goddess braids

When you want to turn heads and steal the show, goddess braids are your go-to. Bold, bouncy, and full of personality, these braids are the perfect mix of drama and ease. They add instant volume and that runway-ready flair without going overboard. Pair them with textured braiding hair for that perfect, voluminous shape that gives you that je ne sais quoi. Expect compliments, non-stop.

Box braids

The OG, the icon, the braid that never goes out of style—box braids are the ultimate in timeless cool. Regardless if you’re feeling short and chunky or long and sleek, these braids work for any mood. Lightweight, soft, and durable hair is key here—box braids are meant to last, and with the right hair, they’ll stay flawless for weeks. Wear them proud, wear them long.

Crochet braids

For those who like things quick, easy, and fabulous, crochet braids are a game-changer. The best part? They’re super low-maintenance and allow you to change up your look without the hours in the salon chair. Look for synthetic hair that mimics the texture of natural hair, making it easier to install and giving you that perfect, full-bodied look.

Senegalese twists

Looking for something smooth, sophisticated, and sleek? Senegalese twists are a standout for their sleek, rope-like texture. The best braiding hair for this style is a bit finer but still durable enough to hold up against the twisting technique. If you want to add a little shine and elegance to your twist game, this is your go-to style.

 

So, what kind of braiding hair are you after?

Choosing the right braiding hair can feel like a mission, but when you know what you're looking for, it’s easy to find the perfect match. If you’re into sleek and polished or want something with a little more volume, here’s a quick list of the most popular braiding hair options to help you nail that flawless look.

 

Kanekalon hair: The classic choice, Kanekalon is lightweight and super shiny, making it ideal for sleek styles like box braids. It holds up well and doesn’t frizz, keeping your look fresh from day to night.

 

Toyokalon hair: If you’re after that soft, natural vibe, Toyokalon is where it’s at. Its silky feel makes it perfect for relaxed styles that still look polished. Plus, it resists tangling, so you won’t be battling knots as you go about your day.

 

Human hair: For those who want the luxury experience, human hair is the ultimate pick. It’s real, it’s natural, and it’s totally versatile. You can curl it, style it, and wear it however you want – and it’ll always look stunning.

 

Pre-stretched hair: We love anything that saves time and effort. Pre-stretched braiding hair makes life easy and gives you a smooth, tapered finish without the hassle. Perfect for busy bees who want that Insta-worthy look, fast.

 

Jumbo braid hair: For bold, thick braids that demand attention, jumbo hair is your new best friend. It's perfect for making a statement with big, voluminous styles that are anything but basic.

 

How to choose the right braiding hair

Now that you know the different types of braiding hair, it’s time to think about what kind of feel you’re trying to achieve. Do you want something clean-girl or OTT? Here’s how to pick the perfect braiding hair to match you and your style.

 

Sleek and polished: If you’re all about that smooth, flawless finish, go for Kanekalon or Pre-Stretched Hair. These options give you clean, neat braids that will stay looking fresh all day, even through a long night out. Perfect for box braids, lemonade braids, or sleek twists.

 

Natural and soft: Want your braids to have that "second-day hair" feeling? Don’t we all! Toyokalon or Human Hair are great choices. These have a softer feel, and human hair gives you that natural, bouncy flow, which is perfect if you like to customize your braids or wear them for a longer time.

 

Bold and statement-making: If you’re all about drama and big, voluminous braids, Jumbo Braid Hair is your best bet. The thicker texture allows for a fuller, more textured look that will turn heads, especially when you're rocking styles like goddess or bohemian braids.

 

Quick and easy: If you’re short on time but still want to look amazing, Pre-Stretched Hair is the way to go. It’s pre-prepped, so all you need to do is braid and go! You'll have the perfect look without the extra work, regardless of whether you're styling box braids, cornrows, or twists.

 

The key to picking the right hair is to match the texture and finish you want with your personal style and lifestyle. Whether you’re into polished perfection or a laid-back, boho look, there’s braiding hair out there that’s perfect for you!

 

Tips for maintaining your braiding hair

Once you’ve found your perfect braiding hair and styled it to perfection, you’ll want to make sure it stays looking fresh and fabulous for as long as possible. Here are some LA-approved tips for keeping your braids looking on-fleek, no matter how busy your schedule gets. 

1. Keep your scalp hydrated

Healthy, hydrated hair starts with a healthy scalp. Keep your scalp moisturized with oils or serums that won’t weigh your hair down. Try lightweight oils like argan or jojoba oil for a soft, nourished scalp. This will help prevent itchiness and dryness while keeping your braids looking fresh.

2. Protect at night

The key to longer-lasting braids is protection while you sleep. Invest in a silk or satin scarf or bonnet to keep your braids from getting frizzy or tangled overnight. You’ll wake up with smooth, glossy braids that are still holding their shape. For extra protection, you can also use a satin pillowcase.

3. Avoid over-washing

One of the perks of braids is that they don’t require frequent washing. Over-washing can lead to dryness and frizz, so try to wash your braids only when absolutely necessary. When you do, use a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo to keep your braiding hair in top shape.

4. Keep your ends moisturized

Braiding hair can dry out, especially at the ends. To keep things soft and bouncy, regularly moisturize the ends of your braids with a leave-in conditioner or hair cream. This will keep the texture soft and prevent splitting.

5. Regular touch-ups

Even the most flawless braids need a little TLC every now and then. Make sure to refresh your braids as needed, especially around the edges where new growth can make your style look less polished. Use a brush and some edge control for a sleek, sharp finish.

 

When to re-install or take out your braiding hair

So, you’ve been rocking your braids for a while, and they’ve been serving you major looks—but how do you know when it’s time for a change? 

Time to re-install

Still loving your braids but noticing your natural hair peeking through at the roots? Re-installing is the move to keep your style fresh. It’ll give your braids a polished, clean look without having to start from scratch. Re-installation is also great when your braids are starting to lose their shape but the hair still looks fab.

When to take them out

If your braids have overstayed their welcome, it’s time to say goodbye. Keeping them in too long can cause tension on your scalp, leading to breakage and dryness. Generally, 6-8 weeks is the sweet spot. If you start feeling any discomfort or your scalp is itching, it’s definitely time to take them out and give your hair some TLC.

Give your hair a break

After taking out your braids, it’s important to let your natural hair rest. This gives your scalp a chance to breathe and recover. Use this time to hydrate and nourish your hair with deep conditioning treatments before you jump into the next protective style.

Refresh and re-style

Not ready to say goodbye just yet? That’s okay. You can refresh your braids with a little maintenance. Re-braid loose or frizzy sections, or add fresh pieces of braiding hair to bring your look back to life. It’s a great way to keep your style going without losing that fresh-out-the-salon feel.