Have you found yourself in awe of hair-braiding looks and wondered to get the same of yourself? You are likely to come across two options: human hair braiding and synthetic hair braiding. Choosing between these options may seem confusing as both have benefits and drawbacks. Natural human hair provides a seamless blend, while synthetic hair is affordable and low maintenance.
What Is Human Hair Braiding?
As the name suggests, this braiding technique involves collecting real human hair, often sourced from donors. It is perfect for someone looking to transition from their natural hair to the braided look.
Pros of Human Hair Braiding
- Give a Natural Look: This braiding process gives a more natural look as it blends seamlessly with natural hair.
- More Styling Options: Human hair is flexible and can be styled in various ways. Since it is heat resistant, you can use it for styling and heating tools.
- Provides Comfort: It feels softer and lighter, reducing scalp tension and discomfort.
- Long Lasting: Human hair has a longer life span and can last 1-3 years with proper care.
Cons of Human Hair Braiding
- Higher Maintenance: Human hair needs more care as it is more prone to dryness and tangling. You need to regularly wash and condition your hair to keep it in good condition.
- More Expensive: Human hair braiding is more expensive due to its natural quality.
- Limited Styling Choices: They have limited colour and texture options compared to synthetic hair. Since they come from real individuals, it's challenging to find them in diverse textures, styles, and colours.
Also Read: Can Braiding Your Hair Before Bed At Night Actually Help It Grow? Expert Weighs In
What Is Synthetic Hair Braiding?
This braiding technique involves using artificial fibres or extensions. It is widely available in various textures, colours, and styles.
Pros Of Hair Braiding
- Affordable: It is much cheaper than human hair, making it budget-friendly. The materials used are usually nylon, acrylic, or polyester, which are widely available.
- Pre-Styled Options: Synthetic hair is available in different textures, waves, and colours, reducing styling time.
- Low Maintenance: It does not require washing or conditioning and holds its style well.
- Lightweight Varieties: Some modern synthetic fibres, like Kanekalon, are lightweight and soft, offering a more comfortable experience.
Cons Hair Braiding
- Less Natural Look and Feel: It can sometimes appear shiny or stiff compared to human hair.
- Limited Styling Options: It cannot be heat-styled unless made from heat-resistant fibres.
- Shorter Lifespan: It tends to tangle, frizz, and wear out faster than human hair. Over time, they will become increasingly stiff and, once they develop knots, cannot be restored.
Also Read: Are Hair Transplants Truly Sustainable? Doctor Shares Insights
Which One Should You Choose?
You should consider various factors when choosing between human and synthetic hair braiding. This includes budget, hair quality, style, and durability. Human hair provides a natural appearance but comes with a higher cost. On the other hand, synthetic hair braiding will bring in more variety at a lesser price but a shorter lifespan.
It is crucial to understand that hair quality can be preserved by administering proper haircare in both cases. Keeping your scalp moist, not having too much tension, and using a satin scarf or bonnet at night can all help prolong your braids’ life and promote healthier hair growth.
[Disclaimer: This article contains information for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult your professional if you are dealing with any health issue to avoid complications.]