The 8 Best Braiding Hair Options for Your Next Protective Style

"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."

Using a few packs of the best braiding hair in your next style can not only enhance your overall look, but is also a tried-and-true way to protect hair from being damaged by the elements, excess heat, and frequent styling. When installing braid extensions, the quality and type of hair used—either synthetic or human—usually determines how long your style will last. “This hair can be added to thicken and lengthen braid styles,” Janelle Sands, braiding specialist and founder of the Secret Curl Society, tells Bazaar.

Celebrity hairstylist and founder of her eponymous hair collection Kim Kimble explains that she prefers to use human hair in braid styles on her clients. “Curly, wavy human hair is really popular right now to create goddess braids,” she notes. The best braiding hair often comes pre-stretched, making it easier to manipulate, and is available in several color and texture options for supreme versatility. These kinds of extensions differ from what is used in sew-in or glue-in weaves, as they come in bulk instead of on a weft; this allows for a variety of styles, like box braids, passion twists, knotless braids, and faux locs.

To help narrow down your search for the best braiding hair, we’ve rounded up a few expert-approved and top-rated picks that beauty lovers in the know are raving about. Whether you're looking for beachy waves or a pin-straight pack, the options below are suitable for just about any braid or twist style.

Braidbetter in Honey

Rebundle is a great braiding option using hair that is neither synthetic nor human: Braidbetter is actually made from banana plant fibers, which mimic natural hair textures and colors but are gentler on easily irritated scalps. As a bonus, Rebundle packs can be reused up to three times and heat-styled up to 350 degrees.

Hair length: 22 inches

Hair type: Plant fiber

Pre-Feathered Ocean Wave Braiding Hair in 1B (Pack of 5)

In addition to staples from her own brand, Kimble often uses hair from the pros at Bobbi Boss, because of how well it pairs with her clients’ curl patterns. “I recommend using braiding hair that matches your own texture,” she says. While this pre-feathered bundle is synthetic, its wavy finish lends itself to natural curls and coils, and dries quickly if you take a dip in the pool or wash your braids after a few weeks of wear.

Hair length: 28 inches

Hair type: Synthetic

One satisfied customer writes: “Hair is soft and easy to separate. It tangles a little bit but is great for knotless braids. The color looked amazing on me too. Hair after about three weeks didn’t tangle and the ends were still soft.” —Ashanti V.

Braids African Collection in 1B (Pack of 6)

Here’s a popular pick that includes three bundles of Kanekalon hair—most commonly used for box braids and cornrows—in a single pack, making it a great budget-friendly option. And since the hair is pre-stretched and medium-weight, your braids won’t feel overly heavy once they’re installed.

Hair length: 58 inches

Hair type: Synthetic

One satisfied customer writes: “The bundles were great quality and length for any project. Already brushed through and ready for work. The hair had a great shine and movement.” —Nathalie G.

Passion Twist Hair Water Wave Braiding Hair in 1B (Pack of 6)

The silky, tight waves in Dansama’s bundles are a beauty-shopper favorite for creating bouncy passion twists, boho locs, and crochet braids at home. The synthetic bundles are available in 11 different colors and even include a range of colorful beads to further accent your look.

Hair length: 18 inches

Hair type: Synthetic

One satisfied customer writes: “This is really good hair. I have bought three different kinds, but this time, I got it right. This is the perfect curl pattern for my boho locs.” —Kailan P.

Pure Braiding Hair

Indique’s Pure Braiding Hair bundles are well worth the price when it comes to creating professional-level knotless braids, Senegalese twists, and more. Available in three lengths and three texture options, the bundles can be seamlessly dyed, cut, and styled according to your preference, just like your own hair.

Hair length: 20 inches

Hair type: Human

One satisfied customer writes: “I used to hate the hair I used to get for my Brazilian knots, it didn’t blend with my hair and I couldn’t keep the style in long, and getting it done isn’t cheap. When I made the switch to Indique it made a world of a difference. My stylists love it and now everyone in the salon uses Indique for their Brazilian knots.” —Cynthia

Pre-Stretched Braiding Hair (Pack of 6)

To give your style a little more depth, consider adding this ombré-colored braiding hair to your next look. Not only will you receive six bundles for maximum length and volume, but since it comes pre-stretched, the hair is also easy to install and remove.

Hair length: 22 inches

Hair type: Synthetic

One satisfied customer writes: “I recently purchased this hair and I must say, I am quite impressed with the quality. The hair is made of high-quality synthetic fiber that looks and feels very realistic. It’s easy to work with, and the length of the braiding hair was very generous. Moreover, the braiding hair was lightweight, which made it comfortable to wear.” —Angelina E.

Goddess Locs in Autumn Leaves

Whether you’re looking for bob-length faux locs or locs that skim your waist, this pre-looped hair from Boho Locs makes it simple to create your style of choice. Along with 120 curled pieces per pack (one is usually enough to cover your entire head), the hair also can be worn for up to 12 weeks at a time. Plus, you can even opt to add face-framing layers for a more customized look.

Hair length: 12–14 inches or 22 inches

Hair type: Synthetic

One satisfied customer writes: “Light and soft…love the color! This is my third install and I love being a part of the Boho Tribe.” —Donnetta W.

Braiding Hair in Espresso

Slayyy is another of Kimble’s go-to braiding hair brands. “The braiding hair you select is all based on the style you want, but you always want to make sure you’re reaching for quality hair,” she says. In addition to the hair being pre-stretched and feathered, Slayyy also uses a prewash process known as the brand’s “secret sauce” to cleanse hair of scalp-irritating chemicals, for long-lasting wear.

Hair length: 54 inches

Hair type: Synthetic

One satisfied customer writes: “I love this hair! I’m all natural and I get my hair braided in a protective style and my scalp does not get irritated nor itchy. So glad I have absolutely found what’s working for my scalp.” —Nicole M.

Meet the Experts

• Kim Kimble is a celebrity hairstylist and founder of the Kim Kimble Hair Collection.

• Janelle Sands is a braiding specialist, hairstylist, and founder of the Secret Curl Society.

What is braiding hair?

Braiding hair is typically synthetic or made from real human hair, and can be added to your own natural hair to create longer, fuller braid, twist, or crochet styles.

What is the best hair to use for braiding?

The braiding hair that is best for your look depends on the type of style you’re installing. Hair length, density, and color should all be taken into consideration during the selection process, as well as the sealing method that finalizes your style. As Sand explains: “Some hairstyles require securing with a rubber band, and most methods require sealing the strands by dipping the finished braids in boiling hot water.”

Shop More of Our Favorite Hair Products

• Bazaar Hair Awards: The 60 Best Hair Products of 2024

• The Best Hairbrushes Experts Love

• The Best Shampoos for Curly Hair

• The Best Hair and Scalp Oils For Your Healthiest Hair Ever

• The Best Black-Owned Hair Brands to Support Year-Round

Why trust Harper’s Bazaar?

For more than 150 years, Harper’s Bazaar has been the preeminent fashion and beauty resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in beauty by working with the world’s leading authorities in dermatology, plastic surgery, cosmetics, skincare, hair care, and fragrance. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of beauty editors and industry experts.

You Might Also Like

• 4 Investment-Worthy Skincare Finds From Sephora

• The 17 Best Retinol Creams Worth Adding to Your Skin Care Routine