Black hairs are high maintenance in general.
Reports suggest that the average African-American woman spends on average nine times more than any other mainstream female on her hair.
This is to have hair that is presentable and healthy.
In such cases, having a hairstyle that is low maintenance and looks great too is no less than a boon. These hairstyles are called protected hairstyles and not only protect hair from wear and tear of regular maintenance but also look great.
Some of the popular protective hairstyles include braids, cornrows, dreads, and updos.
Box braids are one of such hairstyles that are not only scene-stealing and show-stoppers but also require relatively low maintenance.
However, when it comes to box braids, not every woman has the ideal hair texture, volume, or length to have their dream box braids.
Here comes the role of commercially available braiding hair. They are available in a wide variety of colors, lengths, and styles. In addition, they are inexpensive, and if you do not like a particular style you do not have to live with it.
For this piece, we dwelled deep and come up with some of the best braiding hair available right now.
Table: Comparing 10 Best Braiding Hair For Box Braids 2024
The best thing about synthetic braiding hair is the number of lengths and colors you can choose from.
If you have short hair and always wanted to have long braids, this braiding hair gives you the option of fulfilling that.
In addition, what if you wanted to color your braids in a certain way for a night and did not want to live with it for the next couple of months, these hair are bliss for you.
Moving on, we will be talking about each of our picks in further detail. So, see you on the other side of the table.
Braiding Hair | Length | Color | Best for | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Firstcyh Hair Braids | 20 | 1B/30 | Goddess Box Braids | Check Price |
XCHSLB Medium Braids | 18 | IB, Ombre | Jumbo Box Braids | Check Price |
Innocence EZBRAID Braids | 20, 26, 30 | Multiple | Normal box braids | Check Price |
Geyashi Hair Braids | 18, 22 | IB, Ombre | Twist box braids | Check Price |
Eemmet Jumbo Braids | 24 | Multiple | Jumbo box braids | Check Price |
ROSDINA Stretched Braids | 26, 28, 30 | Multiple | Normal box braids | Check Price |
Dorsanee Jumbo Braids | 24 | Multiple | Jumbo twist braids | Check Price |
Alileader Braids | 12,16,20,24,30 | Multiple | Jumbo box braids | Check Price |
Senegalese Braids | 14, 16, 18, 20 | IB, Ombre | Twist braids | Check Price |
XCHSLB Medium Braids | 14, 18, 22, 26 | Multiple | Jumbo box braids | Check Price |

1. Firstcyh Hair Curly Ends Synthetic Braiding Hair Extensions – Pull Off Goddess Box Braids Effortlessly
Box braids are loved around because there are so many variations that you can try and they all look good. Among such variations come goddess box braids which are very popular. For this type of braid, you want your braids to have curly unraveled ends. This style requires a lot of patience and attention to detail to make it last and look good.
To make it easy, the first entry on our list comes in pre-styled goddess box braids. Thus, you simply have to crochet them into your natural hair and you are good to go. They are pre-looped which makes crocheting easy.
You do not have to worry about the length of the curly ends or about tying the braids before the curly ends, all these aspects are pre-done.
These extensions come in a pack of six and each pack contains 24 strands which is basically good enough to fill an average head. They come at a length of 20 inches.
These hair use 100% Kanekalon synthetic fibers which is the highest quality of synthetic hair.
These medium box braids have braided parts in 1B color which is the natural black color. However, the curly ends have an auburn brown color. This combination of colors gives your braids a natural subtle look. This makes them the best braiding hair for natural hair.
Unlike natural hair extensions, the best thing about any synthetic hair is its ability to retain its style, so basically you do not have to style it every day. These extensions retain their curly ends even after being wet.
Price is easily the best thing about these extensions. The value they provide is good and they can easily last you three to four months with little caring.
- Great value for money
- Pre-looped and pre-styled
- Soft texture
- Natural color combination
- Curly bouncy ends making these highly versatile
- Don’t last that long
- Can’t be recolored
2. XCHSLB Medium Box Braids Crochet Hair Extensions – To Help You Make A Jumbo Expression
Jumbo box braids are also a popular variation of box braids. In these, braid boxes are thicker and denser than average.
The next entry on our list has braids with an average width of around 0.3 inches which is a nice width for jumbo box braids.
It comes in a variety of lengths and colors, but our pick has a length of 18 inches and comes in a pack of 7 with each pack having 20 strands.
When it comes to color, you can either go with solid IB which is natural black and this can easily be your go-to style given how natural it looks.
In addition to that, it comes in color combinations in which roots and ends are of different colors. For example, you can go with IB/30 which is a natural black upper part and auburn brown ends.
The most vibrant color combination is 1B/grey which can set you apart and make you glitter.
Like most popular synthetic hair extension brands nowadays, these braids also use Kanekalon fibers which are of high quality and soft and heat resistant.
The best thing about Kanekalon fibers is their close-to-natural look. They are not overly shiny to give the impression of fake hairs.
These 18-inch box braids are pre-looped and the package also comes with a free crochet needle and this enables easy installation.
To my surprise, the ends are firmly braided and are not easy to unravel which is a relief. This makes them, for me, the best braiding hair for jumbo box braids.
- Price is reasonable
- Available in natural colors
- Thicker strands are perfects for jumbo box braids
- Tightly braided ends which are difficult to unravel
- Pre-looped for easy installation
- Have a slight smell
- Some reviews claimed different color than stated
3. Innocence EZBRAID – Pre-Stretched Fibers to Save You Time
One of the issues people with box braids face is the itchiness of the hair after it has been braided for some time. However, Innocence EZ Braid utilizes patented Spectra fibers which are antibacterial and itch-free.
Remember, no braiding hairs are itch-free unless they utilize Spectra fibers.
Having itch-free fiber is just one reason why these braiding hairs make our list. One of the major reasons, they have been a huge hit is that they come pre-stretched.
This saves a lot of time needed for stretching and feathering needed to give fibers a natural flow and ends and braiders and stylists love them.
What further saves time is that they come hot water set. This removes any flyaways and frizziness and also seals the ends preventing them from unraveling.
These pre-stretched braiding hair come in three lengths of 20, 26, and 30 inches. However, there are a number of color options available and you can get either a single pack or a pack of eight in all the different sizes and colors. What to know the best part? You can even get different color packs in the pack of eight, cool isn’t it?
One noteworthy thing is that they are water-proof which means that they are resistant to sweat and take little to no time to dry out. This makes them the best braiding hair for swimming.
The fibers are soft and lightweight making the braiding soft and easy on the braider’s fingers.
When it comes to value, they are going to cut your braiding expenses to half. You can get a single pack for around $5 and a pack of eight at around $20 including the shipping making them a great buy.
- Come pre-stretched
- Cost-effective
- Multiple color options
- Soft and easy on braider’s fingers
- Itch-free
- As they are super-soft, they may become unbraided at the ends
- Look worn and old after a few washes
4. Geyashi Hair Box Braids – Twist Braids That Do Not Burden Your Head
Twist braids are another popular style of box braids but the issue that originates with their length and thickness is their weight. As the length and thickness increase, we see a noticeable hike in the weight of the braids.
To counter this, Geyashi has made their braiding hairs with lightweight fiber, Kanekalon, which looks bulky but isn’t too heavy to wear.
In addition, the fibers are heat-resistant, therefore, it allows the mending of braids if the default style does not suit you.
When it comes to variation, it comes in two lengths, 18 inches, and 22 inches, and in several different colors. When it comes to colors, you can either go with solid 1B which is natural black and is a universal color that goes with almost every hair and skin type.
Some of the other colors include a combination of 1B with other colors like burgundy, red wine, and grey color. In these color combinations, upper ends are of black color but as you go towards ends the other color comes into effect.
What makes it stand out on our list is the quality of fibers that the company has utilized in its production. These are soft on touch, do not have an overwhelming smell, lightweight and tangle-free.
These braid hairs come with crochet needles and gold and silver beads; thus, it saves you the money you spend on these. The overall price of the braid box is around 25$ for 6 packs which are highly affordable. The budget-friendliness is another major reason that this extension made it to our list.
- Budget-friendly
- Does not have an overwhelming smell
- Natural-looking hair extension
- Lightweight and soft on touch
- Comes with crochet needle and beads
- Ends could have been trimmed better
5. Emmet Jumbo Braiding Hair – Color That Never Fades Away
The inability to retain the color is the most common issue with synthetic hair used in extensions.
However, when it comes to Kanekalon, it is the other way around. This fiber holds a high reputation because of its color-retaining properties. It absorbs the dye completely and even after regular washing, it does not let color fade away.
Emmet Jumbo has utilized this material which is why its color does not fade away and shows minimal shedding. Because of the high-quality fibers, this extension has the potential to last almost 12 months. The durability of this extension is what makes it stand out in the market.
These African box braids come in only one length which is 24 inches. However, when it comes to color there is plenty to choose from. The company provides 67 popular colors, meaning, it would satisfy your color taste no matter how unique it is.
The two-toned and three-toned braiding hair is also available for people who are interested. The variety of colors makes it versatile and enables you to wear it to cosplay, party, or to offices.
It comes in a pack of 5 or 3, however, in order to get a full head, you would need at least 8-10 packs. The price of the pack is not high, so it would not be a burden on your pocket.
What I liked most about this product was the package it came in, which was a sturdy waterproof PVC bag. It looks healthy and pretty, which is why it makes a great gift for your friends and family members.
- Variety of colors available
- Does not break the bank
- Soft and smooth texture
- Nicely packaged
- Color does not fade away
- Comes in just one length
- Tangles a lot
6. ROSDINA Pre-Stretched Braiding Hair – Convenience And Comfort At Your Fingertips
Itching and sweating are the two most common problems associated with braiding hair extension. A lot of people stop using braiding hair because of these issues.
However, what if I tell you that, now you can wear these without experiencing any of this discomfort. Sounds good! Isn’t?
ROSDINA has utilized fibers that are both itch-free and sweat-resistant. Therefore, it allows you to wear the extension all day long without facing even a little bit of discomfort.
These extensions have a yaki texture which is a process of adding micro kinks in the hair strands. It mimics the hair strands of African-American people and makes it look highly natural. The texture of the strands is silky straight which surely catches the attention of the people around you.
These long braiding hair for box braids does not have an irritating smell and the water-resistance of the fibers ensures it does not get one in the future.
The smell in any extension originates when the fibers start absorbing the sweat. Therefore, in this case, the fibers do not absorb the sweat, thus, they stay smell-free.
Although the material used in the extension is synthetic, it looks exactly like natural hairs. Therefore, it allows you to wear it on a regular basis. It would be hard to tell if the extension of the hair is natural or not.
What I like the most about the pre-stretched braiding hair is their low-temperature silk fibroin. It allows you to shape it easily and make it into your favorite hairstyle. However, in order to do so, you need to keep the iron at a low temperature as the high temperature would damage it.
- Smell-Free
- Looks natural
- Variation in length and colors
- Easily mendable
- Itch and sweat resistant
- Cannot be dyed
- Cannot be permed at high temperatures
7. Dorsanee Jumbo Twist Braids – Colors That Make Perfect Style Statement
Made from highly durable and efficient fibers, this triple-tone extension would help you make a fashion statement. The extension has made it to our list because of the exotic colors it has to offer.
It comes in at least 11 different sets of colors, each designed to provide perfect closure to your style. This extension guarantees compliments and attention from the people around you.
The company has utilized Kanekalon fiber which is a perfect material for the three-toned extensions. It does not let the color fade away like the rest of the synthetic material. In addition, these are heat-resistant fibers that allow you to perm into the style you want.
The folded length of the extension is around 24 inches and on unfolding, it can reach up to 48inches. The variation of the length in a single extension is rarely found. It allows you to style the extension in a number of ways. You can wear it to the party, prom, wedding and even on the date provided it is properly styled.
This ombre braiding hair is one of the very few braids that have neat and clean finishing. The knots of the braids are tight, neat, and non-slip, the center is fluffy and the ends are well-groomed with the least clutter.
Therefore, you would not have to trim the ends of the braids and clean the knot before installing the extension, it spares you a lot of time.
The texture of these braiding hair resembles Brazilian hair, looks natural, soft, and feels nice on touch.
- Does not break the bank
- Smell free
- Comes in exotic color
- Neat finishing
- Color does not fade away
- Get tangled and frizzy when dipped in hot water
- Fibers are relatively stiff
8. Alileader Box Braids – Get The Locs You Always Dream
Perfect locs is the dream of every girl but it takes a lot of time, patience, and effort to achieve that. However, in an era of shortcuts, what if you can get the perfect locs without putting even a little bit of energy? Sounds great! Isn’t it?
Alileader box braid provides that shortcut and bypasses the effort and patience you need to put in to make great locs. The strands found in typical extensions usually stick out which makes it harder to turn them into locs.
Moreover, no matter how good fiber has the company used, it would not counter this problem.
The conversion of synthetic hair into locs requires experienced and reputed craftsmanship. In order to stop the fibers from sticking out, they need to be tightened together. This is exactly what Alileader has done, consequently, they have made a great extension for the women who want locs.
It gets even better because the company allows you to choose from plenty of length and color options. The length includes 12, 16, 20, 24, and 30 inches, and 12 different colors are available. As these come in shorter lengths, they can be your go-to box braids for kids.
The fibers utilized by the company to make this extension are of premium quality. The texture is kinky, straight, and looks natural and smooth. The best thing about this fiber is the light weight of it. Despite the long length of the extension, it would not feel heavy, therefore, you can wear it all day long without getting tired.
However, you cannot put a price tag on the quality, if you have some spare money to spend, this is the best way to make use of it. This extension is worth every penny you spend on it.
- Comes with a crochet needle and beads
- Perfect for locs
- Variety of lengths and colors
- Premium quality fibers
- Smell free
- Expensive
- Colors are lighter than what is shown in the pictures
9. Firstcyh Hair Senegalese Twist Braids – Wear All Day Long Without Stinking Yourself Up
The next entry on our list of best braiding hair for box braids utilizes 100% Kanekalon fiber which is a premium quality fiber with a plethora of praiseworthy features.
For starters, it does not produce the itchiness like most of the other fibers. Moreover, these fibers have a unique property to resist moisture.
These features make these fibers convenient and user-friendly. The biggest advantage of the water-resistance of these fibers is that, unlike most fibers, it does not become stinky.
Sweat plays a key role in making an extension stinky, now because these fibers resist moisture, sweat does not get absorbed. Therefore, in the end, the braids stay free of smell and stickiness.
The texture of the braids is wavy, smooth, and has no knots. Installation of the braid is an easy task and upon installation, it looks natural, glowing, and bright. You are bound to receive compliments and praise from the people around you once you wear this and step out.
It comes with a crochet needle and six rings to decorate your hair.
In order to cover the entire head, you would need at least 6 packs of these crochet box braids. Each pack contains 30 strands and 6 packs make it a total of 180 strands which is more than enough to cover the entire head.
I recommend you soak it in warm water, dry it and then comb it. It will remove all the shredded hair once and for all and would provide you relief against shedding for a while.
- Perfect finishing
- Easy installation
- Looks natural and bright
- Comes with a crochet needle and rings
- Sweat-resistant
- Sheds a lot
10. XCHSLB Medium Box Braids – Pre-Looped Strands To Make Installation Convenient
Ever thought of wanting to get the hair that Monica had when she returned from Barbados? This box of braids would provide you exactly that hairstyle. However, in this case, you would have plenty of options to choose from so your friends do not make fun of you.
These braids were made from high-quality and temperature fibers that have natural and beautiful textures. In addition, these braids are light in weight so you can wear them all day long without getting tired. The company has done a good job of finishing these braids and has made them neat, soft, and pretty.
These braids come in six different colors and four different lengths. The lengths include 14, 18, 22, and 26 inches while the colors range from single-tone black to dual-toned black and brown. All the colors look natural which makes it hard to differentiate from natural hair.
In order to cover the entire head, you need the 7 packs of the braid box each containing 20 roots. To make the installation more convenient, there is a crochet and latch hook which is easy to use. Moreover, the individual braid comes pre-looped making it easier and more convenient for the user.
What I like most about these braids is their resistance against the water which allows you to use them underwater. I know it does not sound like a deal maker but it is where you are wrong. Imagine, you are at a party and it suddenly shifts towards the pool in the backyard.
Now, if you are wearing this extension, jumping and soaking yourself in water is not a problem. However, in case otherwise, you would be reluctant to go near the water as it would damage the extension.
Therefore, if you are a party person, this braiding hair is a must-have.
- Free of smell
- Waterproof
- Convenient installation
- Variety of lengths and colors
- Braids are pre-looped
- Does not come with a crochet needle
- Length is a little shorter than what is advertised
Comprehensive Buyer’s Guide For Best Braiding Hair For Box Braids
There are two ways to get the perfect box braids. The first one includes being patient, application of hair grooming products, and taking care of the hair on a daily basis. However, for the people who are not willing to go through the trouble, there is a second way which is artificial braiding hair. It not only saves time but also a lot of money that you spend on the hair product in the process.
However, the selection of the right braid is a tricky task because of the variety that is available in the market. Therefore, in this section, I will let you know the key features you need to look at before buying any braiding hair.
1. Type of Box Braids
In order to get the perfect braids for box braids, you need to get your priorities straight.
Box braids have a number of different variations including jumbo, goddess, and twist box braids to name a few.
For each of these styles, you need to have some prerequisites to make them effortlessly and look good. Therefore, to get the best one figure out what type of braid would suit you the most.
2. Quality of the Fibers
Once you have figured out the type of box braids you want, it is time to look for the fibers used in that particular extension. The choice of the fibers mainly depends on the budget you have for the braids.
As you increase the amount of your budget, you would see a hike in quality as well. The fibers start to get softer, smoother and looking as you move on to higher prices.
The most common problem associated with fibers is the itching they cause on the scalp. The only way to avoid this problem is by going with fibers like Kanekalon. These fibers are sensitive to the skin and do not cause any sort of discomfort or irritation.
3. Easy installation
The whole point of buying the braids for box braids is to save time and money. The braids that require other products and need time for the installation are no good. Therefore, choose the braids that are convenient to install and do not need some other product for the process.
There are some extensions that require gel, sprays, and other products like these. However, the braids mentioned in our list do not require any of this stuff. All you need is the crochet needle which most of the time comes with the package.
If you are new to the braids you would have to go to the stylist to get the job done. However, if you have used them already, you can install them easily without stepping outside the house.
Therefore, whenever you are going to buy the braids, make sure the braids do not require some other products for installation.
4. Color Options
When it comes to braids you would not only see the variation in length but also plenty of colors option to choose from. It might not seem like an important feature but trust me it is as important as others mentioned in the list.
These braids are not expensive but they are not inexpensive either. Therefore, unless, you have a lot of money in your bank account you need to think it through. A lot of women make the mistake of buying an exotic and vibrant extension for cosplay or party. No doubt, they outshine everybody at the event, but what next? You are stuck with it and you cannot change the colors.
How To Do Goddess Box Braids?
Here is what you need to do in order to make perfect Goddess Box Braids
- Part your hair into four different directions and sections
- Grab the one part of the hair and intertwine It with braids and start braiding down
- Take that deep-sea hair and braid it into another braid
- Take a clip and slick the hair that is sticking out
- As you braid down to add another piece of that deep-sea wave
- Take the braided hair and wrap it around the wavy hair and use nail glue to attach them
- Keep repeating this process until you reach the desired length
- Start over again at the other three areas where you parted the hair
How Long Do Box Braids Take?
If you are new to box braids it would take somewhere between 8-10 hours if you braid it by yourself. However, as time passes you would get faster and would reduce this time to 4-8 hours.
A professional stylist takes around 1-2 hours to braid the hair completely. Therefore, if you are in a hurry and do not know how to braid the extension. Instead of trying to do it by yourself, go to the stylist and ask him/her to do it for you.
How Long To Wear Braids For Hair To Grow?
Braids promote hair growth, but leaving them on for too long can cause the scalp to suffocate. Therefore, in that case, instead of growing the hair would start getting weak.
How To Style Long Box Braids?
It depends on the type of box braid you have and the style you want to get with it. There are a lot of styles that you can make with the long while the most common among them is the ponytail.
In order to make a ponytail from a long box braid, here is what you need to do.
- Start with wrapping a hair tie around your wrist
- Gather all of the hair with your dominant hand
- Lift the hair up to the desired height and smooth the back of your braids
- Wrap the hair tie around the ponytail you just made
- Apply the hair products for the touch-up, if it is desired
How To Style Box Braids For Work?
Here is what you need to do in order to style your box braid for the work
- Gather the supplies needed for the style including small tie, big tie, and bobby pins
- Start with parting the hair on one side and braid the front section only
- Tie that section with the small hair tie
- Gather all the back sections together and make a bun with it by twisting the entire hair
- Tie this bun using the bigger hair tie
- Tuck the braided section into the bun
- Use the bobby pins where the hairs are sticking out
How Many Packs Of Hair For Box Braids?
It depends on the length, thickness, and number of strands in each pack. The average pack contains around 20-30 strands. You require around 6-7 of these box braid packs to braid them into your entire head.
The number of packs needed can increase or decrease depending on the thickness and number of braids in the pack.
Box Braids Vs Crochet Braids - What is the difference?
Box braids are individual plaits usually divided by small squared-off parts and boxes. You do not have to attach it to the scalp and you can make several different styles with it.
Crochet braids are also known as latch hook braids as it involves the braiding of hair by crocheting the synthetic hair with natural hair. This method is used to get an African-American hairstyle.
Both of these methods have their own pros and cons, therefore, in the end, it is up to you to decide which one suits you the most.
How To Sleep With Box Braids?
Sleeping with a box braid is not only uncomfortable but painful as well. However, there are ways you can work around it. Here is what you need to do.
- Split the braids in half, take one half and wrap it all the way to the front of your head
- Take the other half with the other hand and wrap this to the opposite side of the head making a crisscross
- Bring both sections to the front of your head and use a hair tie to tie both of them in place
- Tuck the stray hair into the hair parts
- Cut the stocking cap in half and wrap it around the braids so they do not move during the night
How To Put Box Braids In A Bun?
- Flip the entire head over to the front
- Take a big hair tie and put all of the braids inside that tie
- Separate the braids to make sure they are not on top of each other
- Flip the hair back to the neck by keeping one hand on the bottom of them
- Take a small section with either side and wrap it around the head to make the bun
- Take the end of the braid and tuck it under the tie
- Repeat the process until all the braids are tied with that big tie
How To Wash Box Braids?
Washing the braided hair does not require any rocket science. All you need is a bunch of stuff found in the shower and get on with it.
- Choose the right shampoo and conditioner to wash the box braid thoroughly
- Apply a generous amount of the shampoo to the scalp
- Clean the hair thoroughly
- Repeat the process only if it is desired
- Apply the appropriate amount of conditioner
- Take a large towel and dry the braids with it
How To Loosen Box Braids?
There are several methods to loosen up the box braid but here is the simple one
- Take a warm shower as it increases the elasticity of the hair. It opens up the shaft which in turn makes the braids lose and more elastic
- Take the hair steamer and use it to loosen the braids
- Take a warm but damp towel and wrap it around your head for an hour
You would find your braid all loosen up after that one hour
Conclusion:
Protective hairstyles are popular as they protect the hair from elements, retain moisture, help you maintain the length, and above all, they are as stylish as they can get.
Popular styles include braids, twists, and updos. However, if you use your natural hair for these styles it loses the main purposes.
Synthetic braiding hair saves you on so many fronts. They save you a lot of time, money, and effort.
To make your search for perfect braiding hair, we have enlisted 10 of the best you can get your hands on. They come in a variety of lengths and colors and are made up of premium-quality Kanekalon fibers making them heat-resistant and soft to touch and feel.
In addition, they look as close to natural hair as possible.
However, to help you make a better decision at any time in the future, we have included a buyer’s guide. This enlists features you need to be mindful of when going for synthetic braiding hair.
In the end, we have tried to answer some of the questions that bother everyone who has ever had box braids or is going to have them.