This is a review of the best hair extensions for box braids in 2023.
My name is Lauren and I have been braiding hair for over 10 years. I’ve worked in various salons and have encountered so many types of hair extensions for box braids.
With a combination of experience and trial and error, I have acquired the skills to find the best hair extensions for box braids.
If you are looking for a high-quality brand that’s the most comfortable to wear, Outre Braids X-Pression Pre Stretched Braid is the best overall choice.
The hair offers a very smooth and soft texture, it can be installed quickly and offers human hair-like characteristics that make it long-lasting. It also blends well with various natural hair types which makes it more natural-looking to wear.
But wait, we still have a few more options to sift through. I will guide you through them one by one throughout this article.
Keep reading to learn more!
Quick Summary
- Outre Braids X-Pression Pre Stretched Braid (Best Overall for Box Braids)
- Ombre Pre Stretched Braiding Hair (Best Hair for Ombre)
- Easy Braid Hair 8 Bundles for Box Braids (Best Affordable Hair for Box Braids)
3 Best Hair Extensions for Box Braids Reviewed
In this section, check out my top recommendations for the best hair extensions for box braids, with a detailed review for each option below.
Outre Braids X-Pression Pre Stretched Braid
- Key features: Pre-stretched, pre-layered, kanekelon
- Volume: 1.63 lbs per pack
- Texture: Yaki-soft
- Best for: Overall
The Outre Braids X-Pression Pre Stretched Braid comes with 3 pre-stretched bundles in each pack, offering 9 bundles of 42” hair, which is great for saving time and longer lengths of box braids styles.
Pre-stretched hair saves the hairstylist time from having to stretch, or feather, the hair themselves and also shortens the clients time spent sitting in the chair.
This product is great for you if you want to achieve a quick install while keeping the fullness of each braid from beginning to end. One problem hairstylists will avoid with this product is dealing with tangles. Having the hair pre-stretched and pre-layered helps to make it a tangle-free install.
This hair is made from Kanekalon hair, which makes it soft and easy to manage, and suitable for most hair types. It also gives the look and feels of human hair, which makes it more appealing to use for protective hairstyles.
The only downside is that those with thicker and coarser hair will need to get a blowout to achieve optimal results. Check in with your hairstylist about your hair type and see what preparations for your own hair they would recommend. Even with the extra step, this is the best overall choice you can expect.
Ombre Pre Stretched Braiding Hair
- Key features: 3 tone color blend, thickness throughout, soft and shiny
- Volume: 1.7 lbs per pack
- Texture: Smooth
- Best for: Hair Ombre
This hair extension is a beautiful color blend that is not dyed, which helps it to blend perfectly with natural hair colors.
The thickness of the hair makes it great for using less hair than other brands while achieving the same fullness and look. Each braid will look and feel full from root to tip.
The hair is soft in texture and doesn’t itch compared to other brands. The blended colors give it a nice and natural shine, amplifying its quality.
There is a con with this product: some users found that the hair shrunk a bit once it was dipped in hot water, beware!
Easy Braid Hair 8 Bundles for Box Braids
- Key features: true to length and available for wholesale
- Volume: 1.74 lbs per pack
- Texture: Perm Yaki Straight
- Best for: Budget
This hair comes in a bit cheaper than its competitors but offers premium quality for a lesser price. It gives you more hair than similar products that offer the same amount of bundles or more.
While some hair extensions appear shorter in person than what it might say on the package, this hair is true to length. Whether you choose 20” or 26”, you can achieve any desired length of your choice.
If price is what you’re after, then you won’t have to bargain if you buy in bulk. This hair is available for wholesale and could cost you less with the more you buy.
This hair is a great option if you want to save a little money; however, the hair color choices are slim to none.
Guide to Buying Hair Extensions for Box Braids
Take into consideration the following factors for screening out the best hair extensions for box braids.
Natural Hair Textures
No hair texture is the same, and when it comes to box braids it’s more than just the hair you buy but the hair you were born with that will make all the difference. Knowing your hair type will make the process easier than you think.
There are many hair products out there that you can use to fortify your hair and smooth away any frizz that might come in the way of you getting the perfect box braids.
With coarser hair textures, you may find it easier to condition and prep your hair before getting box braids to ensure a lasting finish. Consult your hairstylist beforehand to make sure that any products that you use will not interfere with getting your box braids done.
When it comes to braiding hair, most brands use synthetic hair. However, not all synthetic hair is treated equally. You want to look specifically for Kanekalon Hair, which is a type of high-quality synthetic hair. It’s usually smoother, softer, and less irritating than other synthetic hair types.
Sensitivity
Itchy scalp, irritation, and tenderness are just a few of the downsides to having a sensitive scalp. While most protective styles can be a dream for others it can be a nightmare for some if the proper care isn’t taken.
If you suffer from any sensitivity towards synthetic hair, then it is important for you to complete an ACV wash to the hair before you apply it to your head.
A simple mixture of apple cider vinegar and hot water can save you from any allergic reactions to synthetic hair.
This pre-treatment removes any chemicals from the hair that will cause irritation. Consult your hairstylist if you have ANY sensitivity, this includes hairstyling products too.
Hair Color
Box braids can be worn in a variety of colors. From natural tones to bright and bold, choosing a hair color for your box braids makes the style all the more worthwhile.
If you are having trouble choosing a color but want to venture off a little more on the wild side, highlights can be a great addition to jazzing up your braids. Adding a few braids of gold or blonde highlights can perk up your look with just a hint of color.
All you need is one bag of the color of your choice paired with your natural hair color to change your box braids into a colored style.
If you’re into more exotic hair colors, have a look here for some color inspiration.
FAQs
Here are some quick questions about hair extensions for box braids and their quick answers.
When braids get loose is hair growing?
Yes, as long as your braids are appropriately installed and treated, you may find your braids are getting loose (especially at the root). In such a case, that means your hair are growing.
Of course, if you have not installed the braids properly, it may loosen up as well.
Does braided hair grow faster?
No, braided hair will not grow faster because genes determine your hair growth rate.
However, it will protect your natural hair when it grows. Because it improves your hair loss situation, that’s why you feel your hair grow faster.
Do braids cause hair loss?
Braiding hair is a protective hairstyle. It actually protects your natural hair and will not cause hair loss if it’s installed properly.
However, tight braiding will cause hair loss, alopecia or baldspot because they may cause too much traction.
My Verdict
Box braids are a fun protective style that is lightweight, versatile, and long-lasting if you take good care of them. Having quality hair can ensure that for you and also having a great hairstylist to install them.
I found that Outre Braids X-Pression Pre Stretched Braid is the best overall hair extension for box braids, it’s layered for you, easy to manage, and tangle-free.