Suppose there is one name that really stands out from the crowd with regard to braiding hair, that has to be Kanekalon hair. For decades, this synthetic fiber has been hairstylists’ and braiding enthusiasts’ secret weapon around the globe. But what makes Kanekalon’s hair so special? Why is it often hailed as the best synthetic hair for braiding? In this elaborative post, we dig deep into all that you need to know about Kanekalon braiding hair from its origin and benefits down to maintenance tips and the reasons why it remains a favorite in the braiding world.
What Is Kanekalon Braiding Hair?
Kanekalon braiding hair is a type of synthetic fiber made from a unique blend of acrylonitrile and vinyl chloride. This is a fiber designed very closely to resemble the actual look and appearance of human hair in nature. It was originally developed in Japan. The key to its success is its softness, lightweight, and flame retardancy. Unlike most synthetic fibers, Kanekalon doesn’t tangle much, and it can withstand high temperatures, an excellent quality for various hairstyling techniques, mainly braiding.
Why Is Kanekalon Hair Preferred For Braiding?
- Natural Look And Feel: Probably one of the great things that places Kanekalon on top is that this fiber really resembles human hair in look. The fibers have silk-like smoothness, glossiness, and soft texture, which provide a natural look and blend nicely with real human hair.
- Durability And Longevity: Unlike a majority of other synthetic fibers that may degrade after a while, Kanekalon hair is well known for its durability. If well taken care of, it can maintain an excellent appearance that could last for weeks and is, therefore, relatively inexpensive for long-lasting hairstyles. The fiber itself is resistant to water; therefore, one can easily wash it, ensuring ease of maintenance without compromising the quality.
- Lightwear Comfort: Arguably one of the most complained-about things with synthetic hair is how heavy it can be to wear, causing discomfort and sometimes even headaches with prolonged wear. Kanekalon hair is so light in weight that it is comfortable, even when braided into intricate and heavy designs.
- Heat Resistance: Kanekalon hair supports medium heat temperatures, which can allow a number of styling options curling to setting with hot water. This feature is very helpful for styling that requires subsequent curling/waving after braiding because it assures retaining the shape without any damage.
- Colors And Textures: The machine-made Kanekalon fiber will be great in variety for a consumer in color and texture. Whether you need something in a natural color to blend with your hair or you want a popping color, Kanekalon has a color for you. Other textures are from silky straight to kinky curly—whatever hair type or style you want to pull off.
How To Pick The Right Kanekalon Hair For Your Braids?
Below are some things to look out for in picking Kanekalon hair for braiding:
- Texture: Kanekalon hair comes in various textures, from smooth, straight hair to kinky and curly. You would want to go with a texture that is close to your hair texture or whatever style you are trying to achieve.
- Color: The colors range from your very own hair color to bold, trendy colors. You can try the popular ombré and highlighted options.
- Length And Thickness: For some braiding styles, you want longer or thicker pieces of hair. Make sure you get enough to braid with and achieve the volume you would want.
- Heat sensitivity: While Kanekalon hair is heat resistant, different brands have different limits of tolerance. In case you want to use hot water for setting curls or waves, then it is highly recommended to use a brand meant for this particular purpose.
Top Tips For Braiding With Kanekalon Hair
- Prep Is Key: Before commencing your braids, your natural hair and the Kanekalon hair must be ready. You should wash your hair and condition it for any dirt on it or even product buildup. Detangle your hair and moisturize your hair in small sections to prepare the hair for braiding. In regard to the Kanekalon hair, you must pre-soak it in a vinegar-water solution to strip off the alkaline coating that might irritate your scalp.
- Use The Right Products: Employ a good-quality braiding gel or cream to tame frizz, thereby helping to hold your hair in place while you braid it. It makes the process of creating neat and clean braids quite effortless and prevents the braids from slipping out of their original form.
- Not Too Much Braiding: Kanekalon hair is light, but over-braiding or using too much hair results in tension at the scalp. Braid with a reasonable size of hair to avoid scalp irritation and traction alopecia.
- Sealing Of The Ends: Finally, after you have done your braids, seal the ends either through hot water or with the use of a lighter. This stops your braids from coming apart and keeps them neat.
Final Thoughts
There is no doubt that Kanekalon braiding hair has greatly revolutionized the braiding world. With its premium quality, versatility, and affordability, it’s no news why Kanekalon, from its natural look and feel down to other phenomenal features of durability and lightweight comfort, remains the most sought-after braiding choice among pros and enthusiasts alike. Be it for new looks or just for routine upkeep of your braids, Kanekalon hair strikes a balance between quality and value.
