Pre-stretched braiding hair is one of the biggest stylists’ secrets in the hair industry; it simplifies the process, saves time and creates a natural-looking hairstyle that’s hard to resist. If you are a stylist searching for a time-saver for your clients that delivers a gorgeous hairstyle, or a trendsetter who enjoys styling hair by yourself, then you have come to the right place. The first step to improving your styling is to learn about pre-stretched braiding hair; here’s the low-down of everything you need to know about it, from the benefits to its use, washing, drying and styling tips.
Table of Contents:
– What is pre-stretched braiding hair?
– Benefits of using pre-stretched braiding hair
– How to install pre-stretched braiding hair
– Caring for your pre-stretched braiding hair
– Popular styles with pre-stretched braiding hair
What is pre-stretched braiding hair?
Pre-stretched braiding hair is a kind of synthetic human hair extension for braiding. It is different from natural braiding hair, which needs to be stretched before braiding. Pre-stretched braiding hair, however, is made ready-to-use according to hair length to save braiding time and labour. All the fibers are well aligned and stretched to the length required.
Usually braiding hair is pre-stretched which means you have soft textured hair with a natural finish that looks just like real hair. This is made of high-quality synthetic fibres that are guaranteed to be lightweight and long lasting. It’s heat-resistant to set with hot water and other hot styling techniques.
Another characteristic of pre-stretched braiding hair are the eliminated tangles – the process through which the hair is made leaves it in a smooth and tangle-free state. This allows for an easy braiding process, making it ideal for both beginners and more experienced users who want to skip the hassle of dealing with knots and tangles.
Benefits of using pre-stretched braiding hair
Listing the benefits of using already pre-stretched braiding hair will show why hairstylists and people alike use this type of hair:1. It makes it incredibly easy to use. You will not have to stretch every single strand of hair in your hand. That saves so much time and effort! You will be able to finish your braids in a shorter period of time and you will make more customers happy.
Another really great thing about pre-stretched braiding hair is that it gives you uniformity. When you buy a set of pre-stretched braiding hair, you are given strands that are all the exact same length and thickness. So, by braiding your hair with pre-stretched braiding hair, you ultimately end up with uniform plaits that look extremely neat and neat! And the best part is that neat and well-maintained hair almost always looks more polished and professional than poorly-maintained plaits or dreadlocks.
Aside from that, natural braiding hair that is pre-stretched is known for being quite light in weight. Also, the sheer thickness of traditional braiding hair – especially the acrylic ones – can be quite discomforting on the scalp, especially if one chooses to wear their braids for extended periods. Wearing pre-stretched hair reduces the burden on your natural hair and scalp which can be heavy and straining.
Finally, pre-stretched braiding hair is one of the most versatile types of extension hair. It can be manipulated into any style imaginable, from box braids to cornrows, twists and crochet braids. Pre-stretched hair can also be hot-water set and curled, but never use alcohol-based products on this type of hair, as it could melt the braiding hair fibres. This versatility is a must in any hairstylist’s collection of tools.
How to install pre-stretched braiding hair
Professional braiding hair comes pre-stretched and ready to install. You can easily install it at home or ask a hairstylist to do it for you. The process is straightforward and involves the following steps.
- Prepare your own natural hair: Wash and condition your natural hair, so that your locks is clean and moisturised. Use a wide-toothed comb to detangle your hair thoroughly, so that all the knots and tangles are out. Split your hair into parts, depending on the style you intend to do.
- Divide pre-stretched braiding hair: Pick up a bundle of pre-stretched braiding hair and divide it into smaller sections along the entire length. You can decide on how thick you want your plaits to be by what you feel comfortable with. Use a hair clip to secure the divided sections and keep them from tangling.
- Braiding the hair: Take a strand of your own hair and tuck the pre-stretched braiding hair over a strand of your natural hair. Either braid, twist or knot the braiding hair to your natural hair. Repeat this process until you reach the length you desire.
- Seal the ends: once you’ve braided, twisted or knotted your hair to the appropriate length, pinch and secure the hair’s ends with a tiny elastic band or by dipping them in hot water. This gives the ends a hot water set and helps prevent the ends from unravelling. When working with hot water, do so carefully to avoid burning yourself.
- Styling and finishing: Once the prestretched braiding hair is installed, you can style as desired. Trim any excess hair for a neat and even look, and smooth away flyaways using styling products such as mousse or gel to create a shiny finish.
Caring for your pre-stretched braiding hair
If your pre-stretched braiding hair is not maintained well, it can become worn out quickly. Follow these steps to maintain your braids and keep them looking great:
- Cleanse regularly: As synthetic as pre-stretched braiding hair may be, it is vital that you cleanse your scalp and your braids regularly. Use a diluted shampoo or a braided hair cleanser to remove any dirt, oils and build-up that may accumulate. Wash your scalp firmly and rinse off the suds and product build-up completely.
- Moisturise your scalp: The scalp is the root of your hair and keeping it moisturised will support your hair growth and keep it from drying out. Apply a light oil or scalp moisturiser to keep the scalp hydrated and eliminate itching and dryness. Do not put too much oil on your head, especially heavy oils that can cause build-up.
- Guard at night: Sleep in satin or silk scarf or bonnet or even on satin or silk pillowcase. Also, prevent friction, by twisting the parting area before going to sleep. It also helps minimize damage and prolong the stay of a braid.
- Don’t over-manipulate: Braiding hair is made to last, but that doesn’t mean you can yank, pull or tug on it – do that, and you might find your braids frizzing or breaking. Be easy with your braids, and if you have tight hairstyles that can put pressure on your natural hair or scalp, don’t make those types of styles.
- Re-moisturise as needed: As time goes on, your braids may become a little frizzy or separate from their perfectly tight start. Spruce up your braids by re-moisturising them with a braid spray or a spritz of water and leave-in conditioner. Spritz your braids and then smooth down with your hands or a soft brush. This will give them a fresh look and keep them looking fly.
Popular styles with pre-stretched braiding hair
The pre-stretched braiding hair is the perfect product if you want to change your look and have diversity in your styling. With this type of hair you have the following styles to choose from:
Box braids: A classic, with pre-stretched braiding hair that gives the individual braids a fabulous look and they can be styled at different lengths and thicknesses. Box braids are low maintenance, in that it’s actually a good protective style that can be worn up to 6 weeks.
Straight-back cornrows to small ‘x’ shaped patterns. This is a traditional way to braid the hair very close to the scalp in straight lines or in swirling patterns. Braiding hair that is pre-stretched will make this style smooth and easy, and because it is light, it will be easy to wear.
Twists: Twists is also a very popular style that can be achieved by using pre-stretched braiding hair. You can go with a two-strand twisted look, or you can opt for Senegalese twists, which is basically twisting two-strands together. This style is usually longer and gives you that natural and textured look. Twists can be long or short and is perfect for a protective style for those who want to look like they just left their natural hair alone.
Crochet braids: Crochet braids are created by securing pre-stretched braiding hair to your own hair with a crochet hook. The crochet hook is an easy and quick way to install braids, which are then able to be made full and voluminous. These braids can be styled with curls or straightened out as well, depending on whether your braiding hair is a curlier version (as seen in the image above) or straighter.
Goddess braids: Goddess braids are the thick, chunky ropes for the ultimate in bold and regal style. Goddess braids can be styled in nearly any pattern and size you can think of, and pre-stretched braiding hair makes them a smooth dream. Goddess braids are perfect for special occasions or when you just want to make a statement with your hair.
Conclusion
The ease with which pre-stretched braiding hair can be installed has been a game-changer. You can now achieve versatile, consistent, and defined braids in a matter of hours, ranging from classic box braids, intricate cornrows to sleek and elegant twists. There are few things more satisfying than beautifully coiffed braids that last a long time. Not forgetting that installed braids are a weightless alternative to your natural hair. Whether you’re partial to sew-ins, cornrows, twists, box braids or any other style, pre-stretched braiding hair has a product that suits your needs. When installed and maintained correctly, pre-stretched braiding hair can deliver beautiful and durable hairstyles that allow you to flaunt different looks.
