Braided hairstyles are always in during the summer months, especially if it's protective braided hairstyles. You’ve probably seen celebrities like Beyonce, Alicia Keys, Kim Kardashian, and so many more sporting braided hairstyles for years! We wanted to keep up with the trend and we are now offering braiding services at our salon in the Bay Area!
Three of our models wanted to show off a new hairstyle for an event coming up or something they have longed to try. Alba, our celebrity stylist, was more than happy to help achieve the looks these women were looking for! She used bulk hair for braiding, and other types of Remy hair extensions to achieve these killer looks.
Jumbo Boho Box Braids
Box braids are a staple for protective hairstyles for the summer. Journie has always wanted to get box braids professionally done. She didn’t want to go for the traditional box braids, she wanted to try bohemian jumbo box braids. With this look, Alba braided her hair with our wavy bulk hair in 22” inches, about 5-6 bundles. Then using the 12” curly bulk hair, she crocheted them into the braids and knotted them so they can give that messy boho look. Journie is looking like a brand new woman with her new do and she is loving it!
Feed-In Low Ponytails
If you don’t want to fully commit to the protective braided hairstyles, you can also do feed in low ponytails. Davy wanted to prepare for her birthday celebration with a new hairstyle! She wanted to do feed in low ponytails with curly hair for a more volumized lengthy approach. To add length to the braids, Alba used some of our tight curly weft hair. She put the braids in a small bun, and secured the weft with bobby pins! With all of that done, Davy is ready to celebrate her birthday in style!
Braided Half Ponytail
This hairstyle will definitely give you summer vibes! Brittni has plans this summer to go to Hawaii, and what better way to go on vacation than with a new cute look! Alba braided the top of her head and put half of the hair into a ponytail. To add in extra volume, she added in our clip-in set. To take it to the max, she crimped the hair and teased it a little bit to give a fuller look. She also added length to the top half of the hair and wrapped one of the clip-ins to cover the elastic hair tie. Brittni is now ready to drink Pina Coladas and layout on the beaches of Hawaii!
Try out our new salon service in Walnut Creek and see what braided hairstyle will look best on you!
Comment below what braided hairstyle you’d like to see us try next! Add a picture of you in our hair with braids and you may be featured on the Perfect Locks Instagram, @perfectlocks!
Why Braided Hairstyles with Extensions Are So Popular
Braided hairstyles with extensions are beloved for good reason. They offer the benefits of a protective style - keeping your natural hair tucked away and protected from daily styling stress - while also giving you length, volume, and creative options you couldn't achieve with natural hair alone. Many women find they retain more length wearing braids with extensions than with any other style, simply because their natural hair has months to grow undisturbed underneath.
"We've had so many customers tell us that the longest their hair has ever been was after they started rotating between wearing extensions and protective braided styles. The two approaches work beautifully together. Extensions for everyday length and volume, braids for recovery and growth periods."
- Priyanka Swamy, Founder of Perfect Locks
Choosing the Right Hair Extensions for Braided Styles
Not all hair is created equal for braided styles. Here's what matters when choosing your braiding extensions:
What makes great braiding hair
- Lightweight - heavy hair puts excess tension on the scalp and roots
- Tangle-resistant - especially important for long braids worn for weeks
- Good texture match to your natural hair for seamless blending at the roots
- Sufficient length - buy 2-4 inches longer than your desired final length
- Easy to work with - smooth, not too slippery or too rough
What to watch out for
- Hair that's too heavy - it pulls on the roots and causes traction stress
- Very shiny, processed synthetic hair - it looks artificial and tangles easily
- Poor quality hair that sheds or mats quickly
- Wrong color match that creates obvious visible lines at the root
Popular Braided Extension Styles to Try
Jumbo Box Braids with Wavy Extensions
Box braids are a staple protective style that never goes out of fashion. For a bohemian twist on the traditional look, adding wavy bulk hair crocheted into box braids creates a beautiful, textured result that's half braid, half loose wave. This style typically uses 5-6 bundles of wavy bulk hair in a longer length (20-22 inches) and is versatile enough to be styled in a bun, ponytail, or worn down.
Feed-In Low Ponytails
Feed-in braids are a more seamless, lower-tension alternative to traditional cornrows. By gradually adding braiding hair to the braid as you work down the head, the result is a braid that starts very thin at the root and gets fuller toward the length - exactly how natural hair grows and braids. Feed-in ponytails create a sleek, sculpted look with no visible bulk at the nape.
Knotless Box Braids
Knotless box braids use a feed-in technique that eliminates the knot at the root that traditional box braids start with. The result is a lighter, more comfortable braid that puts significantly less tension on the scalp and hairline. This method has become one of the most requested protective styles because of how comfortable it is to wear - even at the hairline - over long periods.
Goddess Braids with Curly Ends
Goddess braids use loose, flowing curly hair worked into the braid at intervals to create a romantic, textured look with bouncy curly ends. This is one of the most striking braided extension styles because of the contrast between the sleek braid and the voluminous curly ends. Tight curly weft hair or bulk curly braiding hair works beautifully for the loose sections.
Caring for Long Braided Extension Styles
Moisturize your scalp regularly
Use a lightweight oil or braid spray applied directly to the parts every 2-3 days. Long braids can make it tempting to skip scalp care, but a dry, itchy scalp leads to scratching - which leads to frizzing and potential damage at the roots.
Wrap your hair at night
A satin bonnet or silk scarf keeps long braids from frizzing while you sleep. For very long braids, put them into a loose high bun before covering rather than letting them hang free and rub against your pillow.
Wash gently every 2-3 weeks
Dilute your sulfate-free shampoo in a spray bottle and apply directly to the scalp. Let it rinse through the braids naturally rather than scrubbing. Rinse thoroughly and allow to fully air dry before covering - damp braids can develop mildew at the roots.
Take them down within 6-8 weeks
Even if your braids still look presentable after 8 weeks, the new growth puts increasing tension on the roots. Take them down before the 8-week mark, give your natural hair at least a week of open hair care, then reinstall if desired.
Frequently Asked Questions About Braided Hairstyles with Extensions
How much braiding hair do I need for box braids?
For a full head of medium-sized box braids, you typically need 5-7 packs of kanekalon braiding hair. For jumbo braids, 4-5 packs may be sufficient. For smaller micro braids, you may need 8-10 packs. Your stylist can give you a more precise recommendation based on the size and length of braids you want.
Can I use human hair for braiding extensions?
Yes, and human hair braiding extensions are a premium option that gives a more natural look and feel. Human hair can be heat-styled after braiding (for textured ends or curl definition), doesn't have the synthetic shine of kanekalon, and blends more naturally with your own hair at the roots. It's a higher investment but many women prefer the look and versatility.
How long do braided extensions last?
Braided extension styles typically last 4-8 weeks with proper care. Smaller, tighter braids often last longer than large or jumbo sizes. After 8 weeks, the new growth can put too much tension on the roots and hairline, so it's important to take them down before that point regardless of how the style looks.
Do braids with extensions cause hair loss?
When installed correctly, braids with extensions are a protective style that should not cause hair loss. The main risks are braids that are too tight (especially around the hairline), too heavy, or left in too long. Traction alopecia - hair loss from repeated tension - is a real risk from poorly installed or over-maintained braided styles. Always tell your stylist if you feel pain during installation.
Whether you're planning your first braided extension style or you've been wearing them for years, we hope this guide gives you the information to make the most of this beautiful, versatile option. Our team is happy to help with any questions about which extension hair works best for specific braided styles.
Author and Founder of Perfect Locks LLC
Priyanka Swamy, the visionary founder of Perfect Locks LLC, is a passionate advocate for empowering women and promoting cultural diversity. With an unwavering commitment to ethical sourcing and quality craftsmanship, she redefined the hair extension market and created a supportive community that celebrates individuality.
Priyanka's dedication to sustainability and social responsibility continues to inspire positive change within the industry. Her journey with Perfect Locks remains an inspiration, unlocking the true potential and confidence of countless individuals worldwide.
