Why Do People Braid Hair? Many people choose braids as their go-to hairstyle because they’re stylish and low maintenance. They also protect your hair from daily styling, breakage, and the elements, ...

Elissia Franklin is an analytical chemist with an infectious laugh, a penchant for braided hair extensions and a fierce commitment to reducing health disparities for Black women. Growing up on Chicago ...

Hair braiding is a beauty rite of passage for many people of color, including me. I’ve been wearing braids in my 4A hair since before I can remember, as well as adding extensions to them since around ...

Almost every Black woman or girl has, at some point, purchased hair extensions for box braids, boho braids, twists or faux locs. For many Black women, these “protective styles” are worn year-round to ...

Update: In response to reader questions, in 2026, CR conducted testing on 30 additional braiding hair products, including human hair and more synthetic products from brands such as Gyal, Rebundle, and ...

Using a few packs of the best braiding hair in your next style can not only enhance your overall look, but is also a tried-and-true way to protect hair from being damaged by the elements, excess heat, ...