Braiding your hair using bulk human hair can give you a natural, lightweight, and long-lasting protective style. Unlike pre-looped or synthetic braiding hair, bulk human hair blends seamlessly with your natural hair and offers more styling versatility. If you want to achieve a flawless braid install, this guide will walk you through the step-by-step process in a simple and easy-to-follow way.
What is Bulk Human Hair?
Bulk human hair is unwanted hair that comes in loose strands instead of being sewn onto a track like weft extensions. It’s commonly used for braiding styles such as box braids, knotless braids, micro braids, and even bohemian or goddess braids. Since it's made from 100% human hair, it can be washed, curled, straightened, and even reused for multiple installs.
Why Use Bulk Human Hair for Braiding?
-Natural Look Feel: Blends seamlessly with your real hair, making the braids appear more realistic.
-Lightweight & Comfortable: Unlike synthetic hair, it doesn’t feel heavy or stiff.
Long-Lasting: With proper care, human hair braids can last much longer than synthetic braids.
-Versatile Styling: You can curl, flat iron, or even color bulk human hair after installation.
-No Tangling or Frizzing: It doesn’t get stiff over time as synthetic hair does.
What You’ll Need
Before you start braiding, make sure you have the following items:
-Bulk human hair (amount depends on the fullness you desire)
-Rat-tail comb for parting
-Hair clips to section your hair
-Moisturizing cream or leave-in conditioner
-Edge control or gel (optional for sleek parts)
-Braiding thread (if doing the sew-in method)
-Scissors
-Hot water (for sealing ends, if needed)
Step-by-Step Guide to Installing Braids with Bulk Human Hair
Step 1: Prep Your Natural Hair
Before braiding, wash and condition your hair thoroughly. Deep conditioning is recommended to keep your hair hydrated while wearing a protective style. Once clean, blow-dry or stretch your hair to make parting and braiding easier.
Step 2: Section Your Hair
Use a pointed-tail comb to separate hair into neat sections. The size of your sections will determine the size of your braids. Secure each section with a clip to keep it neat as you work.
Step 3: Prepare the Bulk Human Hair
Take a bundle of bulk human hair and separate it into smaller, even pieces.
Step 4: Start Braiding
Choose one of the braiding methods below:
-Insertion method: Start with your hair and then gradually add small amounts of hair to create a natural look.
-Traditional Three-Strand Braiding: If you want a more defined braid, start with the bulk hair and integrate it with your natural hair immediately.
-Knotless Braids: Begin with your own hair and slowly feed in human hair for a lightweight, tension-free style.
Step 5: Secure the Ends
Since human hair doesn’t seal like synthetic hair, you have a few options to keep the braids from unraveling:
-Knotting: Tie a small knot at the end.
-Braiding Thread: Secure the ends using a thin, invisible thread.
-Hot Water Sealing: Dip the ends in hot water (works best with curly or wavy human hair).
Step 6: Style & Maintain Your Braids
Once all your braids are installed, you can style them however you like! Human hair braids can be curled, put into buns, or left down for a natural look.
To keep your braids looking fresh:
-Wrap them with a satin or silk scarf at night.
-Moisturize your scalp and braids with a lightweight oil.
-Avoid excessive manipulation to prevent frizz.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long do human hair braids last?
A: With proper care, they can last 6-8 weeks or longer. You can also refresh them by re-braiding the front sections.
Q: Can I wash my braids?
A: Yes! Use a diluted sulfate-free shampoo and gently cleanse your scalp without disturbing the braids.
Q: Can I reuse bulk human hair?
A: Yes! Unlike synthetic hair, human hair can be washed and reused many times.
Final Thoughts
Installing braids using bulk human hair is a great way to achieve a natural, long-lasting protective style. It may take a little more effort than using synthetic hair, but the results are worth it! Whether you go for sleek, classic box braids or free-flowing goddess braids, human hair will give you the flexibility and beauty you’re looking for. Try it out and enjoy your flawless new look!