Have you also experienced irritation on your scalp after having braids done with braid hair? Then you are not alone, Many people experience this problem. Most braiding hair is made of plastic and artificial fibres. Unfortunately, these materials can cause irritation, itching and even hair loss. So it is certainly not strange for this to happen to you. In fact, it is more common than you think. Fortunately, there are alternatives that are better for you as the planet. Did you know that plant-based braiding hair exists? Don’t worry, in a moment you will discover all about alternative braid hair.
What is braid hair? The possible side effects.
For many dark-skinned women, braid hair is nothing new, but let’s go over the basics. Braiding hair is a type of hair extension mainly used to create different protective styles. It is often made of cheap synthetic materials such as plastic and man-made fibres. Some of the most popular brands of braiding hair are X-pression, Kanekalon and RastAfri. The average cost for braid hair varies, but is usually between €5 and €15 per pack, depending on the brand and quality of course.
While this kind of braid hair looks nice and lasts a long time, it can also have adverse side effects. Oh yes, several people, for example, experience itching and irritation on their scalp after wearing braids with braid hair. Some even experience hair loss. That, of course is a no-go!
Alternative options: Plastic-free braid hair
Ever heard of plastic-free braiding hair? These are braiding hair options made from natural materials instead of plastic and artificial fibres. Two great brands offering plastic-free hairs are Kynd and Rebundle.
Kynd: Europe’s first black-owned, plastic-free braid hair
@kyndhair Did you know that regular braiding hair is made from toxic chemicals? We‘re greating the first plant-based hair extensions in Europe – non-toxic, itch-free and biodegradable ✨🌱
♬ drowning (slowed + reverb) – Vague003
Meet Kynd hair, the newest and most exciting braiding hair brand officially launching this summer 2024! And best of all? It’s European, black-owned ánd plastic-free.
Founder and CEO Cosima Richardson, like many of us, wore braids since childhood. While studying, she developed a passion for sustainability and health, which made her curious about the ingredients of braid hair. The shocking results of her research led her to found Kynd.
“About 53% of all black women* use synthetic hair. But conventional braid hair is made from toxic chemicals.
Kynd. (n.d.). Our story. https://kyndhair.com/pages/our-story
Using only natural materials like organic cotton, hemp and plant fibres, Kynd offers braiding hair that is not only beautiful, but also comfortable to wear and good for your hair and scalp.
Their vision, a world where sustainable and eco-friendly hair care is the norm.
Want to be one of the first to try Kynd’s plastic-free braid hair? Then join their waiting list now!
Rebundle: Plastic-free braid hair made from banana fibres
@rebundle.co Leave traditional synthetic braiding hair in 2023, it’s so toxic! 👋🏾 #sustainableliving #plantbased #braidinghair #itchyscalpfrombraids #getridofitchyscalp #blackgirlhairstyles #feedinbraids #knotless #braidstyles #protectivestyles
♬ THANK YALL FOR USING MY SOUNDD – vsps4iii
Another innovative brand offering plastic-free braid hair is Rebundle. Since 2019, Rebundle has been using banana fibres to produce their braiding hair. Yes, you read that right! Not only does this make for an eco-friendly product, but it can also help protect your scalp from itching and irritation.
The founder of Rebundle, Ciara Imani May, was concerned about the impact braiding hair had on her body and the environment after she suffered from irritation on her scalp. A story familiar to you by now and experienced by many women. Not surprisingly, the stories of the founders of Kynd’s and Rebundle are so similar.
“One in three women experience scalp irritation from plastic synthetic hair.”
Our roots. (n.d.). Rebundle®. https://rebundle.co/pages/our-roots
Ciara spent her time discovering what true sustainability is and developing a product that could give your scalp and the planet what it deserves. What she loved about banana fibres is that they are very similar to human hair. And that’s why Rebundle’s mission is to make health and environmental issues in the hair extension industry much less of a problem.
Want to give it a try?
If you are looking for an eco-friendly alternative to traditional braiding hair, plastic-free options like those from Kynd and Rebundle are definitely worth considering. While they may be slightly more expensive than traditional braiding hair, the benefits to the environment and your hair are well worth it.
