Human vs. Synthetic Hair: Why 100% Human Hair Is the Better Choice for Braiding Natural Hair

When it comes to braiding natural hair, choosing the right type of extension can make all the difference in the final look, comfort, and longevity of your style.

While synthetic hair is a go-to for many stylists and clients due to affordability and accessibility, more and more people are turning to 100 percent virgin human hair for styles that require softness, versatility, and a natural finish—especially protective styles like goddess braids, knotless braids, or boho braids.

Now, we know there’s a time and place for every material.

But when you're looking for the best real extensions for natural hair—especially for braiding—human hair has some undeniable advantages.

In this post, we’ll break down why blūm human hair for braiding may be the better investment, and how it supports both your style and your natural hair underneath.

What’s the Real Difference Between Human Hair and Synthetic Hair?

Before we dive into braiding specifics, let’s clarify the core difference:

• Synthetic hair is made from various plastic fibers that are manufactured to mimic human hair. It's often pre-styled, lower in cost, and widely available in beauty supply stores.
• Human hair extensions, especially virgin human hair, are made from real, unprocessed hair. This means they can be styled with heat, washed, colored, and reused over time.

Both have their uses—but when it comes to protective styles that include loose curls or texture matching, human hair steps up in a big way.

Why Human Hair Works Better for Braiding Styles

When choosing hair for braiding, it’s not just about how the style looks on day one—it’s about how it wears, how it blends with your natural hair, and how it holds up over time.

For many, human hair offers a level of versatility and realism that’s hard to match, especially when the style includes textured or curly elements.

Let’s break down what makes it such a solid choice:

More Natural Look, Texture & Movement

When creating braid styles like goddess braids or boho-inspired looks, the ends are often left curly or wavy, and in some cases, curls are added throughout the braid.

Human hair moves and flows like your own hair, creating a seamless, soft finish that doesn’t look overly shiny or stiff the way synthetic fibers sometimes can.

If you’re going for a look that’s camera-ready from every angle—especially in natural light or close-up photos—human hair delivers.

Texture Matching That Blends Beautifully

Not all braiding styles are completely tucked away.

Knotless braids, feed-ins, and half-up styles often leave some of your own hair visible, especially at the roots or hairline.

That’s where blūm’s texture-matching approach shines.

Our Boundless Bundles come in curl patterns and textures that blend effortlessly with natural hair, from silk-pressed strands to coils and curls.

It’s what makes them some of the best real extensions for natural hair—you won’t have to fight to make your install look natural.

Greater Styling Versatility

Want to refresh your curls mid-wear?

Add waves for an event?

Match the texture to your natural curl pattern?

You can’t do that with most synthetic hair. But with 100 percent virgin human hair, you can:

• Use curling irons, flat irons, or thermal rollers
• Refresh curls with mousse or leave-in conditioner
• Dye or tone the hair for a perfect color match (if desired)

This styling flexibility is especially helpful for goddess braids, which often include spiral curls at the ends or throughout the braids.

Human hair holds that curl and doesn’t frizz or tangle as easily.

Better for Long-Term Wear & Comfort

Protective styles are often worn for weeks at a time.

That means what’s on your head needs to feel good, not just look good.

Many wearers find that synthetic hair can cause itchiness, irritation, or feel heavier over time.

Human hair is softer, more breathable, and gentler on your scalp, making it a great option for those with sensitive skin or anyone planning to keep their braids in longer than two weeks.

💡 Pro Tip: Using a hydrating scalp mist or oil will keep your scalp refreshed and moisturized throughout your style.

More Longevity, More Value

While human hair may have a higher upfront cost, it offers greater long-term value—especially for people who braid regularly.

With proper care, your bundles can be reused multiple times, styled in new ways, and maintain their softness and quality across several installs.

Boundless Bundles were created to not only support a beautiful braid install—but to last beyond just one.

That makes them a smart investment for professional hair stylists and everyday wearers alike.

When Synthetic Hair Might Make Sense

To keep it real—synthetic hair does have its place:

• For short-term styles (like 1–2 weeks)
• If you’re testing out a new look or color
• When budget is a major factor

But if you're looking for a braid style that lasts, moves naturally, and protects your hair while looking its best, human hair is worth the upgrade.

Final Thoughts: Choose What Feels (and Looks) Right

Your protective style should feel just as good as it looks—and it should support your natural hair’s health, not just cover it up.

That’s why at blūm, we offer 100 percent virgin human hair that’s intentionally crafted to blend, protect, and style effortlessly with natural textures.

From knotless and feed-ins to full goddess braid installs, our blūm Boundless Bundles are made to move like you, feel like you, and last beyond one install.

Ready to experience the blūm difference? ✨ Tag us in your braid journey on Instagram @blumByTeyonah with #InBlūm!