Okay, so if you’ve ever gotten braids and suddenly found yourself slapping your scalp like it owes you money, welcome. You, my friend, might’ve been using the wrong type of braiding hair — and you’re not alone.
When I first heard about non toxic braiding hair I literally rolled my eyes. I thought it was another one of those social media things people hype up for no reason. Like, okay girl, go off with your $12 a pack hair — I’mma stick with my $3.99 special from the corner store.
That was until I had an allergic reaction that made my scalp feel like it was trying to evacuate my head. Red, itchy, flaky… it was a full mess. And yeah, I took my braids out early. Do you know how much pain you gotta be in to take out fresh braids you just dropped $250 on?
Anyway. That whole drama led me down the rabbit hole of figuring out the real difference between non-toxic and regular braiding hair. Let’s talk about it.
First off, what even is “regular” braiding hair?
Most of the synthetic braiding hair we’ve used growing up — Kanekalon, Toyokalon, you know the ones — they’re made from plastic fibers. Literally plastic. They get coated with a chemical called alkaline lye so they stay fresh in packaging and don’t go all stiff and crusty.
The issue? That coating doesn’t just sit there looking pretty. It can irritate your scalp, especially if you have sensitive skin or conditions like eczema or psoriasis. And the worst part? Some people don’t react right away. So they keep using it, not realizing what’s causing the itching, flaking, and that whole “my scalp is screaming” vibe.
I’m not saying all regular hair is the devil. But if you’ve been struggling with comfort, it could be the hair and not just the braid style.
Okay, so what makes non toxic braiding hair different?
Here’s where things get better. Non toxic braiding hair skips the harsh chemical coatings and usually comes pre-cleaned or made with hypoallergenic fibers. Think of it as the clean skincare version of braid hair.
A lot of non-toxic options are:
- Alkaline-free (aka no scalp-burning chemicals)
- Hypoallergenic (less chance of irritation)
- Pre-stretched (hello, time saver)
- Lighter in weight (which = less tension on your poor edges)
Some brands even add antibacterial properties. Like okay, science! I see you.
The hair from New Village Braid is actually one of those “why didn’t I try this sooner” kind of things. It’s soft right out the pack and doesn’t smell like a plastic factory. Which is more than I can say for some of the hair I’ve used in the past that literally made my bathroom smell like burnt Barbie hair when I dipped it in hot water.
Real talk: Is non-toxic hair just marketing hype?
Honestly? That’s what I used to think. Until I actually tried it.
The biggest difference is how it feels. Like, physically and emotionally. Regular hair always made my scalp feel kind of… tense. Tight. Like it was working overtime to deal with the chemicals.
Non-toxic hair? It felt like a soft hoodie for my scalp. No itch, no burn, no weird crusty flakes showing up three days in. I slept better. I wasn’t spraying my roots every night with a mix of rose water and prayers.
And no joke — my braids lasted longer. I wasn’t constantly scratching or misting them down, so the style just held up better.
Also, let’s talk TikTok for a sec. The girls on hairtok are not lying — the ACV rinse trick helps a little with regular hair, but it doesn’t completely remove the chemicals. It’s like trying to clean a greasy pan with cold water. You might make a dent, but it’s still gonna be slippery and lowkey gross.
So… is it worth the extra few bucks?
If you’re asking me, yes. 100% yes.
Non-toxic hair does tend to cost a little more — but like, we’re talking a few dollars per pack. And considering what I’ve spent on braid appointments, edge control, scalp sprays, and therapy (kidding, kind of), it’s worth every penny.
Plus, the good brands are making it way more accessible now. You don’t have to do a 12-tab Google search to find clean hair anymore. Sites like New Village Braid specialize in non toxic braiding hair that doesn’t make you suffer for style. And the color range? So good. I saw a copper blend that had me rethinking my whole personality.
Bottom line: Your scalp deserves peace
Listen, protective styles are supposed to protect. If your braid hair is causing stress, itch, or full-blown flare-ups, it’s not protecting anything — it’s just a cute form of pain.
I’m not here to judge if you’re still buying your braid hair from the beauty supply up the street (I do too, sometimes, no shame). But if you’ve had even one bad reaction, it’s worth exploring cleaner options. Your scalp is not built to fight toxins 24/7.
Try a pack. Do a test braid. See how your skin reacts. And then maybe — just maybe — you’ll find yourself telling your stylist, “Nah, I brought my own hair this time.”