The Best Braided Wigs

Buying Guide for Braided Wigs

Why buy a braided wig?

Getting your hair braided can cost you many hours, hundreds of dollars, and even cause pain and hair breakage. Braided wigs are a terrific alternative since they offer the look you want without requiring you to get your hair braided. This way, you can try out new braided styles without a large investment of time and money or potentially jeopardizing the health of your natural hair. It’s also a great way to get a celebrity style while protecting your hair from the stress of daily styling and the damage caused by constantly manipulating your hair—the right wig can even encourage the growth of your natural hair. Finally, a braided wig provides a key benefit most wigs boast: put-on-and-go convenience when your time or patience is too short for spending a lot of time on your do.

What should you look for in a braided wig?

• Size: Fortunately, many wigs are adjustable to fit various head sizes. Wigs that are too tight can be uncomfortable and potentially lead to hair loss and breakage at the hairline. A wig that is too loose will not securely stay in place, causing shifting and potentially embarrassing mishaps. To find out your wig size, use a cloth measuring tape and measure the circumference of your head at the hairline, then measure from ear to ear and front to back.
• Length: When deciding the length you want for your braided wig, consider the styling options you’d like, your height, and the hair lengths you usually find the most comfortable and flattering. 
• Cap Material: You want a wig with a cap made from a material that does not absorb moisture and allows your hair and scalp to breathe—breathability is essential for the health and growth of your natural hair. Pick a wig with a lace front or full lace cap for easy wear and a more natural look.
• Glueless: Wig glues, adhesives, and tapes can be a problem, especially for sensitive scalps and hairlines. You may want to choose a wig that doesn’t require their use for safety and toss-on-and-go convenience.

What styles do braided wigs come in?

Braided wigs come in many styles—box braids, kinky twists, Senegalese twists, Ghana weaves, goddess braids, cornrows, and micro braids— to name a few. Many units have lace fronts for a natural hairline and lace partings to mimic the look of a real scalp between the braids. Some braided wigs come attached to a baseball cap, skull cap, or headband for a cute and effortless style to quickly get you out of the house.

Our Picks for the Best Braided Wigs

Pros: This cap can quickly and easily provide the braid pattern you need to anchor your sew-in or crochet hair when you can’t or don’t have time to cornrow your natural hair. This cap is perfect for adding hair wefts with less stress to your natural hair and scalp. You can make a wig using a mannequin head or attach the hair while the cap is on your head. It’s made of durable, stretchy fabric, is breathable, and has combs inside for a secure fit.

Cons: This cap doesn’t have an adjustable strap to fit different head sizes.

Bottom Line: If you want a crochet or sew-in hairstyle but cannot cornrow your hair, this cornrow braided cap may be just the solution you need.

 

Pros: Made from 100% Kanekalon fiber, this wig is soft, lightweight, and tangle-free. The large lace front area provides a seamless hairline transition, and the full baby hairs allow for a realistic look. At 28 inches long, this wig is great for any casual or dressy occasion.

Cons: While the braids in the front are thin and uniform, those in the back are braided thicker. This may not be a problem if you wear the braids down, but the difference may show if you pull the top into a ponytail.

Bottom Line: If you want a long braided hairstyle but don’t want to spend hours in a braider’s chair, this natural-looking lace front wig may be what you’re looking for.

 

Pros: This baseball cap braided wig is a must-have for when you want to get out the door quickly and still look neat. It comes with 3X full box braids attached, and the cap has an adjustable strap to give a secure fit for most head sizes. The hand-braided box braids look natural and are available in 12 colors, making this an excellent choice for anyone looking for an effortless transformation. This baseball cap wig style uses faux locks in three colors.

Cons: The cap may fit tightly.

Bottom Line: If you’re a fan of braids and baseball caps, this braided cap wig is definitely for you. Just be mindful of whether anywhere you’ll be going requires you to take off your cap.

 

Pros: At 50 inches long, this braided wig is for anyone who is not shy about length. It’s made of individually braided strands and features ultra-soft Swiss lace and natural-looking edges with baby hair. The ends can be dipped in hot water to set.

Cons: The braids in the back are not braided as tightly and neatly at the root as the ones in the front.

Bottom Line: Whether you’re looking for a new style for a special occasion or want to make a bold statement with extra-long length, this braided wig will do the job without sitting for hours at a braiding salon.

 

Pros: This 12-inch cutie is made with high-quality synthetic fibers for a natural luster. With a 4- x 4-inch Swiss lace front, it can be parted down the center, on the left side, or the right for great versatility. Since this is a shorter style, it may be ideal for those who live in hotter climates. Hand-twisted neatly and tightly, this wig is tangle-free, lightweight, and comfortable to wear and has a natural hairline with baby hairs for a realistic look.

Cons: The twists may be more sparse in the back rows than in the front and at the top.

Bottom Line: This braided wig is perfect for anyone who prefers a mid-length style. It’s easy to dress up with braid jewelry for an elegant look, while it’s also lightweight and comfortable for daily wear.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a braided style but dread sitting in a stylist’s chair for several hours, possibly in pain, one of these braided wigs (or a DIY style created using the braided wig cap) may be just right for you. These wigs offer a convenient option for getting the beautiful braids you want at a fraction of the cost in effort and money.