Protective hair styles are extremely popular among Black women. Not only do they allow natural hair to get a break, they also offer the wearer “time off” from doing their hair. Braids also come with the freedom to experiment with different hairstyles and textures with less damage.

Human hair offers a natural look and flexibility while synthetic hair is budget-friendly and low maintenance Read on to learn their pros and cons to find the best fit for your style and needs

Synthetic braiding hair is often a fast-and-easy option for Black women’s hairstyles like braids and twists. It’s a pre-vacation ritual for me, along with manicures and pedicures, to get my hair braided to avoid heat or water damage.

A new study found carcinogens in 10 synthetic braiding hair brands, raising concerns for Black people and children.