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Pre-Stretched or Bulk Braiding Hair

Braiding hair comes two ways, and the difference changes both the install time and the finish. All four Kelly Beauty stores carry pre-stretched and bulk packs across the color range.

Pre-stretched

The hair comes already pulled and tapered to a fine point at the ends, ready to use straight out of the pack. That saves the step of stretching and trimming yourself, and it gives a cleaner, more natural taper on the finished braid rather than a blunt end. It costs a little more per pack for that convenience.

Bulk

Blunt-cut at both ends and cheaper. You stretch and trim it yourself, which takes time but gives complete control over the length and the taper. Experienced braiders often prefer it for that reason, and it's the economical choice for anyone doing a lot of installs.

Which to choose

If you're braiding for the first time or braiding on yourself, pre-stretched removes a step that's easy to do unevenly. If you braid regularly, know the length you want and don't mind the prep, bulk saves money over a lot of packs. For very long styles, pre-stretched packs may need combining anyway.

What else to buy

Braiding gel and edge control for the parts and perimeter, mousse for the finish, a rat-tail comb and sectioning clips, and small rubber bands. Buy one or two more packs than you think you need and return the unopened ones, since running short mid-install risks a color mismatch from a different batch.