Kanekalon is a high-quality synthetic fiber widely used for making wigs and hair accessories, especially favored for crafting “short braided wigs.” This material excels in mimicking natural hair, offering a variety of colors and capable of undergoing thermal styling to achieve diverse hair designs.

The History of Kanekalon

The challenge of integrating various supplementary materials into hairstyles dates back to the first millennium. In ancient times, any available resources, such as natural hair or yarn, were utilized. Some African tribes still use everything available, not just “inherited hair” but even clay. It’s no surprise that many countries have started producing synthetic materials as alternatives to natural hair. Kanekalon is one of these materials. For centuries, scientists worldwide have been developing new synthetic fibers aimed at improving performance, reducing weight, increasing strength, and sometimes adding new and unpredictable qualities. Japan has been one of the pioneers in producing Kanekalon, with Kaneka Corporation leading the way. Although the packaging of Kanekalon may indicate it’s produced in the USA, Russia, or South Africa, it’s often manufactured in Asian countries like China, South Korea, Japan, or Southeast Asian nations such as Vietnam and Thailand. Additionally, Kanekalon is frequently sold under different brands.

Advantages of Short Braided Wigs

Short braided wigs are easy to manage and maintain, ideal for those looking to change their hairstyle quickly without the long-term commitment of natural hair care. Kanekalon’s texture, closely resembling natural hair, and its thermal resistance mean these wigs can be washed and reused without losing their appearance or quality.

Diversity of Kanekalon

Kanekalon is favored for its adaptability and variety. It can produce wigs with different textures, from straight to wavy, and comes in a wide range of colors from natural shades to vibrant hues, meeting various user preferences. This makes Kanekalon an ideal material for making short braided wigs as it can be easily dyed and styled into various braided looks.

Kanekalon Braiding

Braiding Kanekalon is one of the essential skills for professional craftsmen. There are many methods of braiding Kanekalon, each with its advantages. At our school, we teach multiple braiding techniques to give craftsmen as much creative freedom as possible. The quality of braiding is crucial, both aesthetically and for the safety of the model’s hair. The type of Kanekalon used and the execution significantly affect the appearance and longevity of the hairstyle.

Braids with Kanekalon

Kanekalon is almost always used when braiding African braids. Whether it’s African braids, box braids, zi-zi braids, or many other types, extra material like Kanekalon is needed to add volume. Depending on the desired hairstyle, experienced stylists can choose the most suitable type of synthetic hair and treat it appropriately to ensure comfort during wear.

Creating Braids with Kanekalon

Braids made with Kanekalon are synthetic and crafted in two stages: making a set of dirty braids and then weaving them. Essentially, a set of braids is made separately and then woven into the model’s hair. This method is excellent for creating temporary braids. Crafting a high-quality set of braids can take over a day for a craftsman, but it’s much quicker for the model; weaving a set of braids only takes a few hours.