My journey with hair has definitely been an interesting one. Here is the short version: I was born natural , of course but I got my first perm at 13. I transitioned back to natural throughout college when I wore box braids exclusively for 3.5 of the 4 years. My senior year I dabbled into crochet braids, wigs, and weaves. When I graduated (and got some mula baybay! *Lil Wayne voice*) I invested in some wigs. These wigs were silky straight textures to start and ultimately I found companies with hair that more closely matched my actual hair patten. Although I won’t say it’s impossible, I can’t imagine myself going back to silkier textured hair extensions, so I am bringing you a list of my favorite curly and kinky hair companies. These are the companies I go to when I want people to think without a doubt that my wig is growing out of my scalp. Here it is:
Hergivenhair
Before we go any further, let me acknowledge that this company is probably the priciest on the list. However, when it comes to curly hair I will say I go for quality over quantity. I own two items from this company. One of which is the Coily Textured Lace Front Unit in 18 inches, which was a birthday gift to myself. To customize and style the lace front wig, I followed this tutorial by Ms Naturally Mary to a T. I used every single product she used to bleach knots, tint lace, and style the hair. I think it paid off.
A few months after purchasing the wig, I also bought the 16 inch drawstring ponytail in the Kinky (4B-C) texture. My goal when buying this ponytail was to achieve a perfectly natural looking puff. I also wanted some versatility so that I’d not only be able to wear it as a puff but as a ponytail too. When I wear the ponytail as a puff I get the most compliments and people genuinely think it is my own hair. Chances are you probably through it was too so…surprise! The trick to wearing this ponytail as a puff is to use a ponytail holder to band the ponytail at the base. Otherwise the ponytail is too long to wear as a puff if you just plop it on a bun at the top of your head. To get a visual of what I’m trying to describe, check out this review and tutorial which is where I got the idea from! (You can start the video at around 6:00 min to see how to get the puff look specifically.)
FingerComber
Perhaps this the brand that officially put me on to natural, kinky wigs. I was initially drawn to the brand because of their relatively affordable prices. The straight wigs I had purchased from a brand (which is next on this list) were around $200-$300. So when I came across the Kurly LS unit for $88, I figured why not. On top of that, the unit gave me a chance to experiment with color as I picked the option for black with brown highlights.
This unit is so good, I typically keep two of these units in my collection at once. One for everyday work wear (this one tends to get more worn down due to the daily wear). I then keep a second one that’s in better condition for nicer events or occasions—think a blogging event, or dinner with a friend, but nothing too serious. (If I’m going for a full glam look I’ll either opt for my Coily Unit from Hergivenhair or the next look on this list. ) I will note that I do have the smallest bit of leave out at the front when I wear it. This probably is the reason people believe this is my natural hair. I get the MOST compliments on my hair when I wear this unit. It’s a keeper in my collection without a doubt. I will say though that you can’t and shouldn’t add products to the hair, nor should you manipulate it, as it is synthetic. The life span is about 2-3 months.
Disclaimer: I have also heard very negative reviews of fingercomber wigs. For that reason I have not tried any other style from their site since I found what works for me. Therefore I can only vouch for the Kurly LS Unit specifically. Nothing else.
MyFirst Wig
The real first wig company I ever tried! I have a special place in my heart for my first wig for that reason. They don’t have any curly style kinky wigs on their site however, they are my go to for kinky straight styles. This brand is also on the pricier end of the spectrum (sorry guys) but when straightened, the Doris unit looks SO natural. The texture of the hair when straightened mimics natural 4c hair that has been pressed. The primary con of this unit is that it requires the most maintenance out of all my units because I have to consistently straighten the hair. I got this wig before I was comfortable customizing the lace so the part isn’t as natural as I would like, which is why I typically prefer to wear with a hat.
Kurly Klips
You can probably tell from the name of the brand that Kurly Klips provides natural hair extensions in the form of clip ins. They sell multiple texture clip ins and ponytails in varying lengths. I typically wear the fro textured ponytail in mermaid length when I want to achieve a long ponytail look. I love this brand so much and the owner, Lana, is such a sweetheart!
Outre Xpressions (Cuevana Twist Braid)
Last but certainly not least. I initially bought this hair to achieve a crochet braid look but never got around to trying it out. It wasn’t until this year when I got into the sleek low bun/ponytail look that I realized I could use the hair to add volume to my bun. To install I simply brush the hair out and attach to my bun with a ponytail holder and some pins to achieve a fuller look. It blends with my own hair perfectly and it is a very affordable option for someone who still wants to have their hair out but doesn’t want to manipulate it often.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE KINKY HAIR COMPANY FOR NATURAL LOOKING HAIR?
“Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” Luke 12:7
