What Is a Kanekalon Braided Wig? Fibre, Heat and Hot Water Setting

Kanekalon is the synthetic fibre most braiders use for box braids, twists and cornrows. A Kanekalon braided wig is that same fibre, braided by hand onto a lace cap. You get the look of a salon braid install that you can put on in minutes and take off at night.

What Kanekalon is

Kanekalon is a brand of modacrylic fibre made to look like textured braiding hair. It has a light matte finish rather than the shine of cheap plastic fibre. It grips well when braided, so braids and twists keep their shape after washing.

Why braided wigs use it

• Looks like braiding hair: the same texture you see in salon braids.
• Holds the pattern: braids, twists and locs stay defined.
• Lighter than human hair: long braided styles weigh less than the same length in human hair.
• Lower price: a full braided wig costs far less than a human hair braided wig.

Can you use heat on a Kanekalon wig?

Some Kanekalon fibres are made to take low heat and some are not. Heat limits differ between fibres, so always check the product page before using a flat iron or curling tool. When in doubt, use no direct heat.

Hot water setting

Many braiders seal Kanekalon ends and set curls with hot water instead of a flat iron. The method on a wig:

1. Put the wig on a stand and protect the lace with a towel.
2. Dip only the braid ends in hot (not boiling) water for 10 to 20 seconds.
3. Pat dry with a towel and let the ends cool in place.

Check the listing first, since not every fibre reacts the same way.

Kanekalon vs human hair braided wigs

A human hair braided wig feels softer and can take more heat, but it costs more and weighs more. A Kanekalon wig holds its braid pattern with almost no upkeep. For daily braided styles, most people choose Kanekalon.

Care

• Store the wig on a stand between wears.
• Wash rarely, in cool water with a mild shampoo, and air dry.
• Trim frizzy ends with small scissors rather than pulling them.
• Keep it away from open flames, ovens and hair dryers on high heat.

See every wig that lists Kanekalon fibre in our Kanekalon braided wigs collection, or browse box braid wigs and cornrow braided wigs. For styling heat in general, read heat styling wigs: human hair vs synthetic.