I remember client after client calling me in a panic as they stared down the aisle of our local beauty store. The anxious and frustrated tone in their voice as they consider too many options – and not enough information about which products to buy.

There are often hundreds of braids and nothing is more disappointing than accidentally buying a brand that gives you an allergic reaction or even buying the completely wrong products that end up damaging your hair instead of protecting it. Through trial and error and years of experience, I've found 8 of the best braiding hair options that you and your stylist will be obsessed with.

One of the best-known brands of braiding hair is X-Pression. The texture of X-Pression braiding hair and how effectively the ends seal in hot water make it the best to use in my opinion, and the product is incredibly cheap. The downside of this product is that you have to spend time pre-stretching it before using it because it is not pre-stretched. Normally, X-Pression braiding hair does not irritate the scalp.

This product, which is now my favorite, is the same brand as X-pression Premium Original Ultra Braid, but comes pre-stretched and ready to use, saving time on pre-stretching before use and reducing loss during that process. This brand is the best to use because of its texture and how well the ends seal in hot water. It also offers the best hair color options and blends in my opinion.