The Welpr Rating is determined by a scoring formula. The formula takes into account the products safety, user satisfaction, and eco-ethical standing. Click here to learn more.

What we look for:

  • Natural, plant-based fibers whenever possible
  • Safe synthetic alternatives free from formaldehyde, flame retardants, phthalates, and heavy metals
  • No undisclosed ingredients or vague material claims
  • Brands that are transparent about all materials used

View our full standards here.

Our Methodology and Ratings

Find Non-Toxic Braiding Hair

Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.

Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.

User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.

Hypoallergenic Pre-Stretched Braiding Hair (3 Pack) - Dosso Beauty

Hypoallergenic Pre-Stretched Braiding Hair (3 Pack) - Dosso Beauty
Welpr Rating
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Welpr rating icon
4.8
/5
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Certifications

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<p>This product is <a href="https://www.welpr.com/certifications#welpr-approved" target="_blank">Welpr Approved</a>, meaning it has been vetted <a href="https://www.welpr.com/how-we-vet-products" target="_blank">against our standards</a> and contains only safe active ingredients and no harmful additives.</p>

Highlights

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This product is free from heavy metals like lead and cadmium, which can build up in the body and are linked to developmental, reproductive, and organ toxicity.
This product is free from harsh sulfates like SLS and SLES, which can strip skin and scalp and trigger irritation.
This product is free from phthalates, a type of plasticizer linked to hormone disruption and reduced fertility.
This product is cruelty-free, meaning it was not tested on animals—look for certification from Leaping Bunny or PETA to verify the claim.
This product is free from parabens, a class of preservatives linked to hormone disruption and breast cancer.

User Satisfaction

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We only include products on Welpr that are the best of the best. A GREAT user satisfaction score indicates the product is in the middle third of the best products.
Est. Price
$31.99
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Product Details

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  • Time-saving pre-stretched hair for easier and faster braiding installation.
  • Itch-free comfort eliminates the need for time-consuming pre-rinsing.
  • Quick drying capability means no long waits for your braids to dry.
  • Natural and soft texture provides an authentic look and comfortable feel.
  • Flame retardant for a safer braiding experience.

Pros & Cons

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Pros

  • Non-toxic, making it ideal for those sensitive to chemicals.
  • Lightweight and doesn't cause scalp irritation.
  • Easy to install with minimal tangling during braiding.
  • Soft and does not require pre-soaking or washing for comfort.
  • Comes in a variety of attractive colors for styling flexibility.

Cons

  • Some users report a chemical smell that persists despite washing.
  • A few users experienced tangling and texture issues with certain batches.

Ingredients

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Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.


To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.


Ingredients: Kanekalon Fiber, Vitamin E, Beeswax, Castor Oil, Jojoba Oil, Shea Butter, Cocoa Butter, Almond Oil, Peppermint Oil, Coconut Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Water, Charcoal Powder, Sunflower Oil, Jamaican Black Castor Oil

Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.

Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.

User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.

Hypoallergenic Pre-Stretched Braiding Hair (Single Pack) - Dosso Beauty

Hypoallergenic Pre-Stretched Braiding Hair (Single Pack) - Dosso Beauty
Welpr Rating
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Welpr rating icon
4.8
/5
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Certifications

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<p>This product is <a href="https://www.welpr.com/certifications#welpr-approved" target="_blank">Welpr Approved</a>, meaning it has been vetted <a href="https://www.welpr.com/how-we-vet-products" target="_blank">against our standards</a> and contains only safe active ingredients and no harmful additives.</p>

Highlights

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This product is free from heavy metals like lead and cadmium, which can build up in the body and are linked to developmental, reproductive, and organ toxicity.
This product is free from harsh sulfates like SLS and SLES, which can strip skin and scalp and trigger irritation.
This product is free from phthalates, a type of plasticizer linked to hormone disruption and reduced fertility.
This product is cruelty-free, meaning it was not tested on animals—look for certification from Leaping Bunny or PETA to verify the claim.
This product is free from parabens, a class of preservatives linked to hormone disruption and breast cancer.

User Satisfaction

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We only include products on Welpr that are the best of the best. A GREAT user satisfaction score indicates the product is in the middle third of the best products.
Est. Price
$14.99
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Product Details

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  • Saves time and effort with pre-stretched design for an efficient braiding process.
  • Offers itch-free comfort, eliminating the need for pre-use rinsing.
  • Dries quickly after sealing, providing a fast-drying experience.
  • Features a natural and soft texture for a realistic and comfortable appearance.
  • Comes with pre-layered styled ends for a polished and professional look.
  • Ensures safety with flame retardant properties, preventing fire hazards.

Pros & Cons

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Pros

  • Non-toxic and free from harmful chemicals, making it a great choice for health-conscious users.
  • Reduces skin and scalp irritation, ideal for those with sensitive skin or allergies.
  • Soft and lightweight, ensuring comfort while wearing.

Cons

  • Some batches may have a noticeable chemical odor, which could be concerning for those sensitive to smells.
  • Texture and tangling issues could arise for those who prefer smoother hair.

Ingredients

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Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.


To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.


Ingredients: Kanekalon Fiber, Vitamin E, Beeswax, Castor Oil, Jojoba Oil, Shea Butter, Cocoa Butter, Almond Oil, Peppermint Oil, Coconut Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Water, Charcoal Powder, Sunflower Oil, Jamaican Black Castor Oil

Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.

Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.

User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.

Pre-stretched Quatro 4x Braiding Hair - EZ Braid

Pre-stretched Quatro 4x Braiding Hair - EZ Braid
Welpr Rating
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Welpr rating icon
4.7
/5
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Certifications

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<p>This product is <a href="https://www.welpr.com/certifications#welpr-approved" target="_blank">Welpr Approved</a>, meaning it has been vetted <a href="https://www.welpr.com/how-we-vet-products" target="_blank">against our standards</a> and contains only safe active ingredients and no harmful additives.</p>

Highlights

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This product is free from heavy metals like lead and cadmium, which can build up in the body and are linked to developmental, reproductive, and organ toxicity.
This product is free from phthalates, a type of plasticizer linked to hormone disruption and reduced fertility.
This product is free from formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing agents, preservatives that release toxic gas linked to cancer, allergies, and skin irritation.

User Satisfaction

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We only include products on Welpr that are the best of the best. A GREAT user satisfaction score indicates the product is in the middle third of the best products.
Est. Price
$13.99
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Product Details

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  • Pre-stretched for easy styling and less manipulation.
  • Tangle-free design helps maintain a neat appearance.
  • Ultra-light for comfortable all-day wear.
  • Hot water settable for versatile styling options.
  • Itch-free to ensure a comfortable and irritation-free experience.

Pros & Cons

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Pros

  • Beautiful and smooth texture, making it easy to work with.
  • No itchiness or irritation, perfect for sensitive scalps.
  • No unpleasant odor, ready to use right out of the package.
  • Lightweight and doesn't tangle, ideal for long-term wear.
  • Highly recommended for braiding, especially knotless styles.

Ingredients

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Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.


To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.


Ingredients: Spetra Fiber (from Polypropylene)

Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.

Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.

User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.

Quatro 4X Pre-Stretched Braiding Hair - EZ Braid

Quatro 4X Pre-Stretched Braiding Hair - EZ Braid
Welpr Rating
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Welpr rating icon
4.7
/5
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Certifications

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<p>This product is <a href="https://www.welpr.com/certifications#welpr-approved" target="_blank">Welpr Approved</a>, meaning it has been vetted <a href="https://www.welpr.com/how-we-vet-products" target="_blank">against our standards</a> and contains only safe active ingredients and no harmful additives.</p>

Highlights

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This product is free from heavy metals like lead and cadmium, which can build up in the body and are linked to developmental, reproductive, and organ toxicity.
This product is free from phthalates, a type of plasticizer linked to hormone disruption and reduced fertility.
This product is free from formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing agents, preservatives that release toxic gas linked to cancer, allergies, and skin irritation.

User Satisfaction

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We only include products on Welpr that are the best of the best. A GREAT user satisfaction score indicates the product is in the middle third of the best products.
Est. Price
$22.98
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Product Details

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  • Pre-Stretched
  • Tangle Free
  • Ultra Light
  • Hot Water Set
  • Quick Dry
  • Itch Free
  • Made of Spectra
  • Lux Premium Hair
  • Each pack contains 4 hair bundles
  • Total of 8 bundles in this listing

Pros & Cons

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Pros

  • Nice
  • Good
  • Braid

Cons

  • Dark

Ingredients

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Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.


To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.


Ingredients: Spetra Fiber (from Polypropylene)

Our Product Rating System

Our Product Rating System

First, Camille (co-creator of Welpr) hand picks cleaner product options from a variety of sources.

Next, we collect information about each product's safety, consumer satisfaction, and eco-ethical standing.

Finally, we run all this information through an algorithm that calculates the Welpr Rating.

Welpr Rating:

5.0/5

The Welpr Rating takes into account 3 things:

  1. Product Safety
  2. Consumer Satisfaction
  3. Ethics & Environment
Product safety

Part 1: Product safety

We evaluate safety information from 3rd party organizations (e.g. EWG, Made Safe, etc.). Instead of relying solely on any one of these companies for safety information, we assess all of them.

Consumer satisfaction

Part 2: Consumer satisfaction

We scour the web for consumer ratings and reviews to verify products are not only cleaner options, but also effective. Products can either be Above Average, Average, or Below average for their respective category (e.g. cleaning products).

Ethics & Environment

Part 3: Ethics & Environment

When you buy a product, you’re supporting that company with your dollars. We believe it’s important to support ethical companies, so we pool together certifications that verify a company's ethics and environmental impact.

Common Harmful Chemicals in Braiding Hair

Chemical Name

Why it’s harmful

Epoxy Resin

Epoxy resin is frequently used as an adhesive but can have health effects through skin contact or inhalation. Overexposure can lead to eye, nose, throat, and skin irritation, as well as skin allergies and asthma.

Formaldehyde

Formaldehyde is a colorless, flammable gas with a pungent smell that's naturally produced in small quantities in human bodies and is also known as methanal amongst other names. It's used in the production of various items such as fertilizers, paper, plywood, and urea-formaldehyde resins as well as in some foods and household products like antiseptics, medicines, and cosmetics. Exposure to formaldehyde, which can occur through breathing contaminated indoor air, tobacco smoke, or ambient urban air can lead to respiratory symptoms, irritation of the eyes, nose and throat and has been linked to lung and nasopharyngeal cancer as well as leukemia. The EPA considers formaldehyde a probable human carcinogen (Group B1) and inhaling it can cause bronchospasm and pulmonary edema. Commercially, it's sold as formalin in solutions of 37%, 44%, or 50% and long-term exposure can cause first-degree burns, skin sensitization, squamous cell nasal cancer, and chronic pulmonary obstruction.

Acetone

Acetone is a colorless, flammable liquid that dissolves in water and has a distinct smell and taste. It is also known as dimethyl ketone, 2-propanone, and beta-ketopropane. This manufactured chemical, which is used to create plastic, fibers, drugs, and other chemicals, can also be found in the environment in plants, trees, volcanic gases, forest fires, vehicle exhaust, tobacco smoke, and landfill sites, with industrial processes contributing more to its presence than natural ones. Acetone can be harmful if absorbed through the skin or inhaled, potentially causing irritation to the skin and respiratory tract, as well as adverse effects on the central nervous system (CNS), liver, and kidneys. The allowable exposure limit is set based on its potential to cause eye and upper respiratory irritation and CNS impairment.

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Authors

Camille May, Product Curator

Hey, I’m Camille—co-creator of Welpr and your go-to guide for all things clean living. After selling my last company in the health food space, I went non-toxic to heal an autoimmune condition. It did wonders for my health, but navigating which products to buy wasn’t easy. We built Welpr to make that journey feel a bit easier.  When I’m not working on Welpr, you’ll usually find me in the sauna, sipping a raw milk latte while doing a puzzle, or walking with my pit bull Romeo in my hometown of Austin, TX.

Olushola M. Awoyemi, Medical Reviewer

Olushola M. Awoyemi (aka Shola) is a board-certified toxicologist and a research scientist with a PhD in Environmental Toxicology. Shola's long-term ambition is to be recognized as a world-renowned expert in toxicology, risk assessment, and management, with experience spanning across institutions like the US EPA, US FDA, NIEHS, USDA, UNEP, WHO, and possibly within Fortune 100 companies in the Chemical, Healthcare, Pharmaceutical, Consumer goods, or IT sectors.

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