What Is Yaki Hair? Everything You Need To Know

If you're considering extensions and wigs, then you'll know there's a wide variety of textures and styles to choose from. Yaki hair is a great option, particularly for those who have sported their straight look for a while but fancy adding some length and volume. 

African and Caribbean extensions tend to use yaki hair because the texture marries natural and off-the-beaten-path designs together. And given that versatility, we give it the green light. 

Here in our blog, we cover all you need to know regarding details like types, care, as well as popular trending yaki hairstyles. So warm up those shears, set your curling tongs to go, and rummage through all of the advice presented here. Relax and enjoy the journey sizzle to your stylish jam.

What Exactly Is Yaki Hair?

Yaki hair is a crafted type of human hair that has been chemically treated to closely resemble African-American relaxed hair. It is commonly used in hair weaves, hair extensions, and wigs.

Yaki hair is an option for those who want added length and volume while maintaining a natural look. If you have Type 3 or Type 4 natural hair, it will seamlessly fit with your existing hairstyle, blending well together in harmony. As such, Yaki hair is deemed a great choice for those calculating their beauty features.

General Types of Yaki Hair

Yaki hair is available in four types: Regular Yaki, Kinki Yaki, Silk/Straight Yaki, and Coarse Yaki. Here's a brief description of each type:

1. Regular yaki

Regular Yaki hair extensions are the perfect style to meet your needs. This extension type is designed to give hair a crisp yet natural texture with a formula that balances structure and texture. 

This desired result is not one created through a freshly relaxed look but rather appearing more relaxed and demure, like taken three days after treatment. 

As an added benefit, Regular Yaki has more texture than Silky Yaki, allowing weaves and braids to settle into naturally chic waveforms. Depending on your choice of fashion, it may be the wavier unstructured look you were seeking.

2. Kinky yaki

Kinky Yaki is a great option for afro hair if you prefer a blow-dried look to relaxed hair. This texture is rougher than Silky or Regular Yaki options, yet still natural looking. 

Kinky Yaki, with its fluffiness, thickness, and similarity to African-American hair texture, offers a perfect in-between option in terms of curls. 

Not quite straight but not as tight as other styles, Kinky Yaki provides a look that adorably resembles freshly blow-dried hair. Kinky Yaki is an excellent choice whether you're looking for a fuller appearance or want to switch up your hairstyle.

3. Silk/straight yaki

Silk/Straight Yaki is one of the most well-known types for women who wear yaki hair extensions for its silky and lightweight texture. 

This type imitates an African texture, gently anticipated by small bends and kinks. Furthermore, the hair may have wavy ripples when you look closely. 

This particular yaki type provides a sleek and polished look, with the ultra-silky texture resembling freshly straightened hair, creating a smooth and shiny finish. 

For women looking for a perfect balance between softness and manageable texture, Silk/Straight Yaki is always a great option.

4. Coarse yaki

Coarse Yaki is a unique hair extension option that has never undergone any kind of chemical treatment, making it an excellent choice for those who want a truly natural look and feel. 

With strands that closely replicate the texture of typical African American hair without any unjustified alterations, Coarse Yaki stands out with its fully curled and wavy appearance. 

This variation provides more boldness and distinction for those who love their natural curls, letting them keep an uplifting yet classic expression. 

If you're looking for a reliable option for yaki hair extensions that lets you preserve a genuine and authentic aura, Coarse Yaki should be given serious consideration.

Are Yaki Hair & Remi Hair the same?

Terms like "Yaki hair" and "Remi hair" are often used interchangeably. In reality, though, they are very different. 

-Remy Hair: The term Remi hair is used to designate a harvesting process where the cuticles of the hair strand retain integrity and face the same direction. 

-Yaki Hair: On the other hand, Yaki hair pertains to the texture of the hair, and it usually gives the effect of relaxed Afro-American/Caribbean hair.

Although at times Remi hair may be Yaki, Yaki hair is not always Remi. Commonly, Yaki hair might come in synthetic or be aged from a non-single donor, decreasing the quality and uniformity of the product. Conversely, Remi hair only comes from a single donor, which accounts for an exceptional quality performance.

How To Care For Yaki Hair Wig?

Maintaining the quality and appeal of your yaki hair wig is essential, and with the right amount of care, you will experience a head of gorgeous and lasting tresses. 

To ensure your extensions remain looking and feeling their best, here are some useful tips for caring for your new hair: 

1. Brush the hair gently to prevent tangling

Keep your yaki hair extensions looking smooth and neat with a wig brush or comb. 

Start at the bottom, gently stroking downward to loosen any knots or tangles that have formed. 

As you make your way up the hair strands from the ends to the roots, it helps ensure your tresses look neat and tangle-free. 

Investing this extra work in advance helps add life and ensures your extensions stay looking lively longer.

2. Use a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo

To protect your yaki hair extensions from over-drying, breakage, and shedding, you must opt for a gentler, sulfate-free shampoo. 

Sulfates can effectively strip away moisture, leading to damage to the hair strands. Therefore, seeking out a shampoo specifically designed for dry yaki hair ensures all-around hair health and vitality. 

Suitable shampoos are made to nourish and restore hair follicles, calm those cuticles, and prevent them from drying out. Doing this will guarantee that your hair extensions stay in style!

3. Air-dry

The quality and health of your yaki hair extensions must be preserved if you want to maintain their authentic rightful quality. 

Heat can be damaging; blow dryers, flat irons, and curling wands can upset the delicate balance of the hair, leading to dryness, frizziness, and breakage. 

Whenever you can, opt to let your yaki hair extensions air dry. This Swarm Intelligence can help protect your hair from heat damage but also preserves the original texture for longer wear. Protecting your hair from heat not only increases the longevity of your hair but also keeps it healthy, making sure it looks its best.

4. Use nourishing treatments regularly

Maintaining the health of your yaki hair extensions requires some extra care. Consistent nourishment is necessary for keeping your hair well-hydrated. 

Applying a deep conditioning mask or treatment every two weeks can help replenish any lost moisture, giving your hair the luminosity you strive for. 

Nourishing treatments will also help extend the lifespan of your hair extensions, allowing you to enjoy your luscious locks for longer.

5. Properly store

Caring for your yaki hair extensions is essential to maximize their quality and longevity. So, when you're not wearing them, it's best to store them in a secure and dry location. This will ensure your extensions remain in good condition and decrease the chance of damage. 

To make brushing and styling easier and also keep your hair in shape, use a wig stand or mannequin head to properly support them. 

If you ever need to travel with your extensions, make sure that you pack them away in a protective bag or case. Doing so will provide important protection from breakage and damage that can occur while you're on the go.

6. Extra care when swimming

If you plan on taking a dip in the pool, make sure to protect your yaki hair from chlorine and saltwater. Wearing a swim cap is an easy precaution that can help to minimize the potential damage caused by these chemicals. 

Post-swim, ensure to rinse your hair with fresh water and apply a deep-conditioning mask or treatment to replenish any moisture lost due to chlorine exposure. 

Additionally, overexposure to the sun's UV rays can also cause harm to your tresses. Wear a hat or cover-up or use protective hair products to shield your hair from the sun when spending extended amounts outside. This will help maintain the overall shine and health of your hair extensions. 

Is Yaki Hair the Right Choice for Everyone?

If you are of African descent, yaki hair may be a popular choice for hair extensions. However, it is important to keep in mind that the texture and curl pattern may not be suitable for everyone. Those with larger waves or straight hair may have difficulty blending in yaki extensions seamlessly when considering hair extensions.

For this reason, it is beneficial to understand and research your hair type to identify which extensions will work best with your unique texture. Should you wish for more informed counsel on the matter, it can be helpful to visit a hair stylist for professional advice on which type of extensions will give you the desired look and result.

5 Trending Yaki Hairstyles for African-American Women

Making the switch and investing in yaki hair extensions opens a wide range of hairstyling options. But with so many choices, it can be difficult to know where to start when it comes to finding a style that suits you. 

To provide some fashionable hairstyling inspiration, here are five trending looks that you can use to elevate your yaki hairstyle:

1. Straight-Back Braids are a Classic

Straight-back braids, otherwise known as cornrows, have been a stylish traditional African hairstyle for years. This look was once and is still prominently sported by those connected to African Heritage and is evolving with the times. 

Yaki hair is now being embraced when styling this iconic sleek look, which can be easily fashioned with or without extensions. 

With the added advantage of minimal upkeep, this style is perfect for those looking for a simple yet stylish hairdo to sport at a casual event or anywhere else. Its chic appearance requires little fuss, making it the ideal low-maintenance option.

2. Go Bold with a Yaki High Ponytail

A high ponytail is an unrivaled way to elevate your style and command attention. Fashion-conscious icons like Beyoncé and Ariana Grande have showcased this trend, reminding us of the impact of hair elevation. 

Long and voluminous ponytails can make one stand out from the crowd and be the source of envy. Yet, for those with short natural hair, yaki hair extensions come in handy. 

Providing additional length and volume, yaki hair extensions can help transition short hair into a high ponytail, making this hairstyle easily achievable and impressive for any occasion.

3. Try the Sleek Bun

Sleek and chic, the bun is a versatile staple. Whether deciding to go high or low, the bun works with yaki hair extensions to bring body and texture. Accentuate it for any occasion-- from casual events to upscale affairs.

Create an effortlessly elegant look and top it off with statement earrings and bold lipstick. No look would be complete without its defining characteristics, and yaki hair's natural texture adds the perfect depth to the bun, making it even more interesting and eye-catching.

4. Experiment with Half-Up, Half-Down

When you're after an equal blend of playfulness and sophistication, the half-up, half-down style is the hairstyle for you! Show off your real locks' natural texture while incorporating the sleekness and length of yaki hair extensions. 

It's the perfect style for any occasion, from casual to formal, oozing an effortlessly chic vibe. Up the level of this stunning 'do by putting in some waves or curls with your real locks and blending them in perfectly with the hair extensions. Unveil your look with panache and finesse!

5. Get Glam with a Headband

Headbands are a perfect way to instantly elevate any hairstyle. From simple classic black headbands to more intricate and modern designs, there are dozens of styles to choose from. 

For those with coarse yaki hair texture and color, finding the right headband can be the difference between an everyday look and something extraordinary. 

Don't be afraid to experiment and find the perfect headband to match your one-of-a-kind personality and style. Whether it is a simple woven design or a floral pattern, a headband can make you feel glamorous and stylish.

In A Nutshell

Yaki hair extensions have opened exciting possibilities for African-American women, from curly to straight, vibrant colors and high ponytails. With so many options and styles available, it can be daunting to find the right one. 

However, this guide should provide everyone with the knowledge and details necessary to choose what works best for them. Yaki hair may be the ideal choice to gain extra length or a voluminous style statement without compromising your natural hair texture. So don't forget your journey begins here.