100-inch glam or 82-inch classic? A head-to-head braids hairpiece review of Londie London Knotless Braid and X-Pression Ultra Braid for South African queens.
Braids Hairpiece: Braids are poetry woven into strands-lightweight verses that shield natural hair from Gauteng’s dry winters and humid summers alike. Two names dominate beauty aisles and TikTok feeds right now: Londie London Knotless Braid (Afrotex collab) and the ever-iconic X-Pression Ultra Braid. Both promise tangle-free slayage, but which one truly crowns you queen? Let’s braid this down.
1. Quick Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Londie London Knotless Braid | X-Pression Ultra Braid |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 100 inches (about 2.5 m!) | 82 inches (pre-stretched “Long”) |
| Price (single pack, SA) | R 37.90 | R 39.00 |
| Fibre | Ultra-soft premium synthetic, collab with Afrotex; hot-water-friendly, tangle-free | Kanekalon, flame-retardant, hot-water-settable, pre-stretched |
| Colour range | 18+ shades from classic #1 to holographic Rose Gold | 20+ shades incl. bold violets & ombrés |
| Stockists | Clicks, Cosmetic Connection, Afrotex online | HairCity, major beauty wholesalers, online marketplaces |
| Fan feedback | “Light and shiny… curls last!” – IOL reader quotes | “Soft, barely tangles, scalp-friendly” – user review |
2. Fibre & Feel
Londie London comes out of the packet with a silky sheen that looks almost hand-blended-think champagne bubbles captured in fibre. It’s ultra-soft yet holds form, so goddess braids fall like liquid gold without frizz. Afrotex added a “no-itch” coating, a blessing for sensitive scalps.
X-Pression, the OG of jumbo braiding hair, uses Kanekalon that’s flame-retardant and famously durable. It feels slightly coarser straight out the pack but soaks up mousse beautifully, giving that lived-in, natural look after a day or two.
Verdict: If you love baby-soft strands from day one, Londie edges ahead; for longevity and heat safety, X-Pression keeps the crown.
3. Length & Volume Drama
- 100 inch Londie London = Rapunzel goals. Perfect for ankle-grazer knotless braids or XXL ponytails. You might use 4–5 packs for mid-back fullness.
- 82 inch X-Pression strikes a balance-long enough for waist-length boho plaits, but easier to tuck under your satin bonnet at night. Expect 5–6 packs for jumbo box braids.
4. Colour Playground
From Camo Green to Twilight Blue, Londie’s palette feels like a Jozi sunset-bold, unexpected, Instagram-ready.
X-Pression sticks to a broad spread of classics plus vibrant primaries (Blue, Red, Violet) for festival season.
Tip: Mix two complementary shades of Londie for eye-catching ombré without bleach.
5. Installation & Maintenance
| Step | Londie London | X-Pression |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-stretch? | Already feathered but a quick warm-water stretch keeps ends neat. | Fully pre-stretched; dunk ends in hot water to seal. |
| Tension | Lightweight, so less pull on edges. | Slightly heavier; bigger sections minimise strain. |
| Product pairing | Shine spray + light mousse | Anti-frizz mousse + leave-in conditioner |
Both brands respond well to hot-water sealing-dip the tips, pat dry, and watch fly-aways vanish.
6. Price & Availability
- Londie London: After selling out thrice online, fresh stock hit Clicks shelves nationwide; R37.90 per pack at Cosmetic Connection. PayFlex accepted.
- X-Pression: haircity.co.za
In bulk deals, Londie often wins: Beauty Zone promo “buy 2 for R119.99, get 1 free” shaved costs to ±R26/pack last summer.
7. Pros & Cons
Londie London
Pros: Ultra-soft, super-long, scalp-friendly, vivid colours, lighter weight.
Cons: Limited rural stock, ends may need extra sealing on very fine braids.
X-Pression
Pros: Time-tested durability, flame-retardant, widely stocked, ideal for hot-water curls.
Cons: Slight initial roughness, heavier on fine hair, colours can fade after 6 weeks.
CHECK OUT: Deep Conditioning 101: Expert Tips for Healthier, Stronger Hair
8. Budget Breakdown (Stylist rates excluded)
| Pack Qty | Londie London | X-Pression |
|---|---|---|
| 4 packs (bob braids) | ±R152 | ±R156 |
| 6 packs (waist-length) | ±R228 | ±R234 |
| 8 packs (ankle-grazers) | ±R304 | ±R312 |
Prices based on June 2025 Gauteng retail averages.
9. Final Verdict
If you want fairy-tale length, ethereal softness, and an influencer-approved finish-pick Londie London.
If you need tried-and-true fibre that survives beach trips, bonfires and marathon installs-go X-Pression.
Either way, your crown is secure. The real flex? Choosing the braid that matches your lifestyle and letting your braider work magic.
Quick FAQ
Q: Which braid tangles less?
A: Both are pre-stretched, but user reviews note slightly fewer snags with X-Pression after week 4.
Q: Can I dye the fibre?
A: No-synthetic fibres don’t take dye. Pick your fantasy shade straight off the rack.
Q: How long do styles last?
A: 4–8 weeks with gentle cleansing and nightly satin wrap.
Also read: Top 10 Protective Hairstyles to Try in July: The Braids Edition
