{"id":11914,"date":"2025-06-26T17:55:27","date_gmt":"2025-06-26T15:55:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/?p=11914"},"modified":"2026-03-12T10:25:07","modified_gmt":"2026-03-12T08:25:07","slug":"londie-x-pression-braids-hairpiece","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/londie-x-pression-braids-hairpiece\/","title":{"rendered":"Londie London vs X-Pression: Which Braids Hairpiece Should You Go For?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-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\"><strong><em>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.<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Braids Hairpiece: <\/strong>Braids are poetry woven into strands\u2014lightweight verses that shield natural hair from Gauteng\u2019s dry winters and humid summers alike. Two names dominate beauty aisles and TikTok feeds right now: <strong>Londie London Knotless Braid<\/strong> (Afrotex collab) and the ever-iconic <strong>X-Pression Ultra Braid<\/strong>. Both promise tangle-free slayage, but which one truly crowns you queen? Let\u2019s braid this down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-1-quick-specs-at-a-glance\">1. Quick Specs at a Glance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Feature<\/th><th><strong>Londie London Knotless Braid<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>X-Pression Ultra Braid<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Length<\/td><td>100 inches (about 2.5 m!) <\/td><td>82 inches (pre-stretched \u201cLong\u201d) <\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Price (single pack, SA)<\/td><td><strong>R 37.90<\/strong> <\/td><td><strong>R 39.00<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Fibre<\/td><td>Ultra-soft premium synthetic, collab with Afrotex; hot-water-friendly, tangle-free <\/td><td>Kanekalon, flame-retardant, hot-water-settable, pre-stretched <\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Colour range<\/td><td>18+ shades from classic #1 to holographic Rose Gold <\/td><td>20+ shades incl. bold violets &amp; ombr\u00e9s <\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Stockists<\/td><td>Clicks, Cosmetic Connection, Afrotex online <\/td><td>HairCity, major beauty wholesalers, online marketplaces <\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Fan feedback<\/td><td>\u201cLight and shiny\u2026 curls last!\u201d \u2013 IOL reader quotes <\/td><td>\u201cSoft, barely tangles, scalp-friendly\u201d \u2013 user review <\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-3212247837\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-2-fibre-amp-feel\">2. Fibre &amp; Feel<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Londie London<\/strong> comes out of the packet with a silky sheen that looks almost hand-blended\u2014think champagne bubbles captured in fibre. It\u2019s ultra-soft yet holds form, so goddess braids fall like liquid gold without frizz. Afrotex added a \u201cno-itch\u201d coating, a blessing for sensitive scalps. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>X-Pression<\/strong>, the OG of jumbo braiding hair, uses Kanekalon that\u2019s 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Verdict:<\/em> If you love baby-soft strands from day one, Londie edges ahead; for longevity and heat safety, X-Pression keeps the crown.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-3-length-amp-volume-drama\">3. Length &amp; Volume Drama<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>100 inch Londie London<\/strong> = Rapunzel goals. Perfect for ankle-grazer knotless braids or XXL ponytails. You might use <strong>4\u20135 packs<\/strong> for mid-back fullness.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>82 inch X-Pression<\/strong> strikes a balance\u2014long enough for waist-length boho plaits, but easier to tuck under your satin bonnet at night. Expect <strong>5\u20136 packs<\/strong> for jumbo box braids.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-3046242323\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-4-colour-playground\">4. Colour Playground<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>From <strong>Camo Green<\/strong> to <strong>Twilight Blue<\/strong>, Londie\u2019s palette feels like a Jozi sunset\u2014bold, unexpected, Instagram-ready. <br>X-Pression sticks to a broad spread of classics plus vibrant primaries (Blue, Red, Violet) for festival season. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Tip:<\/em> Mix two complementary shades of Londie for eye-catching ombr\u00e9 without bleach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-5-installation-amp-maintenance\">5. Installation &amp; Maintenance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Step<\/th><th>Londie London<\/th><th>X-Pression<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Pre-stretch?<\/td><td>Already feathered but a quick warm-water stretch keeps ends neat. <\/td><td>Fully pre-stretched; dunk ends in hot water to seal. <\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Tension<\/td><td>Lightweight, so less pull on edges.<\/td><td>Slightly heavier; bigger sections minimise strain.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Product pairing<\/td><td>Shine spray + light mousse<\/td><td>Anti-frizz mousse + leave-in conditioner<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Both brands respond well to hot-water sealing\u2014dip the tips, pat dry, and watch fly-aways vanish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-4050488565\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-6-price-amp-availability\">6. Price &amp; Availability<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Londie London:<\/strong> After selling out thrice online, fresh stock hit Clicks shelves nationwide; R37.90 per pack at Cosmetic Connection. PayFlex accepted. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>X-Pression:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.haircity.co.za\/products\/x-pression-ultra-braid?srsltid=AfmBOopUfFLCE4sqNUy43jpVCzpqbnkjpdGkNKOBZ5Zw7d078CDe7wP3\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">haircity.co.za<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>In bulk deals, Londie often wins: Beauty Zone promo \u201cbuy 2 for R119.99, get 1 free\u201d shaved costs to \u00b1R26\/pack last summer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-7-pros-amp-cons\">7. Pros &amp; Cons<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-londie-london\">Londie London<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pros:<\/strong> Ultra-soft, super-long, scalp-friendly, vivid colours, lighter weight.<br><strong>Cons:<\/strong> Limited rural stock, ends may need extra sealing on very fine braids.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-x-pression\">X-Pression<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pros:<\/strong> Time-tested durability, flame-retardant, widely stocked, ideal for hot-water curls.<br><strong>Cons:<\/strong> Slight initial roughness, heavier on fine hair, colours can fade after 6 weeks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>CHECK OUT: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/gauteng.news\/2025\/02\/24\/deep-conditioning-101-expert-tips\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Deep Conditioning 101: Expert Tips for Healthier, Stronger Hair<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-69544507\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-8-budget-breakdown-stylist-rates-excluded\">8. Budget Breakdown (Stylist rates excluded)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Pack Qty<\/th><th><strong>Londie London<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>X-Pression<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>4 packs (bob braids)<\/td><td>\u00b1R152<\/td><td>\u00b1R156<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>6 packs (waist-length)<\/td><td>\u00b1R228<\/td><td>\u00b1R234<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>8 packs (ankle-grazers)<\/td><td>\u00b1R304<\/td><td>\u00b1R312<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Prices based on June 2025 Gauteng retail averages.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-9-final-verdict\">9. Final Verdict<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you want fairy-tale length, ethereal softness, and an influencer-approved finish\u2014<strong>pick Londie London<\/strong>.<br>If you need tried-and-true fibre that survives beach trips, bonfires and marathon installs\u2014<strong>go X-Pression<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Either way, your crown is secure. The real flex? Choosing the braid that matches your lifestyle and letting your braider work magic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-quick-faq\">Quick FAQ<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q:<\/strong> <em>Which braid tangles less?<\/em><br>A: Both are pre-stretched, but user reviews note slightly fewer snags with X-Pression after week 4. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q:<\/strong> <em>Can I dye the fibre?<\/em><br>A: No\u2014synthetic fibres don\u2019t take dye. Pick your fantasy shade straight off the rack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q:<\/strong> <em>How long do styles last?<\/em><br>A: 4\u20138 weeks with gentle cleansing and nightly satin wrap.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Also read: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/top-10-protective-hairstyles\/\">Top 10 Protective Hairstyles to Try in July: The Braids Edition<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Londie London vs X-Pression: Which Braids Hairpiece Should You Go For?<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10,"featured_media":11946,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"rank_math_focus_keyword":"","rank_math_title":"","rank_math_description":"Londie London vs X-Pression: Which Braids Hairpiece Should You Go For?","footnotes":""},"categories":[73,78],"tags":[4478],"class_list":{"0":"post-11914","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-lifestyle","8":"category-tips-guides","9":"tag-knotless-braids"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11914","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/10"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11914"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11914\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":12349,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11914\/revisions\/12349"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/11946"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11914"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=11914"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=11914"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}