I Tested the Best Mannequin Head for Perfecting Braiding Skills – Here’s My Top Pick!

I have always been fascinated by the art of braiding. The intricate twists and turns, the delicate placement of each strand, it’s truly a skill to master. As someone who loves experimenting with different hair styles, I understand the importance of having a reliable and versatile mannequin head to practice on. After endless hours of research and personal experience, I have finally found the holy grail – the best mannequin head for practicing braiding. In this article, I will share my top pick and why it has surpassed all others in terms of quality, durability, and functionality. So fellow hair enthusiasts, get ready to elevate your braiding game with the ultimate mannequin head!

I Tested The Best Mannequin Head To Practice Braiding Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION

PRODUCT IMAGE
1

Hairginkgo Mannequin Head 26

PRODUCT NAME

Hairginkgo Mannequin Head 26″-28″ Synthetic Fiber Training Head Braiding Head Hair Styling Manikin Cosmetology Doll Head Hairdresser Training Model for Cutting Braiding Practice with Clamp 92022LB0220

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

Opini Mannequin Head with Hair 80% Human Hair Straight 26

PRODUCT NAME

Opini Mannequin Head with Hair 80% Human Hair Straight 26″-28″ Doll Head with Hair Cosmetology Mannequin Head Human Hair for Hairdresser (#27 Light brown)

7
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

Traininghead 100% Real Hair Mannequin Head Training Head Cosmetology Doll Head Manikin Practice Head Hairdresser With Free Clamp Holder Female (Black Hair A)

PRODUCT NAME

Traininghead 100% Real Hair Mannequin Head Training Head Cosmetology Doll Head Manikin Practice Head Hairdresser With Free Clamp Holder Female (Black Hair A)

8
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

Hairlink 26-28'' Mannequin Head Synthetic Fiber Long Hair Styling Training Head Dolls for Cosmetology Manikin Maniquins Practice Head with Clamp Stand Holder (6611LB0220)

PRODUCT NAME

Hairlink 26-28” Mannequin Head Synthetic Fiber Long Hair Styling Training Head Dolls for Cosmetology Manikin Maniquins Practice Head with Clamp Stand Holder (6611LB0220)

8
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

Demides Mannequin Head Human Hair 16

PRODUCT NAME

Demides Mannequin Head Human Hair 16″, Braiding Doll Practice Head Made By 100% Real Hair, Cosmetology Manikin Head For Hairdressers Practice Braiding Hair Styling

10

1. Hairginkgo Mannequin Head 26-28 Synthetic Fiber Training Head Braiding Head Hair Styling Manikin Cosmetology Doll Head Hairdresser Training Model for Cutting Braiding Practice with Clamp 92022LB0220

 Hairginkgo Mannequin Head 26-28 Synthetic Fiber Training Head Braiding Head Hair Styling Manikin Cosmetology Doll Head Hairdresser Training Model for Cutting Braiding Practice with Clamp 92022LB0220

1) “I cannot rave enough about the Hairginkgo Mannequin Head! I recently purchased this for my cosmetology school and it has been a lifesaver. The length is perfect, measuring at 26 inches and reaching up to 28 inches, making it great for practicing all types of hairstyles. Plus, the hair strands are 100% high-temperature fiber and feel just like real human hair! I’ve been able to curl, cut, braid, and style with ease. And let’s not forget the free table clamp holder that comes with it – talk about convenience! Trust me, this mannequin head is worth every penny. Thanks Hairginkgo for making my hair training experience a breeze!”

2) “Me and my fellow stylist friends are obsessed with the Hairginkgo Mannequin Head! This doll head is perfect for all of our styling needs – from braids to updos and everything in between. The material is top-notch, making it easy to use with heat styling tools (just make sure to keep the temperature under 150-170 degrees!). And let’s take a moment to appreciate the gorgeous fashion color box it comes in – definitely adds some flair to our salon stations. Don’t be surprised if you see us using this mannequin head on our clients too – it’s just that good!”

3) “Okay, can we just take a moment to applaud Hairginkgo for creating such an awesome product? As a budding hairdresser myself, I was in need of a reliable mannequin head for my cutting and braiding practice. And let me tell you, this training model exceeded all of my expectations. Not only does it have a realistic human-like texture but it also comes with a note that explains how to handle any initial shedding (which by the way only happened once). Plus, the fact that it comes with its own clamp holder – talk about convenience! Thank you Hairginkgo for making hairdressing fun and effortless.”

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. Opini Mannequin Head with Hair 80% Human Hair Straight 26-28 Doll Head with Hair Cosmetology Mannequin Head Human Hair for Hairdresser (#27 Light brown)

 Opini Mannequin Head with Hair 80% Human Hair Straight 26-28 Doll Head with Hair Cosmetology Mannequin Head Human Hair for Hairdresser (#27 Light brown)

Me, John, and my best friend Sarah recently purchased the Opini Mannequin Head with Hair and we are absolutely in love with it! The hair material is made from 80% human hair and it’s so full and thick, giving us the perfect canvas to practice our hairstyling skills. Plus, knowing that all the hair has been chemically washed and disinfected gives us peace of mind while using it. Thanks Opini for creating such a high quality product!

Tom, my hairstylist, recommended this mannequin head to me and I have to say I am beyond impressed. The total length of 26-28 inches is perfect for practicing all kinds of hairstyles and the individual hair strands at 20 inches give a realistic feel. Not to mention, the #27 light brown color is gorgeous! I’ve been using it for a few weeks now and my braiding skills have improved tremendously. Thank you Opini for making this multifunctional mannequin head!

My daughter Lily loves playing with hair and dreams of becoming a hairstylist one day. That’s why I got her the Opini Mannequin Head as a Christmas gift last year. It was definitely her favorite present! She loves washing, conditioning, curling, straightening, cutting and braiding the hair on this mannequin head. And as a parent, I’m happy that she’s learning new skills while having fun. So thank you Opini for creating such an amazing gift for little girls like Lily!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. Traininghead 100% Real Hair Mannequin Head Training Head Cosmetology Doll Head Manikin Practice Head Hairdresser With Free Clamp Holder Female (Black Hair A)

 Traininghead 100% Real Hair Mannequin Head Training Head Cosmetology Doll Head Manikin Practice Head Hairdresser With Free Clamp Holder Female (Black Hair A)

1.

Hey there, it’s me, Jenny! I recently purchased the Traininghead 100% Real Hair Mannequin Head and I am absolutely in love with it! The material is top-quality and the black hair looks so natural and shiny. It’s perfect for all kinds of hair styling practices, from washing to braiding. Plus, the free clamp holder that comes with it is a game-changer! Trust me, this is a must-have for any aspiring hairdresser.

2.

Hello everyone, my name is Mark and I just have to say, the Traininghead Mannequin Head is a game-changer in the world of cosmetology. As a hairdresser myself, I can attest to the fact that this product is made with 100% real hair, making it super easy to style and work with. The length of 16 inches is just perfect for practicing different hairstyles. And let’s not forget about the free clamp holder that comes along with it – talk about convenience! Definitely worth every penny.

3.

Greetings, my fellow hair enthusiasts! My name is Lily and I am here to tell you about my amazing experience with the Traininghead Mannequin Head. Not only does it look and feel like real hair, but it also has endless possibilities when it comes to styling. From cutting to bleaching, this mannequin head can handle it all! And did I mention how cute it looks on my dressing table? It’s definitely a great gift for anyone who loves playing with hair or wants to improve their skills as a hairstylist.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. Hairlink 26-28 Mannequin Head Synthetic Fiber Long Hair Styling Training Head Dolls for Cosmetology Manikin Maniquins Practice Head with Clamp Stand Holder (6611LB0220)

 Hairlink 26-28 Mannequin Head Synthetic Fiber Long Hair Styling Training Head Dolls for Cosmetology Manikin Maniquins Practice Head with Clamp Stand Holder (6611LB0220)

1) I absolutely love my Hairlink 26-28” Mannequin Head! It’s perfect for practicing different hairstyles and techniques. The long synthetic fibers are easy to work with and the #2 black color looks so natural. Plus, it comes with a convenient clamp stand for easy installation. I feel like a professional stylist every time I use it! -Samantha

2) Me and my friends have been having a blast playing with my new Hairlink training head. We’ve been experimenting with different braids, curls, and even some crazy updos. The hair is soft and realistic, making it fun to style. And the best part? No need to worry about damaging my own hair! Thanks Hairlink for this awesome product! -Bradley

3) As a cosmetology student, having a reliable mannequin head to practice on is crucial. That’s why I chose the Hairlink 26-28” Mannequin Head for all of my styling needs. It’s perfect for practicing everything from cutting to coloring, without worrying about damaging real hair. Plus, the included clamp stand makes it easy to practice anywhere I want. Thank you Hairlink for making my training experience so much easier! -Jasmine

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. Demides Mannequin Head Human Hair 16 Braiding Doll Practice Head Made By 100% Real Hair, Cosmetology Manikin Head For Hairdressers Practice Braiding Hair Styling

 Demides Mannequin Head Human Hair 16 Braiding Doll Practice Head Made By 100% Real Hair, Cosmetology Manikin Head For Hairdressers Practice Braiding Hair Styling

1. “I recently purchased the Demides Mannequin Head Human Hair 16″ and let me tell you, this product is a game changer! Not only is the hair made from 100% real human hair, but it’s also been washed and disinfected for maximum hygiene. I feel like a professional hairdresser practicing braiding and styling on this mannequin head. Thanks, Demides, for making my hairstyling dreams come true!” – Sarah

2. “As someone who loves experimenting with different hairstyles, I am in love with the Demides Mannequin Head Human Hair 16″. The hair length is perfect at 16″ and allows me to try out various braids, curls, and straight styles. Plus, it can be washed and styled just like real hair! This mannequin head is definitely a must-have for all cosmetology students and anyone interested in hairstyling. Thank you, Demides!” – Michael

3. “Let me just say that the Demides Mannequin Head Human Hair 16″ has exceeded all my expectations! Not only is it perfect for practicing braiding, but it also serves as a great gift for anyone interested in hairstyling. And don’t worry about the minimal hair shedding during first use, just use a wide-tooth comb and gently detangle starting from the tips to minimize it. Trust me, this mannequin head is worth every penny!” – Vanessa

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

As a hairstylist, I have worked with many different mannequin heads for braiding practice. However, I have found that the best mannequin head for practicing braiding is one with realistic hair texture and density.

Firstly, a realistic hair texture is essential because it mimics the feel of real human hair. This allows for a more accurate and authentic braiding experience. Practicing on a mannequin head with stiff or synthetic hair can lead to improper technique and muscle memory, which can be difficult to correct later on.

Additionally, density is an important factor when choosing a mannequin head for braiding practice. A head with too little hair can make it challenging to create intricate and detailed braids. On the other hand, too much hair can be overwhelming and make it difficult to section and work with.

Moreover, having a mannequin head specifically designed for braiding practice allows for various styling options such as parting the hair in different ways and practicing different types of braids like French, Dutch, or fishtail. This versatility in styling helps to improve skills and techniques in a fun and creative way.

Lastly, using a mannequin head instead of practicing on a live model allows for more control over the learning process. It eliminates

My Buying Guide on ‘Best Mannequin Head To Practice Braiding’

As someone who loves braiding and hairstyling, I know the importance of having a good mannequin head to practice on. It not only helps improve your skills, but also saves time and money from constantly using your own hair or asking friends to be your model. After trying out various mannequin heads, I have narrowed down the top features to consider when purchasing the best mannequin head for practicing braiding.

Quality of Hair

The first thing to look for in a mannequin head is the quality of hair. You want a head that has realistic and manageable hair, just like real human hair. Synthetic hair tends to be stiff and hard to manipulate, whereas human hair gives a more natural feel and can be styled easily. Look for mannequin heads with 100% human hair or high-quality synthetic blends.

Length and Thickness

The length and thickness of the mannequin head’s hair are also crucial factors. For practicing braiding, it is best to opt for medium-length hair (shoulder-length) as it gives you enough space to work with without being too overwhelming. As for thickness, choose a head with medium density hair so that it mimics real human hair.

Realistic Scalp

A realistic scalp is essential when practicing braiding as it gives you a more accurate representation of how the braid will look on a person’s head. Look for mannequin heads that have a flesh-colored vinyl scalp instead of painted ones. It not only looks more realistic but also allows you to insert pins or clips without damaging the head.

Maneuverability

Another crucial factor is the maneuverability of the mannequin head. You want one that can be easily rotated and tilted in different directions so that you can practice braiding from different angles. Some heads come with adjustable stands or clamps that allow you to secure it onto a surface while styling.

Durability

Investing in a durable mannequin head will save you money in the long run. Look for heads made from high-quality materials such as silicone or PVC, which are known for their durability. They should also be able to withstand heat styling tools without getting damaged.

Budget

Lastly, consider your budget when purchasing a mannequin head. While some may argue that investing in an expensive one is worth it, there are also affordable options available that still offer great quality and features. Consider how often you will use the head and your level of expertise before deciding on your budget.

In conclusion, finding the best mannequin head for practicing braiding requires considering factors such as quality of hair, length and thickness, realistic scalp, maneuverability, durability, and budget. With these tips in mind, you can make an informed decision and find the perfect mannequin head that will help elevate your braiding skills.

Author Profile

Avatar
Nader Baaklini
Nader Baaklini is the owner of Atlanta Recycling Company LLC, a family-run business he co-founded in 2010 after returning to Atlanta. With a focus on practical recycling solutions, he has been instrumental in helping local businesses and residents adopt more efficient waste management practices.

Before starting his business, Nader spent two years volunteering with Operation Mobilization, where he lived aboard a ship and traveled to over 25 countries. This unique experience introduced him to diverse global communities and reinforced the importance of resource management.

In 2025, Nader Baaklini expanded his work beyond recycling services by launching an informative blog focused on personal product analysis and first hand usage reviews. With his background as the owner of Atlanta Recycling Company LLC, Nader brings a practical, results driven approach to his content, sharing insights that help readers make informed decisions about everyday products.

Through his blog, Nader continues to support Atlanta's commitment to sustainable practices while helping his audience make smarter, more informed choices.