Most people wear wigs, hair extensions, or weaves whose texture is close to that of their natural hair. The goal is to make their hairstyle look as natural as possible.
However, these hairpieces come in a wide range of textures. Among them, Yaki hair is one of the most popular.
It gives more length and adds volume to your natural hair. It also matches the hair texture, especially for newly relaxed African American hair.
Today, we wrote a simple guide to help you learn all there is to know about Yaki hair.
Let’s get started!
What Is Yaki Hair?
Yaki hair refers to a hair texture that looks like African American hair. The name initially originated from Yak hair. [1]
Originally, Yak hair was used to create Yaki hair as its chemical composition is very similar to human hair. But the production has long stopped due to people experiencing itching on the scalp.
Today, Yaki hair production involves the use of natural hair from donors. Once collected, the strands undergo a chemical steaming process. The process adds a micro kink to the hair to make them look like a relaxed 4B/C African American hair texture.
Yaki hair would be great for people with relaxed or straightened hair. It has kink waves and will blend seamlessly for a more realistic look.
The Difference Between Yaki and Remy Hair?
Remy hair refers to the quality grade of human hair. It is 100% human hair, which aligns in the same root-tip direction to achieve the most natural look.
On the other hand, Yaki hair refers to the texture of a hairpiece. The hair is thoroughly processed and straightened to mimic afro hair texture. You can get Yaki treatment on synthetic, non-Remy, or Remy hair.
4 Types of Yaki Hair for Choice
Yaki hair is a good option for women looking for a style mimicking natural afro hair. Here are the four types of Yaki hair texture.
Silky Yaki
Silky Yaki, also known as Yaki straight, is the most lightweight or the silkiest texture of the Yaki hair. It slightly resembles your natural hair, as though it is freshly relaxed, straightened, or flat ironed.
This Yaki texture would be great for those with naturally straight Afro hair. The hair only has light ripples or waves. Therefore, you don’t have to press the hair using heat to make it blend with your hair.
Regular Yaki
This is the most popular kind of Yaki hair. It looks relaxed but isn’t as smooth, and the strands are not as poker-straight as silky Yaki. Instead, the texture looks like it has had 2 or 3 washes when taken out of the box.
Regular Yaki would be suitable for adding more texture to straight natural hair and achieving laid-back styles.
Kinky Yaki
The kinky Yaki hair looks more like African American hair that is straight from a blowout. It appears like natural afro hair that is not yet relaxed or flat ironed. On top of that, the kinky Yaki is somehow rough, thicker, and more fluffy looking.
You can buy this hair type if you need more volume. Since the kinky Yaki has curls that are not too straight or tight, it guarantees to add fullness and thickness to afro hair.
Coarse Yaki
Coarse Yaki hair looks like typical African American hair with a coarse texture. It resembles Afro hair that has never been relaxed or undergone any chemical treatments. Also, they may come in fully curly or wavy coarse textures.
This texture will be a good option if you need more length while retaining the look of your natural hair. The good thing is that it is the closest to the state of natural hair with a curly or wavy texture.
The Difference Between Yaki Straight, Kinky Straight, and Silky Straight
Yaki straight looks like African American hair that has been chemically relaxed. However, the texture is not very smooth and has a slight kink. It looks more natural and matches well with various afro hair types from 4a, 4b, and 4c.
On the other hand, kinky straight is the look of African American hair that is straight from a blowout. It is somehow rough, thick, and very fluffy. Kinky straight hair does not tangle or shed easily. Its curls make it a good option for adding more volume to afro hair.
Lastly, silky straight is shiny, soft, and lightweight. It resembles your natural hair, as though it is freshly relaxed, straightened, or flat ironed. Moreover, it is tangle free and has no shedding. The hair is mainly made from chemical-free natural hair sourced from original donors.
Can You Curl Yaki Hair?
Yes, you can curl Yaki hair. This hair type is usually versatile and allows for styling using hot tools. However, ensure you do not apply too much heat during curling. Otherwise, you might burn and damage the strands.
I recommend using heat only on human hair and heat-resistant synthetic hair. Here are three simple steps to help you curl Yaki hair.
Step 1: Section a small portion of the hair and spray it with a holding spray.
Step 2: Wrap the section of hair around the wand of your heat tool then, hold for about 3 seconds, then release. I recommend using a curling iron as it has clamps to give you more control. It also doesn’t create creases on the strands.
Step 3: Move to the next section and repeat the same process. After finishing the entire hair, the next step is to finger comb the hair. Do so by gently running your fingers through the hair to ensure the curls lay perfectly.
FAQs About Yaki Hair
What Is Light Yaki Hair?
Light Yaki’s name comes from the light texture of the Yaki hair. They look very straight and flowy. Light Yaki blends perfectly with freshly permed or relaxed African American hair. And, if your hair is naturally straight, you do not have to manipulate it to make it blend.
Is There Really Virgin Yaki Hair on the Market?
No. virgin hair has never gone through any processing. There have been no chemicals, perms, or color applications on the hair before its donation. On top of that, the hair still has its cuticles intact.
On the other hand, Yaki hair has been processed to add a micro kink that mimics the afro texture. Yaki hair may be synthetic, non-Remy, or Remy hair. So, it is impossible to have Yaki virgin hair.
How To Take Care of Yaki Hair?
The easiest method to care for Yaki hair is to follow the synthetic or human hair general caring rules. For instance, you need to brush the hair using a wig brush to prevent it from tangling.
For synthetic Yaki hair, you should use synthetic hair shampoos and conditioners. You can learn tips on caring for synthetic hair and the best way to make your hair extensions last longer.
Final Thoughts
Now you know all about Yaki hair, including how to curl it properly to achieve desirable results. So, which Yaki hair texture is your favorite? Let us know in the comment below!
