You’ve seen it on the street. You’ve definitely seen it on your Instagram feed. That warm, glowing, almost-metallic blonde that looks like it was plucked straight from a jar of clover honey. It’s color 27 braiding hair. Some people call it strawberry blonde, others call it honey blonde, but in the world of synthetic hair and professional braiding, "27" is the universal code for "sun-kissed perfection."
It’s iconic.
But honestly, choosing it isn't always as simple as picking up a pack of X-pression or Kanekalon at the local beauty supply store. There’s a science to making it look expensive rather than brassy. If you’ve ever sat in a stylist's chair for six hours only to realize the shade of blonde you picked clashes horribly with your undertones, you know the struggle is very real.
What is Color 27 Braiding Hair Exactly?
In the standard hair coloring system—the one used by brands like Outre, RastAfri, and Sensationnel—color 27 is a light auburn or strawberry blonde. It sits right in that sweet spot between the dark, brownish-blonde of color 30 and the bright, platinum-leaning vibes of color 613.
It’s warm. Very warm.
Most 27 hair is made from synthetic fibers like Kanekalon or Toyokalon. Why does that matter? Because synthetic fibers reflect light differently than human hair. When you get color 27 in a high-quality pre-stretched fiber, it has a matte-to-satin finish that looks natural. Cheap fibers, though? They can end up looking like shiny plastic doll hair, which is exactly what we’re trying to avoid.
The Undertone Trap: Will It Actually Suit You?
Here is the thing most people get wrong about color 27 braiding hair: they think "blonde" is a one-size-fits-all situation. It isn't. Because 27 has heavy yellow and red undertones, it performs differently depending on who is wearing it.
If you have a warm skin tone with golden or olive undertones, color 27 is basically your best friend. It highlights the warmth in your skin. You’ll look like you just spent a month in Santorini. However, if you have very cool, pink, or blue undertones, a full head of 27 can sometimes make your skin look a bit "washed out" or even slightly gray.
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That doesn’t mean you can’t wear it. You just have to be smart about it.
Professional stylists often suggest mixing. Try blending color 27 with a bit of color 4 (dark chocolate brown) or color 30 (medium auburn). This creates a "piano" or "mixed" effect that adds depth. It breaks up the solid block of blonde and makes the transition from your natural roots much smoother. Honestly, a 27/30 mix is probably the most requested "natural blonde" combo in braider shops across the country right now.
Why Quality Matters for This Specific Shade
We need to talk about tangling.
Lighter synthetic colors, especially the blondes like 27 and 613, often undergo more chemical processing to achieve that specific pigment. Even though it's synthetic, the way the fibers are "dyed" or created can affect the texture.
Have you ever noticed that black braiding hair (1 or 1B) feels softer than the blonde packs? You aren't imagining it. The lighter pigments can sometimes make the fiber feel a bit more alkaline or "crunchy."
If you're going for Goddess Braids or any style with loose curly ends, quality is non-negotiable. If you use low-tier color 27 hair for loose ends, those curls will be a matted mess within three days. Look for "pre-stretched" and "anti-itch" labels. Brands like Ruwa or Spetra are great because they use specialized fibers that are water-repellent and much lighter on the scalp. This matters because light-colored braids often show "frizz" more prominently than dark braids do.
The Maintenance Reality
Light hair shows everything. Dirt, lint, buildup—it’s all visible on color 27.
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When you wear dark braids, you can sometimes get away with being a bit lazy with your silk scarf. With 27? No chance. Every stray hair and every bit of pillow lint will show up against that honey-gold backdrop.
- Wash your scalp, not the braids: Use a pointed-tip bottle with diluted sulfate-free shampoo.
- Mousse is your savior: A good foaming mousse (like Lotta Body or the Bronner Brothers foam) keeps the flyaways tucked into the braid.
- Avoid heavy oils: Don't slather grease on the braids themselves. It will attract dust, and on light hair, that dust looks like gray soot.
Transitioning and Tucking
The biggest technical challenge with color 27 braiding hair is "the tuck."
If your natural hair is dark (1B or 2) and you’re braiding in honey blonde, your dark hair will show through the braid unless your stylist is a pro at tucking. Tucking is the technique where the natural hair is hidden behind or inside the synthetic fiber as the braid progresses.
If you don't tuck, you get a "marled" look. Some people like that! It looks like a deliberate mix. But if you want that solid, clean blonde look, you have to ensure the tucking is tight.
Also, consider the "Ombre" factor. If you’re worried about the maintenance of light hair near your scalp, go for a 1B/27 ombre. This keeps the dark hair at the roots (which hides new growth and prevents that awkward "line" when your hair grows in) and transitions into the honey blonde toward the ends. It’s the "lazy girl" way to do blonde, and honestly, it looks better on most people anyway.
Styling Ideas: Beyond the Basic Box Braid
Don't just stick to the standard medium box braids. Color 27 is incredibly versatile.
- Boho Knotless: Use color 27 for the braids and a slightly lighter blonde (like 613) for the curly pieces. It creates a dimensional, highlighted look that looks amazing in the sun.
- Passion Twists: Because of the texture of passion twist hair, color 27 takes on a very soft, romantic vibe. It looks less like "braiding hair" and more like a natural texture.
- Fulani Braids with Beads: Clear beads or wooden beads look insane with this color. The gold in the hair pops against the earth tones of wood.
Real Talk: The Itch Factor
There is a persistent rumor in the hair community that "colored hair itches more."
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Is it true? Sort of.
Many synthetic braiding hairs are coated in a fine layer of alkaline spray to make them flame-retardant. Some people are allergic to this. Because lighter colors like 27 require more processing, there's a theory that the chemical residue is more prevalent.
If you have a sensitive scalp, do the Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) soak. Soak the hair (while it's still in the bundles) in a sink of warm water and a cup of ACV. You’ll see a white film lift off the hair. Rinse it, let it air dry, and then braid. Your scalp will thank you.
How to Choose the Right Brand
Not all 27s are created equal. If you walk into three different stores, you’ll see three different versions of "27."
- X-pression (Ultra Braid): Usually leans a bit more toward the "orange" side of the spectrum. Great for longevity and hot water setting.
- Outre (X-pression Pre-Stretched): A bit more of a muted, "expensive" honey blonde. Very soft.
- Kanekalon Originals: The gold standard for a matte finish.
Check the hair in natural light before you buy it. The fluorescent lights in beauty supply stores are notoriously deceptive. They can make a color look much cooler or warmer than it actually is. Walk to the front door, hold the pack up to the window, and see what it really looks like.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Install
If you’re ready to pull the trigger on color 27 braiding hair, here is exactly how to ensure it looks like a million bucks:
- Identify your undertone: If you’re cool-toned, look for a "mixed" pack or an ombre. If you’re warm-toned, go full 27.
- The ACV Soak is mandatory: Don't risk the "blonde itch." Spend the 20 minutes soaking the hair the night before your appointment.
- Buy more than you think: Light colors can sometimes look thinner than dark colors once braided. If you usually buy 5 packs, buy 6.
- Mind your edges: Use a clear edge control. Colored edge gels (like black or dark brown) will smudge onto the blonde braids and make the roots look messy.
- Master the "Tuck": If you’re doing it yourself, practice tucking your dark hair behind the blonde fiber. If a stylist is doing it, ask them specifically if they are comfortable with "full tuck" braiding.
- Night care: Invest in a jumbo satin bonnet. Friction is the enemy of light-colored synthetic hair, and a bonnet is the only thing standing between you and a frizzy mess.
Color 27 isn't just a color; it’s a whole vibe. It’s bold, it’s bright, and when done correctly, it’s one of the most flattering shades for melanin-rich skin. Just remember that it requires a tiny bit more effort than your standard 1B. Worth it? Absolutely.