They are an excellent way to extend your natural length and sport a variety of hairstyles that look complicated and sophisticated. However intricate they may appear, box braids are actually quite simple. The only downside of a box braid is that it does not work well with weak and brittle hair. If you do not have this issue, you can certainly pull off a variety of looks with boxed braids.
You can either add extensions or use your natural hair to flaunt your stylish box braids. In this article, we will share our favorite stylish box braid styles that you can easily do yourself.
*We may earn money from affiliate links on this page. Please check out our disclosure policy for more details.Quick Navigation
- What Are Box Braids?
- Do Box Braids Damage Your Hair?
- How Do You Take Care Of Box Braids?
- Things To Know Before Getting Box Braids
- Size Does Matter
- Ideas To Style Your Braids
- FAQ
What Are Box Braids?
Box braids get their name from the square sections they're created in. These hairstyles incorporate artificial hair to enhance volume, length, and safeguard natural black hair. Braiders divide hair into squares and craft it in different patterns. Box braids endure for around two months, demand minimal upkeep, and offer ample room for self-expression. Moreover, they foster the health and growth of natural hair.
What Are Knotless Box Braids? Credit photo: instagram.com/beautybyzi_
What is the difference between knotless box braids and the typically more common knotted variety? Knotless braids lend a more natural finish to hair because they lay flat on the scalp and are typically done in smaller sections to keep the braid sturdy. Knotless box braids produce less oil and product build-up at the root- and are painless.
Do Box Braids Damage Your Hair?
Box braids shield and promote natural hair growth by avoiding heat styling. Before braiding, prepare your hair by washing, conditioning, and blow-drying for optimal results. Maintain the braids properly to ensure their longevity. Extensive care is required for small or extremely long braids due to the high number of extensions used.
How Do You Take Care Of Box Braids?
Caring for your box braids is crucial. While opinions on shampooing during the 6-8 week wearing period vary, many experts suggest washing only if exposed to salt or chlorine. To wash box braids, rinse them weekly and let them dry with water or apple cider vinegar. Co-washing is a hydrating shampoo alternative, and using quality oils can keep braids moisturized and beautiful.
What Else You Need To Know Before Getting Box Braids
Box braids are some of the most creative and versatile hairstyles that exist today. The style is actually rooted in a beautiful history of community that serves to protect the hair and inspire creativity. Box braids are still as trendy as ever today. If you’re looking to create your own version of this stunning, inventive style, then you’ve come to the right place!
How Long Do You Keep In Box Braids?
Avoid leaving box braids in for too long, even though they take time to install. Keep them in for 4-6 weeks to protect your natural hair. The longest you should keep any braid style is 8 weeks. This timeframe helps prevent matting, tangles, and damage to your hair as it grows. To maintain healthy hair, change your braids every two months at the most.
How Much Do Box Braids Cost?
A few different factors can determine the cost of your box braids. It’s important to consider the size, style and length of the braids you desire. Typically, you can expect to spend anywhere form $100-$300 on your box braids styling session. However, premium salons typically come with a heftier price tag. Overall, considering how much effort goes into styling, this amount feels pretty fair.
What Hair Is Best For Box Braids?
Experts agree that both human hair and synthetic varieties can do the trick. Kanekalon hair is an amazing synthetic option that is silky soft, easy to braid, and odor-free. Plus, this hair can be re-used, which helps cut down on braiding costs. You also may want to consider slightly looser braids if you’re looking to create less tension on the scalp. At the end of the day, if you’re in doubt, consult your stylist for the best option for you.
Micro Box Braids
Credit photo: instagram.com/arbie_beaut
Micro braids offer a elegant option for the ones inclined to spend hours within the hairdresser's chair. Their specific feature is that the tiny braids resemble thick strands of hair, making them subtle from a distance. Micro braids can be styled in a wide sort of approaches, from fashionable buns to complex braided hairstyles.
For maintaining a glossy and shiny appearance on your ends, Ciara Imani May, the founder of Rebundle, recommends using a light mist of dry oil.
Small Box Braids
Credit photo: instagram.com/sincerelyoghosa
Small box braids are as protective and neat as micro braids, but they take less time to succeed with. The style is as elegant and neat looking. Besides, you can play around with different accessories to project your individuality through the hairdo.
Celebrity hairstylist and global ambassador for Suave, Tresemmé, and Dove, Ursula Stephen, advises that excessive manipulation of natural hair can lead to breakage. Therefore, she recommends opting for a protective style like box braids to shield the hair from damage.
Medium Box Braids
Credit photo: instagram.com/elainne_castro
Regarding the box braid popularity scale, medium braids are certainly at the top. Ask Zoe Kravitz or Lupita Nyong’o if you don’t trust us. The mid-size braids carry practical advantages such as simplicity of maintenance and benefits such as protectiveness, ease of styling, and a plethora of variants to play around with.
Given that your hair will be concealed for several weeks or even months, it's crucial to prioritize pre-treatment. Bridgette Hill, a colorist and certified trichologist, recommends that individuals planning to get box braids should perform a scalp and protein treatment on dry, unwashed hair before their braiding appointment. "Allow these treatments to remain on the hair for 30 minutes, then shampoo and follow up with a deep conditioning treatment using an intensely moisturizing conditioner for 10 to 15 minutes," she advises.
Large Box Braids
Credit photo: instagram.com/sincerelyoghosa
Larger box braids come with a set of unique characteristics as well. While they are easier to notice, the braids place less tension on your hairline, which is an excellent benefit if you have weak and brittle hair. It is true that larger box braids may be a little less versatile style-wise, but they look impressively stunning worn loose, so there is little you would lose following that scale.
Jumbo Box Braids
Credit photo: instagram.com/sincerelyoghosa
Jumbo box braids are known for their ease of maintenance since there are fewer braids to attend to. On top of that, the style is known to last as many as 3 months when looked after properly – remember proper hydration is the key. With jumbo box braids, you require a few additional accessories to adorn your hair.
Celebrity hairstylist Ursula Stephen advises individuals to conduct thorough research and be mindful of the sensitive areas of their scalp while braiding. She cautions against applying excessive tension to thin or weak hairlines. Additionally, she suggests that the box braid style, which involves extensions pulling on the hair, is more suitable for those with thicker, curlier, or coarser hair textures.
Ideas To Style Your Box Braids
Now that we know about the cost, styling, and care surrounding box braids, it’s time for some styling inspiration to help you find your ultimate box braids hairstyle. Let’s take a look at this fantastic box braids gallery so you can be sure to look and feel great with the least amount of maintenance required.
Bohemian Box Style
Credit photo: shutterstock.com/featureflash
Bohemian box braids give a romantic, natural feel to your hairstyle. These braids are long and worn straight down the back. The bohemian look is often achieved through small box braids. We love this style because you can build a multitude of updos from here.
Stephen recommends using products containing penetrating ingredients such as coconut oil, jojoba oil, and olive oil while sporting these styles.
Box Braids Into Faux Hawk
Credit photo: instagram.com/karinakarinazevedo
Look at this gorgeous faux hawk. Twisting braids and securing at top and back of the head for a faux hawk vibe to achieve this look, or shave the sides of the head for a more permanent approach. It’s easiest to create a faux hawk with large box braids, though smaller box braids will do.
Medium Box Braids With Crimped Ends
Credit photo: shutterstock.com/featureflash
These medium box braids with crimped ends give off a natural hair air. As you can see, braids look just as great tightly twisted as they do brush out and worn loose. This style is awesome for colorful braids in an ombre style. If you have longer hair you can wear crimped ends if you’re feeling bold!
Half Updo With Gentle Twisted Part
Credit photo: instagram.com/thelondoncurls
Incorporate two trends in one with ombre box braids that are swept into a feminine half updo. The twisted part lends the ethereal vibe to this look, but be careful that you’re gentle when twisting each braid to avoid any tension on the scalp. Braids can be worn in any ombre or tonal color you desire.
Triangle Box Braids Look
Credit photo: instagram.com/milankylahjo
Box braids are typically created with a square shape on the scalp, but who says you have to play by the rules? Because a star-shaped pattern emerges on the scalp, this look is more sophisticated with long box braids.
Sophisticated Blonde Box Braids Updo
Credit photo: shutterstock.com/Kathy Hutchins
Updos are awesome at extending the life of your box braid hairstyle. These styles are perfect for playing with color as well. Blonde box braids are super contrasted against black hair, so it’s worth going for this dynamic style for something different.
Styled Black Big Box Braided Look
Credit photo: shutterstock.com/Eugene Powers
Just as smaller box braids are great for styling, so are big box braids. Looks like this one is bold, powerful, and beautiful! Big box braids are more cumbersome when it comes to styling, but they look incredible worn down or pulled into a half-up style like this one.
Extra Long Colorful Box Braids
Credit photo: instagram.com/arbie_beaut
Do you want your box braids to embody the very latest trends? Jumbo box braids are awesome for styling and showing off a modern edge. These braids are ultra long, so consider plaiting them slightly looser to release any tension that might build on the scalp.
Short Box Braids Updo
Credit photo: instagram.com/arbie_beaut
Short box braids offer less scalp stress and are lighter due to their shorter length. While longer hair allows for more color, accessories, and styling options, short hair brings an effortless playfulness to these details. Experiment with a half-up hairstyle, incorporating a large topknot and colorful threads or hair jewels for a stylish look.
Medium Box Braids Hairdo With Accessories
Credit photo: instagram.com/_saleemamaria
Medium length box braids are not only flirty and cute, but also easy to maintain. A shorter length like this one weighs less on the scalp and can be easier to style. These smaller box braids are so easy to throw up into half-up hairstyle. Accentuate the look with an adorable headscarf for work or play.
Short Box Braids
Credit photo: instagram.com/imadamejay
Believe it or not, you can still rock boxed braids with short hair. If you want a look that’s really hip, try jumbo braids in a straight cut all one length hair bob. This look is city chic and fabulous.
Individual Braids For Any Age
Credit photo: instagram.com/arbie_beaut
Individual braids work great for any woman regardless of her age. You can add your own personal touch and add a pop of color to make your braids stand out. This look is timeless and there are endless possibilities.
Double Trouble
Credit photo: instagram.com/marihsantosss
Looking for a fun look? How about these adorable, quirky buns. They are a bit like mouse ears so they are a playful look for a girl who wants to embrace her inner child and rock a unique and sassy style. Add some color to your various box braids to make this look pop!
DownDo With Twisted Sides
Credit photo: instagram.com/christian_byshe
For an elegant sophisticated look, add some simple yet classy twists to your braids and you can have a gorgeous look for an evening out on the town. Not only does it look marvelous, it also adds texture.
Half Updo With Victory Rolls
Credit photo: instagram.com/makeilaimstrong
If you want a more daring look, try medium box braids for a funky hairdo. Start with a half up half down look and then split the top section into two equal sections and then create two spiraled rolls atop your forehead.
Updo Roll
Credit photo: instagram.com/kimreidstyles
The French Roll is a timeless look. Add bulky French to a stylish updo starting at the nape of your neck for an elegant side view.
Simple Box Braids with Beading For Embellishment
Credit photo: instagram.com/elainne_castro
Hair beads are all the rage now. They add a personal and chic touch to your braids. You can pick colorful braids or opt for polished golden or silver beads for a special event.
Playful Ponytail
Credit photo: instagram.com/arbie_beaut
The best thing about a simple, classic look such as a ponytail is that you can dress it up any way you choose. Whether you choose a partial, side or classic back ponytail, you can add fun and stylish accents like ribbons, bows, scarves or flowers to finish your look. You can also complete the look with flawless makeup such as vampy bold lipstick, long, flirty eyelashes, and funky eyeshadow.
Elegant Ballerina Bun
Credit photo: instagram.com/arbie_beaut
Ready for a fun night on the town after a long day at work? A ballerina bun is sleek and stylish and you can pull it off in less than ten minutes. For a chic touch to your simple box braids, you can style your hair into a classic ballerina bun that will work from a night out with the girls to a romantic dinner date.
Intricate Braid Crown
Credit photo: instagram.com/sincerelyoghosa
Medium box braids or dookie braids can be styled into a sophisticated crown if you want a glamorous look. Simply start at the left ear and bring the brain across the back of your head and then work along the hairline.
Red Ombre Braids
Credit photo: instagram.com/mac_bxtch
Ombre hair isn’t just for beach waves. Ombre color works great with any type of braid. Reds and pinks are the best options for braided styles. Simple braids can be woven into ombre strands for a style that will stand out from the crowd.
Bob Styled Box Braids With Colorful Threads
Credit photo: instagram.com/arbie_beaut
It seems like box braids were created to help all natural-haired goddesses take everyone’s favorite hairstyles to the next level. You can show up with your own variation of the modern classic once you take a creative approach to your braids. Get some colorful short extensions, give them a curvy shape so that they create a round silhouette, and get ready for enviable eyes looking at your own version of the bob.
Kanekalon Box Braids
Credit photo: instagram.com/braidsvolna
Kanekalon braids are colorful synthetic extensions that know no limits in terms of hair types. First, you create box braids as the base for your vivid experiments. Then, you attach as many colors as you want. You can wrap the extensions around your braids to make your hair look thicker, mix them with your hair or braid them alone, hiding your hair under the beauty of neon lights.
Side Messy Bun
Credit photo: instagram.com/cardoznat
Messy hairstyles are a timeless trend that adds a sense of lightness and freedom to our looks. To achieve a messy finish for your box braids, make the braids thinner towards the ends. This lighter density allows your natural hair to lift up, creating an effortless messy vibe within your tightly styled hairdo.
Box Braids With Flowers
Credit photo: instagram.com/cardoznat
Although your hair is your natural accessory, you can take it to the next level by complementing your looks with real embellishments. Feminine little flowers will nicely accentuate your lovely girly look with a touch of gentleness. Apart from floral accessories, you can beautify your textured locks with hair ties and ethnic beads, adding some more individuality to the look.
Box Braids With Free Curly Locks
Credit photo: instagram.com/braidedroots
Experimenting with the texture of box braids is a fun way to diversify the classic look. Letting some braids unravel adds contrast between tight and loose textures, creating a creative and dimensional hairstyle.
Box Braids With Beads & Ties
Credit photo: instagram.com/arbie_beaut
You can give a fresh take at some short haircut, showing up with a braided box bob. Also, you can incorporate some colorful extensions into your braids, putting your hairdo in the spotlight. On top of that, you can always finish your look with beads and ties.
Half-Up Space Buns
Credit photo: instagram.com/braidsvolna
Space buns are not only cute but also stylish, making them a perfect complement to youthful outfits. Imagine how awesome they would look with your enviable braided texture! Whether you have natural hair or wear braided extensions, this style is a must-try for all ladies.
Messy Updo Style
Credit photo: instagram.com/braidsvolna
Here you need to make the braids as thin and thick as possible so that they stick out firmly, pointing in different directions. As a result, you will get a contemporary look that outshines not only regular braided ideas; it will look even better than dreads! Be it an updo or a ponytail, you’ll be on point with such thick braids.
Double Braids Style
Credit photo: instagram.com/braidsvolna
When it comes to braided hairstyles, there’s only one rule: your creativity. Your creativity is the only thing that can help you go as far as you can. What comes to your mind when you think of double braids? Voluminous braids with a unique pattern with colorful details, who could ask for more?
Box Braids With Undercut
Credit photo: instagram.com/braidsvolna
Box braids have many faces: they’re as feminine as they’re daring. Those who rock bold and sassy hair looks will love the daring side of the braids. Of course, they can’t do without an undercut - a crowd-pleaser that makes people speechless! Get the sides shaved and let the top show off its braided charm.
Box Braids Twisted Updo
Credit photo: instagram.com/braidsvolna
The key to achieving a unique updo look lies in switching from tight to loose braids throughout the whole braiding process. Make some braids thin and others thick, and every single updo you want to create will show up from a different perspective.
Box Braids In A High Ponytail
Credit photo: instagram.com/its_biiah
What can be easier than putting your hair into a ponytail? Moreover, with box twists or braids, the style is even more straightforward. For a bigger visual impact, you can always add more colors with the help of extensions. It’s a perfect idea for festival and party looks.
Thick Twisted Box Braids To Tame Coarse Afro Hair
Box braids will not only keep your tresses looking neat and tidy but will also protect them from damage. And the best part? You do not have to spend the whole day in the barber’s chair, as there are plenty of thick twisted box braid hairstyles that can be done in just several hours.
Long Box Braids For Summer Beach Walk
Credit photo: Shutterstock
Those who have long kinky hair know well that spending some time at the beach or near salty water can take its toll on their locks. Simply put your strands into long box braids and you are good to go!
Jungle Box Braids With Extra Red Extensions
Credit photo: instagram.com/braidsvolna
While jungle box braids are already quite eye catching and impactful, you can take them to another level by weaving in flamboyant red extensions. This is also a great option for those who have relatively short tresses and would like to elongate them without much effort.
Thin Box Braids With Sharp Tips
Credit photo: instagram.com/braidsvolna
Some box braid hairstyles require quite a lot of time and effort to create. Yet, they are totally worth it. By opting for thin box braids with sharp ends, you get an absolutely head turning hair look that will not leave anyone indifferent. As a nice bonus, you keep your tresses in order.
Sun-kissed Box Braids With Blond Extensions In a Bun
Credit photo: instagram.com/braidedroots
To enhance a box braided hairstyle, consider adding highlights for definition and texture emphasis. However, not everyone may want to bleach or chemically treat their locks. Blonde extensions offer a chemical-free alternative, allowing you to style your braids however you like, with a high bun being a popular choice.
Long Box Braids With Ombre-Styled Blond Extensions
Credit photo: instagram.com/braidsvolna
Ombre box braids come out very unusual and attractive. However, in case you are not sure whether this style is going to work for you, it is always a good idea to use extensions. Ask your braider to incorporate blonde stennies into the look so that they blend into your strands seamlessly.
“Magic Sunset” Long Box Braids With Dark Red Extensions
Credit photo: instagram.com/braidsvolna
Give your hairstyle a dreamy feel of the tropical sunset by going for fiery red extensions attached to box braids. This hairstyle, apart from creating a bold and striking look, is also a surefire option for those ladies who have always coveted long tresses but did not have enough patience to grow them out.
Box Braids With Cute Leopard-Styled Extensions
Credit photo: Shutterstock
The leopard pattern is back in fashion. So, if you have always been a fan of it, this is your golden hour. It is absolutely everywhere, from your clothes and accessories to your hairstyle. The latter can be achieved with the help of two colors of extensions – blonde and red – threaded into your dark box braids.
Thick Twisted Box Braids In A Ponytail
Credit photo: Shutterstock
In most cases, box braids can be transformed into almost any other hairstyle and a ponytail is no exception. Even if you have thick twists, they can still be tied in a high pony. The look turns out stylish and fashionable. Plus, it takes the braids away from your face, thus allowing you to show off your beautiful facial features.
Jumbo Updo Roll
Credit photo: instagram.com/sincerelyoghosa
Some people falsely assume that jumbo braids can’t be worked in another style. We are here to prove you wrong. The truth is that a jumbo updo roll looks impressively stylish and elegant, not to mention unique.
Crisscross Box Braids
Credit photo: instagram.com/arbie_beaut
Experimenting with the size and patterns of your braids opens up endless possibilities. The crisscross style, while requiring skill, yields an exceptionally stylish result that's worth the effort. Plus, it keeps your locks out of your face without the need for a restrictive hairstyle.
White Girl With Box Braids
Credit photo: instagram.com/aliyousha
As a great protective style, box braids are sported by people of all nationalities and complexions. One of the most common looks that white girls seek with box braids would be a significant bright-colored combo.
Silver Box Braids with Cornrow Elements
When committing to a modern dyeing technique such as silver ombre is out of the question at the moment, you can refer to box braids instead. As you introduce silver add-ins into the style, you can replica the ombre flair without bleaching your locks. The outcome is still amazing and borderline impressive.
Fun Ways To Style Box Braids in 2024
Credit photo: instagram.com/arbie_beaut
- Braids: Mix boxed and systematic braids for a unique look by wrapping them around the sides of your head. Check out the styles below for inspiration.
- Buns: Style boxed braids into chic updos for elegance, with high buns for a tight or loose, carefree look. Add different braid styles for uniqueness.
- Twists: Add creative flair with twists, accented by cute clips or barrettes for style.
- Ponytails: Gather braids into high ponytails, adorned with silk scarves or flowers for sleek or playful looks, including pigtails for sassiness.
These are just some favorite box braid styles, but the possibilities are endless. Get creative with accessories, color, twists, and turns. Embrace your inner goddess and rock those braids!
FAQ: Box Braids
What is the difference between box braids and regular braids?
Although knotless braids and box braids can have the same sizes and lengths, the main difference is that knotless braids Knotless braids appear to grow from the scalp, whereas box braids have a visible knot where you’ve added the extension.
What are Goddess braids?
Goddess braids are basically a thicker version of cornrows. They start higher on your head and are braided near to your scalp. They can be dressed in a variety of ways for any event. For example, you may wear them to the gym, straight to work, then go out to drinks while still looking fantastic.
Can you get your box braids wet?
Before you pull your braids into a ponytail or other style, make sure they’re completely dry. They won’t be able to properly dry if you style them while they’re still damp, and you don’t want your braids to have a moldy odor.
Was this article helpful?
