Box braids have become a go-to hairstyle for many women, and for good reason. Not only do box braids offer a stylish and versatile look, but the hairstyle also has numerous benefits for your hair.
Safeguarding your hair is of utmost importance, especially for healthy hair growth and enhancing beauty.
As a result, it’s quite essential to consider specific hairstyles when making random or specific visits to the salon. In that same light, protective hairstyles come into play as a cornerstone when it comes to hairstyles, offering not only a shield for our natural hair but also creating a base for proper hair growth.
Among these protective hairstyles, box braids emerge as an exceptionally popular choice. Away from traditional braids, they earn their name from the systematic partitioning of individual hair sections, creating an intricate, box-like pattern on the scalp.
The defining feature of box braids lies in their unique braiding technique and finished look. Your hair is skillfully divided into precise squares or rectangles, resulting in a visually appealing grid-like arrangement. Within these crafted sections, synthetic hair extensions are skillfully intertwined with your natural hair, providing a wide range of options for personalization, including braid size, length, and styling.
The result typically adorns your head with beautifully crafted braids, often culminating in distinctive coiled ends that further enhance their aesthetic charm. With the holiday season approaching and the new year on the horizon, we’ve put together a selection of stylish box braid ideas to inspire your next hairstyle. You can thank us later.
What is Box Braids?
Box braids are a type of protective hairstyle in which natural hair is divided into small, square-shaped sections or “boxes.” Extensions, typically made from synthetic hair, Kanekalon hair, or human hair, are then braided into each section. The name “box braids” comes from the distinctive square or box-like pattern formed by the sections.
Box braids have their origins in African and African-American culture. The hairstyle is inspired by traditional African hair-braiding techniques, which have been passed down through generations as a way to protect and style hair. Box braids gained popularity in the United States during the 1990s and have since become a widely recognized and appreciated hairstyle among people of various backgrounds.
Box braids can be done with just your natural hair, but many people choose to add extensions (usually made of synthetic or human hair) to achieve longer and more voluminous braids. These extensions are incorporated by blending them with your natural hair during the braiding process.
Bob Cut Box Braids
Combining box braids in a bob style provides a modern interpretation of the unconventional braided styles of the 1990s. The addition of gold accents to the hair adds an extra touch of playfulness, making it a fun and enticing choice for your hair.
Bejeweled Box Braids
What could be more classic than this box braids hairstyle, characterized by intricately interwoven braids, multi-tonal blonde highlights, and pearl embellishments that truly exemplify the ‘it girl’ hairstyle inspiration?
Medium-Size Box Braids
The freedom to sway your box braids with ease is seen in Zendaya’s simple yet charming auburn-brown medium-sized box braids. Styled with a side part and a few braids gracefully pinned back on one side, she embodies the playful versatility of this hairstyle.
Mini Blonde Braids
These mini box braids in platinum blonde might give the impression of simple extensions or even a wig, primarily owing to their size and style. However, the unique twist here is that the top section is braided while the remaining part is left unbraided, creating a really cool look.
Braided Buns
Medium-sized box braids offer excellent flexibility when it comes to hair styling. You can easily twist and pin them into various styles that you might typically wear without braids. Nevertheless, it’s important to be mindful of not placing too much stress on your edges when pulling your hair back or into a bun, or two or three.
Braided Box Braids
In all honesty, Storm Reid excels at the art of braiding. Just take a look at how she skillfully weaved her box braids into a chic pattern that’s easily achievable.
Undercut Box Braids
Ruth Negga’s mini box braids styled in a high ponytail serve as a striking example that women with undercuts can also embrace the allure of box braid hairstyles.
Blonde Jumbo Box Braids
These super-sized box braids make an even bolder statement with their gradient of platinum blonde tones. The contrasting dark roots add to the overall allure, imparting a wonderfully weathered aesthetic.
Ruffled Box Braids
Occasionally, you and your stylist can collaborate to add some texture and tousle to your box braids. After all, imperfection can be just as perfect.
Beehive Box Braids
It’s evident that beehive braids work best with smaller or tiny box braids, and that’s exactly what you can see here— a true fusion of vintage and contemporary hairstyles.
Beaded Short Box Braids
We are loving the bead embellishments adorning this braided bob hairstyle, especially on the baby bangs. Both the combination of color and design are truly giving!
Box Braids With Cowrie Shells
You can the elegance of the most basic set of box braids by adorning them with cowrie shells scattered across the hair. They add a touch of beachy charm, perfect for a vacation getaway.
Fishtail Box Braids
Demonstrating her affection for braided hairstyles, Storm Reid once again exhibits her expertly woven box braids in this exquisite fishtail braid with the inclusion of braid rings which takes the style up a notch.
Box Braids With Scarf
Apart from using a scarf to protect your braids during sleep, as shown in this instance, the scarf doesn’t have to be limited to your bedroom; it can also serve as a fashionable accessory beyond the confines of your home.
Half-Up, Half-Down Box Braids
You’d adore this classic yet timeless box braid style that has stood the test of time, elegantly fashioned in a half-up, half-down arrangement.
How To Maintain Your Box Braids
Maintaining box braids is essential to ensure their longevity and the health of your natural hair. To keep your box braids looking fresh and your scalp healthy, it’s important to establish a regular maintenance routine.
Begin by cleansing your scalp and the roots of your braids with a mild, sulfate-free shampoo diluted with water, followed by a deep conditioner to moisturize your natural hair and the extensions. Gently massage the products into your scalp and rinse thoroughly. After washing, allow your braids to air dry or use a low-heat setting on a hair dryer.
To prevent frizz and maintain a sleek appearance, apply a lightweight hair oil or leave-in conditioner to the braids. Pay close attention to your edges and nape, as these areas can be prone to tension and breakage.
At night, protect your braids by wearing a satin or silk bonnet or using a satin or silk pillowcase to minimize friction and maintain the braids’ smooth texture. Be mindful of your daily activities; avoid excessive pulling or tugging on the braids, and consider using a hair tie or scrunchie to secure your braids when styling.
Finally, schedule regular touch-up appointments with a professional stylist to check any loose or unraveled braids, which can cause hair damage if not fixed ASAP. With consistent care and attention, you can enjoy your box braids while keeping your natural hair healthy and looking fabulous.
