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How Much Do Box Braids Cost? According To A Braider

How Much Do Box Braids Cost?

Even though box braids prices vary a lot depending on the braids’ size, density, length, geographical location, braider’s range, the extensions used, and so on, an average universal rate would be +/- $250$ or between $80 and $500.

Have you ever asked a designer, in general, not his own, how much dresses cost? Now, if you did that, ask a hairdresser, in general, not his own, how much box-braids cost.

Box braids are like… let’s say, special dresses and one of the most resistant types of dresses. Of course, they’re also haute-couture because they are manually made, so they must not be the cheapest.

However, just as dress prices vary, and they are not all the same, so do box braids prices too. 

box braids types
Photo from Archive ©Ina Shan ©HairstyleCamp

More than that, unlike a dress, they can’t be made by sizes or universal size and shipped to your location, it has to be made on your own head (if it’s not a box braids wig that you’re looking for), so the price also depends on location.

Despite the haute-couture dresses, box braids can be categorized by density and length. With some exceptions, the fewer and shorter the braids are, the cheaper the cost will be.

Except for the cases when there is a specific pattern like bob box braids, and the length of each row of braids must be adjusted differently, so these pretty short braids would probably cost the same as the top of the bottom length.

cost of bob box braids
Bob box braids (Model: Cristina Handrea ©Ina Shan ©HairstyleCamp)

To be noted, fewer braids, besides the aspect, also means that they last less. And if the braider doesn’t have a great eye for geometry, the paths can look bad, as they will be visible.

Which Are the Most Expensive Box Braids?

Knee-length box braids
Over the knee box-braids (Model: Inashan, Photographer: Laura Brat)

The most expensive box braids are small knee-length box braids or over the knee. 

Price will vary from hairstylist to hairstylist and from location to location, but these kinds of braids would be the most expensive of any hairdresser, as they are the most time-consuming (also the most hair-extensions consuming), and some of the braiders don’t even do them.

Another one, but I do not agree with it, is box braids with natural hair extensions. Unfortunately, I find this to be an absolutely wrong idea.

Natural hair doesn’t help at all. There are synthetic extensions that look very natural, and their properties make the braids last longer.

They are also easier to dry and can be thrown away after unbraiding. Using natural hair is a total waste, except when it is about allergic problems. If it is natural, the hair would cost a lot as it needs to be very long and large.

Depending on the hairstylist, extensions are included in the price or you have to buy them yourself.

Which Are the Cheapest Box Braids?

Short Box Braids Cost
Short box braids (©Ina Shan ©HairstyleCamp)

You can get the cheapest braids if you go to beginner hairdressers.

The result depends on your luck here, and it will take much more time as speed increases with practice, so inexperienced braidists would not be the fastest, and they could also fail to do the best geometry or other issues. It may even be for free if they need models for practice.

If you opt for professional services, the cheapest box braids would be large and short. But if you’re looking for your braids to look full and thick, or if your natural hair is long, it isn’t the best option. Anyway, short braids can look awesome if done right.

How to Get the Best Offer on Box Braids?

The best advice I can give you is to compare the options from each braider you have in your area (or even at a longer distance if you can make it there).

Small, medium and large box braids can look very different from one hairdresser to another, depending on how they count them and their way of doing the geometry.

Also, pay attention to the roots in their portfolio and notice if they are extremely tense, which can be really damaging for your hair or not.

I hope this helped you out, and I wish you’ll get the best box braids!

FAQs on Box Braid Pricing

Do box braids prices include extensions?

It depends on each braider/salon’s policy. Normally it is mentioned, but if you are unsure, don’t hesitate to ask.

Do box braids cost the same for kids as for adults?

Most of the time there are special prices for children, slightly discounted.

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