While women love hair extensions and try new looks all the time, box braids often get skipped for kids. They should not be. For active girls who swim, run, and play hard, box braids are a go-to because the small knot at the base helps lock each braid in place, so the style stays secure through water and rough-and-tumble days.
Do not be afraid to try a few kid-friendly braid looks, but get the install right. Fine children’s hair can be tricky, so a professional stylist can place clean parts, keep tension gentle, and choose braid size that will hold without pulling.
Box braids also work as a protective style because the hair stays tucked away, which can reduce daily tangling and help with length retention.
How to Take Care of Kid’s Box Braids
Kid’s box braids are not attached just for fun, they give the hair protection no hair care cosmetics can offer. If styled correctly, the box braids can help a girl’s hair grow long and healthy. Frequent brushing, washing, can damage a young girl’s hair causing it to break, grow thin, and lose volume.
If you made a decision to use box braids as a protection for the girl’s locks, you still have to follow a few tips in order to make sure that the braids are not doing more harm than good. Let’s take a look.
Go to a Professional
Children’s and adult’s hair differ. Kids’ locks have a tendency to get damaged where an adult’s hair feels just fine. So even if you are a box braid guru, we would recommend asking a professional hairstylist to create box braids for your child. At least for the first time, so you can get the idea of what not to do.
Keep the Hair Moisturized
The kid’s hairline requires plenty of moisturizing and so does the braided hair. You need to acquire a spritz bottle where you should mix water with a hair conditioner. Spritz your kid’s locks once every two days and don’t forget to pay plenty of attention to the hairline.
Don’t Overdo
Even if the hair looks perfect with the braids and doesn’t seem to require any touch-ups, don’t keep the box braids attached longer than 2 – 3 months. In fact, once the two months are up, it’s better to remove the box braids and let the hair rest for a while. You can redo the braids after about 10 days.
Note: Traditional knots can cause scalp tension. If your child is tender-headed, check out our list of Knotless Braids for Kids for a pain-free alternative!
Box Braids for Kids
Once you see how amazingly the box braids can be styled on kids, you’ll want your girl to get them. Such braids are not different for children than they are for adults. All you have to do is look for thinner types in order not to make the child’s head look too huge.
Whether there is a special occasion coming up or you just want to experiment, these options can give you a helpful hand. Well, luckily there are a plethora of different types and styles when it comes to box braids for kids. We’ve put together a list to make the choice easier for you.
1. Medium Box Braids with a Deep Side Part
Classic, medium-thick box braids worn loose with a deep side parting. The braids fall naturally around the face and shoulders for a simple, everyday look.
How to Style: Create square parts across the scalp and install the braids down to the ends. Once finished, sweep the braids at the crown over to one side to create a defined side part.
Who Should Try: Kids looking for a simple, low-maintenance daily style that shows off their length.
2. Box Braids Gathered in a High Ponytail
Long box braids pulled up and secured into a classic high ponytail. The braids cascade neatly down the back from the crown of the head.
How to Style: Gather all the box braids cleanly at the crown of the head. Secure tightly but gently with a thick, snag-free elastic hairband to avoid pulling the edges.
Who Should Try: Active kids doing sports or playing outside who need their hair kept completely out of their face.
3. Half-Up Half-Down Box Braids
The top section of the braids is pulled back and secured into a ponytail, while the rest of the braids flow loosely down the back.
How to Style: Separate the braids at the crown and temples from the rest of the hair. Gather this top section and tie it back with a hairband, letting the lower half hang loose.
Who Should Try: Kids who want hair out of their eyes but still want to show off the length of their braids.
4. Front Box Braids Pinned Back
A quick, functional style where a few front-framing box braids are pulled back and secured flat against the head.
How to Style: Take 2 to 4 braids from the very front hairline. Pull them toward the back or side of the head and secure them flat with a barrette or a hair clip.
Who Should Try: Kids needing a quick 10-second fix to keep braids out of their face during school or homework.
5. Box Braids with Bright Colored Extensions
Traditional box braids installed using vividly colored synthetic hair to create a bold, customized look without chemical dyes.
How to Style: Feed in brightly colored braiding hair (like pink, blue, or red) along with the natural hair while creating the individual box braids. Seal the ends with hot water.
Who Should Try: Kids looking for a fun, vibrant look who want to experiment with color safely.
6. Classic High Bun with Box Braids
All the box braids are gathered at the top of the head and wrapped into a large, secure, and textured bun.
How to Style: Pull all the braids into a high ponytail and secure. Twist the ponytail and wrap it around the base to form a bun, tucking the ends under or securing with a second elastic.
Who Should Try: Kids in dance, gymnastics, or those wanting a secure updo that stays perfectly in place.
7. Medium Box Braids with Colorful Beads
Box braids finished with colorful plastic or wooden beads at the very ends for a playful, highly accessorized look.
How to Style: Thread beads onto a beading tool, pull the end of the braid through, and slide the beads up. Secure by folding the braided tip over the bottom bead and snapping a rubber band over it.
Who Should Try: Young kids who love hair accessories and want a playful, animated style.
8. Box Braids with Loose Curled Ends
Box braids that transition into loose, bouncy ringlet curls at the bottom rather than being braided all the way to the tips.
How to Style: Braid the hair ¾ of the way down and secure the stopping point. Wrap the loose ends tightly around perm rods and dip them in hot water to set the curl. Unroll once cool.
Who Should Try: Kids attending a special event, holiday, or graduation who want a dressed-up texture.
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9. Radiating Box Braids Tied in a Halo
Braids originate from a central point on the scalp and radiate outward, then the ends are gathered and wrapped around the head to form a circular halo.
How to Style: Part the hair radiating from the crown down to the hairline. Braid each section. Gather the ends and wrap them around the perimeter of the head like a headband, securing with pins.
Who Should Try: Kids who want a highly unique, structural updo that keeps hair entirely off the neck.
10. Playful Box Braid Pigtails
Box braids parted down the middle and gathered into two high or mid-level ponytails on either side of the head.
How to Style: Create a straight center part from the forehead to the nape. Gather the braids on the left into a ponytail and secure with a hair tie. Repeat on the right side.
Who Should Try: Young kids for a classic, cute, and energetic everyday look.
11. Half-Up Box Braid Top Knot
A half-up style where the top section of braids is twisted into a neat bun on the crown, leaving the back braids completely loose.
How to Style: Gather the braids from the crown and temples. Wrap them tightly into a bun at the top of the head and secure with a hair tie, letting the remaining back braids fall naturally.
Who Should Try: Kids who like the half-up look but want the secured front hair completely locked away.
12. Half-Up Criss-Crossed Box Braids
The front braids are pulled back and crossed over each other in a woven or checkered pattern before being pinned.
How to Style: Take individual braids from the front hairline, cross them over one another flat against the scalp, and pin them securely at the crown to hold the woven pattern.
Who Should Try: Kids looking for a creative, textured twist on the standard half-up ponytail.
13. Effortless Side-Swept Box Braids
All of the box braids are gathered and worn draped elegantly over one single shoulder.
How to Style: Simply gather all the braids and sweep them over the left or right shoulder. A hidden bobby pin at the nape can help hold the bulk of the hair to one side if it starts to slip.
Who Should Try: Older kids or pre-teens looking for a quick, mature way to wear their braids.
14. Half-Up Double Space Buns
A half-up hairstyle featuring two distinct buns tied at the top left and right corners of the head.
How to Style: Part the top half of the braids down the middle. Gather the left side into a bun and secure. Repeat on the right side. Leave the bottom half of the braids flowing down the back.
Who Should Try: Kids who want a trendy, highly energetic, and playful style.
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15. Box Braids Wrapped in Colorful Ribbons
Select box braids are accented by wrapping colorful ribbons or strings tightly around the length of the plait.
How to Style: Choose a few random braids. Tie a colorful ribbon at the root, wrap it securely down the length of the braid in a criss-cross or spiral pattern, and knot it off at the end.
Who Should Try: Kids who want to temporarily add pops of color or match their outfits/school colors.
16. Two Full High Buns with Box Braids
All of the box braids are parted down the middle and gathered into two large, symmetrical buns on top of the head.
How to Style: Part all the braids down the center from forehead to nape. Gather each side into a high ponytail, then twist and wrap into a bun, securing with sturdy hair bands.
Who Should Try: Active kids who need 100% of their hair secured symmetrically out of the way for sports or hot days.
17. Classic Center-Parted Box Braids
Box braids styled simply, falling naturally around the face with a distinct, sharp middle part.
How to Style: Gently separate the braids at the crown to create a neat, centered parting line. Let the braids fall equally on both sides of the face and shoulders.
Who Should Try: Kids with freshly installed braids who want to show off the neat parting and maximum length.
18. Triple Vertical Mohawk Buns
The braids are divided into three sections from front to back, with each section twisted into a bun down the center of the head to mimic a mohawk.
How to Style: Section the braids horizontally across the head (front, crown, and back). Gather each section into a ponytail and wrap it into a neat bun straight down the center line of the head.
Who Should Try: Bold kids looking for a fun, edgy, and unique protective updo.
19. Box Braids Styled in Bantu Knots
The braids are sectioned and rolled tightly into small, raised knots across the entire scalp.
How to Style: Take small sections of 3-4 box braids. Twist them together and wrap them tightly into a small roll/knot against the scalp. Tuck the ends under the base or use a small rubber band to secure.
Who Should Try: Kids wanting a cute, sculptural look that keeps all hair lifted off the neck.
20. Box Braids with Long Loose Ends
The hair is braided into box braids at the root and mid-shaft, but left completely loose and unbraided at the lower ends.
How to Style: Create square parts and braid the hair halfway down. Secure the stopping point with a small rubber band or a tight knot, leaving the remaining lower half of the hair loose.
Who Should Try: Kids wanting a voluminous, bohemian look that blends braids with free-flowing hair.
21. Triangle-Part Box Braids with Bright Yarn
Box braids featuring striking triangle-shaped parts, braided using brightly colored yarn instead of standard synthetic hair.
How to Style: A stylist uses a rat-tail comb to section the scalp into precise triangles. Braid the natural hair together with yarn extensions, wrapping the yarn to lock the color in.
Who Should Try: Kids wanting fun colors and visually interesting, geometric scalp partings.
22. Thin Box Braids Accentuated with Beads
Very fine, thin box braids accessorized with a cluster of beads at the tips for a lightweight, customized finish.
How to Style: Install small or micro box braids. Use a beader tool to add 3-4 beads per braid, securing the bottom with a small rubber band wrapped around the folded end of the braid.
Who Should Try: Kids with fine hair who want a highly accessorized style without heavy tension.
23. Thick Box Braids Styled into a Bob
Thick, jumbo-sized box braids cut and sealed to form a short, face-framing bob length.
How to Style: Create large, chunky square parts. Braid the hair using thick extensions and cut them evenly at chin or shoulder length. Burn or hot-water seal the ends to stop unraveling.
Who Should Try: Kids who want a stylish, shorter length that won’t get heavy or tangled during play.
24. Front Cornrows Feeding into Box Braids
The front half of the hair is braided flat against the scalp (cornrows), which then transition into loose box braids at the back of the head.
How to Style: Cornrow the front sections straight back towards the crown. Once off the scalp, continue braiding the hair down to the ends like a standard box braid.
Who Should Try: Kids needing a highly secure front section that keeps hair completely flat and away from the face.
25. High Space Buns with Pink Box Braids
Box braids styled with pink extensions, gathered entirely into two voluminous buns on the top of the head.
How to Style: Feed in pink braiding hair or yarn during installation. Part the finished braids down the center, gather each side into a high ponytail, and wrap into buns.
Who Should Try: Kids who love bright colors and want a bold, playful updo.
26. Box Braid Pigtails with Beads
Box braids tied into two side ponytails (pigtails) with decorative beads heavily accenting the loose ends.
How to Style: Part the braids down the middle and tie them into two high pigtails. Add multiple beads to the ends of the loose braids hanging from the pigtails.
Who Should Try: Kids who love playful ponytails and beaded accessories.
27. Voluminous Half-Up Half-Down Box Braids
The top braids are gathered up and secured into a pony or bun, while the back braids are left down for volume and length.
How to Style: Gather the braids above the ears. Secure them into a ponytail or loose bun at the crown, leaving the braids at the back of the head flowing freely.
Who Should Try: Kids wanting a versatile style that keeps hair off the face but shows off their length.
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29. Long Box Braids with Curly Ends
Long, neat box braids that transition into tight, polished ringlets at the very bottom.
How to Style: Braid the hair down to the desired length and secure. Wrap the remaining loose ends tightly around flexi-rods and dip them in hot water to set the curls.
Who Should Try: Kids attending formal events, parties, or pageants who need a dressed-up finish.
30. Asymmetrical Side-Swept Box Braids
The braids are parted heavily to one side, creating an asymmetrical sweep over the head with varying braid thickness.
How to Style: Create a deep, exaggerated side part during installation. Sweep the bulk of the crown braids heavily over to one side of the face.
Who Should Try: Kids looking for an edgy, stylish asymmetry.
31. Secure High Ponytail Box Braids
All box braids are swept upward and secured tightly into a single high ponytail at the crown.
How to Style: Have the child tilt their head back slightly. Gather all braids smoothly towards the crown and wrap a thick, snag-free hair tie around the base 2-3 times.
Who Should Try: Active kids doing sports, dance, or playing in hot weather.
32. Box Braids with Vibrant Color Accents
Traditional box braids mixed with brightly colored braiding extensions to create a fun, customized look.
How to Style: Feed in colored synthetic braiding hair (like pinks, purples, or blondes) alongside the natural hair during the braiding process.
Who Should Try: Kids wanting to express their personality with their favorite colors.
33. Box Braids with Creative Geometric Partings
The scalp features highly detailed, creative parting designs (like zig-zags or stars) instead of standard squares, leading into individual box braids.
How to Style: A professional stylist uses a precise parting comb and edge control gel to map out intricate shapes on the scalp before braiding each individual section.
Who Should Try: Kids who want a highly unique, artistic scalp design.
34. Box Braids Woven into a Jumbo Plait
The individual box braids are gathered and braided together into one large, thick 3-strand braid down the back.
How to Style: Gather all the box braids into a low ponytail. Separate the ponytail into three equal sections and braid them together into one massive plait, securing the end with a hair tie.
Who Should Try: Kids who want their long braids completely contained and out of the way.
35. Box Braids Gathered in a Side Ponytail
Box braids styled to sweep naturally toward one side, gathered into a low or mid-level side ponytail.
How to Style: Gather all braids tightly to the left or right side of the head, just behind the ear. Secure firmly with an elastic band or scrunchie.
Who Should Try: Kids who want a cute, retro-inspired look.
36. Edgy Box Braid Mohawk
The sides of the hair are cornrowed flat upwards, and the loose box braids are concentrated down the center of the head to mimic a mohawk.
How to Style: Cornrow the sides of the head upward towards the center. Install individual box braids down the middle strip and let them cascade back or pin them into a raised crest.
Who Should Try: Kids looking for a bold, rockstar-inspired protective style.
37. Bright Neon Orange Box Braids
Box braids installed entirely with bright, neon orange synthetic extensions for a show-stopping burst of color.
How to Style: Use neon orange braiding hair for every single braid. Keep the parts neat to contrast with the loud color.
Who Should Try: Kids wanting a highly vibrant, adventurous, and fun color change.
38. Simple Low Ponytail with Box Braids
A quick, simple style where all box braids are gathered smoothly at the nape of the neck into a low ponytail.
How to Style: Brush the braids gently backwards and gather them at the base of the neck. Secure with a colorful elastic band or scrunchie.
Who Should Try: Kids going to school or playing sports who need a fast, reliable hold.
39. Box Braids with a Heart-Shaped Parting
A creative installation where a section of the scalp is precisely parted into a heart shape, surrounded by standard box braids.
How to Style: A stylist carefully carves out a heart shape on the side of the head using a fine-tooth comb and edge control, braiding that specific section to highlight the heart shape.
Who Should Try: Kids who love cute, custom details in their protective styles.
41. High Cascading Box Braid Ponytail
Box braids secured very high on the crown so they cascade outward like a fountain over the shoulders and back.
How to Style: Gather all braids at the very highest point of the crown. Secure tightly with a thick band and fan the braids out 360 degrees around the ponytail base.
Who Should Try: Kids wanting a dramatic, voluminous updo for a party or event.
42. Box Braids Styled into a Hair Bow
A creative updo where the box braids are folded and pinned to physically resemble a large bow at the back or top of the head.
How to Style: Gather braids into a ponytail. Fold the braids into two large loops to form the sides of a bow. Take a few braids to wrap over the center to form the knot, and pin securely.
Who Should Try: Kids attending a special event, holiday party, or birthday.
43. Magical Unicorn Pastel Box Braids
Box braids featuring a mix of pastel pink, purple, and blue extensions to create a magical, unicorn-inspired color palette.
How to Style: Alternate feeding in pastel blue, pink, and purple synthetic hair during the installation process. Wear them down to show off the color mix.
Who Should Try: Kids who love unicorns and pastel, fairy-tale aesthetics.
44. Thick Box Braid Topknot Bun
Thick box braids wrapped securely into a large, prominent bun sitting squarely at the top of the head.
How to Style: Pull all the thick braids into a very high ponytail. Twist the bulk of the braids and coil them firmly around the base, tucking the ends under the bun.
Who Should Try: Kids with thick or jumbo braids who need their hair up and entirely out of the way.
45. Playful Triple Ponytails
The head is divided into three sections (typically top, left, and right), with each section tied into its own separate braided ponytail.
How to Style: Section the braids into three parts. Gather the crown section into one ponytail, then gather the lower left and lower right into two more ponytails. Secure with colorful ties.
Who Should Try: Toddlers and young kids (3-5 years old) for a super cute, childlike style.
46. Half-Up Box Braids Loaded with Beads
A half-up hairstyle where the ends of the braids are heavily decorated with colorful plastic beads and ribbons.
How to Style: Tie the top half of the braids into a ponytail. Use a beader to stack 4-5 colorful beads onto the ends of every single braid. Secure with rubber bands.
Who Should Try: Kids who love heavy accessorizing and the “clack” sound of beads.
47. Extra-Long Waist-Length Box Braids
Box braids installed very long, reaching down to the waist, styled simply and worn down.
How to Style: Use extra-long braiding extensions. Braid down past the shoulders to the waist and seal the ends with hot water to keep them from fraying.
Who Should Try: Older kids or preteens who are comfortable managing very long hair.
49. Ombre Box Braids Styled in a High Bun
Box braids that transition from a dark root to a lighter color at the ends, gathered into a high bun.
How to Style: Install pre-colored ombre braiding hair. Gather the braids into a high ponytail, twist, and wrap them into a top knot to showcase the color gradient in the bun.
Who Should Try: Kids wanting a cool, multi-toned color effect without coloring their roots.
50. Geometric Triangle-Part Box Braids
Classic box braids where the scalp partings are crisp, geometric triangles instead of traditional squares.
How to Style: A stylist carefully sections the hair using diagonal lines to create perfect triangles on the scalp before braiding each section.
Who Should Try: Kids who want to elevate the look of a standard box braid install with precise scalp details.
51. Curly Bohemian Box Braids
Box braids that feature loose, curly strands of hair left out along the length of the braids and at the ends for a soft, textured look.
How to Style: Feed in curly synthetic hair while braiding, periodically leaving a small piece of the curl out of the braid. Leave the ends unbraided and curly.
Who Should Try: Kids attending special occasions who want a softer, more voluminous texture.
52. Box Braids with Blonde Highlights
Box braids featuring striking blonde extensions mixed in with darker natural hair to create a chunky highlight effect.
How to Style: Incorporate blonde braiding hair into select sections of the head during installation to create a highlighted, multi-dimensional look.
Who Should Try: Kids looking for a bright, summery contrast in their braids.
53. Chunky Jumbo Box Braids with Rainbow Colors
Very thick, chunky box braids installed using large sections of hair and bright rainbow-colored extensions.
How to Style: Section the hair into large squares. Feed in thick bundles of rainbow-colored braiding hair to create oversized, fast-to-install jumbo braids.
Who Should Try: Kids who lack patience for long salon visits, as jumbo braids are much faster to install.
54. Quick-Install Crochet Box Braids
Pre-braided box braids installed using the crochet method, creating a full head of braids quickly and with less tension.
How to Style: Cornrow the natural hair flat against the scalp. Use a crochet needle to loop pre-made synthetic box braids through the cornrows and knot them securely.
Who Should Try: Kids with sensitive scalps or those who can’t sit still for a traditional individual braid installation.
55. Half-Braided Rainbow Box Braids
Bright rainbow-colored extensions braided close to the root but tied off halfway down, leaving the ends loose and fluffy.
How to Style: Install rainbow braiding hair using a box part. Braid down about 4 to 5 inches, secure tightly with a small elastic, and leave the remaining length completely unbraided.
Who Should Try: Young kids who want a whimsical, doll-like volume.
56. Medium Box Braids Tied Half-Up
Medium-sized box braids with subtle pops of color, pinned half-up at the crown.
How to Style: Install medium-sized braids. Take a few braids from the temples and front hairline, pull them back, and secure them with a hair tie or barrette at the back of the head.
Who Should Try: Kids needing a simple, functional everyday style to keep hair out of the eyes.
57. Bouncy Box Braids with Curled Extensions
Box braids installed with pre-curled synthetic hair, resulting in braids that have a bouncy, curly texture throughout or at the ends.
How to Style: Feed in pre-curled hair extensions. Braid the root securely, but let the pre-curled hair dictate the bouncy texture of the lower half of the style.
Who Should Try: Kids who want a fun, energetic, and highly textured braided style.
58. Colorful Ombre Box Braids
Box braids using ombre braiding hair that shifts vividly from the natural root color into bright, vibrant hues at the bottom.
How to Style: Purchase dual-tone ombre braiding hair. Feed it in at the root just like standard hair, ensuring the color gradient falls evenly across all the braids.
Who Should Try: Kids who love bright colors and want a striking, customized look.
59. Short and Sassy Box Braided Bob
Box braids cut short into a bob length, styled with a deep side part and featuring mixed colors like purple and blonde.
How to Style: Braid the hair in standard box parts. Burn or hot-water seal the ends to achieve an even, blunt bob line that hits right around the jaw or neck.
Who Should Try: Kids who want a lightweight, easy-to-manage style that won’t pull heavily on their scalp.
60. High Ponytail Box Braids with Golden Cuffs
Impeccably neat box braids gathered into a high ponytail, accessorized heavily with golden hair cuffs scattered throughout the braids.
How to Style: Gather all braids tightly into a high ponytail. Clamp golden decorative hair cuffs around random individual braids to add a metallic, jazzy vibe.
Who Should Try: Kids dressing up for a special occasion or performance.
Watch the following video about how to do box braids for your little girl
We hope these box braids for kids made you want to go out and experiment with children’s hair. No matter how complicated the hairstyles look, they can easily be achieved by a professional. Make a choice and go for it!