Box braids are a protective hairstyle that gets its name from the box shape around the braid. You part out a section of hair to create a braid. Depending on how you choose to install the box braids, you will attach the hair and start braiding down to the end.
This hairstyle comes with many different designs and unique looks. This article will look at the different box braid types and styles.
Different Types of Box Braids
As mentioned previously, box braids don’t come in one style alone, but rather there’s a plethora of styles that one can choose from to suit your fashion sense. Below are the different types of box braids, each bringing a little flair to what we know as box braids.
Crochet Braids
The fastest and most convenient way to do a box braid hairstyle is through the crochet braid method. Box braids get made from both synthetic and human hair. The finished product is luxurious, and the braids are gentle on your natural hair.
This style comes in all hair colors and lengths. To install crochet braids, you have to begin with a single cornrow or box braid base and install more braids throughout your head gradually with the help of a crochet hook tool. This is the perfect hairstyle for people who like to DIY.
Knotless Box Braids
Knotless box braids are a technique that gradually adds braiding hair into a person’s natural hair. You must have long enough natural hair to create a box braid base. The stylist will then start with braiding the natural hair as they gradually add more braiding to complete the hairstyle.
Box Braided Bob
To create this look, get medium-sized box braids that are earlobe to shoulder length and part them in the center.
Box Braids With Color
Colored box braids can be married with any style that you choose. You can even choose vibrant colors that will be eye-popping even in the dimmest of lighting. You can choose colors such as ombre, blue, red, and blonde box braids to give your hair a great look that will last the whole summer.
Box Braids of Various Lengths
Most box braids styles can get done in different lengths, sizes, and thicknesses. Sizes range from micro and tiny to jumbo and even chunky. The length options include small box braids, short box braids, long box braids, and jumbo box braids.
Box Braid Hairstyles
The below box braids hairstyles are a must-try, so what are you waiting for?
1. Purple Braids
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These braids are a balance between thick and thin, the perfect style if you can’t decide on thickness. Liven up your hair with a fun pop of color like light purple.
2. Blonde Box Braids
Sure, you could try a weave or a wig to get the beautiful blonde hair color you want or you could wear blonde braids for a more romantic, glam feel.
3. Thin Knotless Braids
To avoid a bumpy look at the scalp, try knotless box braids. They last four to six weeks, and there is less of a tugging feeling, so there is no headache from this amazing style.
4. Side-Swept Blonde Microbraids
Another glam look to try is these microbraids. Started at a side part, this style will add dimension and give you a beautiful edge in what might otherwise be a plain hairstyle.
5. Blue Half-Up Braided Space Buns
Determined to find a hairstyle that will turn heads? Combine layered long box braids with a medium shade of blue and gather them into two space buns for a look no one else will have.
6. Rounded Box-Braid Bun with a Diagonal Wrap
When you’re ready to switch up your braids from wearing them down over your shoulders, gather them into a high rounded jumbo bun for a sophisticated style perfect for work.
7. Long Brown Braids in a Half-Up Bun
Long braids will come to the waist, maybe longer. They’re stunning left down or gathered up high in a ponytail, or you can try this half updo bun.
8. Individual Braids with Curly Ends
When you’re growing out your natural hair, don’t sacrifice its texture. You can sport individual braids on a medium hairstyle but maintain curls by only letting the braids come to an inch from the ends or by mixing the style up with half curly and half braids.
9. Loose Box-Braid Bob
Whether your natural hair is long or short, you can always find a way to turn the odds in your favor and look as incredible as ever! So you can either try out braids like box braids or modern accessories like headbands or hats to bring out the best you.
10. Microbraids with Long Loose Waves
Get the best of both braids and loose hair by having your stylist or a friend braid the hair from the scalp to about three or four inches down. Leave the rest of the hair loose for a thick, gorgeous look.
11. Medium Box Braids
Dark box braids with just a hint of burgundy at the ends dress up this long hairstyle. For thick hair, medium box braids are a good option to keep hair looking full while containing bulk.
12. Knotless Box Braids
Instead of tying in box braids by starting a knot at the scalp, these knotless ones are attached starting with your own hair and gradually feeding in the braids. A colorful style like this is easy and great for when you already have a lot of natural hair growth.
13. Bohemian Box Braids
Get the beautiful boho look by mixing long box braids with loose curly hair. Caramel and blonde hair color is stunning against dark skin. Worn down or up, the loose waves will stand out against your braids making for an overall soft look.
14. Triangle Box Braids
A pop of style sneaks up on you when you look at the top of these triangle box braids. A triangular shape is very fresh as is the beautiful turquoise color that glosses over braids as an ombre.
15. Red Box Braids
Dark and light red pair with black box braids beautifully. A bunch of tiny braids cascade over this model’s shoulders. If you’re dyeing to have long hair, you need these long braids.
16. Rainbow Box Braids
Here’s a look that will turn heads: the colors of the rainbow gracing your long medium box braids. If lime green is too much for you, just add a bit more purple or pink! Worn down or up, the color play does all the talking.
17. Gray Box Braids
Gray is a great hair color choice for older women looking to embrace their graying hair or just do something different with their hairstyle, but it also looks gorgeous against dark skin. Wear it up in a ponytail half updo and pair with your favorite formal clothes for a super pretty look.
18. Box Braids with Beads
A layered box braided hairstyle with bangs is the best way to show off beaded accessories. Stack a couple on the ends of each layer and at the bangs in a contrasting color for a unique look everyone will envy you for.
19. Jumbo Box Braids
Want to skip the hassle of sitting for six hours in the chair? Jumbo box braids are much quicker for your stylist to braid in. Add in blonde highlights for a beautiful mix of dark and light color.
20. Micro Box Braids
Micro box braids are much tinier than the traditional width of box braids. If you have thick hair, micro braids will make it easier to maintain while for thin hair, they will make your mane look fuller.
21. Pink and Peach Box Braids
During the summer months, help your little girl enjoy herself by treating her to her own box braids. Pick out bright colors, such as orange and pink, for summer vibes and a low-maintenance look she can rock for at least a month.
22. Box Braids with a Fade
Display your edgy-feminine side by mixing a fade with box braids. On an oval face, a bun updo accentuates angles and the bold blue and purple colors keep the hairstyle fresh.
23. Box Braids with Dreads
Rock a boho style by mixing box braids and dreads. Another style best for women with thick hair, the box braids will contain bulkiness and last for at least four weeks. Keep your style smelling great with leave-in conditioners.
24. High Braided Updo with a Knotted Scarf
Wrap your box braids up with a colorful piece of fabric. This is a traditional hairstyle and will take you back to your African roots.
25. Half-Up Box Braids with a Side Crown
Twist and plait your braids across the front of your head to create an off-center crown of hair. You can leave the rest of your hair down or pin it up.
26. Box-Braid Bun with Curved Shaved Lines
Keep your box braids long in the middle, but shave the sides of your head for a striking look. Keep it plain shaven or shave a pattern into your hair.
27. Large Braid with a Wrapped Front
Take a large section of hair from one side and sweep it around your head like a bandana. Hold the bandana section in place by styling it into a chunky braid at the rear center of your head.
28. Knotted Chignon
This beautiful take on the classic chignon looks really good with thick box braids. Sweep over the top section of your hair to give the style a contemporary look.
29. Plait Crown
Separate the front section of your hair from the back section. Leave the back section of your hair down. Use the front section of your hair to make a plaited crown that follows the natural curves of your head.
30. Space Buns with Pigtails
Separate your hair into two sections and bring each section up onto the very top of your head in a bun style. Rather than using all of your hair to create thick buns, let some of your hair flow down instead.
31. High Side-Swept Box-Braid Ponytail
This hairstyle is super simple but it looks great. Bring your hair up into a top ponytail, and then allow your hair to fall freely over to one side of your head.
32. Bob with Side Bangs
Box braids do not have to go all the way down to the floor. A bob is a classic hairstyle which is low maintenance but also the height of fashion. Mix it up a little bit with side bangs.
33. Jacob’s Ladder
Keep most of your hair flowing freely but take three strands from each side. Pull individual strands around from each side and pin them together in the middle. Allow them to waterfall at the back.
34. Center-Parted Box Braids
A lot of styles look great with slightly chunkier braids. Try a half up and half down hairstyle if you are looking for a style which is suitable for work and for every day.
35. Dread Effect
Some rough braids look like dreadlocks. Keep these braids as fine as possible for a rough but delicate look.
36. Rounded Chin-Length Box-Braid Bob
Box braids look perfect as a cute bob. This style is short but very sweet.
37. Half-Up Half-Down Box Braids
Separate your hair into a top and bottom section. Draw the top section together and pin it up at the back of your head. Leave the bottom section of your hair down and flowing freely.
38. Side-Swept Box Braids with a Shaved Side
To give yourself an edgy look, sweep all of your hair over to one side of your head. This style looks particularly edgy if the underneath of your hair is shaven.
39. Shoulder-Length Braids with Silver Crimped Ends
Unplait your box braids to get amazing crimps. After being held in such tight plaits for a long time, your hair will frizz out and give you a fantastic looking crimped mane.
40. Box-Braided Mohawk
This androgynous style looks fantastic and is great for any occasion where you need to impress. It is the perfect option for those who want something that is masculine yet soft.
If you know all of the options available, you can surely find a box braid style that suits you best. There are many creative ways to make it your own, and some box braids types are suitable for certain hair textures over others.
How to Care for Box Braids
Here are some tips for those who are new to box braids and want to know how to take care of their hair once the braids get installed. Aside from the cost of the braids and the amount of time it takes to get them done, you don’t want to damage your hair while it’s braided!
Don’t Wear the Braids Too Long
It’s best to wear your braids for four to six weeks, and you should not exceed eight weeks. This is because you want to make sure that you can give your hair a break in between the styles.
Too much tension can cause hair breakage, and the six-week mark is around the time when you may want to give your natural hair a deep conditioning treatment and a good wash. You should also get your ends trimmed when you finish with the braids if they look like they need it.
Don’t Get Your Box Braids Too Long
Getting your box braids longer than your waist is just asking for hair damage! This is especially true if you like to wear braids for long. They take longer to dry when you wash them, they usually feel heavy, and they tend to get snagged or caught in things like doors a lot.
Gravity naturally pulls the braids down, and the more length you have, the more chance they have to tug at your roots, causing hair loss on sensitive areas of your scalp like your nape and hairline.
Don’t Wash Your Box Braided Hair Too Often
Thankfully, not only are box braids cute, but they are also very low maintenance! You don’t have to wash your hair daily. You will get a feel for how often you need to wash your hair based on how itchy your scalp is or if you notice buildup at the roots from using different oils and gels to keep your scalp moisturized while braided.
All it takes is a little research to figure out what works best. Otherwise, have fun with it, and remember to maintain your hair properly while it’s braided. Box braids are good for transitioning from relaxers to natural hair, for keeping your hair protected while you let it grow, and just for low-maintenance styling options.
