This hairstyle can be worn in a million different ways, ranging from space buns to ponytails. Since box braids aren't attached to the scalp, you can enjoy a variety of parting and styling options. Below are easy box braids hairstyles that you can achieve in no time.
What are box braids?
Let's start with the basics. What are box braids? This braided hairstyle refers to a head full of classic three-strand braids. They are usually thin, but you can make them as big as you want—and your fingers can handle. They really get their name from how the hair is parted. Each braid is sectioned out into the shape of a box. The actual size of the box can vary, and this is what determines how fat or skinny your braids will be. Typically, box braids are done in one-inch or smaller squares. The smaller the braids, the more flexibility you have to style the hair even further.
Box braids hairstyles are associated with African-American communities. Why are box braids hairstyles so popular, aside from their aesthetic appeal? Well, apart from being a great protective styles for natural hair, it also adds volume to your hair extensions. For black people, and black women especially, braids and twists (in which the hair is twisted instead of braided) are known as protective hairstyles because they protect natural hair and don’t require daily maintenance.
What are the Types of Box Braids?
1. Classic Box Braids
Braids are separated into small squares. They are very playful and cute, with a strong representation.
2. Knotless Box Braids
These braids are a popular new trend, and they're longer than you might think. They're called feed-in braids or knotless braids, but the braiding process is the same. These lighter braids reduce friction on the scalp.
3. Goddess Box Braids
This style lends itself to a bohemian look, think of Zoe Kravitz. Goddess box braids (similar to Goddess Locs but different from Goddess Braids) are great for those who want a protective style with a little flare. They are typified by wavy or curly braided hair for a bohemian eclectic and maverick feel.
4. Crochet Braids
As the name suggests, these braids are similar to the woolen crochet you see on a sweater. A very easy and protective hairstyle with less tension with a unique way of installation.
How To Maintain The Box Braids?
1. CLEAN YOUR BRAIDS AND SCALP AT LEAST ONCE A WEEK
If you don’t know how to keep your braids clean, don’t worry, it’s really not so difficult to do as it may seem at first glance. You have to clean your hair and scalp necessarily because during the day the build-up of dirt and sweat can accumulate and clog your pores. You have to wash your braids and scalp minimum once a week with a good shampoo and your hair as well as scalp will be nicely groomed. And one more important thing here! Try not to rub your braids when you wash them. Thus, wash your hair from scalp to the ends, with the movement going in a vertical angle. This can prevent frizziness at the roots and braids. Immediately after cleaning, most stylists recommend using a hot oil treatment to hydrate your stressed scalp.
2. KEEP YOUR HAIR AND SCALP MOIST
Be ready that box braids expose your scalp and hair a lot more than usual and leave them prone to dryness. To make your life easier, you can buy a spray bottle and fill it up with your moisturizer. A braid spray is very useful and you must spritz it daily along the length of your braids and scalp to keep them moist. If water isn’t enough for your hair and scalp to satisfy the thirst, you may try natural oils like good coconut oil, almond oil, castor oil and so on. Any of these oils are very good for maintaining and soothing your scalp and hair. In addition, this can also help you keep your hair neat.
3. DRY YOUR BRAIDS BEFORE STYLING
Wet braids that aren’t properly dried can cause some really unpleasant scalp problems like fungus, dandruff or even mildew! So be careful! You should never start styling your braids until they are completely dry to avoid its damage!
4. PROTECT YOUR HAIR AT NIGHT
If you have box braids, you can’t forget to wrap your hair at night. Wrapping your braids at night will help you be sure that they don’t get frizzy and, moreover, such wrapping will prevent moisture to leave your hair and scalp. Thus, don’t forget to cover your hair to protect it whilst you sleep. Remove Your Braids after 8 – 10 Weeks Don’t leave your braids for longer than 10 weeks. An 8 – 10-week time frame does not hurt your hair and scalp, but if you decide to make this term longer, you’ll have a greater risk to damage your hair and scalp as well. When you remove one braid extensions, you need to take a break minimum one week before moving into the next set.
How Long Do Box Braids Last?
Keeping your braids frizz-free, tight, and smooth really depends on how you take care of them. Like any protective style, you should tie your braids up at night in a silk scarf. Once a week, you can swipe on a light coat of hair gel or a pomade, applying the product before you tie your scarf. This helps reset your braids and can smooth any looseness. Be careful not to apply too much product so that it doesn’t cake up on top of your braids. Depending on how you preserve them, box braids can last for anywhere from four to six weeks.