What are box braids?
In short, they’re braids that get their name from the square shape in which your hair is sectioned off. They’re most often installed with extensions and come in a range of lengths, sizes, and colors (as you’ll see ahead).
If you’re thinking of getting the style yourself, there are a couple of things Stephen thinks you should know. First, you should treat and trim your hair prior. Natural hair is often blow-dried out beforehand to make the installation process easier for your stylist, so you can have your ends cut then. Speaking of stylists, Stephen recommends that you research yours beforehand and be conscious of the sensitive parts of your scalp during the braiding process. “If you have a thin or weak hairline, then you shouldn’t put excess tension on those areas,” she warns.
Once you have your box braids in, it’s easy to forget about your actual from-the-root hair which, yes, still requires moisturizing. “Products that have penetrating ingredients like coconut oil, jojoba oil, and olive oil are great to use while wearing these styles,” says Stephen. As for when to take them down, she recommends keeping them in for two months maximum.
Now that we have the basics out of the way, we’ve rounded up some of the coolest box braids hairstyles for you to consider. Fair warning, though: It’ll be hard to choose just one. Scroll on through for our favorites.
Did you know you can shop right here, right now on Glamour? Hit theGlamour Buy Now buttons in this article to start building your cart. Once you’re ready to check out, complete your purchase without ever having to leave the article. Best part? There’s free shipping on all orders. Happy shopping!
Bob Box Braids
Box Braids With Pearls
Lob Jumbo Box Braids
Small Box Braids
Half Head of Box Braids
Medium-Size Box Braids
Mini Blonde Braids
Braided Buns
Braided Box Braids
Box Braids With an Undercut
Jumbo Blonde Box Braids
Amandla Stenberg’s extra-jumbo box braids stand out even more with varying shades of platinum blonde. Along with the dark roots, we l
Purple Box Braids
Imperfect Box Braids
Braided Beehive
Short Box Braids With Beads
We’re big fans of both the color and the style of this braided bob. We also appreciate the commitment to beads, especially on the bangs.
Braids in a High Ponytail
Box Braids With Cowrie Shells
Blue Box Braids
Box Braids With a Scarf
To ensure your braids stay intact and don’t frizz, you should sleep on a silk pillowcase or wear a silk scarf at night (or both). But as Jhené Aiko demonstrates here, the scarf doesn’t have to be relegated to the bedroom. Wear it out of the house to accessorize your look.
Bohemian Box Braids
Box Braids With Color
Space Buns
Long Box Braids
over the lived-in feel they give off.
Fishtail Box Braids
Pink Box Braids
Box Braids With Beads
Half-Up, Half-Down Box Braids
This ’90s-inspired style, complete with a scrunchie, is a nostalgic look reminiscent of our childhood years.
Sunrise Braids
Big Box Braids
Triangle Box Braids
Silver Braids
Looking to embrace your grays or simply want to channel your inner Storm from X-Men? Try out a silver hue.
Knotted Box Braids
Loose Box Braids With Curls
Medium Box Braids
Chunky Highlighted Braids
Goddess Box Braids
Box Braids Into Bantu Knots
Rainbow Box Braids
