What kind of hair do you need for box braids?
The Xpression brand is very popular as it’s very soft and plentiful. They are usually longer in length, so even though they might be more expensive than most braiding hair packs, you can get away with using 1-2 packs for your hairstyle.
Aside from traditional braiding hair packs, you can now buy pre-stretched braiding hair that has already been picked so that your braids will come out looking more polished.
These pre-stretched hair comes in multiple bundles in one pack, which means that you only have to buy one pack of hair for your hairstyle.
How many packs of hair do you need for box braids?
Depending on the length and volume you’re going for, the number of hair packs you’ll need will vary. Please keep in mind that you might get a different look depending on the hair you choose to work with.
Xpression Hair: 4-5 packs (the more hair you use, the heavier your hairstyle will feel).
Pre-stretched braiding hair packs: 4-6 packs. These pre-stretched hair packs comes pre-picked so that your hair stylist doesn’t have to go through the extra steps of picking the hair before styling.
The advantage to these hair packs is that the ends of your braids will have a tapered look, which looks more natural and polished.
Regular Kanekalon Hair: 10 packs depending on the hairstyle you’re going for.
How long do box braids last for?
Box braids can last anywhere from eight to ten weeks. I wouldn’t recommend wearing your hair longer than ten weeks because your roots will become matted due to product build-up and it can be difficult to detangle your hair at this point.
If you leave your braids in for too long, you may end up not reaping the benefits of protective styling. So instead of gaining length, you may end up with hair loss and excessive breakage.
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Can you grow your hair with box braids?
Yes you can grow your natural hair while in box braids, as long as you maintain your hair and do not “forget” about your own hair while it’s in box braids.
To learn how to maintain your natural hair and grow your hair with box braids, ensure you keep your hair clean and moisturized.
The related posts below will discuss more about how to get the most out of your protective style, so that you don’t end up with breakage after taking down your braids.
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Are box braids a good protective hairstyle for 4c hair?
Box braids can be a good protective style for 4c hair, or any other hair texture. It all depends on how you take care of your hair while it’s in box braids.
It’s important that you prep your hair before installing box braids by washing and deep conditioning your hair prior to getting your hair done.
You should also trim your ends if you notice that you have a lot of knots and excessive breakage, otherwise, you may end up with a severe hair damage when you take down your box braids.
Can box braids damage my hair?
Box braids are meant to be a protective hairstyle, not a damaging hairstyle, which means that they shouldn’t damage your hair.
As long as the braids weren’t installed too tightly and they are not too heavy in a way that they put a lot of stress on your scalp, then you shouldn’t end up with damage.
Another thing to keep in mind is how you install the box braids. Ensure that the hairstylist do not braid your edges. She can gel it down with an edge defining gel.
Will I lose my edges if my hair is in box braids?
You should not lose your edges as long as the hairstylist does not braid your edges when braiding. She can leave out your baby hair, and use an edge control gel to slick it down.
The hairstylist should only loosely braid the mature hair along the edges, as these hair are not as strongly rooted as the hair towards the middle of your head.
50 Beautiful Box Braids Hairstyles You Can Try as Your Next Protective Hairstyle
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1. Purple Bob Box Braids
If you have short hair and do not want the excess weight and length that comes with braids, you will love this short hairstyle. It’s lightweight and faster to install/take down.
What you’ll need: Color purple of braiding hair extensions, rubber bands and braid cuff rings.
2. Shoulder Length Box Braids with Accessorized Ends
These braids were loosely braided to give this soft look. It also looks like rubber bands were used on the roots and ends.
What you’ll need: Color #1 X-pression braiding hair extensions, braid rings, and rubber bands to secure the ends from unraveling.
3. Chunky Shoulder Length Box Braids With Gold Rings
Winter or summer, this shoulder length hairstyle is ideal for a woman who doesn’t like to have too much hair brushing on her shoulders or back. The chunky partings makes it easier to take down, because you won’t have too much hair to work with.
What you’ll need: color #1 braiding hair extensions, braid rings, and rubber bands to secure the ends from unraveling.
4. Medium Length Box Braids Bob
If you don’t want to use a lot of hair, you can just buy a few packs of hair extensions and cut them up into two or three parts for this hairstyle. To secure the ends, you will need to burn the ends of the hair so that they won’t come lose.
What you’ll need: Dark brown braiding hair extensions
5. Blonde Bob Box Braids with Burnt Ends
If you want to add some layers and flair to your hairstyle, you will love these blonde box braids. They are ideal for work, school and other special events.
What you’ll need: A few packs of color #27 braiding hair extensions.
6. Soft Shoulder Length Box Braids
If you want more of a romantic and soft look, you can go with this hairstyle. Rubber bands will be needed to secure the ends from unravelling. Some accessories can be added to each braid for an elevated look.
What you’ll need: Two packs of color #1 braiding hair extensions and rubber bands.
7. Box Braids with Shaved Sides
The versatility of box braids makes them a go-to hairstyle for anyone. Whether you have a full head of hair or shaved sides, you can confidently wear this hairstyle and feel beautiful in it. You may need to visit your barber every other week for touch-ups.
What you’ll need: Two packs of color #1 braiding hair extensions.
8. Shoulder Length Goddess Box Braids
Feel like a goddess for a few weeks in this shoulder length boho box braids. This hairstyle can be styled in a variety of ways for a different look.
What you’ll need: Color #1 braiding hair extensions and ocean wave or deep wave crochet hair packs.
Related Post: 40 Bohemian Box Braids Hairstyles on Black Women
9. Shoulder Length Curly Bohemian Box Braids
If you want to give your natural hair a break for a while, you can consider wearing these Bohemian braids so that you can still maintain a curly hairstyle look.
What you’ll need: A few packs of color #1 yaki braiding hair extensions and water wave crochet hair packs.
10. Blue and Purple Shoulder Length Bohemian Box Braids
Need to add some color to your life? This electric blue and purple hairstyle will make you stand out wherever you go. If you’re an introvert and not comfortable with starting up conversations, wearing a statement hairstyle like this one will make you more approachable and help break the ice when at social gatherings.
What you’ll need: Two packs each of blue and purple braiding hair extensions along with blue and purple curly crochet hair packs.
11. Hip Length Long Box Braids with Wavy Ends
You will need special braiding hair extensions for this hairstyle if you want to get the same look. These hair extensions come in a color mix and are wavy, so you won’t need to dip them in hot water after braiding.
What you’ll need: A few bundles of wavy braiding hair extensions.
12. Long Mini Box Braids With Curly Ends
Due to the small sections of hair that this hair was parted in, you may feel the excess weight for the first few days after getting it done. But you will eventually get used to the weight as time goes by.
To curl the ends, wrap small section of the braids around perm rods and dip it in hot water for a few seconds.
What you’ll need: A few packs of color dark brown or color #30 braiding hair extensions.
IG: @hikkyshair
13. Knee Length Mini Box Braids
Want to feel like Rapunzel for a few weeks? Go ahead!
But be mindful that the length can feel very heavy, especially when it gets wet. As such, I won’t recommend wearing this hairstyle for longer than 8 weeks.
To switch things up and lighten the weight, you can cut the hair to a length that feels comfortable after a few weeks of wearing this hairstyle.
What you’ll need: A few bundles of 60″ braiding hair extensions in whatever color of your choice.
14. Ombre Blonde Box Braids
Can’t make up your mind on what hair color to use? Go with ombre and you can wear more than one hair color at a time!
What you’ll need: A few packs of color #1B/27 pre-stretched yaki braiding hair extensions.
15. Blue and Black Box Braids on a College Student
If you want a mix of professionalism and fun, you can go with this blue and black box braids.
What you’ll need: Color 1/blue ombre hair bundles.
16. Medium Length Box Braids With Blue Highlights
Create highlights with your hair by adding a contrasting color of hair extensions to your hair to create this look.
What you’ll need: A few packs of color #1 braiding hair extensions and some pieces of blue hair extensions.
17. Box Braids with Curly Ends
This hairstyle can be worn up, down or both. If you like to wear buns, it will be easy to wrap the hair due to the soft curly ends.
What you’ll need: A few packs of color #4 braiding hair extensions and some ocean wave crochet hair packs for the curly ends.
18. Traditional Box Braids with Less Hair
You can tell the hairstylist not to use too many hair packs for this hairstyle, that’s why there’s a lot of spaces between each braid. This is a great option for women who can’t stand the extra weight of hair extensions. It’s also easier to put your hair up in a bun when you don’t have too many braids.
What you’ll need: A few packs of color #1 braiding hair extensions and some ocean wave crochet hair packs for the curly ends.
19. Black and Pink Box Braids
You will need two separate hair color bundles for this hairstyle. This particular hairstyle involves adding a different hair color to the end of each braid, to create the contrast effect.
If your hairstylist doesn’t know how to feed in hair or can’t be bothered, you can just buy ombre hair packs to speed up your hairstyling session.
What you’ll need: A few packs of color #1 braiding hair extensions and any other hair color of your choice.
20. Waist Length Box Braids with Burgundy Highlights
To add a subtle color to your hairstyle, you can add a drastic hair color at the back of your hair without standing out too much.
What you’ll need: Color #1 braiding hair extensions and burgundy hair packs.
21. Waist Length Burgundy Box Braids
If you have just colored your hair and want to keep the same hair color when you get your hair braided, you can choose a hair extensions color that best matches your hair color.
What you’ll need: A few packs of 30″ pre-stretched burgundy hair extensions.
IG: @neatworkbyjuju
22. Triangle Parts Ombre Braids
Box braids got its name from the square parts of the hair which makes each section look like a box. But if you’re looking for something different, you can part your hair into triangles, diamonds or any other shape you fancy. For an added flair, add some color to your hair with ombre hair packs.
What you’ll need: A few packs of color #1/30 ombre braiding hair extensions
23. Fade Haircut with Blonde Ombre Box Braids
If you want to wear a fade haircut without cutting off all your hair, you can leave the middle section of your hair so that it’s long enough to be braided.
What you’ll need: A few packs of ombre hair extensions.
24. Knotless Box Braids with Rubber Bands
If you’re not into colorful hair extensions but still want to jazz things up a bit, you can go for this hairstyle. When you feel like keeping things a bit more professional, you can choose to remove the rubber bands.
What you’ll need: A few packs of braiding hair extensions and colorful rubber bands.
25. Traditional Box Braids with Beads and Curly Ends
Who says adults can’t wear beads? If you choose subtle colors or wooden beads, you will be able to get away with adding beads to your hair without feeling childish. The ends can be curled with small perm rods to achieve these romantic curls.
What you’ll need: Color #1b braiding hair extensions and small perm rods.
26. Blonde Knotless Box Braids with Triangle Parts
Blondes have more fun don’t they? So why not go blonde for a few weeks?
What you’ll need: A few packs of color #27 braiding hair extensions.
27. Hip Length Box Braids on Light Skinned Women
You will need long hair extensions bundles to achieve this long length.
What you’ll need: A few packs of these 52 inches hair packs.
28. Honey Blonde Box Braid
If you want a hairstyle that you can wear for a few weeks so that you can give your hair a break, you will be best served with this hairstyle. You can wear a variety of hairstyles to change things up if you want to.
What you’ll need: A few packs of color #27 long braiding hair extensions.
29. Waist Length Multi-Color Box Braids
To get the thin ends in this hairstyle, you can opt for pre-stretched hair bundles that has already been picked out. You may choose your preferred hair colors if you want to wear a different style.
What you’ll need: Color #1 pre-stretched braiding hair extensions and whatever other hair colors you choose to use.
IG: xpressivecrowns
30. Romantic Goddess Box Braids with Curly Ends
This is such a beautiful hairstyle that will look beautiful on any woman. Add some ocean wave hair to the ends of your braids to achieve this wavy hair.
What you’ll need: Color #1 braiding hair extensions and ocean wave crochet hair, for the curly ends.
31. Three Layer Knee-Length Ombre Box Braids
You may not be able to get ombre box braids hair bundles that are this long, so to replicate this hairstyle, you will need to add an extra layer of two-color ombre hair pieces towards the ends of your braids to create this triple color box braids hairstyle.
What you’ll need: A few packs of color #1 braiding hair extensions and any ombre hair bundle of your choice.
32. Box Braids With Curly Ends on Fine Natural Hair
To add extra length and flair to your braids, you will need to add an additional curly hair extensions like a deep wave crochet hair extensions.
What you’ll need: Color #1 braiding hair extensions and deep wave crochet hair.
33. Honey Blonde Box Braids
This is a beautiful hairstyle for women who wants a hairstyle that looks and feels natural. If you want another ombre hair color, you can choose a different hair color of your choice.
What you’ll need: Black and blonde ombre hair packs.
IG: @bluehairguru
34. Romantic Box Braids for Date Night
Who says the only way you can feel sexy and beautiful on a date is by wearing wigs and weaves? If you’re looking for comfort and longevity, you can wear this hairstyle to any romantic or special occasion and will immediately light up the room.
What you’ll need: Color #1 braiding hair extensions and ocean wave crochet hair for the curly ends.
35. Jumbo Parts Box Braids with Curly Ends
If you’re looking for something quick and lightweight, you will be best served with this hairstyle. Wrap the ends around perm rollers to achieve the curly ends.
What you’ll need: Color #1 Pre-stretched braiding hair.
IG: @hair_by_monique
36. Dark Brown Shoulder Length Box Braids with Curly Ends
If you want to add some color to your hair without going too bright, this dark brown hair will look good on you regardless of your skin tone.
What you’ll need: A few packs of color #30 braiding hair extensions.
37. Mixed Color Box Braids in a Ponytail
Whether summer or winter, adding color to your hairstyle will set you apart from the crowd and boost your confidence. Don’t be afraid to add a little bit of color regardless of your skin tone.
What you’ll need: Color #27 and #30 braiding hair packs.
38. Waist Length Box Braids with Pre-Stretched Hair
If you don’t want to use too many added extensions, you can ask the hair stylist to make bigger parts of your hair but use small sections of hair extensions so that you will have a lightweight hairstyle.
What you’ll need: A few packs of color #30 braiding hair extensions.
39. Box Braids on Colored Natural Hair
To create this mixed hairstyle, you can either mix burgundy and color 30 hair extensions together when braiding your hair, or alternate the hair colors when braiding so that you can even out the colors.
What you’ll need: Burgundy and color #30 hair packs.
40. Long Box Braids with Ombre Color
If you recently colored your hair and would like to blend your new growth and colored hair into your hair extensions, then using ombre hair packs will be best. Purchase a ombre hair color that matches your hair color best.
What you’ll need: Ombre hair bundles.
IG: @bluehairguru
41. Knee-Length Ginger/Auburn Box Braids
If you want a unique look, consider using this Ginger hair extension. You may need to stretch out the ends of the hair pack before installing so that you will have a more polished look.
What you’ll need: A few packs of Auburn/Ginger braiding hair extensions
42. Burgundy Medium-Sized Braids
To get the polished ends, be sure to use these pre-stretched burgundy hair bundles. To change up the texture of the hair a few weeks later, you can curl it by braiding chunks of the extensions and dip it in hot water.
43. Ginger Box Braids on Dark Skinned Women
Darker skinned women may feel that using a lighter hair color may look weird on them, when it may not be true at all. If you feel bold enough to try something new, you can start out with this ginger hair extensions.
44. Layered Feed-In Box Braids with Contrasting Colors
This hairstyle is different from the ombre box braids hairstyles recommended earlier. It simply requires feeding in another color of hair to the ends of your braids to create this contrasting look.
What you’ll need: This mixed bundle of color #1 and color #27 hair extensions.
45. Metallic Bronze Box Braids with Curly Ends
To achieve this curly look, leave part of the ends unbraided, wrap the loose ends around perm rods, dip it in water to and unravel to get this soft curly look.
What you’ll need: Auburn braiding hair extensions.
46. Medium Sized Triangle Box Braids
Not a fan of traditional box braids? Why not go for triangle braids for something different? If you want something unique without going overboard, I will recommend adding some creativity to your hairstyle.
What you’ll need: A few packs of color #1 braiding hair extensions
47. Blue Ombre Box Braids Hairstyle
This is another hairstyle that looks beautiful on a woman who likes statement hairstyles. If you want a different color besides blue, you can go ahead with any other hair color of your choice.
What you’ll need: A few packs of pre-stretched ombre braiding hair extensions of your choice.
48. Floor Length Butterfly 82 Inches Box Braids
To get this floor-length look, you will need extra long braiding hair extensions like these 82″ hair packs.
49. Honey Blonde Box Braids in a Bun
It’s typical for light skinned women to go with bright hair colors like honey blonde because it goes with their skin tone. If you’re looking for something that will match your skin complexion without going overboard, I recommend this beautiful hairstyle.
What you’ll need: A few packs of color #27 braiding hair extensions.
50. Rouge Pink Box Braids
For something unique, why not try this feminine rouge pink hair extensions? You can either braid your entire hair with it or incorporate it into a darker and traditional hairstyle for some highlights.
What you’ll need: A few packs of color #A17 rouge pink braiding hair extensions.
In Conclusion
Box braids can look beautiful on any woman with any hair length, color or texture. If you install the braids properly, maintain your hair while in braids and deep condition your hair after takedown, you will reap maximum benefits from box braids.
Feel free to experiment with hair colors, straight or curly hair bundles, beads, rubber bands and braid length.