When it comes to protective styles, box braids remain a timeless option for many of us seeking a way to refresh our appearance without sacrificing hair health. They are adaptable and fashionable, providing an incredibly convenient method to allow your hair a respite from daily styling and manipulation. Looking for some inspiration? I’ve got you sorted! Keep scrolling to view pictures of the most beautiful box braids for black women, along with some useful tips and tricks to ensure your new braids always look fabulous.
What Are Box Braids?
Box braids serve as an excellent protective style for African-American women. They’re partitioned into small sections, or “boxes.” Each section is braided with an extension of hair, typically synthetic. Moreover, they can last for weeks and are simple to maintain. So, if you’re in search of a chic, low-maintenance look, box braids might be just right!
Are Box Braids Bad for Your Hair?
If you’re contemplating box braids styles, it’s essential to keep hair health in focus. While they look gorgeous, improperly installed box braids can create tension on your hair and scalp. Opting for natural hair extensions is also crucial, as synthetic extensions can cause dryness and harm your hair. To maintain hair health while donning box braids, moisturize your scalp, safeguard the ends of your hair, and avoid leaving them in for longer than 8-10 weeks. Washing your box braids every two to three weeks is also recommended. For optimal results, it’s advisable to have a professional braider or stylist install them. With the proper care and attention, box braids can provide a stunning way to showcase your hair.
Check out these images of the best methods for achieving box braids for women!
#1: Elegant Box Braids for a Long Bob Haircut
Are you seeking a chic variation on a traditional hairstyle? Consider trying elegant box braids on a long bob haircut. This fashionable look merges the sophistication of a bob with the adaptability of braids. The braids introduce texture and volume to the smooth bob, resulting in a stunning and attention-grabbing style. Whether your hair is naturally curly or straight, box braids on a long bob can be a fantastic option for any black woman aiming to refresh her appearance. Infuse some uniqueness by playing around with various colors or braid sizes to genuinely personalize the look.
#2: Stylish Chunky Braids Enhanced with Ribbon Details
The stylish braids featuring ribbon details and cuffs create an unexpected statement! It’s one of the finest protective styles for oval, heart, and diamond face shapes. Consult your braider for a custom-tailored arrangement of jumbo twists to introduce subtle dimension. Additionally, consider exploring various hair strings and accessories for extra flair.
#3: Waist-Length Box Braids in a Rich Dark Brown Shade
A simple yet stylish braid option is long bohemian knotless braids with color. Color combinations like 30, 27, and 613 will infuse warmth into your look due to their inviting tones. Request your braider to incorporate human hair waves throughout for added movement in your braid tresses. Keep in mind, human hair is the best choice for bohemian styles. This is because synthetic wavy hair cannot handle heat or styling products. As a result, achieving your desired look becomes difficult sooner rather than later.
#4: Extended Box Braids
Extended box braids are a perfect option for taller women. It is advisable to have your stylist taper the ends nicely so they can be easily styled into buns and ponytails. Keep in mind that with longer braids, you might appear shorter. Thus, tall women paired with long braids create an effortlessly stunning appearance.
#5: Medium-Length Box Braids
People can benefit from medium-length box braids if they want a stylish and protective hairstyle. The look is not only charming and easy to maintain but also endures well between salon appointments.
#6: Stylish Box Braids with Rings and Cuffs
Chic braids adorned with rings and cuffs will always appeal to the youthful and artistic woman. You have endless options in styling choices with your box braids. Incorporate cuffs, rings, hair string, beads, or other accessories. While traditional braids can often be done at home, I recommend seeking a professional braider. Especially if neatness is a quality at the top of your list. This way, your natural hair is tucked, parts are crisper, and the style endures longer.
#7: Crochet Box Braids Styles
Explore crochet box braids for a fresh and distinctive appearance. This hairstyle is ideal for adding texture and depth to your locks. Plus, there’s no need to commit to permanent extensions. To achieve these braided styles, request your braider to utilize a crochet hook when forming the plaits with synthetic or natural hair. Make sure to convey exactly which braid pattern you prefer. Inform your braider about the size of each braid as well. This will help ensure that you achieve your desired look!
#8: Compact Box Braids
Compact box braids are ideal for individuals who prefer quick installations. While styling options may be minimal, you can still enjoy experimenting with color combinations and decorative hair accessories. For this style, it’s important that your stylist uses synthetic Kanekalon hair, provided it’s not flame resistant. This ensures the ends can be sealed with heat and shaped as desired.
#9: Box Braids with Ombre in Mid-Length
Mid-length box braids featuring an ombre shade are an excellent choice. They suit those who enjoy experimenting with different color combinations. To maintain the look of your braids, it’s essential to clean them carefully without excessive washing. Additionally, make sure they dry properly after getting wet.
#10: Beautiful Box Braids with Teal Accents
Looking to add some flair to your box braids? Consider rocking braids with teal accents for a vibrant and distinctive appearance. To elevate the style, ask for the ends of your braids to be loose and curled with human hair for a bohemian vibe. This style works best for black women who want to add some depth to their hair and stand out from the crowd. Remember to be mindful of the health of your natural hair. Take out your braids after 6 to 8 weeks to prevent any damage. Be sure to deep condition your hair before and after getting the braids. This will help to keep your strands healthy and resilient.
#11: Box Braids Updo
This box braids hairstyle offers a flexible and easy option that can be styled up for a sophisticated updo, or you can choose to leave it flowing down for a fun and relaxed appearance. My preferred look is to twist the top into a bun while leaving the back to cascade down, merging both styles, but the possibilities are vast with box braids. What I love most about it is that it serves as an excellent protective style for natural hair. It can last up to 3 months and is incredibly adaptable.
#12: Vibrant Blonde Box Braids
Vibrant blonde box braids are striking and represent a classic braid style. Rooted in history, box braids have long been a staple braid choice for black women. Even with naturally dark hair, a skilled braider can expertly tuck your hair beneath the braided hair to showcase the blonde. One of the most effective ways to care for box braids is by gently washing them with soap and water while keeping your scalp well-hydrated.
#13: Elegant Golden Braids Styled with a High Bun
Explore golden long braids paired with a high bun for a chic look featuring knotless braids. Knotless styling offers a range of versatile options, allowing you to experiment with countless styles. Request your braider to tuck your natural hair during the installation process. Tucking will help maintain the style for a few months.
#14: Chic A-line Bob Box Braids
Explore the chic A-line bob box braids look. It offers a trendy style with minimal at-home upkeep. This option is ideal for women who are always on the move and prefer their hair neatly styled. Tailored for those with short hair, ideally no longer than about 4 inches. Despite the fact that the braids are shorter, there is still plenty of room for playful color combinations and hair accessories.
#15: Stylish Mid-Length Box Braids with Accessories
If you’re sporting a shaved side or have a lot of hair, stylish mid-length box braids will always be a reliable choice. When wearing individuals, you can style your hair in various ways. Plus, you can maintain them for up to 8 weeks. Don’t forget to shampoo your box braids from time to time to prevent product buildup.
#16: Striking Braids with Touches of Pink
Here’s an adventurous yet understated choice for protective styles. Think about striking box braids with touches of pink for a delightful pop of color. If you’re looking to inject some flair, ask your braider to alter the color of a select few box braids in the back, side, or even right at the front. Since it’s just a handful of braids, you can easily switch the color to align with the rest of your braids when you’re ready.
#17: Stylish Boxed Fishtail Braid
Even with your detailed box braids, gathering them into a single large braid is a simple method to manage the hair effortlessly.
#18: Chic Box Braids with Tendril Curls
Discover the latest trend featuring box braids adorned with tendril curls. The distinctive slender curl at the ends mirrors a Shirley Temple curl with its playful twirl. Achieving these curls can be done easily using straw or flex rods. Take care not to overlap the ends while wrapping, as this will create a slightly different curl pattern.
#19: Elegant Long Box Braids
For a straightforward approach to a protective style, think about opting for elegant long box braids. Ladies can value the ease of tidy box parting and braids uniform in size. For thicker braids, request your braider to incorporate additional braid hair for a more voluminous look.
#20: Stylish Bob with Box Braids and Silver Cuffs
A sleek bob hairstyle featuring box braids and silver cuffs is a fantastic way to embrace your inner goddess. This stunning, elegant bob hairstyle gained popularity among numerous major celebrities in the 90s and y2k era.
#21: Rich Chocolate Box Braids
A classic protective style for black women will always be rich chocolate box braids. Plaited at the base with precise square partings, this look can be done in the salon or at home. But only by those who know how to do 3 strand braids consistently. Box braiding styles have a wide range of versatility, so it’s not always the same look. Try ombre color combos to add some extra styling without switching up the technique.
#22: Burgundy Box Braid Styles
Burgundy box braid styles offer a trendy approach to both protect and style your hair. These Rihanna-inspired red box braids are ideal for the summer season (and beyond!)
#23: Janet Jackson’s Inspired Poetic Justice Braids
Even before the 1993 film, black women embraced this adorable Poetic Justice braids style. Celebrate the iconic classic with a timeless box braid look.
#24: Compact Box Braids
These compact box braids are trendy and easy to maintain. One thing I like about this look is that it’s adaptable. This style is ideal for a woman with various personas, especially with added hair extensions. To preserve this look, it’s advisable to use a silk or satin scarf over the hair while sleeping to ensure the style stays tidy over time.
#25: Black Box Braids with Curly Tips
A trendy and adaptable protective style to sport at any time and for all ages are black box braids with curly tips. The braids are individual-like locks. They can be pulled up, down, and styled into many creative designs. One of the best features is the ability to manipulate the tips because of the type of braid hair used. For curly tips, you can braid the ends together and dip them in boiling water. If you want them straight again or change the curl pattern, re-dip them in hot water.
#26: Elegant Half Up, Half Down Box Braids
An exquisite way to style your hair is in a half-up half-down look. Enjoy creatively twisting your braids into a top bun or utilize a sock to fashion the popular chignon bun. This option with these types of box braids aids in balancing weight. Depending on the length or heaviness of the braids, lifting some of them helps alleviate some of the weight without feeling top-heavy.
#27: Beautiful Purple Box Braids
Have some fun with color and wear beautiful purple box braids. Box braid styles for women are notorious for being a simple “go-to” protective style. It’s because of their versatility and low maintenance. When the braids are installed, the key to getting color to pop is the tuck method. Ask for your natural hair to be tucked under the colored braid hair. That way, the color stands out and keeps your hair protected underneath.
#28: Chic Box Braids Styled with Two Buns
Elevate your knotless box braids with this stylish twist, showcasing two buns and natural curly ends. This hairstyle is ideal for black girls looking for a playful yet practical option that can be easily dressed up or down. For optimal results, begin with clean, well-moisturized hair prior to braiding. Be mindful of the duration your braids are left in to avoid potential damage. To personalize your braids, consider adding a variety of hair accessories, or experimenting with different braid sizes.
#29: Elegant Gypsy Braids with Baby Hairs
Explore these beautiful gypsy braids adorned with baby hairs, tailored thoughtfully for the Gen Z aesthetic. The style showcases more curls than traditional braids, setting apart bohemian flair from gypsy elegance. The baby hairs smoothed down along the hairline can be styled to be as wavy, thick, and lengthy as you desire. Imagine these looks as a creative expression with your small tooth comb and baby brush.
#30: Stylish Bohemian Box Braids
A trendy protective hairstyle favored by young black women is the Bohemian box braid look. They feature fluid, voluminous curls and dynamic movement. These box braids artfully blend loose curls with individual braids. I recommend using 100% human hair for the curls to ensure durability. Manage maintenance with products and heat as necessary.
#31: Medium to Large Box Braids Styles
Medium to large box braids can be identified by the size of your individual braids or the dimensions of the plaited sections. While box braids offer a practical hairdo, the weight can often influence your styling options. For a more lightweight appearance, consult your braider about larger parts paired with smaller braids. This allows you to effortlessly gather your hair into a ponytail or bun without feeling top-heavy.
#32: Side-Swept Amethyst Box Braids
Embrace this vibrant hue in the side-swept amethyst box braids. A timeless braid design, these individuals feature a knot at the base and clean cut ends. Ultimately, it ensures your style lasts longer. To maintain their neatness, wear a bonnet at night and protect them from steam and moisture.
#33: Elegant Long Box Braids
If you’re looking for a protective style that’s airy, consider long spring twists for added bounce. Installed with pre-curled crochet hair, the look can be achieved by your stylist or at home if you have the time. Since the hair is already twisted and curled, your two-strand twists can endure for several weeks. Remember that this specific hair is synthetic. Therefore, avoid using heat and heavy products, applying only a light shine spray occasionally.
#34: Braided Styles for Longer Tresses
Box braids for longer tresses are a classic braid option that appeals to all generations. Due to the knot at the base potentially adding some weight over time, these styles are excellent box braids for black girls with vibrant and thick roots. You’ve noticed the trend towards knotless box braids in recent years. However, the knot at the base offers durability and protection if you’re seeking a long-lasting braided look.
#35: Braided Styles with Cuffs and Strings
Looking to enhance your box braids with a distinctive flair? Try accessorizing with cuffs and strings! This fashionable hairstyle integrates small cuffs and strings into your braids, providing a playful and chic twist. By incorporating these accents, you can elevate your box braids, making them truly unique. This braiding technique is suitable for all hair types and lengths, allowing for experimentation with various styles and designs. So, if you’re aiming to infuse some character into your braids, consider adding cuffs and strings for a vibrant and striking hairstyle.
#36: Stylish Medium to Large Box Braids
I’ve discovered that medium to large box braids serve as an excellent option for achieving a chic and enduring appearance. They offer flattering coverage while allowing you to express your style prominently. These braids can be the ideal choice when you’re looking for a protective hairstyle that endures for weeks. As a seasoned hairstylist, my advice is to utilize smaller sections of hair when crafting this look, as it will assist in achieving neatness and uniformity throughout.
#37: Gradient Box Braids
Gradient box braids are ideal for black women seeking a touch of flair to elevate their standard braids. Fortunately, there’s an increasing variety of gradient color combinations available for braids. For warm skin tones, the gradient blend with 4/613 roots transitioning into solid 613 ends is guaranteed to capture attention. It’s a muted yet delicate blend on black women with warm brown skin tones. Note that the synthetic hair can be submerged in boiling water for either straight or curly ends. This provides you with options for altering your style.
#38: Two-Toned Senegalese Twists
The ideal soft vacation hairstyle for black women is two-toned Senegalese twists. This look is versatile and represents one of the softer yet precise techniques in braiding. It complements a variety of color combinations beautifully. Ask your braider for a 3 strand braid at the base before twisting. This creates a stronger and more stable foundation to ensure longevity compared to starting with a 2 strand twist. Senegalese twists aren’t the simplest technique. Therefore, be sure to consult an experienced braider if you’re looking for consistency in the braids.
#39: Chic Box Braids Adorned with Strings and Charms
Elevate your hairstyle with chic box braids embellished with strings and charms! This Hawaiian style look is ideal for those carefree days spent at the beach or poolside.
#40: Asymmetrical Box Braid Bob in Grey
For the elegant black woman who appreciates a polished set of braids, consider a grey asymmetrical box braid bob. This style is easy to maintain, lightweight, and has a longevity of up to 8 weeks. Bobs represent stylish box braid hairstyles. This is due to their ability to inject a touch of elegance into your hair repertoire. And you can still enjoy a protective style for your natural hair.
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