Basic Guide to Box Braids: From Creation to Care

Whether it's wearing a twist out or braid out on natural hair or sporting wigs, protective styles are staples that help to maintain the hair’s integrity and promote hair growth. Box braids are another favorite protective option that is sleek, beautiful, and convenient, especially if you decide to go on a vacation or don't feel like getting your hair done weekly.

Below, we provide all the deets on what box braids are, how to achieve the look, and how to maintain them.

What Are Box Braids?

Box braids originated in Africa over 3,000 years ago and are a common protective hairstyle. Box braids are traditionally created by wrapping the hair tightly with extensions (not unbearable, nor too tight to the point that the style causes breakage) in a square box parting pattern around natural hair. This then helps the braids look polished.

Alongside the traditional box braids are knotless braids, which are created with the extensions braided into the natural hair without the "knot" appearance.

How Much Do Box Braids Cost?

Box braids generally cost anywhere between $200-$900. Still, the price is dependent on factors such as the length you decide to get your braids.

How to Prepare Your Hair for Box Braids

To maintain the hairstyle, it's important to properly prepare your hair so the style lasts as long as possible. Here's how you can do that:

• Wash, condition, and blow dry your hair.
• Moisturize your dried hair with a hydrating oil such as argan or olive oil.

How to Make Box Braids

Box braids are made by first parting the hair into individual boxes one at a time. After the box has been created, the section of the hair in the box is then split into three even subsections and braided down to the ends.

This process will be repeated until the entire head has been braided into individual braids. Box braids can be done on natural hair, or extensions can be added for length and fullness.

Without Extensions

1. Section the hair into fours and secure each section with a hair clip, except the section you want to start with first.
2. Begin to make a part in the section you have chosen to work in. Make a vertical part first, than a horizontal part next to make your box.
3. Take the hair inside the box and split the hair into three subsections.

4. Begin to braid the hair all the way down, keeping a firm grip on the braid until you reach the hair ends.

5. Repeat this process on the entire head until the set of box braids has been completed.

6. Spray the scalp and braids with an oil sheen.

With Extensions

1. Section the hair into fours and secure each section with a hair clip, except the section you want to start with first.
2. Begin to make a part in the section you have chosen to work in. Make a vertical part first, than a horizontal part next to make your box.
3. Prepare the braiding hair you will be adding to your box braid from the package by separating several pieces out at a time.
4. Grab one of your separated pieces of braiding hair and hold it from the middle, so it looks like an upside down U.
5. Proceed to wrap the extension around the hair inside the box to create a base for the braid.
6. Blend both the real hair and fake hair out with the fingers. Separate the hair into three even subsections.
7. Begin to braid the hair all the way down, keeping a firm grip on the braid until you reach the hair ends.
8. Take a strand of hair and wrap it around the hair and make a small knot to secure the braid.
9. Repeat this process on the entire head until the set of box braids has been completed.
10. To take away the stiffness of the braids and to seal the ends, dip them in boiling hot water. Be sure there is a towel draped around the body to prevent the hot water from dripping on the shoulders and back.
11. (Optional) Step - If curls are desired, wrap the braids in sponge rollers first, and then dip them in hot water.
12. Towel dry hair and spray with an oil sheen.

Box Braid Sizes

Box braids are very versatile and range in the following sizes. Your might choose a different size depending on the style and look you're going for. 

Small Box Braids

Small braids are also considered micro braids because they're tiny plaits.

Medium Box Braids

Medium braids are the go-to size for most, as they’re about the same width as a pen.

Large Box Braids

Jumbo braids are large, chunky, and thick and make a bold statement. They’re about the same width as a king-size Sharpie.

Tips on Aftercare for Box Braids

Moisturizing and washing your braids are all a part of the necessary TLC to keep your braids feeling and looking fresh. Although your hair isn't loose as it's in a protective style, you still need to moisturize it and shampoo to prevent buildup.

Once a week, wash your braids, starting with your scalp first and then gently running your hands across your braids in a downward motion. Avoid hard scrubbing on your hair as you shampoo as that can ruin your braids. For cleansing, use a gentle yet hydrating shampoo such as the Carol’s Daughter Wash Day Delight Love at First Foam ($11).

Use a light, moisturizing oil, such as the Ors Olive Oil Exotic Scalp Oil ($7) to follow up.  

Keep Hair Healthy and Beautiful With Box Braids 

Box braids are a popular, versatile style, with the added benefit of helping protect your hair and keep it healthy. Armed with these tips, you can try box braid and keep them looking gorgeous week after week.