Let’s look at box braids for beginners. This go-to style, just like its pther cousi “knotless braids” is a protective hairstyle for the majority of black women. Easy to do, maintain and it creates an effortless look for any black queen.
There are different kinds of box braids. From tribal, Fulani, stitch, knotless, sew-in, and lemonade, among others.
We’ll start with the basics, which are much easier for beginners. So stay tuned as we dive into a step-by-step guide on box braid for beginners. We’ll also recommend 30 box braid styles you can try today.
Also read: 30 Dazzling Blonde Knotless Braids To Try Now!
Box Braids for Beginners: A Step-by-Step Tutorial
Before getting into the braiding, you must wash your natural hair with shampoo and conditioner. Then, after you blow it dry, you can choose to straighten it out for the braiding to be easier. However, straightening is not always recommended, as consistent use damages your hair.
Step 1– Divide Your Hair
Start by parting your hair into sections with a rattail comb. You can create four bigger sections and then create smaller sections from the bigger ones to make it easier.
The size of the parting will depend on the style you want, whether jumbo, micro, or medium.
You can use small hair bands to keep the sections in place. Most stylists also use gel to keep sections in control before braiding. This is called edge control.
Step 2–Braiding with Hair Extension
When using extensions, pick a proportionate hair extension and place it at the top of the sectioned hair.
Once you have your hair section, divide it into three strands. Wrap the strand around your hair to create a knot. Let’s call this strand A. Pick strand B and crisscross with strand C. Then crisscross strand C with A, then B with C.
Step 3- Repeat Step 3
Continue braiding until you reach your desired length or the end of the braiding hair. Step 4— Repeat Steps 2 and 3
Repeat until you’re done with all the sections.
Step 5– Trim the Braid
Once you’re done with all the braids, use scissors to trim the edges of the braid one after the other.
Step 6– Do Hot Water Setting
- If you’re using synthetic braiding hair, you’ll need to do a hot-water set to relax the box braids. To do this, boil water and transfer it to a vertical container.
- Make sure you have a big towel wrapped around your neck or shoulder. Keep a second towel around.
- While sitting, bend your neck backwards as the hairstylist deepens the braids in hot water. You’ll have to adjust your head in various directions to make sure the braids soak in hot water.
- Be careful not to sprinkle the hot water on you. Take the braids out of the water and pat them with the other towel.
- Deep the towel in the hot water, squeeze it, and pat it on the root of the braids where the water couldn’t touch it.
Step 7– Styling It
Since box braid hurts the scalp the first day after braiding, it’s not advisable to style it just yet. This is because styling it will stress your scalp. However, if you feel less pain, probably because your stylist didn’t hold the root tight, you’re good to go.
You can hold a ponytail or a high bun. Don’t worry about the wet braids. It’ll sun-dry.
Step 8–Using Edge Control and Mousse
After styling, you can use some edge control on the edges and spread a hair mousse to keep the frizz in check. This shines on the braids and keeps them fresh. Also, add some hair spray to give your hair a lovely smell.
Below is a step-by-step YouTube box braid tutorial for beginners by Braids by TyTi.
Tips for Braiding Box Braids
- Try not to braid tightly. This can cause severe headaches and damage to your hair and scalp.
- Cover your hair with a hair bonnet or scarf when going to bed. This keeps your hair clean and helps it last longer.
- Avoid using the pool as the water could make your braids smell; however, you can wash the braids after 3 weeks.
- Don’t keep box braids for long. A maximum of 6 weeks is okay, with a minimum of 4 weeks
30 Must-Try Box Braids Styles
Below are some braid styles you may want to try.
1. Shoulder Length Box Braids with Boho Curls
What makes this style stand out is the bohemian curls and Bob style. This style will give you the elegance you so desire.
2. Long Bob Box Braids
The bob box braids are normally shorter. However, you can go for the longer one as seen below.
3. Hip Length Box Braids
We love it when ladies add accessories and beads to their braids. It makes it more catchy and gorgeous.
4. Goddess Braids
If you’re looking for a goddess-box braids appearance, you should give this style a try. It gives off a vibe of elegance and beauty.
5. Red Coloured Box Braids
This reddish box braid projects boldness and drama through your braids.
6. Rainbow Colored Box Braids
This hairstyle is a great way to express your box braid style, as it allows you to mix and match different colours. It incorporates a variety of colours, such as red and orange, yellow and green, blue and indigo, and violet. They are a great way to make a statement in the fashion world and show off a fun and vibrant style.
7. Box Braids for Men
Well, it turns out braids aren’t for women only. Braiding among men has become so popular these days. This particular style here is easy to braid and will look great on you.
8. Large Box Braids
Braids naturally take a long time to install. If you’re a busy person yet want to slay, you should try this look.
9. Jumbo Box Braids
This style gives you a unique and elegant look. It’s a go-to hairstyle for those who want a bold and eye-catching look.
10. Medium Box Braids with Beads
Box braids come in many sizes, micro, small, large, and jumbo. Deciding which style to go for depends on your time or availability, hair extensions, and others.
11. Long Box Braids for Men
Men can wear box braids too, especially long styles. With long hair braided with an undercut, you’ll have the ladies swooning over you.
12. Gypsy Braids
Gipsy braids are also known as bohemian braids or boho braids. A gipsy braided hairstyle is characterized by loose, unstructured, free-spirited, and eclectic hair. Gipsy braids often feature different textures and weaving patterns, like this style.
13. Regular Jumbo Box Braids
Beaded braids are a great way to add a touch of style to your medium box braids. Not only do they add a decorative touch to your braids, but they also allow you to customize them to your liking.
14. Box Braids with Bangs
Box braids with bangs are one of the most popular and versatile hairstyles. It combines the traditional box braid style with fringe or bangs on the front. The bangs with the beads make it more stylish.
15. Ombré Braids for Kids
Ombré braids are a trendy hairstyle for kids. They’re a combination of ombré colour and braids. Ombré is the process of gradually blending one colour into another to create a beautiful gradient. When it comes to braids for kids, it means using two or more different colours that transition seamlessly from one shade to the next, as we have here.
16. Purple Coloured Box Braids
If you want some boldness in your braids, try this Bob box braids style and spice it up with some light purple colour highlights.
17. Bob Braids with Bangs
This style gives off an elegant and sophisticated look. You can try this style for an official occasion.
18. Jungle Box Braids
This hairstyle is perfect for anyone who wants to show off their creative side while enjoying the convenience of box braids.
19. Jumbo Box Braids with Triangle Parts
Combining the jumbo-size braids with the triangular parting creates a look that is eye-catching and stylish and allows you to be creative with your hairstyle.
20. Blue Medium Box Braids
Want something catchy and attention-grabbing? Give this style a try.
21. Butt Length Braids with Bohemian Curls
This style has become a popular hairstyle due to its dynamic and eye-catching look. It’s worth a try.
22. Short Box Braids with Beads
Adding beads to your box braids is a great way to add some flair and personality to your hairstyle. You can use colourful beads or opt for more subtle ones for a more understated look.
23. Box Braids with Curly Ends
Adding curly extensions to the ends of your box braids is a great way to add some texture and volume to your hairstyle
24. Brown Colored Box Braids
Tired of black hues only in your braids? This brown-coloured braids is best for a start. you.
25. Gypsy Box Braids with Color
Adding coloured extensions to your box braids is a great way to switch up your look and add some fun and vibrancy to your hairstyle.
26. Waist Length Box Braids
This style is perfect for ladies who love a simple yet elegant look.
27. Blonde Micro Box Braids
The blonde colour brings vibrancy and style to the hairstyle, making it more attractive.
28. Criss Cross Tribal Braids with Boho
Tribal crisscross braids and boho styling combine a unique and eye-catching hairstyle that combines traditional culture with a contemporary, easy-going style. This style can be worn on any hair length or texture, making it a popular choice for those looking for a unique and stylish look.
29. Mixed Coloured Box Braids
If you’re someone who loves to play with colours, then this style is perfect for you.
30. Box Braids with Accessories
Gold cuffs are another way to add some bling to your box braids. They can be placed throughout the braids or at the bottom for a more subtle look.
There You Have It!
Box braids can be expensive, depending on the hairstylist. For this reason, you may learn to do it yourself if you have time.
Whatever your reasons may be, it’s always better to learn by following these guides and 30 box braid styles.
You may also want to rewatch a beginner’s tutorial for box braids here.
