Box braid style is an iconic African protective hairstyle. They are made by adding synthetic hair to natural black hair to make it thicker, longer, and safer. Box braid hairstyles might seem complicated and intricate, but box braids are quite simple and versatile. They not only extend your looks but also give them support and make them look sophisticated.
Box Braid Hairstyles of Black Women for 2024
The best thing about box braid hairstyles is that you can pull off a variety of looks with them. In this list, we have handpicked 63 incredible box braid looks that can set you apart from others in the new year.
1) Boho Knotless Box Braids for Women
Boho knotless braids are an excellent, innovative spin on a classic protective hairstyle that serves as a great example of the ingenuity of black culture. When they are properly installed and cared for, Boho knotless box braids can last you three months with little to no damage.
With this hairstyle, you don’t have to worry about your hair pulling too hard and your edges getting ruined. Plus, Kanekalon doesn’t make any contact with the scalp, which means that there is no risk of irritation, itchiness, or redness with Boho Knotless box braids.
2) Box Braids with Junky Twists
Box braids with junky twists represent a captivating blend of your creativity intertwined with the essence of black excellence. This effortlessly stylish look is frequently overlooked but deserves the spotlight and admiration it commands. With its seamless fusion of box braids and voluminous twists, this hairstyle epitomizes the beauty of versatility and cultural expression 2024.
Box braids are known their protective nature and longevity and become even more alluring when adorned with chunky twists. The combination not only adds depth and texture but also celebrates the richness of African heritage.
Let’s celebrate this exquisite hairstyle, appreciating the artistry and significance it carries. Embrace your individuality and bask in the beauty of box braids with junky twists – a testament to both creativity and black excellence.
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3) Triangle Box Braids
Get ready to give yourself some edge with triangle box braids. This unique hairstyle with star-shaped patterns works wonderfully with two-toned hair, and the best part is that this style will last you at least four to six weeks with proper care.
4) Pastel Box Braids
Pastel box braids offer an eye-catching variation of the classic box braids hairstyle. They not only allow you to express your personal style but is protective style.
5) Box Braids with Flowers
You can accentuate your good looks with feminine embellishments such as flowers. You either use real flowers or plastic ones.
6) Burgundy Box Braids
We all know, burgundy with its rich red-purple tone tends to complement all Black hairstyles perfectly. This luscious color matches any skin tone and looks amazing in almost any hair updo. What’re you waiting for girl? Get this red and black box braids hairstyle today!
7) Wavy Box Braids
Mix up your daily look with some waves like in this type black box braids hairstyles. It is a fusion of classic box braid pattern using hair extensions and relaxed curly ends which gives you an effortless boho chic look.
8) Black Micro Box Braids with Ringlets
If you are seeking chic and long-lasting protective hairstyles to elevate your summer aesthetic in 2024, look no further than micro box braids with ringlets.
This trendy hairstyle offers a perfect blend of style and durability, making it an ideal choice for the upcoming season. Embrace the beauty of micro box braids with ringlets and enjoy a stunning and low-maintenance look that will surely turn heads and keep you feeling fabulous all summer long.
Even though it takes a long time to install micro box braids, it is still totally worth it because they are so thin that they can be treated and styled just like normal hair.
9) Grey Box Braids
You can use hair extensions in shades of grey to create the classic box braid pattern which gives you a unique and sophisticated look!
10) Box Braids with Curly Ends
If you wish to have a unique protective hairstyle that still gives you the freedom to try new hairstyles and is long-term, then box braids with curly ends is your answer.
11) Jumbo or Large Box Braids
Jumbo or large box braids are perfect for a busy woman on the run, especially if she wants to look good. Large box braids cause less tension on your hairline but limit styling versatility compared to micro or normal box braids. Consider your hair’s needs and desired styles when choosing between the sizes.
12) Box Braids with a High Bun
This chic hairstyle combines the elegance of box braids with the sophistication of an elevated bun. You can play with your looks by experimenting with accessories and bun sizes.
13) Box Braid Beehive
The best thing about box braids is the freedom that comes with trying new hairstyles. A box braid beehive with a bright colorful headscarf is an excellent way to accessorize your hair.
14) Classic Long-Box Braids
Sometimes keeping it simple is all it takes to grab people’s attention.
15) Box Braids with a Scarf
If you want to mix up your look every day then scarves are a must-have item in your 2024 wardrobe.
16) Box Braids with Beads
Box braids with pearls or beads are cute, whimsical, and fun.
17) Box Braided Bob
This hairstyle truly is the moment. It is a modern take on box braids which marries the classic bob haircut with the texture of box braids.
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18) Sunrise Box Braids
You can step out of your comfort zone with these neon pink and orange braids that give the impression that you have stepped out of an animated movie.
19) Half up, Half down Box Braids
20) Messy Box Braid Side Bun
Messy hairstyles defy age boundaries, remaining timeless and versatile for all. The messiness exudes lightness and freedom and it is something we can’t get enough of.
21) Chunky Box Braids
Opt for chunky box braids if you prefer to avoid lengthy salon sessions.
22) Knotless Box Braid Bob
The Boho knotless box braids bob is a versatile hairstyle that beautifully complements all body and face shapes. To enhance its appeal, don’t forget to accessorize with beads, scarves, and stylish summer hats.
Embrace the bohemian spirit and exude confidence as you rock this chic and trendy look, making it your go-to style for the summer season.
23) Box braids in a Headband
24) Jumbo Box Braids with Beads
Jumbo box braids with beads are another cute and simple way to style your jumbo box braids.
25) Undercut Box Braids
Whether it is a mohawk or a cool undercut design, you can truly refresh and elevate your look with undercut box braids.
26) Multicolored Box Braids
27) Threaded Box Braids
28) Bright blonde Box Braids
Bright blond braids are a perfect summery and versatile hairstyle.
29) Side-Swept Box Braid
Elevate your allure with a sultry and seductive side-swept box braid style.
30) Lengthy Box Braided Pony
A lengthy box braided ponytail is the easiest hairstyle you can pull off with your braids. It is unique, versatile, and the go-to hairstyle choice for black women for decades.
31) Box Braids with Accessories
32) Two Feed-in Box Braids
If you want to have a cool hairstyle without enduring the awkward stage of bad hair growth, then feed-in braids offer the perfect solution.
This versatile hairstyle not only facilitates hair growth but also provides lasting results, typically lasting for at least a month.
Embrace the convenience and beauty of feed-in braids, and enjoy a stylish look while promoting healthy hair growth.
Say goodbye to the struggles of the hair-growing stage and welcome a stunning and low-maintenance hairstyle that keeps you looking fabulous for weeks.
33) Knotted Box Braids
Knotted box braids offer a cost-effective and time-saving alternative to knotless braids. This style is widely recognized as the go-to protective hairstyle across the globe.
With its affordability and efficient application, knotted box braids provide a stylish and practical solution for those seeking a protective and trendy look. Embrace the beauty of this versatile hairstyle, and enjoy its benefits as a popular choice for individuals worldwide.
34) Box braid Low Buns
Achieve a chic and elegant look by letting your box braids hang low in a stylish low bun.
35) Two Tone Box Braids
36) Box Braid Bangs
Having box braids installed doesn’t confine you to a single style. Box braids offer limitless opportunities to express your unique personality and creativity. With box braids, you can step out of the norm and experiment with diverse looks that suit any occasion.
Box braid with bangs will be the ultimate statement piece of 2024. This hairstyle exudes elegance and confidence.
37) Asymmetrical Box Braids and Curls
Bob box braids have been a hidden gem since their inception, but it’s high time for them to take the spotlight.
38) Tribal Box Braids with Gold String
Tribal or Fulani box braids are stunning as it is but a little bit of gold makes them even more breath-taking.
39) Brown Box Braids
40) Box Braid Space Buns
Princess Leia was undoubtedly ahead of her time when it came to fashion. The character is known for her iconic space buns, which might never go out of fashion.
41) Box Braided Bun
Is there a way to make box braids even more beautiful? Yes, of course! There are countless ways to style your box braids into gorgeous buns.
42) Box Braids with a Bow Bun
I was truly amazed by the box braided bow bun! It’s such a cool and innovative hairstyle!
43) Blue Box Braids
Mix up different shades of blue for the ultimate blue box braids.
44) Short Blonde Box Braids
Why should blondes have all the fun?
45) Fishtail Braid on Long Box Braids
When opting for the next hairstyle, which entails the beautiful yet time-consuming fishtail box braids, consider enlisting the help of a friend or trusted family member to make the process more enjoyable and efficient.
Fishtail box braids are beautiful and will keep your long box braids away from your face. You can accessorize them with beads and different hair threads as well.
46) Cornrow Box Braids
Elevate your hairstyle game with a touch of finesse by opting for exquisite cornrow box braids during your next salon visit. Spruce up your box braids with this unique and stylish choice that promises to leave a lasting impression.
47) Crochet Box Braids
48) Two Box Braids in a Braided Halo
Box braids in a braided halo are the perfect way to style your hair for a special occasion.
49) Two Box Braids with a Creative Pattern
50) Geometric Box Braids
51) Box Braids with a Heart-Shaped Design
Heart-shaped box braids designs are trendy and are destined to win everybody’s hearts.
52) Box Braids into Bantu knots
Bantu braids have been around for a long time but they are effortless, versatile, and gorgeous on a variety of different hair types.
53) Box Braids with Side Pony
54) Cornrow Box Braid Ponytail
55) Medium Length Box Braids
Take the weight off of your shoulders with medium length box braids.
56) Square Part Box Braids
Want box braids with a unique twist? Check out box braids with square parting.
57) Rainbow Box Braids
The rainbow box braid look is a beautiful masterpiece that is perfect for pride month.
58) Box Braids With Crimped Ends
59) Mohawk Box Braids
This edge style can give you a great look. This a great style for those who want to look bold and beautiful!
60) Crown Box Braid
61) Unicorn Box Braid
62) Small Box Braids
63) Big Box Braids
While these are just some of our top picks for box braids, the reality is that there are no limits to box braids. You can let your creativity run wild and take you to newer and more exciting places with just a few colors, accessories, twists, and turns. Embrace your inner goddess and rock these awesome braids.
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64) Black and White Box Braids
What do Box Braids symbolize? What is its significance?
The origin of braids goes back to African culture. Braids have been extremely popular among women since 3,500 B.C. In many African tribes, the different styles of braiding are a way of identifying members of different tribes. For centuries, braiding has been considered a social art, and in African culture, it was an indication of not just a person’s tribe but also their age, marital status, religion, wealth, and power.
In the present day and culture, braids are worn, adorned, and praised in many different ways as people are starting to embrace their ancestry. “Box braids transformed into the modern world’s sense of community,” says Larry Sims, a celebrity hairstylist and Schwarzkopf brand ambassador. “Braiding studios located in African American communities such as Harlem are the perfect example.” “Getting your hair braided in this salon environment builds unity and embraces a historical culture.”
Who can wear box braids?
Box braids are a type of protective hairstyle that is predominantly worn by African people and the African diaspora. Generally, there is no malice associated with people of another culture borrowing another group’s cultural signifiers. However, doing so can be considered problematic because it is taking from another culture and renaming it to claim as your own.
In a 2020 article titled “When is it OK to wear an item from another culture, and when is it appropriation? How to tell“, Dr Karen writes in response to Kim Kardashian wearing Fulani braids, “as non-Black and -brown celebrities, they have the privilege to wear the looks associated with another person’s culture when that person can’t necessarily wear looks from her own culture without suffering some type of fallout. Sometimes I wish I could wear those ‘Bo Derek’ cornrow braids because I just want my hair off my face.“
She continued, “But what does it signal when I wear them as a Black woman? It denotes that I’m ghetto or that I’m likely not educated. Maybe I’m into rappers and I smoke weed. I don’t have the license to wear this particular hairstyle as I want to. Kim Kardashian, however, can wear it any day of the week and walk into an office or a business meeting, and no one is going to think she uses drugs or lacks sophistication. No one is going to fire her or Miley, or kick them out of school for wearing these hairstyles.“
She concludes that article by saying that she believes it is ok to borrow from another culture as long as you are conscious of it. Practices or ideas of one group by another should not be unacknowledged by a typically more dominant group.
As long as the dominant group honors the customs that they are borrowing, is aware of that culture’s history, and gives proper credit where credit is due, then it is ok to borrow.
Does this style box damage your hair?
There are many people who believe that protective hairstyles, like box braids, which use extensions, can cause damage to our scalp or hair. However, hair stylists believe that it is not the hairstyle itself that causes any damage but the way it is installed and removed.
Your natural hair can break and your scalp will be irritated when braids are installed improperly, and the weight of the extensions will cause tension.
Therefore, book a hair appointment with an experienced hair stylist who is an expert at installing braids. If you are concerned about hair breakage, then you can opt for knotless box braids, as they prevent traction alopecia and have several other benefits for the hair and scalp.
When it comes to removing box braids, if you don’t have the time to go to a salon, then ask a friend or family member to help you remove the braids because if you do it alone, you can get frustrated and start pulling or tugging at your hair. Also, use products such as jojoba oil or detangling spray to soften buildup.
Also, your natural hair will get damaged when you don’t wear the braids properly or leave them on for too long. Not taking adequate protective and cleaning measures at night can lead to hair breakage.
It is advised to keep your hair nourished and to cover it with a silk or satin scarf at night. You can also wash your hair and apply conditioner to it to keep it clean and smooth. Remember to take care of your scalp as well and keep it moisturized by spraying a moisturizing mist.
How much do box braids cost?
The cost of installing box braids depends on several factors:
1) Size of your box braids
The smaller the size of your braids, the more they will cost you. Microbraids are more expensive to install than jumbo braids because, to achieve this style, the stylist will have to work on your hair for hours to part it into sections and braid them to create a more natural hairstyle that is versatile because it can give you more options to manage it. On the other end of the spectrum, jumbo box braids can be installed in an hour to three hours. However, its price is also affected by the sectioning designs and plait styles.
2) Experience
A hair stylist that is quick, efficient, and an expert at braiding will cost more because they are always booked. On the other hand, for someone who is new to the game, is cheaper to book. Make sure that they are still being supervised by a more experienced stylist to prevent damages caused during installation.
3) Location
The city you live in plays a huge role in determining the cost of installation. For instance, stylists operating in large metropolitan cities charge more than stylists operating in urban areas.
After taking all of these factors into proper consideration, it is safe to say that getting box braids can cost somewhere between $100 and $550.
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How do you take care of box braids?
The only way to extend the life of your box braids is by properly taking care of them. Here are some tips that you should follow:
1) Trim flyaways: Use scissors to keep flyaways under control. Make sure to remember where your natural hair ends and where your extensions begin before cutting any hair.
2) Take care of your edges: Pulling on hair during installation can damage your edges. Therefore, take care of your edges by keeping them hydrated and moisturized. Apply coconut oil or use products that are alcohol-free.
3) Clean your scalp: Cleaning your hair is one thing and cleaning your scalp is another. The buildup of natural oils, dirt, and sebum can lead to irritation, pimples, and dandruff. When your hair is tied in braids, you can clean your scalp by applying a mixture of tea tree oil and water or lavender oil and water to it. This mixture will reduce dandruff and even soothe your scalp without frizzing natural hair.
4) Wrap your hair at night: The friction caused by laying your head on bedding material causes frizzing and even reduces the life of your braids. Therefore, it is advised to wrap your beautiful locs in a satin or silk head cover or sleep on a satin or silk pillowcase.
5) Wash your braids: Box braids are not resistant to sweat and dirt buildup. They can also start smelling bad over time. Therefore, wash your hair once every two weeks with a shampoo
Frequently Asked Questions
Are box braids hairstyle for everyone?
Box braids can be installed on all types of hair textures as long as the hair is long enough to be braided. There is, however, a bigger conversation to be had about whether it is cultural appropriation for a non-black person to braid their hair in a style that is mostly popular among African people and people from the African diaspora.
Does box braid style damage your hair?
There are many people who believe that protective hairstyles, like box braids, which use extensions, can cause damage to our scalp or hair. However, hair stylists believe that it is not the hairstyle itself that causes any damage but the way it is installed and removed. Your natural hair can break and your scalp will be irritated when braids are installed improperly, and the weight of the extensions will cause tension.
Therefore, book a hair appointment with an experienced hair stylist who is an expert at installing braids. If you are concerned about hair breakage, then you can opt for knotless box braids, as they prevent traction alopecia and have several other benefits for the hair and scalp.
When it comes to removing box braids, if you don’t have the time to go to a salon, then ask a friend or family member to help you remove the braids because if you do it alone, you can get frustrated and start pulling or tugging at your hair. Also, use products such as jojoba oil or detangling spray to soften buildup.
Also, your natural hair will get damaged when you don’t wear the braids properly or leave them on for too long. Not taking adequate protective and cleaning measures at night can lead to hair breakage.
It is advised to keep your hair nourished and to cover it with a silk or satin scarf at night. You can also wash your hair and apply conditioner to it to keep it clean and smooth. Remember to take care of your scalp as well and keep it moisturized by spraying a moisturizing mist.
How long can you keep box braids?
Box braids can last a person six to eight weeks without a touch-up. Trimming flyaways, ensuring the health and cleanliness of your scalp, and keeping your edges smooth and hydrated are some ways to extend the life of your braids.
Taking proper care of your braids while sleeping is also very important. Try sleeping on a satin or silk pillowcase or wearing a head cover made from these materials.
It is time to take out your extensions when your scalp is irritated and your hair looks dirty.
Do box braids damage hair?
Box braids, a popular type of protective hairstyle, serve the dual purpose of safeguarding natural hair and potentially promoting hair growth. However, it is essential to exercise proper care to avoid hair damage. Leaving the braids in for an extended period without proper maintenance can lead to potential hair issues. Taking the time to care for your box braids diligently ensures that you enjoy their protective benefits while keeping your hair healthy and vibrant.
What do box braids symbolize?
A prevalent belief among many is that box braids are a sign of wealth, attributed to their time-consuming and expensive installation process. Additionally, this hairstyle carries symbolic meanings such as readiness for marriage, tribal affiliation, and economic status.
What is the difference between box braids and knotless braids?
Box braids tend to last longer than knotless braids and are even cheaper to install. Box braids can cause scalp irritation and are less versatile than knotless braids. Despite this, they remain a classic and protective hairstyle loved by many for their hair growth benefits and timeless appeal. The choice between box braids and knotless braids depends on individual preferences and styling needs.
Can you wash box braids?
It is essential to prioritize washing your box braids regularly, as it not only keeps them clean and fresh but also helps prevent scalp irritation, product buildup, and unpleasant odors caused by sweat accumulation. Embrace proper hair care by washing your box braids with a gentle shampoo and conditioner, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience while maintaining a stunning and hygienic hairstyle.
What type of hair is best for box braids?
Kanekalon hair is the preferred and popular choice of hair extensions widely used for installing box braids. This high-quality synthetic hair ensures a seamless and long-lasting result, making it a top favorite among hairstylists and individuals alike.