The best 21 box braids we've ever seen to inspire your next look
Black girls everywhere make a great case as to why box braids may be the coolest and most timeless hairstyle. The beauty of braids is that they come in many different shapes and sizes, whether it's cornrows, French, fishtail, or the box braids' unidentical twin sister — the iconic knotless braids — but not only that, they can also be tailored to be as unique as you are. They can look delicate, powerful, feminine, and fierce all at the same time and may well be the most versatile hairstyle out there.
Box braids take the crown as the OG of all braids types. They look great in their own right as well as being able to be styled into a number of updos.
Protective styling but keep it cute!
Having been a popular hairstyle in black culture for centuries, box braids involve sectioning hair into small, boxy sections before braiding the hair away from the scalp. Unlike cornrows, French and Dutch braids, box braids don't sit tight to the head — each individual braid flows freely, allowing the look to be easily swept back into a ponytail, tied in a top knot, parted to any side, and even, well, braided.
If you're planning on keeping your braids in for a while, it's important to make sure your hair and scalp are in excellent condition to keep them looking lustrous and avoid any unwanted frizz. Firstly, when you have your braids freshly done, your scalp can feel tight and tender and might even be a little itchy at first, but a good scalp tonic can help relieve this sensation.
Another thing worth noting is to spray a leave-in conditioner, moisturising serum, or hair oil onto your braids every few days to keep the hair cuticles smooth and nourished. Finally, be sure to wash your braids regularly, pressing and squeezing them together in order to massage the product through rather than scrubbing it in.
We asked award-winning hairstylist Charlotte Mensah, founder and creative director of Hair Lounge, on London's Portobello Road to answer your most asked questions on box braids and here are her thoughts.
Are there any downsides to box braids?
“Box braids are great for anyone who wants a low-maintenance easy hairstyle. Anyone with any texture can have box braids as long as their hair is long enough to create a braid. This style works well on all hair types, just make sure your hair is in good condition as its health is very important. Do your research and make sure your braid stylist has experience in caring for and styling natural hair. Avoid having your hair pulled too tight around the edges because a tight style is not just damaging for your hair, but it also prevents your scalp from getting adequate oxygen.”
Curly girls assemble, this is your ultimate hair guide.
How to best prep for box braids?
“It’s important that before you braid your hair, you do a deep conditioning treatment – this will help to strengthen and revitalise the hair. Make sure your ends are trimmed before installing braids to prevent added damage and make sure the hair is thoroughly detangled before the box braids are done.”
How to keep box braids fresh?
“To keep your braids fresh and lasting longer, I'd recommend adding as part of your daily regime use Charlotte Mensah Manketti Oil Finishing Mist. I would also recommend wrapping a silk scarf on your head or use a silk pillowcase at night to keep any rough textures away from your hair and scalp. This will keep your hair from becoming dry and brittle.”
Here are the main tools you need for your box braids:
Here, we take a look at some of our favourite stars' rocking the most phenomenal box braids to inspire your next trip to the hairdresser.
For more from Glamour UK Beauty Writer Shei Mamona, follow her on Instagram @sheimamona
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Braided locs
Can't decide on wether you should get faux locs or box braids? How about both. Feed in the locs using hair extension and braiding it to the length of your hair and then wrap the hair for that worn box braids.
FOXBoho box braids
Actress and Singer Ryan Destiny wearing boho box braids is what box braids dreams are made of. It gives a little edge to the polished look and it means that you can use the braids for a little longer as they will be ageing into the look.
Aaron J. ThorntonCoils Leray
When Rapper Coi Leray came into the scene with these box braids with curled ends, Black girls everywhere took her screenshots of the look to their hairdressers or the aunties-that-do-hair. The power she holds.
anastasiastylianou / InstagramHighlights braids
A nice way of adding lots of dimension to your box braids is by going in with colour. The blonde mixed with your natural dark brown hues is a great way of adding highlights to the braids.
tessamaethompson / InstagramHalf-way braids
Half-way braids are a great way of adding length to the hair but in a natural way. It adds texture and character to the full look as well as being a great option for the girls that want braids yet can't let go of their beach waves era. Win-win.
Araya DohenyUnicorn box braids
One way to amp up the look of your box braids is to add a pop of colour. Purple is always a nice go-to, it's vibrant and unique yet still wearable. Justine Skye signature look that we just can't get enough of.
carolagmakeup / InstagramTop-heavy braids
Braids naturally sit thicker at the top as it's where you get the most volume due to the mix of the extensions and your natural hair. However, why not make it purposely top heavy for wet hair look illusion?
Gregg DeGuireMicro Barbie Blonde Braids
Micro braids are having a big of a comeback. As time consuming as they my appear, the end result really is worth it. Zoe Kravitz has made a great case for it.
kahhspence / InstagramPoetic up-do
Normani's hair are taking us back to Janet Jackson Poetic Justice braids days. A high ponytail with a swoop in each side to lay down baby hairs and slight curl on the ends. Obsessed
gabunion / InstagramJumbo jam
These jumbo braids on Gabrielle Union, are braided with even width throughout, and a tight finish. The bonus is that they're fun and relatively quick to achieve.
stormreid / InstagramFaded box braids
In love with Storm Reid's faded box braids. The blonde hair is weaved in with her natural hair and braided about half way. The extension hair is wavy and let loose mid-way down, creating a faded from braid to beach wave finish.
marsaimartin / InstagramBantu box braids
Marsai Martin can do no wrong. When it comes to hair, she has never failed us and this is another example on how to style your box braids and make them look unique and new in an instant. The bantu knots and the two strand fringe elevate the whole look.
Taylor HillAuburn box braids
If braids couldn't be any cooler and then we witness this auburn set on Zendaya. They's long and thick root to bottom, but still carry lots of movement and fun.
Frazer HarrisonThe Donut
Letitia Wright's half up, half down with a high donut bun is done really well here. To glam it up crystals were scattered around the bun too. So elegant.
justineskye / InstagramHalf & half jumbo braids
Give your box braids an update by doing a half up, half down like Justine Skye. Make them extra long but let them thin towards the bottom for a waterfall finish.
Josh BrastedBleached box braids
Rapper Bia is channelling her inner Barbie Core era with these extra long, bleach blonde mixed with pink chunky box braids.
Dia DipasupilXXL box braids
Get you some XXL box braids like Jodie Turner-Smith. When it comes to braids sometimes more is more, and having these knee length side swept box braids really is a moment.
Earl Gibson IIIHigh pony box braids
These box braids are styled in a high ponytail and are thin for that wind swept look.
Getty ImagesCube braids
Throwback to these Jada Pinkett Smith perfectly parted box braids. Effortless and stylish.
Getty ImagesTop knot box braids
This alternative take on box braids on Zoe Kravitz are truly something to talk about. Pulled into a top knot, with perfect kiss curls to frame her cheekbones and an undercut for edge. Whew.
Getty ImagesRapunzel
Actress and model Eva Marcille is giving us Rapunzel in these honey-blonde box braids. Adding braid beads and string makes them even more epic. 10/10.
