Box braids are a protective type of hairstyle that typically incorporate synthetic hair with your natural hair to add volume and thickness. These braids are super versatile and can be styled in so many different ways. 

Whether you’re considering braids as a brand new style — or just need some styling inspiration — here are some of our favorite hairstyles to do with box braids. If you want box braids, book a hair appointment online with a StyleSeat Pro.

Pros of Having Box Braids

Before we dive into what hairstyles to do with box braids, let’s cover some of the benefits of box braids, from aiding in hair growth to providing versatility to your hair routine. 

Box Braids Are Long-Lasting

How long do box braids last? Box braids can last anywhere from four to six weeks. You can style your braids to keep them looking fresh and use products at the tips and roots to keep your braids healthy. The length of time that you decide to keep your braids before visiting your stylist is up to you, though the pros say no more than two months is a good rule of thumb.

Braids Help with Hair Growth

Braids are known as a protective hairstyle because they provide your hair with more structure (which means they may help it to grow). A box braids hairstyle keeps your hair from encountering pulling or tugging that may lead to breakage and also eliminates how often your hair comes into contact with objects like hair brushes or curling irons. 

They’re Versatile Yet Low-Maintenance 

There are so many different ways to style box braids! But the beauty in them is that they look fabulous with no styling at all. Before you get these hairstyles, you should look into how to wash box braids for proper care. If you’re looking for a versatile style that’s also low-maintenance, box braids just may be your new best friend in the hair-care world.. 

Ways to Style Box Braids

From high buns to braided bobs, here are some of our favorite hairstyles to do with box braids. 

1. High Bun

Think of the high bun as a sock bun sans the sock. All you have to do is twist your hair, put it into a high bun, and you’ll be ready for a day at work or a night out on the town. We love the versatility of the high bun. It’s a casual yet elegant braid style.

2. Ponytails

A high ponytail is one of the most playful ways to wear braided hair. Start with your hair loosely in your hand, then secure it at the center of the top of your head — or off to the center — with a braid wrapped around it, bobby pins, or a hair tie. Remember to be gentle with your hair, and if you like the look of a tighter pony, you can always adjust as needed.

3. Curly Ends

Box braids with curly ends are the perfect style to rock for the goddess in us all. Adding a little curl to the end of your braids can work wonders for giving your hair some extra volume. Of course, the thrill of box braids is that you can often forego the styling techniques like curling, but when you want to jazz things up, it’s nice to have the option. 

4. Braided Bob

The braided bob is so chic and sophisticated. Typically, the classic bob rests just under the chin, slightly angled, and is flattering for all types of face shapes. If you’re asking your stylists about how to style box braids, make sure to inquire about the beautiful bob braid.

5. Fishtail Braid 

A fishtail braid requires weaving together two main strands of hair. Essentially, you alternatively pinch small portions of the hair from the outside of those two main strands to achieve your beautiful fishtail braid. The fishtail is one of our favorite cute hairstyles to do with box braids, so if you’re interested in trying it out, visit this YouTube tutorial from MyBlackHair. Rest assured, though it may look complicated to achieve, it’s super easy once you get the hang of it.

6. French Braid 

Similar to a fishtail braid, but done with three strands instead, a French braid is another one of the best ways to style box braids. If you’re on the hunt for a step-by-step tutorial, here’s a good article to guide you through the process: How to Do a French Braid with Box Braids.

7. Colored Braids

Are you looking to really make a statement with your braided hairstyle? Go big and get bold with colored braids. Whether it’s light to dark pink ombre or deep burgundy that gets your creative juices flowing, colored braids are both eye-catching and beautiful.

8. Knotless Box Braids

Knotless braids versus box braids: As opposed to traditional box braids, knotless box braids are a type of box braid that uses what’s called a “feed-in” technique. The braiding hair is added to the natural hair in small pieces, which can result in less tension on the scalp and pulling on the roots. Some professionals say this method means less chance of traction alopecia and follicle damage.

9. Bohemian Braids

With bohemian box braids, the first few inches are braided while the ends are left curly. If you’re looking for unique hairstyles to do with box braids, bohemian braids offer a voluminous and free-spirited look. You can further style your boho braids with buns, ponytails, pigtails, and more. 

10. Chunky Braids

Chunky braids, or jumbo box braids, are stylish and dramatic. As opposed to smaller braids, jumbo braids can be heavy, and therefore, tough on the hair. To alleviate any tension in the hair, it’s important that your stylist monitors which sections of hair are used and how tight the hair is pulled. They’re a popular braid style for Black women.

11. Crochet Braids 

Crochet Braids continue to grow in popularity, and although they aren’t a type of box braid, they’re definitely worth mentioning (as they do often get confused with box braids). Crochet braids crocheted synthetic hair into your natural hair with a latch or crochet hook. They’re versatile, quick to install, and similar to box braids, they tend to last for about four to eight weeks.

12. Half-Up Bun

The half-up bun is a fantastic hairstyle for all types of braids, from long box braids to jumbo box braids. Keep your bun high up on your head to make a stylish statement and let the rest of your braids fall freely. We especially love this style with colored ombre braids, though it looks fun with all types of braids. 

13. Micro Box Braids

Micro box braids, also called thin box braids, can take a whopping nine-12 hours to complete (though they can last up to three months if properly taken care of). They’re a stylish type of box braid that’s easy to wash (due to smaller parting sections and easier access to your scalp). 

14. Small Box Braids

When discussing how to style box braids, no list would be complete without small box braids. These braids are ideal for those gals on the go or if you like to work out often. This is because they’re easy to pull up into a bun or ponytail, but don’t cause as much tension as micro box braids do. Although these may take up to a full day’s work to complete, they’ll last for over two months, which makes small box braids well-worth their time and financial investment. 

15. Box Braids with Hair Cuffs

Hair cuffs are a fun way to bedazzle your braids and add a bit of extra spunk to your style. Whether you’re going for glitter hair cuffs or gold hair cuffs, they’re a good reminder that experimenting with hair should be fun and inspiring.  

16. Deep Side Part

If you’re searching for hairstyles to do with box braids for a night out, try a deep side part. Whip your hair to one side, throw on your favorite dress, and a vibrant shade of nail polish, and you’ll be good to go (of course, a swipe of bold lipstick will seal the deal and ensure a fancy evening ahead). 

17. Two Buns

Sometimes called Princess Leia buns, two buns on either side of the head are the ideal place to turn for cute hairstyles to do with box braids. They’re fun, funky, and can add a whole lot of flair to every kind of outfit.

Whether you’re going for buns, ponytails, micro box braids, jumbo box braids, or anything in between, we hope this article gives you some inspiration and excitement to try something new. But you might question: how much do box braids cost? Price varies and it depends on the style

 If you’re looking for a stylist to help you with your braids, make sure to check out local listings near you on StyleSeat.