Box braids: step by step tips and inspirations to adhere to the look

Box braids are afro braids made of synthetic material, tied to natural threads, used to lengthen the threads. They are mainly used by women who are in hair transition. Many of these women choose to cut the straightened part of the hair and leave only a few inches of natural, curly or curly hair. This type of stretching is therefore a way of stretching the strands and allowing them to grow naturally and healthy.

The materials available to make the most known and used box braids are kanekalom and jumbo. As for appearance, both materials promise the same result, however the jumbo is lighter and therefore more suitable for those who want long and bulky braids. Both materials offer a great choice of colors, which can be the color of natural yarns, in fancy colors or even more than one color. The possibilities are many and for those who do not like monotony, box braids are a great option.

This type of braid also provides a variety of hairstyles and even simple braids get a more stylish version with box braids. Check out how they are made, dozens of photos to get inspired and also the care you need to take before, during and after the procedure.

How to make box braids

To make the box braids the most recommended is to look for a salon specializing in afro hair, as the process is complex for those who have no practice, and time consuming. But for those who have practice, some tutorial videos can help you get the desired result. Below is a walkthrough listed by Wagner Beauty, WB Company hair stylist and member of Masters of Curls. Also check out videos that help those who want to perform the procedure at home:

Required Items:

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• Synthetic hair for braids;
• Elastex;
• Lighter;
• Clean, dry and detangled hair.

How to make:

1. Divide the hair into three parts from ear to ear and forehead to the top of the head and finally the back part of the head;
2. Separate the underside of the nape a strand approximately 1 to 2 cm wide horizontally;
3. Separate a small tuft of strand and wrap a braid strand folded in half, wrapping the hair. Then start braiding;
4. In the next next strand, repeat the process and at the end of each strand tie with elastex several turns and tie several knots to ensure the tie;
5. Continue up to the top of the head, then start at the rising sides until ending at the front of the head;
6. Cut the ends tied close to the elastic all over the head and finally, if you want, pass a lighter lightly, close the ends that came out of the braids to finish.

How to Braid Box Braids by Jacy Juli

In this video, Jacy Juli shows succinctly how she makes her box braids. She demonstrates from a strand of her hair how to put, braid and tie synthetic hair to natural strands.

How I made my braids for Eva Lima

Eva Lima explains in this video how to make very long braids. The material used is jumbo. The blogger also demonstrates in detail how to firmly braid and give the ends a natural finish.

Box braids by Patrícia Avelino

Patricia Avelino, besides demonstrating the step by step how she made her braids, also indicates the videos in which she learned to braid. For the result of the tips, Patricia recommends a sealing with hot and cold water.

35 photos of box braids to inspire you

Did you decide to do the box braids? Then check out below amazing photos of box braid women of various colors, lengths and various stylish hair styling tips to get inspired and create:

Read also: Afro braids: tips, tutorials and beautiful photos to inspire you

The style is super democratic and can be made with different colors, giving a huge range of possibilities to those who want to adhere to the technique.

Caring for Box Braids

Every hair procedure needs specific care. In the case of box braids it is very important that they are well placed so that they do not overload the natural wires and break them. It is also important to ensure that the natural yarns are able to receive the braids. Check out below questions answered by expert Wagner Beauty:

1. What precautions before, during and after the procedure?

Care before, I advise you to treat the wires well. During that, the strands are divided and the divisions are well cleaned so that there are no breaks of the wires.Then, for sleep I prefer to tie the braids with something that does not pull and periodically at bedtime, make use of moisturizing Scalp ointments on the scalp. These are specific to this type of extension.

2. What is the best way to sanitize box braids?

They can be washed normally with the following technique: use shampoo on the slits of the scalp by lightly massaging. Rinse and repeat the wash, then dry with a bath towel and wrap for a few minutes. Immediately after drying with the aid of a dryer. It should not dry naturally or at bedtime, as it can cause stench and even fungus (dry shampoo can be used sporadically as well).

3. What are the advantages of this technique?

In addition to providing a super look, it also keeps your hair stored there, protected for future change and greatly helps people in hair transition.

4. How long can I use box braids?

3 months is the maximum time to remove or replace.

5. Do box braids harm or improve wire health?

For wire health it helps in protection. Do they become harmful if they are used for a long time and after three months? maximum deadline for retouching? the root starts to get tangled and eventually break. Thick and huge braids can hurt because they are heavy and end up causing traction alopecia that is nothing more than hair loss in the front of the head.

In order not to take risks it is interesting for a professional to evaluate your hair and recommend the most suitable synthetic hair type for the procedure and for long braids, how much volume your hair can sustain. With proper care, box braids will add style to your look and protection to your natural strands.

QUICK and EASY Styles for Box Braids | Protective Styles (April 2024)