Types Of Box Braids

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As you grow and change your styling, it becomes more and more difficult to find a new braided hairstyle that genuinely fits your personality and aesthetic. Join us as we aim to expand your hair braid knowledge with all the different types of box braids

Types of box braids

BOX BRAID TYPES

Box braids are a protective hairstyle that gets their name from box-shaped, sectioned-off hair groups braided into long elegant plaits throughout one’s head. The hairstyle can be created in many fashions and designs. We aim to help guide you along the way with as many famous and well-documented box braid types available to us. 

8 MOST COMMON TYPES OF BOX BRAIDS

When it comes to box braids hairstyles, possibilities and options are endless. Check out this comprehensive list of the eight most common box braid types that you can use for inspiration to create your own look. 

Info graphic on different types of box braids.

CROCHET BRAIDS

Crochet braids are the fastest and easiest way to accomplish a box braid hairstyle. The braids are made of human and synthetic hair. The look is very eye-catching, and the braids don’t pull against your natural hair. The braided styles come in all lengths and hair colors. To install crochet braids, one starts with a cornrow or box braid base and gradually installs more braids with a crochet hook tool. This type of box braids is excellent for DIY stylists.

Janet jackson poetic justice film cover with her box braids.

POETIC JUSTICE BRAIDS

These are said to be the start of the box braid hairstyle. The name comes from the 1993 American romantic drama film, Poetic Justice, Directed by John Singleton. The movie stars Janet Jackson and Tupac Shakur with Regina King and Joe Torry. Justice, played by Janet, has box braids that are long and very uniform. This is where the name and styling came from. 

Box braid ombre hairstyles - crochet faux locs

KNOTLESS BOX BRAIDS

Knotless box braids are a braiding technique that involves gradually adding braiding hair into one’s natural hair. The styling requires the customer to have long enough natural hair to create a box braid base. The braider will then braid their own hair to start the styling as they add more braiding hair to complete the updo.

Goddess box braids hair style on lovely african american woman

GODDESS BOX BRAIDS

Box braids and faux locs are trendy hairstyling. It’s no wonder that the goddess faux loc style would be adapted into a goddess box braid styling. This unique look involves leaving a 3-5 inch open curly end at the tips of each box braid to create a heavenly goddess look.

Ghana braids model article featured image with beautiful black ghana celebrity

GHANA BRAIDS

Ghana braids are a lovely hairstyle braid that uses the mix of cornrows, feed-in braids, and knotless braids all to create an eye strikingly beautiful African hairdo!

The egyptian queen cleopatra wearing her formal headwear wig of bobbed braids

BOB BOX BRAIDS

Some say Cleopatra wore the bob box braid hairstyle first. It doesn’t matter who wore it first, but rather who wore it best. Grab you some medium box braids that are ear lobe to shoulder length with short bangs to complete this look. 

Lavender purple box braid hair colors on white woman model

COLORED BOX BRAIDS

No matter what braid style you go with, you will want the best colors for your type of braids. Choose a vibrant color to help keep those box braids eye-catching even on the darkest nights. Choose box braid hair colors like ombre, red, blue, and blonde box braids to look the best all summer long!

Beautiful african american women with off white box braid hair color at long faux loc length.

DIFFERENT LENGTH BOX BRAIDS

Most box braids will come in all available lengths, thicknesses, and sizes. This varies from chunky and jumbo to tiny and micro dimensions. Length options for box braid hairstyles range from big box braids and long box braids to short box braids and small box braids.

High bun hairstyle of box braids worn by a beautiful black woman model.

HIGH PONYTAIL

The box braid ponytail is the most basic rubber band design you can create with your box braids. This style is the basic to create the braided bun, half-up top knot, and shaved sides mohawk updo.

MAINTENANCE FOR ALL TYPES OF BOX BRAIDS

We got all the best tips for beginners and experts who are trying to grow their knowledge on adequately maintaining their braids. These tips should be used as a hair care guide and not a regimen. 

  • SHORT HAIR – Keep hair short and trimmed when using braiding hair or hair extensions. Hairstyles look more realistic when the majority of the hair used looks the same. Keep short hair to help isolate your hair’s transition and the braiding hair closer to the scalp, where it will be covered by other braided plaits. 
  • AVOID LONG BOX BRAID – Avoid box braids that are longer than waist-length as these are will generally get snagged and dragged around a lot. They are most susceptible to abrasion and will require more maintenance than other box braid hairstyles. 
  • EDGE CONTROL – Keeping a sharp hairline is key to having an eye-catching look. African Americans and black women who have black hair know precisely what I’m talking about. Those curly hairs can make an excellent hairstyle look frizzy and old. Use organic braid wax to help edge control as well as locking down those loose baby hairs. 
  • VERSATILITY – Box braids are low maintenance and do not need to be washed every day. Avoid over-cleaning, as this can shorten the life span of a tightly braided plait. If you need to rinse your box braids, check out this box braid video tutorial to wash your plaits properly.

BOX BRAIDS VS FRENCH BRAIDS

Box braids and french braids are both unique styles that use a three-strand braid technique to complete the look. French braids use all of one’s own hair to create a giant braid that resembles the old-style french banquets. Box braids get their name from the box-shaped sections created when separating the hair for braiding. 

FAQ

ARE THE SAME TYPES OF BOX BRAIDS USED ON FEMALES USED ON MALES?

Yes, depending on the hair fibers you would like used in your braids, braiding hairs are non-gender specific. 

WHO INSTALLS DIFFERENT TYPES OF BRAIDS?

Typically a certified cosmetologist or hair braider certification is required to install braids on someone’s hair or to act as a hairstylist for consultation purposes. 

CAN I HAVE MORE THAN ONE TYPE OF BOX BRAIDS IN MY HAIRDO?

Yes. Combining different types of box braids is how you create unique and extraordinary new looks that no one has seen before. You might even inspire someone to create their own look as well!

ARE BOX BRAIDS BAD FOR YOUR HAIR?

Box braids are typically a safe and protective hairstyle. Some hair types should not be box braided as their hair is brittle and not as versatile. This hair is more susceptible to breakage. 

CONCLUSION

Knowing the different box braid types will help you choose a unique and creative styling of your own. It’s essential to understand how to maintain those looks properly. This will keep you looking fresh and your box braids lasting long. Don’t forget to subscribe below with your email to keep up to date with all of your box braid information.

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