Box Braids: The Hottest Trend in 2024

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Introduction
What are Box Braids?
Ancient Origins and Significance
Preparing Hair for Braids
Box Braiding: A Step-by-Step Guide
How to Care for Box Braids: Expert Tips and Tricks
Braiding Hair Styles
Best Braiding Hair Brands for Perfect Protective Styles
Different Types of Box Braids

Box Braids: The Hottest Trend in 2024

Curated by

cdteliot

7 min read

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Box braids are a popular protective hairstyle that originated in Africa, involving square-shaped hair divisions that are braided to add length and thickness. The versatile style has gained widespread popularity among the African diaspora and has a rich cultural history dating back thousands of years.

What are Box Braids?

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Box braids are a type of protective hairstyle characterized by their distinctive square-shaped sections, where each section of hair is braided from the root to the ends. This style is typically achieved using synthetic hair extensions to add length and volume, resulting in a neat and uniform appearance

. Box braids are highly valued for their ability to protect natural hair from damage caused by heat styling tools and environmental factors, promoting healthy hair growth while allowing for versatile styling options

. This hairstyle has deep cultural roots, originating in Africa and dating back thousands of years, where it was used to signify tribal affiliation, social status, and other cultural markers

. Box braids have gained widespread popularity among African people and the African diaspora, and have seen a resurgence in mainstream fashion, partly due to their promotion by celebrities and their adaptability to various modern styles

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Ancient Origins and Significance

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Box braids can be traced back to 3500 B.C. in South Africa, where they were initially used by various African tribes to signify tribal membership, marital status, age, wealth, and social ranking

. The style later found its way to ancient Egypt around 3000 years ago, where it was embraced by women of high social status who adorned their braids with gold and jewels to reflect their wealth and power

. In both African and Egyptian societies, braids held significant cultural importance, serving as a form of identity and social communication. The intricate patterns and styles of braids were not only a fashion statement but also a practical means to manage hair in hot climates and a way to convey personal and communal stories

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Preparing Hair for Braids

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Proper preparation is crucial for achieving healthy and long-lasting box braids. Here are the essential steps to prepare your hair:

Deep Cleansing: Start by thoroughly washing your hair and scalp with a clarifying shampoo to remove any dirt, grease, and product buildup. This ensures a clean foundation for braiding
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Deep Conditioning: Apply a deep conditioning treatment to strengthen and moisturize your hair. Use a protein-rich conditioner to fill in gaps in your hair strands, making them stronger and less prone to breakage during braiding
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Trimming: Trim any split ends or knots to prevent excessive breakage and ensure a neater appearance once the braids are installed
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Moisturizing: Apply a generous amount of leave-in conditioner or moisturizing cream to each section of your hair. This helps to keep your hair hydrated and makes it easier to blend with the braiding hair
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Detangling: Detangle your hair from ends to roots using a wide-toothed comb or your fingers. This step is crucial to prevent snagging and ensure smooth braiding
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Blow Drying: Stretch your hair by blow drying it in sections. This makes it easier to braid and helps to blend your natural hair with the extensions
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Following these steps will set the stage for a successful and healthy box braid installation.

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Box Braiding: A Step-by-Step Guide

How To: Box Braids...

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Box braids are installed through a meticulous process that ensures a neat and long-lasting style. Here is a step-by-step guide to the braiding technique:

Sectioning the Hair: Begin by parting your hair into four equal sections using a wide-tooth comb. Clip three sections out of the way, leaving one section down to start with
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Creating Smaller Sections: Within the loose section, part your hair into smaller, 1-inch sections. Ensure each part is even and straight to achieve uniform braids
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Adding Extensions: Take a piece of pre-stretched synthetic hair and fold it in half. Place the middle of the synthetic hair over your natural hair section. Split your natural hair in half and start a three-strand braid, gradually incorporating the synthetic hair
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Braiding: Continue braiding from the root to the tip, maintaining even tension to avoid discomfort and ensure a neat appearance. Apply a dab of gel to smooth your natural hair as you braid
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Securing the Ends: Once you reach the end of the braid, secure it with a small rubber band if necessary. For a more seamless finish, dip the ends of the braids in hot water to seal them and prevent frizz
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Repeating the Process: Repeat the braiding process for each section of your hair until your entire head is covered in box braids. This can take several hours, so patience is key
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Following these steps will help you achieve professional-looking box braids that are both stylish and protective.

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How to Care for Box Braids: Expert Tips and Tricks

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Maintaining and caring for box braids is essential to keep them looking fresh and to protect your natural hair. Here are some key tips for moisturizing, washing, and night care: Moisturizing: Keeping your scalp and braids moisturized is crucial for maintaining their health and appearance. Use a light, water-based leave-in conditioner or braid spray to hydrate your scalp and braids without causing buildup

. Hot oil treatments with oils like olive or jojoba can also be beneficial, especially on wash days

. Avoid heavy products like shea butter, which can lead to buildup and matting over time

. Washing: Washing your box braids helps to remove product buildup and keep your scalp clean. Aim to wash your braids every two weeks, or more frequently if you sweat a lot or swim regularly

. Use a clarifying shampoo to focus on cleansing your scalp, and let the shampoo run down the braids to clean them without causing frizz

. After washing, condition your hair lightly and ensure it is thoroughly dried to prevent mildew

. Night Care: Protecting your braids while you sleep is vital to reduce friction and preserve their neat appearance. Wrap your braids in a silk or satin scarf or bonnet to minimize frizz and maintain the style

. Alternatively, you can use a silk or satin pillowcase if scarves or bonnets are uncomfortable

. This practice helps to keep your braids looking fresh and reduces the risk of breakage. By following these maintenance tips, you can extend the life of your box braids and keep your natural hair healthy and protected.

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Braiding Hair Styles

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Best Braiding Hair Brands for Perfect Protective Styles

When choosing the best braiding hair, several top brands stand out for their quality, variety, and user satisfaction. Here is a comparison of some of the leading brands:

Brand	Key Features
Freetress Clean Therapy	Pre-rinsed in vinegar to remove harsh chemicals, ideal for sensitive skin 1 .
Liyate Passion Twist Hair	Versatile for passion twists and bohemian styles, 18-inch length 1 .
Natural Babe Co. Island Gyal Wave	Realistic texture for Marley twists and faux locs, available in various colors 1 .
Catface Jumbo Braiding Hair	Wide range of colors, high-quality synthetic hair that resists tangling 1 .
Boho Locs Flames Xtra Boho Goddess Locs	Pre-formed locs for easy installation, natural shades with subtle curls 1 .
Darling Crochet Flexi Rod Curls	Can be used for fluffy afros or curly ends on box braids, available at Walmart 1 .
Latched and Hooked	Pre-stretched, non-toxic, and wash-friendly, available in ombre and full-color styles 2 .
X-pression Ultra Braid	Affordable, versatile, and can be styled with hot water for curls 1 .
Indique Hair Pure Braiding Hair	Raw hair that can be bleached and curled, mimics natural hair 1 .
Rebundle	Plant-based, hypoallergenic, and biodegradable, made from banana leaves 2 .
Janet Collection	Pre-sectioned bundles, lightweight and manageable, ideal for beginners 2 .
Rasta Fri Braids	Human hair and synthetic blend, minimal shedding and frizz-free 2 .
Bobby Boss King	Pre-curled styles like Ocean Wave and Body Wave, minimal shedding 2 .

These brands offer a range of options to suit different styles, preferences, and sensitivities, ensuring a comfortable and stylish braiding experience.

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Different Types of Box Braids

Box braids come in various styles, each offering a unique look and catering to different preferences. Here are some popular types of box braids:

Big-Box-Braid Hairstyle: Ideal for those who want a quicker installation process, big-box braids are larger in size and can be completed in about three hours
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Short Box Braid Bob: This style features short braids cut into a bob, often enhanced with bold pastel shades for a vibrant look
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Box Braids With Beads: Adding beads to box braids can give them a playful and decorative touch, reminiscent of Y2K fashion trends
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Long Box Braids With Colorful Elastics: Large box braids adorned with colorful elastics add a fun and youthful element to the hairstyle
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Medium Box Braids: A classic choice, medium box braids offer a balanced look that is both elegant and easy to manage
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Curly Box Braids: Incorporating curls into box braids provides a versatile style that can be worn in various ways, such as buns or loose waves
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Space-Bun Box Braids: This playful style involves creating space buns with box braids, often enhanced with tinsel for a festive look
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Large Box Braids With Curly Ends: Adding curls to the ends of large box braids gives a chic, bohemian feel to the hairstyle
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Large-Box-Braid Pigtails: Perfect for outdoor activities, this style keeps hair out of the face while maintaining a cute and classic appearance
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Large Ombré Box Braids: Featuring a gradient from black to bleached-blond, ombré box braids offer a striking and modern look
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Jumbo Box Braids With Charms: Adorning jumbo box braids with hair jewelry adds a touch of elegance and personalization to the style
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Gemini-Hair Box Braids: This trend involves using contrasting colors, such as black and red, to create a bold and eye-catching look
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Box-Braid Cornrows (Fulani Braids): Combining cornrows with box braids results in a distinctive and versatile hairstyle
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Gray Box Braids: Opting for gray or other unconventional colors can make a bold fashion statement
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Flipped-Under Box-Braid Bob: This sophisticated style features short braids with ends tucked under, suitable for both professional and casual settings
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These diverse styles demonstrate the versatility and creativity that box braids offer, allowing individuals to express their personal style while protecting their natural hair.