Box braids are made with three strands and square-shaped parts. Since they are usually braided down, you can let them hang down or do different things with them. Many people braid their hair to make it longer. Many wear box braids to protect their hair, and they have a long history. They are also a great way to braid curly hair.
All hair braiding can be traced back to Africa, which started thousands of years ago. Braids showed status and helped people distinguish between the tribes that existed. Many braids that are popular today, like box braids, come from Africa. People often say that Janet Jackson's 1993 movie Poetic Justice made the box braids style popular again. Box braids have been popular for a long time because they are easy to style and change. Box braids can be made in any colour, size, length or with extensions. People also look for eyelash extensions that have its own varieties. You can make box braids even more unique by adding curls and accessories.
How To Make Box Braid Styles?
With Extensions
- Divide the hair into four sections and use a hair clip to hold each one. Start with the section you want to work on first.
- Start making a part in the part you chose to work on. First, make a part that goes up and down, then make a part that goes across and down.
- Prepare the braiding hair you will add to your box braid by taking out a few pieces at a time from the package.
- Take one of the pieces of hair you've already separated and hold it from the middle, so it looks like an upside-down U.
- Wrap the extension around the hair inside the box to make a base for the braid.
- Use your fingers to mix the real hair and the fake hair. Split the hair into three parts that are all the same size.
- Start braiding the hair down, holding the braid tightly until you reach the ends of the hair.
- Take a piece of hair and wrap it around the rest of the hair. Tie a small knot at the end to keep the braid in place.
- Repeat this step on the whole head until all the box braids are done.
- Dip the braids in boiling water to make them less stiff and to seal the ends. Ensure a towel is wrapped around the body so that hot water doesn't drip on the shoulders and back.
- Dry your hair with a towel and spray it with an oil sheen.
Without Extensions
- Divide the hair into four sections and use a hair clip to hold each one. Start with the section you want to work on first.
- Start making a part in the part you chose to work on. First, make a part that goes up and down, then make a part that goes across and down.
- Take the hair inside the box and divide it into three parts.
- Start braiding the hair down, holding the braid tightly until you reach the ends of the hair.
- Repeat this step on the whole head until all the box braids are done.
- Spray oil sheen on the scalp and braids.
Box Braids Maintenance
1. Avoid Over-styling
One of the best things about braids is that they can be styled in a million ways. Even though it might be tempting to always pull your braids into a high ponytail or a beautiful top knot, it's not worth it. The constant wear and tear can easily make the braids looser and speed up the time needed to get the food. This tension can also hurt your natural hair and cause it to shed or fall out if you pull it too much. Even though it's fine to try these styles once in a while, it's best to keep your style low-key most of the time. This is one of the important tips for box braids maintenance.
2. Do a Braid Touch-Up
If all else fails and your box braids start to look fuzzy before the eight weeks are up, you can always get a hairline to touch up. Most people only see the edges of your braids, so re-braiding your hairline is a quick and easy way to get a salon-fresh look in no time at all. Just like box braiding, there are other braiding hairstyles you can carry & not miss.
3. Know When It's Time To Take Them Out
No matter what you do to keep your braids in good shape, you have to remember that they aren't meant to last forever. These tips will help your braids last as long as possible, but after eight weeks, you should take them out to give your hair a break from the extra weight (fragile strands, over time, can easily snap under all that pressure). Before you get your next braid fix, give your natural hair about a week to two weeks to breathe.
4. Proper Night Care
Before you go to bed, it's best to put a silk scarf or a bonnet over your braids. It can keep your braids from coming undone while you sleep and also stop frizz. If hats and scarves aren't your things, you can do the same with a silk or satin pillowcase.
How Long Do Box Braids Last?
Many people ask, "how long do box braids last?" Here is your answer. If you take care of your box braids, they should last four to six weeks after your full-day appointment before they need to be fixed (including trimming away extension fly-aways, keeping edges smooth and hydrated, and ensuring your scalp health is in tip-top shape).
Protect your braids while you sleep to make them last longer: Use a silk or satin cap, scarf, or pillowcase to avoid as much friction as possible. It will help keep your hair from getting frizzy. And if nothing else works and your braids start to look old after a few weeks, go to your stylist for a touch-up at the hairline.