If you’re looking for a visual transformation, with empowerment and authenticity, box braids will win you over!
They can be used during the hair transition or just to change the strands creating different styles.
It is also very versatile and can be made in various colours, lengths and thicknesses. Just choose your favorite style and enjoy this type of hair so symbolic and timeless.
Want to know more? Then keep reading this post and know all about box braids!
Box Braids
Box braids are those made from natural hair, with stretches that can be made from various materials.
They are already part of everyday life for most women who seek style and practicality, however, from a time to time they have gained more notoriety, valuing and empowering the hair in a sophisticated, cool and fun way.
And they are also very beautiful for everyday life and special occasions, and can be used in various lengths, thicknesses and colors that leave the hair with an original touch and possibilities for visual changes.
However, as everything that is good and beautiful requires effort, to conquer them requires a little patience, since they take a few hours to be ready and can cause pain and discomfort in the first days after cooking.
But after this initial process, you are sure to enjoy and have fun with these braids!
Learn more about box braids!
Hair Types for Box Braids
Box braids are currently made in 4 types of materials, which will allow durability and different finishes.
So, meet every one of them!
Jumbo
Jumbo is a type of synthetic fiber widely used for box braids and jumbo braids, because they are light and the texture is thinner and rougher, helping the prolonged durability of the hairdo.
It also has the opaque look and more volume, which will allow a hair with more movement, lightness and practicality in handling, but with less shine.
When done in the shade of natural yarns, it creates a balanced and discreet effect.
This thread is also indicated for the summer because it is lighter and tends to dry more easily, but this does not exclude the need to use the dryer, as we will explain later.
The finishing of the jumbo wire usually leaves the ends loose, which are tied with lastex or thin elastic wire that finishes the braids.
The durability of the jumbo wire is 3 to 4 months and the placement work takes an average of 8 hours to be braided throughout the hair.
Kanekalon
The kanekalon is another type of synthetic yarn, but smoother, with less volume and more brightness, which allows the effect a little more artificial.
This thread, when used in box braids, results in a well aligned hairstyle, but with volume and a very tight finish.
It also has several colors, but it is heavier, which can take a while during adaptation, when done for the first time.
It has an average durability of 3 months, but it can happen to slip on the smoothest wires, shortening the period a little.
It takes an average of 8 hours to do this hairstyle, but the result will certainly be worth it!
Silk Thread
Silk yarn is a very light and soft type of material, and has the thickest thickness, like a thread.
It has a shiny aspect, similar to kanekalon, but has more malleability, helping in the finishing and movement of the braids.
This material can be found in several colors, as well as jumbo and kanikalon, being a great option for those who like a bright finish, but with lightness.
The braids also have a very tight and aligned finish, which helps in the prolonged durability.
It takes 8 to 10 hours to put on all the hair when in long length and lasts on average 3 months.
Crochet line
Crochet line braids are great options for those who are not sure how to do it and prefer a test without high investments.
To use the crochet line it is important to find a thickness and material that is of good quality and does not shred easily.
The possibilities of colors are much greater, which allows unique and perfect combinations and compositions for those who like radical transformations.
Crochet line braids have the characteristic of being very light, which helps in the adaptation for people who are putting them on for the first time.
They are also soft and comfortable, avoiding inconveniences such as pinching and scratching, two aspects perceived in the jumbo wire, due to their roughness.
It lasts 2 months and takes on average 8 hours to be done on every hair.
How to Make Box Braids
Box braids are made from one’s own hair, with the interlacing of strands, as previously mentioned.
And because it is an extensive and careful process, it is recommended to do it with a professional allowing a better finish and less damage to natural yarns, however, it is also possible to do them alone, if you have skill and resistance in your arms.
So, to help you do the braiding by yourself, we brought two videos that will teach you in a practical way and without secrets. Check them out!
DIY – Box Braids – Video
If you have hairstyling and braiding skills, we brought you the Jacy July video that teaches you how to do it using synthetic thread.
DIY – Braids with Crochet Line – Video
To make the box braids with line and crochet, we separated a video that teaches in a practical way, how to braid, give finishing and even put accessories that will leave the look cooler and more sophisticated.
But first it is important to choose the line properly, so look for lines that are not wool or twine, which will cause shredded and looser effect.
The line with the thickness 288 is the most suitable because it is thin enough to allow a better finish.
The amount of strands per braid will depend on your taste in relation to the final result, in the video below Letícia Nicácio uses 25 strands, but you can use less, allowing a finer braid effect.
The length of the braid may also vary according to your wishes, so know that you should consider the length of the yarn, at least 5 cm larger than the final size of the braid.
That’s the average size the wire shrinks after being braided.
Box Braids Inspirations to Kick Ass in 2020!
You like the idea of box braids, but you’re still not totally convinced? So, how about looking at some photos and inspirations to find the right style for you!
Check out some models and styles!
Thin Box Braids
The fine box braids are beautiful and leave the hair with a balanced volume and ideal for styling in everyday life.
This style of braiding can be made in all materials, but is best finished in kanekalon and jumbo.
Box Braids Thick
Thick box braids are perfect for women with a strong personality, who like to innovate and score with the look.
They can be made in all materials, including crochet yarn, but the choice will vary according to the desired end result.
Black Box Braids
Black box braids can follow the color of natural threads leaving a balanced and discreet look.
However, it is possible to value the style a little more using materials that have more brightness such as silk yarn, kanekalon and even crochet yarn, depending on the fiber chosen.
Golden Box Braids (Chocolate)
The chocolate shade in the hair looks beautiful, highlighting very well the dark and dark skin, and this effect is also noticed in box braids.
So, if you want to leave the elegant and modern look, especially for the summer and hot temperatures of the year, invest in the chocolate coloring for your braids.
Box Braids Redhead
Red highlights are already typical of strong, daring women with personality. And that also applies to box braids.
However, to have a more beautiful and harmonious result, it is recommended to use materials that have less brightness, such as jumbo that will leave the look more balanced and natural for everyday life.
Box Braids Blonde
The blonde box braids are ideal for those seeking a radical change of look, because they leave the style strong, modern, jovial and very detached.
They can be made with great results in relation to the finishing on kanekalon, jumbo and silk yarn.
Coloured Box Braids
If you like an authentic and original style to diversify and change everyday life, the colorful box braids will win you over.
They are beautiful and can be made of almost any material, from kanekalon to crochet yarn.
Box Braids Short
Short hair always inspires charm and elegance, and that wouldn’t be different with box braids.
Because, contrary to what many people think, this style of braiding looks very beautiful in the short length, leaving the modern and perfect look to compose looks basic and detached for everyday life.
It can also be combined with clothes and social dresses, creating an air of sophistication and originality.
Box Braids Long
Box braids in the long length are the most common, but they are still beautiful and strong, valuing the look of practically all women, of all styles.
How Long Do Box Braids Last
Generally, box braids last 2 to 4 months, depending on the material to be used, as previously mentioned.
This is because the synthetic thread can slip and it is also during this period that the hair from the root grows long enough to look like loose braids with the effect of frizz.
For straighter or curly hair with a greater curvature, the durability can also be a little less, so if you have the strands with these characteristics consider the choice of the roughest materials that will hold and prolong a little more the grip of the braids at the root.
And to maintain the health of natural hair and scalp, respect a time interval between braiding and during this period, invest in treatments and care that will leave the hair stronger and healthier.
Box Braids Care
As previously emphasized, box braids are beautiful, full of personality, but require some care, so they have durability without damaging the wires
This way, when deciding to do the hairstyle, keep in advance a care routine, which leaves the threads protected and strong even with the extension of the braids.
And while it’s like braided hair, it’s worth remembering that cleaning and sanitizing are fundamental, so follow the recommendations of:
- Wash your hair with cold water at most twice a week, always using transparent shampoos;
- Avoid the use of conditioner or moisturizing masks as they can make braids slip more easily;
- When washing, do not apply the shampoo directly, but apply a foam and gently massage the scalp and length;
- Using cotton, apply apple vinegar to the scalp, massaging with circular movements to avoid the accumulation of residues and oiliness; and
- After washing, always dry with a cold dryer or keep drying in the sun or wind to remove any accumulated moisture.
With this care, braids will have greater durability and beauty, and will leave you more motivated and with high self-esteem.
After all these inspirations, what do you think about making box braids to enhance and transform the look?
Enjoy and see inspirations of hairstyles with braids, which will help to compose your look with more creativity and elegance.
