Box Braids: How to Install & Care For Your Hair

Box braids have been around for quite a while. With their longevity and extraordinary protective style abilities, I don’t see them losing popularity soon. As a licensed cosmetologist and natural hair enthusiast, box braids are typically one of my top five booked hair services on any given month. They take several hours but can last two to three months with proper care. 

How Are Box Braids Done?

This style incorporates kanekalon hair braided over the client’s existing hair. I know many people use Xpressions Hair, but I promise you that switching to pre-stretched braiding hair makes a world of difference. EZ pre-stretched braiding hair is my hair of choice as it’s anti-bacterial and helps reduce any scalp irritation.    

I ask my clients a couple of questions to ensure that they’ll be completely satisfied with their service. 

First, I ask clients what size braids they desire. You’ll need to know how long they want to get out of their braids, and make sure you select the size of the braid accordingly.

How Long Do Box Braids Last?

If you only want a few weeks, a large size will suffice. If you’re going for longevity, maybe bring a book or laptop and be prepared for a long install of small-sized braids.

A box braid install can take anywhere between four hours and ten hours, depending on the size of the braids and the speed of the braider.    

Another question I’ll ask is what length of box braids they had in mind. Clients may decide on anything from a chin-length bob to all the way down to their bottom. I’ve found that in the summer months, a lot of people embrace their inner Beyonce and go for those longer lengths!

The length of the braids does not affect the longevity of the style; it just affects how long it takes to install. 

Another thing to decide is what color. Do you want to do a hair color that blends with the client’s existing hair color, or do you want to do something bold and funky? Some women like a bold red or their existing color with a little blonde mixed in as a highlight.

Just be mindful of what hair colors your work or school may find acceptable. A lot of my little clients like to do colors for the summer when they don’t have to worry about their school dress code. 

Jumbo Box Braids with Triangle Parts

Parting doesn’t have to be the standard boxes! If my client wants to rock some large box braids, I always recommend a triangle parting to dress them up!

If you want to get fancy, you can always mix funky parts and cornrows around large box braids. Half-moon parting/free-forming parting is the quickest, so for my little naturals, this is my go-to to keep them from having to sit very long. 

Deciding what to do with the ends is usually one of my last questions. You can leave them smooth and straight, braid them first and deepen them for a crinkled look, or throw the ends on rods for lots of curl and volume.

You’ll want to dip the ends into boiling water to keep them smooth and help prevent unraveling. You can heat water on the stove, in the microwave, or use a kettle. 

ALSO READ: How to Install Crochet Braids By Yourself At Home In 4 Hours

Do Box Braids Damage Your Hair?

Before the installation, clarify the hair to remove the buildup and then follow up with a deep conditioner. The braids will be in a while, so spoil the hair a bit before putting it away.

After the hair has been washed and conditioned, I like adding a generous amount of moisturizer and then oil to seal it in. You’ll want to ensure that your moisturizer has water as its first ingredient. Olive oil can seal your hair’s moisture in and act as a heat protector. 

If you’ve ever reacted to braiding hair, try pre-stretched antibacterial hair. You can dip it into some apple cider vinegar to reset the pH balance and give you the maximum relief. You can do this a day or two before so your hair will dry when you’re ready to install it. 

How to do Acv Rinse for Braiding Hair

You’ll want to touch up your braids with a leave-in conditioner every few days. Shea Moisture and Kinky Curly have great hair fresheners to help keep your hair hydrated under your braids.

Once you’ve applied your leave-in, you’ll want to smooth some oil into your scalp. I like two parts of Jamaican black castor oil mixed with one part of tea tree oil. The tea tree is an antifungal and helps prevent itchiness. 

ALSO READ: 7 Amazing Oils for Natural Hair, Besides Coconut Oil

How Do You Sleep With Box Braids?

Before bed, you’ll want to cover your child’s hair with a silk scarf or a hair bonnet. If you decided to get your child’s hair braided and you’re concerned about them keeping their hair covered, having them sleep on a satin pillowcase is the next best thing. 

Be mindful of how you style your braids. Unfortunately, many clients have damaged their edges by styling their already tight style into an intricate design.

High ponytails and buns are great; just leave some slack so your edges aren’t overmanipulated. It’s a good idea to remove all hair accessories before bed so your hair can rest. 

Can I Wash My Braids, and Can They Get Wet?

Yes, everyone asks; you can wash box braids! Wash with a clear shampoo—you’ll want something translucent. Focus the shampoo on the scalp, letting the suds run down the length of the hair.

While your braids are drying, you’ll want to tie them down flat to keep your hair from frizzing as it dries. They will take all day to dry, so it’s best to wash them in the morning. 

We know that you’ll love rocking this hairstyle! Have you ever worn box braids before? 

About the Author: Dominique is a licensed cosmetologist. She has been styling hair professionally since she graduated from Paul Mitchell the School of Nashville.

She owns her own hair studio in Brentwood, TN where she resides with her husband, son and daughter. In between working and juggling her family, she enjoys shopping and working on her website: Coily-Hair.com.