Box braids have become an increasingly popular protective hairstyle for black women and women of color who want to give their natural hair a break while still maintaining length and style. Box braids allow you to have neat, organized braids that resemble straightened or relaxed hair while avoiding damage from chemical treatments and excessive heat styling. Learning to braid box braids on your own hair can be empowering and save you time and money. Here’s everything you need to know to get started!
Choosing Your Hair Type
The first step to braiding box braids yourself is determining if your hair type is suitable. Box braids work best on type 3 and type 4 hair that has some natural texture and volume to grab onto. Very fine or limp hair can be too slippery to hold braids. Chemically processed hair that is damaged also may not withstand the tension of braids without breakage. Healthy natural hair or texlaxed hair with at least a few inches of new growth tends to braid up best.
If your hair is on the shorter side, you want to ensure your hair will be long enough once braided to achieve your desired styles. For short natural hair, braided wigs with box braid textures can be a great alternative to achieve a fuller braided look instantly while growing your hair out.
You may also like: Exploring the Rich Tapestry of Box Braids
Assembling Your Supplies
Arrive to your DIY braiding session armed with the proper tools and accessories to make the process as smooth as possible. You’ll want to have on hand:
- A rat-tail comb, clips and hair ties to section off your hair
- A crochet needle for neat,Even parts
- Quality braiding hair that matches your texture and desired length
- Moisturizers and edge controls to smooth flyaways
- Small rubber bands or silk ties to secure braid ends
Take your time sectioning off your natural hair into squares for braiding. Cleaner parts and tighter sections will lead to neater, long-lasting braided styles. It can also help to prep your natural hair with moisturizing products a day or two before braiding. This will make your hair more supple and easier to grab and hold for braiding.
Mastering Your Braiding Technique
Learning the basic technique for box braids takes practice, but you’ll improve with each head of braids you complete. Start by grabbing a section of natural hair and adding your braiding hair, making sure to cover all of your natural hair with the added braiding hair.
Begin a simple three-strand braid pattern, keeping the braid very tight. Only add more braiding hair when you’ve fully incorporated the previously added hair. For longer braids, try to add new hair close to the scalp or crown rather than at braid ends to ensure a seamless look.
Keeping both your natural hair and the braiding hair damp as you work can help smooth the sections and keep flyaways to a minimum. Take your time with each braid, keeping your parts clean with the tail comb and maintaining an even, tight braid from root to tip.
Setting Your Braided Style
Once your braids are in, you’ll need to decide how to set and style your new box braids. You can choose to dip braid ends in boiling water to seal the ends and prevent unraveling. This gives a more polished finish. Or you can simply secure braid ends with rubber bands or decorative clasps.
From there, options for styling are endless! Go for a sleek, flowing look by using products like setting lotion or mousse to smooth your braids into one long, straight style. Or, embrace the versatility of box braids and go curly, pulling the braids into a loose wave pattern or tight ringlets using rods or Bantu knots. You can also keep styles fresh by frequently changing parts and pulling braids up into a top knot, high pony or loose bun.
The great thing about box braids is you get to enjoy low-maintenance, protective styling while still playing with new looks.
You may also like: Parting Hair for Box Braids
Caring for Your Braided Hair
Like your natural hair, box braids require some TLC to look their best and avoid damage. Be sure to gently wash braids at least once a week using moisturizing shampoo and conditioner designed for braided styles. Smooth leave-in conditioners and oils into your braids in between washes to nourish both your natural hair and extensions.
When moisturized properly, box braids can last 4-6 weeks or more before needing to be redone. Don’t wait too long though! Over time, natural hair and braiding hair will loosen and begin to look unkempt. Taking down old braids requires patience and care to avoid ripping out natural hair that has gotten tangled in the extensions.
Sleeping on a satin pillowcase can help reduce friction that causes frizz over time. At night, loosely tie braids into a low ponytail or bun to protect ends. Avoid over-manipulating new braids while they set to maximize longevity.
The Confidence of Braiding Yourself
Taking the leap to braid box braids on your own hair for the first time can be intimidating. But don’t underestimate your abilities! With the right guidance and persistence, you can master this fun new skill and enjoy the cost savings and confidence boost that comes with doing your own protective styles.
It may take a few tries to perfect neat, uniform braids that hold up week after week. Don't get discouraged if your first attempts have some wonky parts or loose braids. Watch online tutorials, enlist a patient friend to let you practice on them, and start with smaller braided styles to build competence. With each head of box braids you complete, it will get easier.
Soon you’ll be able to craft gorgeous waist-length braids or dramatic colorful styles all on your own. You may even discover a passion for braiding and decide to offer your services to friends and family. Either way, you’ll feel empowered taking your haircare into your own hands.
You may also like: Choosing the Perfect Hair for Your Box Braids
Conclusion
Box braids provide an accessible, comfortable option for enjoying braided looks and protective styling. Learning how to DIY your box braids allows you to save on the high costs of professional braiding while getting creative with your appearance. So grab your supplies, turn on a good playlist, and get ready to craft some beautiful braided styles on your own terms! Your hair will thank you.
At uBraids, we specialize in creating high-quality, ready-to-wear braided wigs for black women, including small box braids. As part of the JALIZA family of wig brands catering to women of color, uBraids aims to make protective braided hairstyles accessible and convenient.
Our braided wigs are crafted using quality human hair blended with our innovative wig cap design. This allows us to provide the look and feel of professional micro braids, faux locs, box braids, and other braided styles without the intensive time and maintenance required. Our wigs come styled in trendy looks from bohemian braid curls to sleek knotless braids in colors and lengths for versatile styling options. For women seeking the beauty benefits and styling versatility of braids without the hassle, uBraids offers the perfect solution. Our braided wigs allow you to switch up your look from the comfort of home.
