Beauty & Skincare Guides

58 Box-Braid Styles You Have to Try in 2025

58 Box-Braid Styles You Have to Try in 2025


Types of box braids

Box braids come in various styles like micro, jumbo, and knotless. You can also add color by having dyed strands braided into the style. “Box braids are an excellent protective style suitable for any season,” says Boozer. “They require minimal daily styling, making it easy to just get up and go. They’re also a fun way to experiment with different colors without chemically processing your natural hair.”

How long do box braids last?

Although box braids are a protective style that allow for minimal hair manipulation, it’s important not to leave them in for too long. “Typically, box braids can last anywhere from four to eight weeks depending on how you care for them and your hair’s natural texture,” says Deisy Alfaro, Dippity-Do curly-hair expert. “After that point, the roots can loosen and buildup starts to affect the scalp, so it’s important not to stretch them beyond that window.”

Are box braids low-maintenance?

Yes, box braids are extremely low-maintenance. You can wash them, swim in them, and work out with limited frizz. This makes them perfect for vacations or wearing during the warmer months.

What helps box braids last longer?

Even though box-braid styles like a box-braid bob or even goddess-style box braids are meant to be low-maintenance, they still require some care. “You still need to hydrate and cleanse the scalp,” Alfaro says. “I recommend using the Dippity-Do Girls With Curls Curl Boost Spray on your scalp and braids a few times a week. It’s light, smells amazing, and adds moisture without buildup. A diluted shampoo or scalp cleanser can be used every two to three weeks, followed by a leave-in to keep the braids looking fresh.”

Once you have your box braids in, it’s easy to forget about your actual from-the-root hair, which, yes, still requires moisturizing. There are plenty of curly-hair products designed to soften the hair and reduce itching associated with keeping a style in for too long. “Products that have penetrating ingredients like coconut oil, jojoba oil, and olive oil are great to use while wearing these styles,” says Stephen. As for when to take them down, she recommends keeping them in for no more than two months.

What is the process like for getting box braids?

The hair is first washed thoroughly, deep conditioned, and detangled. “This part is key,” says Alfaro. “I always recommend using the Dippity-Do Girls With Curls Ultra-Hydrating Coconut Curl Styling Cream beforehand to soften and hydrate the hair.” She goes on to explain that the hair is sectioned into square parts, which is where the style gets its name. Synthetic or natural hair extensions are then added and braided into the hair. “The whole process can take several hours depending on length and thickness, but the results are so worth it,” she says.

What are the pros and cons of box braids?

As with any hair decision, there are pros and cons that should be taken into account. While one pro is its protective nature, a downside is that installing box braids can be very time consuming. Boozer notes that “one of the biggest pros is versatility—you can wear them down, in a ponytail, half-up styles, or buns, unlike cornrows, which usually stay in one fixed look. On the downside, you must be gentle when styling and pay extra attention to your hairline to avoid tension and breakage.”

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