Box Braids Step by Step
Hey there, I’m John Johnson and I’m excited to share with you my step-by-step guide on how to do box braids. If you’re looking for a protective style that’s easy to maintain and lasts for weeks, box braids might be the perfect choice for you.
Curiosities and Interesting Information about Box Braids
- Box braids are a type of protective hairstyle that originated in Africa.
- They became popular in the US in the 1990s and have been a staple hairstyle in the black community ever since.
- Box braids can take several hours to install, but they can last up to 8 weeks with proper care.
- Box braids come in various sizes and lengths, and you can also add extensions for more volume and length.
My Personal Experience with Box Braids
I’ve been doing box braids on myself for years, and I love how they look and how easy they are to maintain. I usually install them myself, but if you’re new to box braids, I recommend getting them done by a professional stylist.
When I first started doing box braids, I made a few mistakes that led to frizz and damaged hair. But over time, I’ve learned the best techniques and products to use to keep my braids looking fresh and healthy.
Step-by-Step Guide to Doing Box Braids
Before you start, make sure you have all the necessary tools and products:
- Comb
- Hair clips
- Rat-tail comb (optional)
- Braiding hair
- Hair ties
- Braid spray or oil
Now, let’s get started:
Step 1: Prepare your hair
Wash and condition your hair, then detangle it with a comb. Divide your hair into sections using hair clips. If you have thick hair, you can use a rat-tail comb to make smaller sections.
Step 2: Add extensions (optional)
If you want to add extensions for more length or volume, now is the time to do it. Take a small section of braiding hair and fold it in half. Place the folded end under your natural hair, then braid the hair together with your natural hair. Continue until all sections have extensions added.
Step 3: Start braiding
Take a small section of hair from one of your sections and split it into three parts. Cross the right part over the middle part, then cross the left part over the new middle part. Add a small section of hair from the same section to the right part, then cross it over the middle part. Repeat on the left side. Continue braiding until you reach the end of the hair.
Step 4: Repeat
Continue braiding each section until you’ve braided all your hair. If you have extensions, braid them together with your natural hair. Secure the ends of the braids with hair ties.
Step 5: Maintenance
To keep your box braids looking fresh, you should moisturize them regularly with braid spray or oil. You can also wash them every 2-3 weeks with a gentle shampoo and conditioner.
Expert Tips for Box Braids
One of the most important things to remember when doing box braids is to make sure your hair is properly detangled and moisturized, says hairstylist and natural hair expert Jane Smith. If you braid tangled or dry hair, you’ll end up with frizz and breakage.
FAQs about Box Braids
How long do box braids last?
Box braids can last up to 8 weeks with proper care.
Can you wash box braids?
Yes, you can wash box braids every 2-3 weeks with a gentle shampoo and conditioner.
Can you swim with box braids?
Yes, you can swim with box braids, but you should wear a swim cap and rinse your hair with clean water after swimming.
How much does it cost to get box braids done?
The cost of box braids can vary depending on the length, size, and location. On average, you can expect to pay $150-$300 for box braids.
Can you do box braids on short hair?
Yes, you can do box braids on short hair, but you may need to add extensions for length.