Box braids are a popular hairstyle that has been a part of African culture for centuries. Originating in West Africa, this hairstyle was worn by both men and women as a way to express their cultural identity and social status. The braids were often adorned with beads and shells, making them a symbol of beauty and creativity.
Over time, box braids became more popularized in the United States during the 1990s. They were commonly worn by African American women and became a symbol of empowerment and self-expression. This trend was fueled by celebrities like Janet Jackson and Brandy, who popularized the style in music videos and movies.
Box braids are still a preferred hairstyle today for many black women. They offer versatility and low maintenance, allowing women to protect their natural hair and experiment with different lengths and colors. Box braids also provide a sense of cultural pride and connection to African heritage.
In recent years, there has been some controversy surrounding the appropriation of box braids by non-black individuals. Some argue that this hairstyle should only be worn by those with a cultural connection to it, while others believe that it is a form of appreciation and expression.
Regardless of where one stands on this issue, it is important to acknowledge the cultural significance of box braids and respect their origins. As a timeless and versatile hairstyle, box braids will continue to be a symbol of beauty, creativity, and cultural pride for generations to come.
Here you can find a compilation of 30 box braid haircuts specifically for black women below. From classic waist-length braids to shorter, edgier styles, there is something for everyone to explore and experiment with. These styles not only showcase the versatility of box braids but also serve as a source of inspiration for those looking to switch up their hairstyle.
1. Box Braid Top Bun with Two Bangs
If you want to give your natural hair a break from daily styling, this top bun with box braids is for you! It creates a neat and sophisticated appearance, while the two bangs add a touch of edge and personality to the style. Box braids also protect your natural hair and promote healthy hair growth, so give it a shot.
2. Half Pony Tail Box Braids
With the half ponytail, you can show off your gorgeous curls and box braids while still keeping your hair out of your face. So why not give it a try? You won’t regret it!
3. Two Red Buns with Box Braids
Girls, have you ever felt like you’re in a hair rut, doing the same style over and over again? Then, it’s time to try the hair above! Combine the classic box braid with a playful twist of two buns. Plus, the pop of red color adds a fun and bold statement to your overall look.
4. Blonde Ombre Box Braids
A blonde ombre effect on long and small box braids is a great detail, isn’t it? In this way, you can switch up your look without having to commit to a full head of dyed hair. Go for this hair to add dimension for your beautiful braids.
5. Stylish Box Dutch Braids
Two braids on either side of the head that are woven in a box-like pattern is definitely worth a try. The box braid design above is a great way to keep your hair out of your face while still looking stylish, so give it a shot.
6. Side Box Braids with Red Highlights
The sections of hair are tightly braided into small, square-shaped boxes that run along the side of the head and a fabulous look is achieved. Let’s adorn this beautiful design with red highlights and express your personality with gold hair beads.
7. Long Hair with Small Box Braids
Those who want to have long braided hair design will love this look! This look is achieved with box braids that are usually created by dividing the hair into small squares and braiding each section tightly. You can have this protective style that can last for several weeks and rock with it!
8. Turquoise Ombre Box Braids
The color of the hair transitions from a dark shade of brown to a turquoise shade of blue is a great way to have fun with your long box braids. It can take several hours to complete it, but once done, you are sure to stand out from the crowd!
9. Silver Asymmetrical Box Braided Bob
Here is a combo of silver-colored braids arranged in a bob-like shape with an asymmetrical cut. The back of the hair is shorter than the front and it creates an edgy look. If you are one of those who want a low-maintenance yet fashionable look, go for this amazing hairstyle.
10. Four Box Braid Backs
Wanna try this fashionable box braids? Here is what you need to do to get them. Have your hair divided into four equal sections and braided using the box braiding technique. Plus, the shaved sides can add an extra cool look for you.
11. Dark Blonde Box Braids with Curls
These beautiful braids are tightly woven into the hair, with loose curls at the end of each braid. Have your hair sectioned off small squares and braided, which creates a stylish look. You can also go for a blonde hair color that will make your hair look eye-catching.
12. Heart Shaped Knotless Box Braids
Is there cuter thing than a heart shape? Then, why not showing it on your stylish box braids hairstyle. The hair is shaped into a heart-like pattern on the side of the head, with the braids gathered and styled into a low bun at the nape of the neck. Give it a shot.
13. Long Box Braids with Two Buns
If you don’t want to cover all of your hair with braids, you can have your hair braided and leave some of them with their natural curls. Then, to achieve a cute look, you can style them into two buns by wrapping them around each other and securing them with hairpins or elastic bands.
14. Big Eight Box Breads with Crown Hair Ring
Dividing your hair into eight equal parts and braiding them to form eight box-shaped braids sound like a great idea, right? These big sized braids can also taken to a different level with crown shaped hair rings, which are placed randomly. Show everyone that you are the queen!
15. Medium Knotless Box Braids with a Top Bun
The hairstyle above involves braiding the hair into small to medium-sized box braids without using any knots, which reduces tension and damage to the scalp. Also, if you want a low-maintenance, have these braids gathered into a bun on the top of the head, and you get a stylish look.
16.Edgy Bob Hair with Medium Box Braids
Wanna be different from women who apply box braids? Then, an edgy bob haircut is for you. The edgy aspect of this hairstyle comes from the sharp, angular lines of the bob cut, which contrast with the texture of the braids. You can also add some gold hair beads to shine.
17. Half Bun Box Braids with Gold Beads
One of the most stylish hairstyles is definitely a half bun, so why don’t you get it with your box braids? Braid your hair into small box shaped sections and then pull half of the braids into a bun while leaving the rest of the hair down. As a final touch, the braids are accessorized with gold beads that are threaded onto the braids for added style.
18. Copper Hair with Heart Shaped Box Braids
The hair is dyed in a warm copper tone and then styled into box braids with heart-shaped parts on the sides. This cute heart shape is a cute way to decorate your hairstyle. Go for this stylish hairstyle that can last for several weeks with proper care.
19. Long Blonde Box Braids
If you especially have an afro-textured hair, this look is for you! By sectioning hair into small squares or boxes and braiding extensions into the natural hair, you can rock. With blonde extensions, you can also be the star and get a lot of compliments.
20. Box Braids with an Undercut Hair
In this hairstyle, the sides are shaved very short, while the top is styled with box braids. Even women who have undercut hairstyles can enjoy wearing box braids. Ruth Negga’s hairstyle of mini box braids and a high ponytail is evidence of this. Give it a shot.
21. Short Orange Box Braids
Add a pop of color to your hairstyle and opt for orange hair to weave into your braids. For a chic and trendy look, have the braids cut into a bob shape and let the tips splay outwards. Whether you choose a subtle hint of orange or go all out with a bold hue, you are sure to shine!
22. Box Braids with Buns
This 90s hairstyle is ready to give you a chic and cute look. To add a fun twist, you can create buns by gathering the braids into a high ponytail and wrapping them around the base to form a bun.
23. Knotted Colorful Box Braids
For achieving this particular look, we recommend you to consult a stylist to avoid creating knots that could be difficult to untangle later. The addition of different soft colors further enhances the depth of this exceptional style.
24. Mid-Length Brown Box Braids
Here is classic box braids above! The natural hair extensions are woven into small, box-shaped sections of hair and the style typically falls somewhere between the shoulders and mid-back. This mid-length makes the hair possible to maintain easily.
25. Small Blonde Bob Box Braids
These braids are typically shoulder-length or shorter and are styled into a bob shape. The best thing is that the hair gets longer to the front, which creates an asymmetrical look. The hair is also dyed blonde, giving it a light, summery feel.
26. Small Knotless Braids
Braided with small sections of hair, this hairstyle creates a seamless and natural-looking braid. For the end of the braids, you can have them curled using a curling iron or wand to add volume and bounce to the hair.
27. Silver and Black Box Braids
The color scheme of grey and black make these long small braids stand out more. The black hair slowly turns into bright silver color, which creates an ombre effect. Let’s shine with these box braids!
28. Braided Box Braids
Is there a better hairstyle than box braids? Everyone gets box braids but if you want to be different from the others, you can braid your box braids! It sounds strange but just look how cool the style is here on Storm Reid.
29. Blue Box Braids with Gold Beads
Colorful hair lovers will adore this hairstyle! Mid-length box braids are what you need to look chic but if you want to add a pop of color and make these beautiful braids stand out, a bright shade of blue hair is worth a try.
30. Jumbo Box Braids
If you want to have thicker braids, you need to try jumbo box braids. Have your hair parted into bigger sections and allow the braiding process to move quickly. The natural hair black color is black but it slowly turns into brown and blonde to the tips. In this way, braids are given a dimension.
31. French Curl Box Braids
Wanna have a fabulous braid? These French curl box braids are for you, then. The French Curl refers to the way the braids are curled at the ends, which creates a more natural and voluminous look. The curls are dyed in a blonde color while the rest of the hair is brown. As a final touch, wrap half of your hair create a bun on top.
32. Box Braids with Shells
Spirit up a basic set of box braids by adorning them with randomly placed cowrie shells. These shells add a touch of bohemian charm and are perfect for creating a versatile hairstyle that works both on and off the beach.
33. Small Blunt Box Braids
Let’s make a combo of a blunt haircut and box braid in one hairstyle. Blunt ends give a neat and clean finish to the braids, making them look polished and professional. Plus, the brown color offers a classic but chic look.
In conclusion, box braids have a rich cultural history that has transcended time and continues to be a popular hairstyle among black women. This versatile hairstyle offers a range of styling options and provides a sense of cultural identity and pride. Whether worn as a protective style or as a statement of individuality, box braids remain an iconic hairstyle that is here to stay. The 30 box braid haircuts compiled below serve as a testament to the enduring beauty and creativity of this timeless hairstyle.
