What Are Box Braids? From Prep to Maintenance, Everything You Need to Know

Hair trends come and go — crimped hair, finger waves, French rolls — but no hairstyle has endured the test of time like box braids. Box braids and several other braided styles originated in Africa as far back as 3500 B.C. And you might be pleased to hear that experts say the box braids of today aren’t that different from what was worn by the people of Namibia and the Nile Valley all those years ago.

Ahead, we've rounded up everything you need to know before you schedule your hair appointment, along with expert tips from a certified trichologist (aka a hair specialist) and hairstylist. Keep reading to learn what you need to know about box braids before making your next hair appointment.

What Are Box Braids?

For the uninitiated, box braids are three-stranded plaits. The history of box braids is quite rich—their origin can be traced all the way back to 3500 B.C. and are a major part of African and African-American culture. They aren’t too different from standard braids, but they are certainly more defined than knotless braids since the tension that is applied to the braids are enough to prevent fly-aways. And unlike cornrows, box braids are not braided flat against the scalp—hair is sectioned off into precisely shaped squares (or boxes) all throughout the scalp and gets braided down its entire length, so you can shake your freestanding plaits to your heart’s content. To get added length, volume, and protection, many naturals and relaxed heads opt for extensions.

Kanekalon is a synthetic fiber that is used in most braiding hair packs. It's the most popular option for box braids due to its affordability and ability to withstand extreme heat for sealed ends (if rubber bands aren’t used). However, bulk human hair can also be used for a more natural look that’s environmentally friendly and sustainable. Though, this option is pricier and takes a bit more work since it’s real hair.

Whichever, hair extension type you choose, it can be reused for future box braids or other braiding styles like goddess braids.

How to Prep Hair For Box Braids

Since your hair will be tucked away for a few weeks or months at a time, pre-treating your locks are of utmost importance. Hill advises that anyone who gets box braids should do a scalp and protein treatment on dry, unwashed hair prior to the braiding appointment. “Let these treatments sit on the hair for 30 minutes and shampoo and deep condition with an intense moisture-based conditioner for 10 to 15 minutes,” she says.

Groover agrees with making time for deep, moisture-rich conditioner, but recommends including some added heat. "Cover [the] hair with a plastic cap and use heat to ensure the product penetrates the hair sufficiently," she explains.

Mielle Organics Babassu Oil Mint Deep Conditioner $14.00

Shop

And when it comes down to the actual braid install, Hill suggests that stylists spray a lightweight oil like almond or shea oil from root to ends "so that the fibers are protected with moisture and lubrication."

As for the to the age-old question of whether you should straighten your hair to get it braided, both experts agree that it does make the process easier and quicker, which is important since box braids take several hours to install.

Hair doesn’t have to be bone straight and sleek. A simple blow-dry or similar hair stretching method that elongates kinks and curls is enough to make a box braid session a breeze. It also minimizes tangling and breakage, which we’re sure nobody wants with their protective style.

How to Choose Your Braid Size

The hardest part about getting box braids is deciding on the thickness of your plaits. Making a decision becomes easier when you take consideration of your environment, says Hill. 

In her own words, “The right size depends on your goals and purpose of choosing a braided style. Are you looking for a Bohemian beach beauty look for your week-long girls’ trip to the Caribbean? Or are you looking for a protective style to give your hair fibers a break from styling and manipulation?”

Aside from thinking about the climate you’ll be in, Hill stresses that your planned box braid duration should be discussed with your stylist. “The longer you plan to keep them in, the smaller the sections should be,” she says, though, she advises her clients to stay away from micro-sized braids. “I suggest that sections, at minimum, [should] at least be two fingers in width.”

Do Box Braids Hurt?

As many protective stylers know, traction alopecia can occur if your braids are too tight. To ensure that your hair stays intact, you’ll have to monitor your stylist’s technique for any discomfort.

If discomfort does occur, Hill advises clients to speak up. “Address the discomfort immediately,” she urges. “The braider should loosen any braid in real-time to reduce discomfort.” In her line of work, she says any reputable braider will want to know a client’s scalp sensitivity, so they’ll know how much tension to use throughout the service. Therefore, the instant you feel uncomfortable, you should let your stylist know. Box braids shouldn’t be painful.

What Is the Braiding Process Like?

Box braids are not a monolith. The style can be long or short, thick or thin. And depending on the look you’re going for, the hours you spend in a stylist’s chair can vary.

“The time it takes depends on the skill and technique of the braider and the hair type of the client who is getting the braids—not so much on the braid style,” Hill says. “On average, a quality braid style can take anywhere from four to eight hours.”

Real talk: If you’re going for a really elaborate or Rapunzel-length box braid style, you might want to bring a few magazines, a phone charger, and snacks with you.

How Long Do Box Braids Take to Install?

Box braids are like a choose-your-own adventure story. If you choose thicker braids with less parts, it might take as little as three to four hours. If you want longer braids, tack on an extra hour or two. If you're looking for thin braids, the process can take as long as eight to 12 hours.

How Much Do Box Braids Cost?

The cost of box braids can vary depending on a number of factors—length, how thick/thin, your location, the stylist, length of time, and more. In general, you can expect box braids to cost you anywhere from $75 all the way to $500+.

You'll also need to factor in the cost of braiding hair if your stylist doesn't provide it, which can tack on an extra $4 to $10 per pack of hair. How much hair you'll need will depend on what style you're looking for.

How Do You Maintain Box Braids?

Although box braids are meant to be a low-maintenance, protective style, there is still some upkeep that’s needed to ensure both your plaits and scalp are in tip-top shape.

Hill advises that the physical braids get spritzed with a moisturizing oil at least three to five times a week. The scalp, however, needs a little more TLC since it is the foundation for healthy hair.

“The scalp should be cleansed with natural cleansing oils such as citrus-based rosemary, which should be applied with a nozzle applicator bottle weekly,” she says. “Some scalps may need a diluted shampoo every other week or so.”

If that’s the case for your scalp, Hill suggests mixing shampoo and water in a nozzle applicator bottle and working the contents onto your scalp before getting into the shower. The mixture can sit for five to 10 minutes before it needs to be rinsed under a shower head. Post-shower, you can apply a moisturizing oil spray and let the braids air-dry to completion. If you feel a hooded dryer or blower dryer is necessary, Hill says to make sure it is at a cool temperature.

How Long Do Box Braids Last?

It might be tempting to leave your box braids in for as long as possible. Especially if your braids still look good months after the first installation. However, if you keep your braids in for too long, it can cause breakage, matting, and buildup on your new growth, which completely defeats the purpose of a protective style.

“Braids can last a maximum of 10 weeks if the hairline and nape are redone at the six-week mark,” Hill explains. “If the hairline and neck are not re-done at the six-week mark, eight weeks is the maximum amount of time you can keep your hair in a braided style.”

When you're ready to uninstall your box braids, Groover leaves us with two essential tips. Detangle first. Cleanse second. "Detangle the dry hair with only your hands and no product for the first round. For the second round, I suggest detangling with a wide-tooth comb while using a rich, intensive, detangling conditioner," she advises. "Taking this extra step can help prevent tangling and excess shedding.[This] works to soften, condition, and removes knots and buildup from dry, tangled hair. Once you have rinsed out your hair mask, follow up with your regular cleansing and conditioning routine."

African Pride Black Castor Miracle Take Down Moisture & Detangling Masque $20.00

Shop