Box braids continue to reign supreme as one of the most versatile and protective hairstyles, blending chic aesthetics with hair health. According to hairstylist Stacey Ciceron, box braids are distinct from cornrows as they flow freely from the scalp, allowing for a plethora of styling options. “You can incorporate beads, lace, varying colors, and long extensions to achieve virtually any look you desire,” Ciceron explains. “My favorites include side ponies, buns, and half-up styles.”
Richard Grant’s Insights
Celebrity hairstylist Richard Grant, known for his work with stars like Mindy Kaling, praises box braids for their adaptability. “Box braids offer the flexibility to switch up your style frequently,” Grant notes. “Since they’re not attached to the scalp, you can enjoy the freedom of movement with your braids.”
Explore these top 25 ways to style box braids, showcasing the creativity and elegance this hairstyle can offer:
Bow’d Up
Create a playful twist with braided bows. This look involves braiding from the scalp while leaving the ends loose and adding intricate braided bows for a touch of whimsy.
High Strung
Enhance your braids with added string accents. Hairstylist Richard Grant styled actress Laya Daniels with braiding string to elevate her half-up look, which has since become a defining feature of her character.
Half-Back Bun
This effortless style is perfect for a casual, vacation vibe. Gather your braids into a bun, finishing with French curls at the ends to add dimension.
Pigtails
Tinashe showcases a youthful look by braiding her box braids into two pigtails, leaving out a few pieces at the front for added flair.
Parted Pony
Achieve a sleek, sophisticated updo with an exaggerated side part. Wrap a few braids around the ponytail to conceal the hair tie for a polished finish.
Puffed Up Bun
Faith Ifeanyi’s favorite style features a voluminous bun. Follow her tutorial for a step-by-step guide on achieving this look.
Half-Up Top-Knot
Storm Reid piles her braids into a high top-knot, leaving a few strands out to frame the face, channeling Dolly Parton’s mantra: “The higher the hair, the closer to heaven!”
Goddess Bun
This elegant style involves pulling the hair into a high bun, with loose goddess braids filling out the look and leaving symmetrical pieces in the front and back for balance.
French-Curled and Half-Up
By leaving the ends unbraided and pulling the hair into a half-up style, you can showcase French curls that mimic layered effects.
Straight to the Point
Sometimes less is more. Grant’s preferred style is simply wearing braids down and neatly styled for a polished, ready-to-go appearance.
Power Pony
Chloe Bailey opts for a commanding high ponytail, with a few braids concealing the hair tie for a clean, sophisticated look.
Long Goddess Braid
Chloe Bailey’s Instagram post flaunts long goddess braids with loose, wavy ends, capturing the attention of fans eager for a tutorial.
Beaded Bob
Add some flair with gold or silver beads. Grant highlights this beaded bob as a stunning way to accessorize and enhance your box braids.
Do Blondes Have More Fun?
Experiment with color by adding blonde highlights to your braids. This creator’s layered French curls are beautifully accentuated by the lighter hues.
Mermaid Crown
Inspired by her role as the Little Mermaid, Halle Bailey adorns her braids with a jeweled headband, perfect for a swim or a fantasy-inspired look.
Flowy Fringe
Showcase your front pieces with a high top-knot and a generous side-part, finished with a feminine twist for an eye-catching style.
Braid Within a Braid
Storm Reid’s unique style features braids across the scalp, creating a tiara-like effect and pushing the rest of her hair back.
Loose Low Pony
A relaxed, beach-ready style involves gathering your braids into a loose low ponytail, perfect for a carefree, summer-inspired look.
Fulani Crown
Rihanna’s Fulani braids, featuring cornrows at the front that transition into braids at the back, made a bold statement at the 2019 Fashion Awards.
Sporty Headband
Channel a sporty vibe with a headband that complements an active summer lifestyle, ideal for a look that says you’ve just finished a beach volleyball game.
Braided Bangs
Alicia Keys styles her braids into a high top knot with braided bangs that swoop subtly before cascading into curly box braids.
Space Buns
For a futuristic flair, section your braids into two high buns. This style, reminiscent of early 2000s trends, offers a playful yet functional look.
Island Time
Add a thicker cloth headband for an easy, laid-back accessory that elevates your look while leaving a few pieces out for a relaxed effect.
Beaded Bun
Adorn your side-swept bun with matching beads for a perfectly framed and sophisticated finish.
Mermaid Braids
Keep the beach vibe alive with long, flowing curls on your box braids, perfect for a siren-like appearance even as summer winds down.
Explore these creative styles to make the most of your box braids and showcase your unique flair.