Box braids are a timeless and versatile protective hairstyle that has been embraced by many for its beauty, low maintenance, and ability to promote hair health. However, one of the most common questions before getting this style is: How long does it take to do box braids? The answer depends on several factors, including hair length, thickness, braid size, stylist experience, and whether you’re doing them yourself or visiting a professional.
Factors That Influence the Time Required
Hair Length & Density
The length and thickness of your natural hair play a significant role in determining how long the braiding process will take. Shorter or finer hair may take less time, while longer, thicker hair requires more effort and time to section and braid properly. If extensions are added, the time may increase depending on how seamlessly they are incorporated.
Braid Size & Style
Box braids come in various sizes—small, medium, large, or jumbo. Smaller braids require more sections and thus take longer to complete. For instance, micro braids can take upwards of 8-10 hours, while jumbo braids may only take 3-5 hours. Additionally, intricate styles like feed-in braids or designs with added curls at the ends can extend the installation time.
Stylist Experience vs. DIY
A professional braider with years of experience will typically work faster than someone doing their own hair for the first time. If you’re visiting a salon, the process may take between 4-8 hours, depending on the stylist’s speed. On the other hand, self-installation can take much longer, especially if you’re unfamiliar with braiding techniques. Some people split the process over multiple days to avoid fatigue.
Preparation Time
Before braiding, hair must be washed, detangled, and blow-dried to ensure smooth installation. This prep work can add an extra 1-2 hours to the overall process. Skipping proper preparation may lead to frizzier braids or difficulty in sectioning, ultimately slowing you down.
Extensions & Additional Styling
If you’re using synthetic or human hair extensions, the time needed will vary based on the attachment method. Knotless braids, for example, take longer than traditional box braids because they require a more gradual feed-in technique. Adding curls, beads, or other accessories will also extend the styling duration.
Estimated Timeframes
- Small Box Braids (Tiny to Medium Parts): 6-10 hours
- Medium Box Braids (Standard Size): 4-7 hours
- Large or Jumbo Box Braids: 3-5 hours
- Knotless Box Braids: 5-8 hours
- DIY Box Braids (Self-Installation): 8-12 hours (sometimes split into multiple sessions)
Tips to Reduce Braiding Time
Pre-stretch Your Hair: Blow-drying or stretching your hair beforehand makes it easier to handle.
Use Pre-sectioned Hair: Some extensions come pre-stretched, reducing detangling time.
Work in Sections: Divide hair into four or more parts to maintain organization.
Choose a Comfortable Size: Larger braids take less time than smaller ones.
Take Breaks If Needed: If doing it yourself, pause to avoid hand fatigue.
Conclusion
The time it takes to install box braids varies widely, but understanding these factors can help you plan accordingly. Whether you opt for a salon visit or a DIY approach, patience is key to achieving neat, long-lasting results. Proper maintenance after installation will ensure your braids stay fresh for weeks, making the time investment worthwhile.
Related topics:
What Type Of Hair To Use For Micro Braids
How To Maintain Knotless Braids
How To Get Defined Curls With Naturally Curly Hair
