Box braids are a popular and stylish protective hairstyle that can look amazing on long hair. They not only offer a trendy look but also help to protect your natural hair from damage caused by daily styling and environmental factors. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of creating beautiful box braids on long hair from a professional hairstylist’s perspective.
Tools and Materials Needed
Before you start, it’s essential to gather all the necessary tools and materials. Here’s what you’ll need:
Hair extensions (optional but recommended for added length and fullness): If you want really long and thick box braids, you’ll likely need to add some synthetic or human hair extensions. Make sure to choose extensions that match your natural hair color as closely as possible for a seamless look.
Rat-tail comb: This is crucial for creating clean parts and smoothing out the hair before braiding.
Wide-tooth comb: Ideal for detangling your long hair gently before starting the braiding process.
Hair clips or rubber bands: To section off your hair and keep the unbraided portions out of the way.
Hair oil or leave-in conditioner: Applying a small amount of hair oil or leave-in conditioner to your natural hair can help keep it moisturized during the braiding process.
Braiding hair gel: This will help to tame flyaways and keep the braids looking neat and smooth.
Scissors: For trimming any excess hair or cutting the ends of the extensions evenly.
Preparing the Hair
Detangle: Start by using a wide-tooth comb to gently detangle your long hair. Begin from the ends and work your way up to the roots, being careful not to pull or break the hair. If you encounter any knots that are difficult to remove, you can apply a small amount of hair oil or leave-in conditioner to help loosen them.
Wash and condition: It’s a good idea to wash and condition your hair a day or two before doing the box braids. This ensures that your hair is clean and well-moisturized. After washing, gently towel-dry your hair until it’s damp but not soaking wet.
Section the hair: Using a rat-tail comb, create a horizontal part across the back of your head, dividing your hair into an upper and a lower section. Clip the upper section out of the way for now. Then, divide the lower section into smaller, more manageable sections using additional horizontal and vertical parts. The size of these sections will determine the thickness of your box braids. For a more traditional look, you can make the sections about 1 to 1.5 inches wide.
Adding Hair Extensions (if desired)
If you’ve decided to use hair extensions to achieve longer and fuller box braids, here’s how to attach them:
Measure the extensions: Take a strand of the braiding hair extension and measure it against the length of your natural hair section. Cut the extension to the appropriate length, leaving a bit of extra length at the end to account for any trimming later.
Fuse or knot the extensions: There are different methods to attach the extensions to your natural hair. One common way is to use a knotting technique. Take a small section of your natural hair and the corresponding section of the extension. Tie a simple knot close to the roots of your natural hair, making sure it’s tight enough to hold but not so tight that it causes discomfort. Another option is to use a fusion method if you have the proper tools and expertise. This involves using a heating device to fuse the extension to your natural hair. However, the knotting method is usually more beginner-friendly.
Blend the extensions: Once the extensions are attached, use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to gently blend the natural hair and the extension together. This helps to create a seamless look and ensures that the braids will look uniform.
The Braiding Process
Now that your hair is prepared and the extensions (if used) are attached, it’s time to start braiding:
Take a section: Select a small section of hair from one of the previously divided sections. If you’re using extensions, make sure to include both the natural hair and the attached extension in this section. The section should be about the width you decided on earlier for the thickness of the braids.
Divide into three strands: Use your fingers to divide the selected section into three equal strands. Hold the strands firmly between your fingers.
Begin the braid: Cross the right strand over the middle strand. Then, cross the left strand over the new middle strand (which was the right strand before). Continue this alternating crossing motion, gradually adding in any loose hair from the sides of the section as you go. This will create a basic three-strand braid.
Box braid shape: To transform the basic braid into a box braid, instead of simply crossing the strands in a circular motion, you’ll make the braid flatter and more square-like. As you cross the strands, pull them tightly against each other to create a flat, boxy appearance. You can also use your fingers to press the braid gently on the sides to further define the box shape.
Adding hair as you braid: If your section of hair is long enough, you’ll need to continue adding in any loose hair from the sides of the section as you braid. This ensures that the braid stays full and thick throughout its length. To do this, when you cross a strand over the middle strand, pick up a small amount of the loose hair from the side and incorporate it into the strand before crossing it again.
Finishing the braid: Once you’ve reached the end of the section or the desired length of the braid, you can tie it off with a small rubber band or use a hair clip to hold it in place. If you’ve used extensions, you may need to trim the ends of the braid to make it look even.
Tips for a Professional Look
Keep the tension consistent: Throughout the braiding process, try to maintain a consistent level of tension on the strands. If the tension is too loose, the braids will look sloppy and may come undone easily. If it’s too tight, it can cause discomfort and potentially damage your natural hair or the extensions.
Smooth out flyaways: Use a small amount of braiding hair gel to tame any flyaways or loose hairs that pop up during the braiding process. Gently run your fingers coated with the gel over the surface of the braids to keep them looking neat.
Make the ends even: After finishing each braid, take a close look at the ends. If they’re uneven, use scissors to trim them to a uniform length. This gives the braids a more polished look.
Check for symmetry: As you braid, periodically step back and check the overall symmetry of the braids. Make sure that the thickness and length of each braid are relatively consistent with the others. If you notice any significant differences, you may need to adjust the way you’re braiding or the size of the sections you’re starting with.
Maintaining Box Braids
Once you’ve successfully completed your box braids on long hair, it’s important to know how to maintain them to keep them looking great:
Keep your scalp clean: Use a gentle, dry shampoo or a diluted mixture of apple cider vinegar and water to clean your scalp every few days. This helps to remove any buildup of oils, dirt, or product residue without having to fully wash your hair and potentially loosen the braids.
Moisturize your hair: Even though your hair is braided, it still needs moisture. You can apply a small amount of lightweight hair oil or leave-in conditioner to the length of the braids every few days to keep them from drying out.
Avoid excessive pulling and tugging: Be careful when sleeping, exercising, or going about your daily activities not to pull or tug on the braids too much. This can cause them to come undone or damage your natural hair or the extensions.
Watch for signs of damage: Regularly check the braids for any signs of fraying, splitting, or loosening. If you notice any issues, it may be time to take them down and give your hair a break.
Removing Box Braids
When it’s time to remove your box braids, it’s important to do it carefully to avoid causing unnecessary damage to your natural hair:
Cut the rubber bands or clips: Start by cutting off any rubber bands or unclipping any hair clips that are holding the braids together.
Untie the knots (if applicable): If you used a knotting technique to attach the extensions, carefully untie the knots one by one.
Gently unravel the braids: Use your fingers to gently unravel the braids, starting from the ends and working your way up to the roots. Be patient and take your time, as rushing can cause hair breakage.
Wash and condition: After removing the braids, it’s essential to wash and condition your hair thoroughly. This helps to remove any product buildup and restore moisture to your hair. You may notice that your hair is a bit tangled after having the braids in for a while, so use a wide-tooth comb to gently detangle it again.
Conclusion
Box braids on long hair can be a stunning and practical hairstyle choice. By following the steps outlined in this professional guide, you can create beautiful, long-lasting box braids that not only enhance your appearance but also protect your natural hair. Remember to take good care of your braids while they’re in and remove them carefully when the time comes. With a little practice and patience, you’ll be able to master the art of doing box braids on long hair and enjoy this stylish look for weeks to come.
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