Box braids have been a popular and iconic hairstyle for decades, offering versatility, protection, and a unique aesthetic. When it comes to extremely long box braids, they take this classic style to a whole new level. In this article, we will explore the world of extremely long box braids from a professional hair stylist’s point of view, covering everything from the initial consultation to the maintenance and styling possibilities.
The Consultation Process
Understanding the Client’s Vision
When a client approaches me about getting extremely long box braids, the first step is always a detailed consultation. I need to understand exactly what the client envisions. Do they want their braids to reach their waist, hips, or even longer? Some clients may have a specific length in mind based on a photo they’ve seen or a style they’ve admired on someone else. Others might be more open-ended and simply want “really long” braids. It’s crucial to have this clear communication to ensure that we are on the same page from the start.
Assessing the Client’s Hair Health
Before diving into creating extremely long box braids, I must assess the health of the client’s natural hair. If the hair is already damaged, brittle, or overly processed, it may not be able to withstand the tension and weight of very long braids. I’ll examine the hair for signs of breakage, dryness, and split ends. If necessary, I’ll recommend treatments to improve the hair’s condition before proceeding with the braiding. This could include deep conditioning treatments, protein treatments, or a period of rest from excessive heat styling and chemical processing.
Discussing Maintenance Requirements
Extremely long box braids require a significant commitment in terms of maintenance. I make sure to have an in-depth conversation with the client about this. They need to understand that they’ll have to be diligent about keeping their scalp clean, as the longer the braids, the more difficult it can be for oils and dirt to be removed. I’ll explain how often they should wash their braids (usually no more than once a week to avoid over-drying), what products to use for cleansing and moisturizing, and how to properly dry their braids to prevent mildew or mold growth. Additionally, I’ll talk about the importance of protecting their braids at night, either by wearing a satin bonnet or wrapping their hair in a satin scarf to reduce friction and maintain the integrity of the braids.
The Braiding Process
Hair Preparation
Once the consultation is complete and we’ve determined that the client’s hair is in a suitable condition for extremely long box braids, the next step is hair preparation. I start by thoroughly washing and conditioning the client’s natural hair. This helps to remove any buildup of products, dirt, or oils and leaves the hair clean and moisturized, which is essential for a smooth braiding process. After washing, I’ll gently detangle the hair using a wide-tooth comb, starting from the ends and working my way up to the roots. This helps to prevent excessive breakage during the braiding.
Sectioning the Hair
After the hair is prepared, I begin the process of sectioning it. For extremely long box braids, precise sectioning is key. I’ll divide the hair into smaller, more manageable sections, usually starting from the nape of the neck and working my way up to the crown. The size of the sections will depend on the desired thickness of the braids. Thinner braids will require smaller sections, while thicker braids can have slightly larger sections. This step takes time and patience, but it ensures that the braids will be even and uniform in size and appearance.
The Braiding Technique
When it comes to actually braiding the hair, I use a traditional box braiding technique. I take a small section of hair and divide it into three equal parts. Then, I begin to cross the strands over each other in a consistent pattern, adding in additional hair from the surrounding section as I go. For extremely long box braids, it’s important to maintain a tight grip on the braids as I work, to ensure that they stay in place and don’t unravel. I also make sure to keep the tension even throughout the braid, so as not to cause any unnecessary stress on the client’s natural hair. This process is repeated for each section of hair until all the desired braids are complete.
Adding Extensions (if needed)
In many cases, to achieve extremely long box braids, we’ll need to add hair extensions. I carefully select high-quality extensions that match the client’s natural hair color and texture as closely as possible. When adding the extensions, I’ll integrate them seamlessly into the braiding process. I’ll attach them to the client’s natural hair at the root of each braid and continue braiding as usual, incorporating the extension hair along with the natural hair. This allows for a smooth transition between the natural hair and the extensions and creates a cohesive look for the extremely long box braids.
Styling and Customization
Different Styles of Extremely Long Box Braids
Once the braids are complete, there are numerous styling options available. One popular style is the classic straight-down look, where the braids hang freely and straight, creating a sleek and elegant appearance. Another option is to create a side-swept look, where the braids are gathered to one side of the head, which can add a touch of femininity and softness. For a more edgy look, the braids can be styled into a high ponytail or a bun, either at the crown of the head or at the nape of the neck. Additionally, some clients like to add accessories such as beads, ribbons, or cuffs to their extremely long box braids to further customize the look and make it their own.
Customizing with Color
Color can also be a great way to customize extremely long box braids. We can either dye the client’s natural hair before braiding or add colored extensions to create a unique color combination. For example, a client might want to add highlights of a different color to their braids, such as blonde highlights on black braids or red highlights on brown braids. This can add a pop of color and make the braids stand out even more. We can also create an ombre effect by gradually changing the color of the braids from the roots to the tips, which gives a trendy and modern look.
Changing the Texture
The texture of extremely long box braids can also be customized. If the client wants a more curly or wavy look, we can use a curling iron or a flat iron to create curls or waves in the braids. This is a great way to switch up the appearance of the braids without having to redo the entire braiding process. On the other hand, if the client prefers a smoother, straighter look, we can use a straightening product and a flat iron to achieve that effect.
Maintenance and Longevity
Washing and Conditioning
As mentioned earlier, washing extremely long box braids needs to be done carefully. I recommend using a sulfate-free shampoo and a moisturizing conditioner. When washing, gently massage the shampoo into the scalp, avoiding rubbing the braids too vigorously as this can cause frizz and damage. After rinsing out the shampoo, apply the conditioner to the length of the braids, focusing on the ends where the hair is often drier. Let the conditioner sit for a few minutes before rinsing thoroughly. It’s important to make sure that the braids are completely dry after washing to prevent any issues such as mildew or mold growth.