31 Box Braids Hairstyles for Short and Long Hair With Beads, Curls, Buns and Bohemian Twists
Box braids hairstyles offer an iconic and versatile way to style natural hair, whether you’re looking for medium length braids for daily wear or bohemian styles with beads for special occasions. From knotless braids to classic 90s-inspired twists, these styles are perfect for black women, for kids, and even formal events. This list of 31 box braids hairstyles showcases options for every hair length and occasion, combining elegance and ease.
Bohemian Box Braids with Curls
Bohemian box braids with curls create a carefree, whimsical look by blending braids with loose curls. This boho style suits round or oval face shapes, softening features with flowing curls and relaxed braids. Perfect for beach outings or music festivals, these braids add a natural charm, especially for those with dark eye colors, as they create a stunning contrast with the hair’s natural sheen.
To achieve this look, start with medium-sized braids, leaving sections unbraided at the ends. A curling iron or flexi-rods can be used to curl these loose ends, and a lightweight mousse will help maintain the curls. To keep it fresh, use a curl-friendly conditioner to hydrate the unbraided hair and maintain those waves.
Shoulder-Length Box Braids
Shoulder-length box braids strike a balance between manageability and style. This medium hair length makes it ideal for daily wear, offering enough length for versatility without being overwhelming. Best suited for heart-shaped faces, the braids’ length can beautifully frame the face. Shoulder-length braids are versatile enough for both professional settings and casual hangouts, offering a cute and polished look.
To create these braids, section the hair and use medium-sized braids. Maintenance is simple—lightly oil the scalp to prevent dryness and use a satin scarf at night to avoid frizz. Adding a leave-in conditioner once a week helps the braids retain moisture and shine, perfect for keeping this hairstyle fresh and sleek.
Knotless Box Braids
Knotless box braids offer a gentler option by avoiding tight knots at the scalp, making them a go-to for those prone to scalp tension. With a natural, seamless look, they’re great for all face shapes and suitable for long durations, such as travel or summer getaways. Knotless braids are flattering on all face shapes, enhancing eye color by keeping attention on natural beauty rather than the scalp.
The installation process starts with a small braid at the scalp, gradually adding extensions for a seamless blend. Maintenance includes regular moisturizing of the scalp, and a silk bonnet keeps the braids sleek. Try using a conditioning spray specifically designed for hair extensions to keep your braids smooth and hydrated.
Jumbo Box Braids
Jumbo box braids make a statement with their thicker, bold strands. Ideal for those with round or square faces, these large braids add volume and create an eye-catching look. Perfect for occasions where you want to stand out, such as birthday parties or music events, they’re easy to style with accessories like beads for added flair.
To create jumbo braids, use large sections of hair and consider using a strong hold gel for a polished finish. With their larger size, they’re easy to maintain; simply moisturize the scalp weekly and use a hair mist for added shine. These braids are low-maintenance but don’t last as long as smaller braids, so a re-braiding schedule may be necessary.
Long Box Braids with Waves
Long box braids with waves add a touch of glamour to a classic style. This braid style suits oval or diamond face shapes, elongating the neck and drawing attention to the jawline. Perfect for formal events or date nights, these braids exude elegance and flow gracefully with every movement.
To create waves, braid the hair halfway down and then set the rest in flexi-rods. Once set, remove the rods to reveal soft waves. To maintain, use a shine spray to prevent dullness, and avoid excessive brushing to keep the waves intact. A mousse or gel is ideal for adding hold to the waves without weighing them down.
Kids Box Braids with Beads
Box braids for kids are often enhanced with beads at the ends, adding playful elements. Suitable for round or heart-shaped faces, these medium styles work well for children, especially for school days or family gatherings. Beads add color and movement, making the style even more exciting for little ones.
To achieve this look, braid medium sections and secure beads at the ends with rubber bands. Maintenance is easy—use a lightweight oil on the scalp and avoid heavy products. This style keeps kids’ hair manageable and protected, and a satin pillowcase can prevent friction and frizz.
Medium-Length Box Braids with Beads
Medium-length box braids with beads offer a versatile hairstyle that’s both stylish and easy to maintain. This medium length suits all face shapes and complements eye colors beautifully, especially with beads in natural tones or gold accents. These braids are ideal for both everyday activities and semi-formal events, where a touch of personal style is appreciated.
To achieve this look, style medium-sized braids and add beads at varying sections for dimension. Use a light oil to keep the scalp hydrated, and a satin scarf at night helps avoid tangling. Avoid heavy products that could weigh down the beads, and keep the braids neat with a weekly mist of braid spray.
Box Braids in a High Bun
The high bun is a classic look that adds height and elegance, making it a great formal style for oval and heart-shaped faces. Whether for a wedding or a professional setting, this updo adds sophistication, drawing attention to the face while framing it with a gentle silhouette.
To style, pull all the braids up into a high bun and secure with a large hair tie or pins. Maintain this look with a light oil to smooth flyaways and use an edge control gel for sleek edges. To ensure the bun holds well, a strong hair tie is key, and a braid spray can add lasting sheen and moisture.
Half Cornrow, Half Box Braid
This half cornrow, half box braid style offers a unique fusion of two popular braid types, creating a bold and structured look. Perfect for those with square or diamond face shapes, this style is great for summer festivals or high-energy environments where you want to keep hair off your face but still showcase your style.
To achieve this, section the front half of the hair into cornrows and style the rest with medium box braids. A scalp oil will keep the cornrows fresh and reduce frizz, while a braid refresher spray adds shine to the box braid sections. Regular touch-ups around the hairline will keep this style looking neat.
Crochet Box Braids with Twists
Crochet box braids mixed with twists create a textured and voluminous style ideal for both casual and formal occasions. Great for those with round or oval faces, this look is best suited for those seeking a fuller hairstyle. These braids offer a bohemian vibe, perfect for beach outings or cozy fall gatherings.
Crochet braids are installed by looping pre-twisted sections onto the hair, making the installation faster than traditional braiding. Maintain with a light spray moisturizer, and use a satin scarf or bonnet to keep the twists intact. A weekly scalp massage with hair oil helps maintain moisture.
Short Box Braids with Curls
For a bouncy and refreshing look, short box braids with curls bring a chic twist to classic braids. Ideal for oval or round faces, these short braids add volume at the roots, making them perfect for low-key outings or day-to-day wear. This cute and lively style suits those who prefer a simple yet stylish look.
To style, keep the braids short and add small curls to the ends with perm rods. For maintenance, use a light styling cream to keep curls defined and a braid spray to add shine. Avoid heavy products as they can weigh down the curls, keeping the look fresh and bouncy.
Box Braids with Colored Extensions
Box braids with colored extensions let you add vibrant hues without dyeing your natural hair. This look suits heart-shaped and round faces, and it’s a perfect way to showcase personality with color choices ranging from bold neon to pastel shades. Ideal for events like concerts or festivals, this style makes a statement and draws attention to the eyes.
To achieve this look, mix colored extensions into your braids. Maintenance includes using a color-safe leave-in conditioner to preserve the vibrancy, and a lightweight oil will keep both the scalp and braids hydrated. Avoid heavy products that may dull the color, keeping the look lively and fresh.
Box Braids with Space Buns
For a playful, 90s-inspired vibe, space buns with box braids are a cute option. This style is fun and youthful, suiting oval and heart-shaped faces. It’s ideal for weekend outings or parties where you want to keep your hair stylishly out of the way.
To create space buns, section the braids into two parts and twist each into a bun on top of your head, securing with hair ties. A light styling gel will help smooth any frizz, while a braid spray keeps the style looking fresh. This low-maintenance style is easy to re-create and great for adding a pop of personality.
Fulani-Inspired Box Braids
Fulani-inspired box braids with beads and twists add cultural flair to a traditional look. This style is typically worn with beads near the face, framing it beautifully for round or oval face shapes. It’s ideal for cultural celebrations or simply embracing heritage with style.
For this look, braid small sections close to the scalp, adding beads as you go. Maintenance involves using a lightweight oil to keep the scalp moisturized, especially around the beads. A braid refresher spray keeps the beads shiny and prevents frizz for a polished look.
Box Braids with Marley Twists
Mixing Marley twists with box braids adds texture and volume, creating a natural look suited to formal and casual occasions. Best for square and diamond face shapes, the twists add depth to the hairstyle and draw attention to the cheekbones.
To achieve this look, section the hair and alternate between box braids and Marley twists. Keep this style looking its best by using a moisturizing braid spray and a hydrating gel. Avoid tight twists to prevent tension on the scalp, making it a comfortable and stylish option.
Shoulder-Length Box Braids with Half-Up Style
Shoulder-length box braids in a half-up style add a charming twist to medium-length hair. This look is suitable for all face shapes and can be styled up or down depending on the occasion, making it great for both work and social events.
To style, pull the top half of the braids into a ponytail or bun, leaving the bottom half loose. Use a shine-enhancing braid spray to keep the look polished, and a light edge control for a smooth finish. This low-maintenance style is easy to refresh, adding versatility to your braids.
French Braid with Box Braids
Combining a French braid with box braids offers a classic twist on the usual braided look, perfect for formal events or work settings. This elegant style suits all face shapes, with the French braid adding structure to a flowing hairstyle.
To create this look, braid the hair from the crown down into a French braid, incorporating box braids as you go. Use a strong hold gel for a smooth finish, and a satin scarf will keep the braid intact overnight. Regularly oiling the scalp will keep the roots healthy and moisturized.
Box Braids with Loose Waves
Box braids with loose waves create a textured, beachy look ideal for summer or laid-back outings. Suitable for oval or heart-shaped faces, the waves add dimension and a touch of romance to the hairstyle.
For this look, braid the hair halfway down and set the ends in loose waves using flexi-rods or a curling iron. To keep waves fresh, use a sea salt spray for a beachy effect and a moisturizing conditioner to prevent dryness. This look works best with lightweight products to maintain movement.
Cornrow and Box Braid Combo with Curls
This cornrow and box braid combo with curls combines structure with flair, blending cornrows at the scalp with flowing box braids that end in curls.
Perfect for diamond or heart-shaped faces, this style is a stunning choice for formal occasions or nights out.
To achieve, braid cornrows halfway and transition into box braids with curled ends. Use a curl cream to keep curls defined and a light oil on the scalp for moisture. Avoid brushing the curls to maintain definition, and a silk pillowcase will help prevent frizz.
Box braids are a versatile style that continues to inspire, offering protective, stylish options for various hair lengths and preferences. Each of these styles brings something unique to the table, whether you’re aiming for a boho, formal, or playful look. Try one, or mix and match elements to create a signature style. Leave a comment below to share which box braid style you’d like to try, or let us know your favorite way to style box braids!
