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Protective stylesare the powerhouse ofnatural hairstyles.
Instagram@zendaya/ Getty Images
Not only do they keep our natural hair protected, but they also encourage hair growth.
Box braids are a particularly popular style.
Compared to loose natural hair, box braids are a very low-maintenance hairstyle.
Theyre not going to frizz out immediately after getting wet, making them perfect for vacation.
Sleeping with a satin scarf or bonnet helps maintain shine and prevent breakage.
What are box braids?
First, you should treat and trim your hair prior.
Who invented box braids?
Braids can be traced back 5,000 yearsin African culture to 3500 BC.
Braiding began in Africa with the Himba people of Namibia.
In some African tribes, braided hairstyles were considered a unique way to distinguish each tribe from the others.
Box braids, specifically,stem from Egypt in 3100 BCbut gained newfound popularity in the 1990s.
What helps box braids last longer?
As for when to take them down, she recommends keeping them in for no more than two months.
The most important aspect of maintaining box braids is keeping your hair clean and moisturized.
You dont want your hair and scalp to get dry, dirty, or full of product buildup.
venture to keep the roots clean and hydrated with a hair oil or hydrating spray.
Also, wrap your hair at night and, ultimately, know when its time to remove the hairstyle.
Most box braids can last for up to six to eight weeks when well maintained.
However, small braids, such as micro box braids, can often last a little longer.
Are box braids low-maintenance?
Yes, box braids are extremely low-maintenance.
This makes them perfect for vacations or wearing during the warmer months.
Fair warning, though: Itll be hard to choose just one.
Here are some of the cutest box braid hairstyles out there to give you some inspiration.
Scroll on through for our favorites.
That, paired with a little hair oil, will surely do the trick.
Instead of a hair tie, try wrapping a single braid around the pony for a seamless look.
Raindrop Box Braids
Who needs jewelry when you have hair accessories?
These raindrop beads are the perfect addition to a box braid hairstyle.
Boho Knotless Box Braids
Blondes come in many shadesplatinum,strawberry, and of course,honey.
Opt for a warmer honey blonde hue in a boho style this season.
Green Box Braids
Dont get green with envy because of these braids.
Just make an appointment ASAP to try the bold color yourself.
The extra-small style lasts longer than regular small or medium braids.
Plus, the finished look is a minimalist dream.
Braids past your waist?
These long goddess box braids will deliver some hair-blowing-in-the-wind romance and drama.
Bob Box Braids
Take a trip back in time with a braided bob.
Theyre often more comfortable and put less tension on your scalp and edges.
Cool doesnt even begin to describe it.
The top portion is braided while the majority of the braid is left out.
Braided Buns
Why settle for one bun when you might have three?
Braided Box Braids
Whats better than box braids?Braidedbox braids.
Just look how cool the style is here on Storm Reid.
Box Braids With an Undercut
Women with undercuts can get in on the box braid fun too.
Ruth Neggas minis and high ponytail are proof of just that.
Along with the dark roots, we love the lived-in feel they give off.
check that to have a secure ponytail holder and some bobby pins handy to keep the hair in place.
Imperfect Box Braids
These intentionally imperfect knotless box braids are perfect to us.
Its best pulled off with smaller box braids.
We also appreciate the commitment to beads, especially on the bangs.
Dont forget to give your baby hairs some love.
Two edge stylers we love?Pattern Beauty Edge ControlandEmerge Style Goals Gel.
Theyre great for an on-and-off-the-beach look.
Blue Box Braids
Not all box braids have to come in natural hair colors.
These aqua box braids make the perfect statement.
But as Jhene Aiko demonstrates here, the scarf doesnt have to be relegated to the bedroom.
Wear it out of the house to accessorize your look.
Have the braids styled into a bob and let the ends fan out.
Space Buns
This 90s style is giving us alien Take me to your hairstylist vibes.
Its out of this world in the coolest way.
Long Box Braids
We love the ombre effect on these Rapunzel-length medium-size box braids.
The braid rings take it to the next level.
Pink Box Braids
In this case, chasing waterfalls is okay.
As long as its in the form of pink box braids spilling out from atop your head.
Sunrise Braids
Who says your box braids need to match your actual hair?
Or be a realistic hair color, for that matter?
Be bold and step out of your comfort zone with these neon pink and orange braids.
The pom-poms on the end are the perfect finishing touch.
Alternatively, because of their size, they also wont last as long.
Silver Braids
Looking to embrace your grays or simply want to channel your inner Storm from X-Men?
Try out a silver hue.
The different colors add even more dimension to a truly unique style.
To get the sealed ends seen here, have your stylist safely burn the ends of your extensions.
Rainbow Box Braids
These extra-long colorful box braids make for the perfect loud and proud statement.
Silver end beads add an edgy touch to the already gorgeous do.
Wedding Box Braid Bun
Box braid styles could easily be street-ready or wedding day levels of elegance.
Uzo Aduba proves this with the twisted, braided low bun she wore at her wedding.
Large Curly Knotless Braids
Combine box braids with curls in this large knotless style.
Let length be a show-stopper and coil the ends of these butt-length braids.
Beachy Blonde Box Braids
These blonde box braids combine sturdy protectiveness with a beach-ready blonde.
Take advantage of how these box braids love the water for your tropical getaway.
Box braids hairstyles come in a variety of sizes, and these small braids focus on definition and neatness.
The boxy parts shine through in this style.
Her bejeweled half-bun, half-down style is fit for Wakandan royalty.
Rapunzel Braid
Yvonne Orji channels a fairytale princess with this box braid hairstyle.
