Braid Hair Box: Top Styles And Tips For Beautiful Braids
What is Box Braiding Hair?
Box braiding hair is a popular protective hairstyle that involves weaving sections of natural or synthetic hair into your own hair to create a stylish and versatile look. This technique is loved for its ability to last several weeks, allowing individuals to enjoy low-maintenance haircare while still looking fabulous.
Benefits of Box Braiding Hair
Protective Style
One of the primary benefits of box braids is their protective nature. They shield your natural hair from environmental stressors, preventing damage from heat and styling tools.
Versatility
Box braiding hair offers endless styling options. You can create single braids, chunky braids, or combine colors for a unique look. Additionally, they can be worn long or short, depending on your preference.
Low Maintenance
With box braids, there's no need to spend hours styling your hair every morning. A quick reset or a light oil application is all you need to keep your hair looking fresh and fabulous throughout the weeks.
Choosing the Right Hair for Box Braids
Natural Hair vs. Synthetic Hair
When selecting hair for box braiding, you can choose between natural human hair or synthetic hair. Natural hair often looks more realistic and can be styled with heat, while synthetic hair is more affordable and comes in a vast array of colors and textures.
Hair Types for Box Braids
Popular options for box braids include Kanekalon and Toyokalon synthetic fibers, as these materials mimic the texture of natural hair and are lightweight, making them ideal for long-term wear.
How to Box Braid Your Hair
Preparation
Start by preparing your natural hair. Cleanse and condition thoroughly, and apply a leave-in conditioner to ensure your hair is moisturized. It's also a good idea to detangle your hair to make the braiding process smoother.
Sectioning the Hair
Divide your hair into manageable sections. Use clips or hair ties to keep the sections separate. Smaller sections will create thinner braids, while larger sections will yield thicker braids.
Installing Box Braids
Once you've sectioned your hair, take a piece of your chosen braid hair and place it under the natural hair. Braid all three pieces together, ensuring to keep the tension even throughout the braid for a polished look. Repeat this process for all sections of your hair.
Caring for Box Braids
Keeping Your Scalp Healthy
To maintain a healthy scalp while wearing box braids, regularly apply a light oil or scalp treatment to prevent dryness and itchiness.
Washing Box Braids
Even with box braids, you’ll want to keep your scalp clean. Use a diluted shampoo solution to gently cleanse your scalp without unraveling your braids.
Conclusion
Box braiding hair is not just about aesthetics; it's a versatile, practical, and stylish way to protect your natural hair while exploring various looks. Whether you’re a newcomer to braiding or a seasoned pro, understanding the ins and outs of box braids will help you enjoy this fabulous hairstyle to the fullest.