Braids Price Guide: What to Expect

Braids are a need! It also represents cultural representation for the majority of black women and is a low-maintenance hairstyle. This protective style adds so much beauty and elegance. But as we all know, low maintenance doesn’t necessarily mean cheap expense, and most beginners wonder how much box braids cost. It is a major checklist for getting the braids done, and the rest follows.

Are you interested in learning the price of braids? Find out by continuing to read! There are no clear-cut answers when it comes to box braids because a variety of factors affect the cost of these braids, factors including:

• The size and style complexity: The size and desired look also affect the cost; for example, smaller, more elaborate box braids are more expensive, and for good reason—they take more time and work to execute.

• Another issue that is frequently taken into account is length; specifically, how long do you want the braids to be? Pricing for longer braids that reach the butt or waist is taken into consideration.

• The Stylist and Expertise: This is seen to be a crucial consideration for cost. It goes without saying that the pricing package for a well-known braid expert stylist would be on the expensive side because it combines popularity and expertise.

• You might want to keep in mind that the quality of your stylist has a significant impact on the cost. Going to a new stylist can be a smart decision for your wallet because they won’t charge as much as a renowned braid specialist.

• Location: Although other aspects affect and determine price, the location has a significant impact. The cost would be higher in larger metropolitan locations and cheaper in less urban, rural, or isolated communities. Consider this before making a call to make an appointment.

How Much are Box Braids?

The cost of getting box braids is well known, and there is no way to get around it unless you are a skilled DIY braider. To avoid feeling as though you are being overcharged or undercharged for a braiding service, you should at least be aware of what you are paying for.

Micro Box Braids

These extremely tiny and delicate braid kinds often stay the longest, lasting 10 to 12 weeks on average with proper care and upkeep. The micro braids are at the top of the chart because, generally speaking, the smaller and more detailed the braid, the longer it lasts.

The hair is divided into really small pieces to create this style, which gives it a much more natural appearance but also increases the installation time to an average of 8 to 12 hours or more! a number of hairdressers simultaneously working on your hair. Nonetheless, it also provides greater style options and flexibility; however, without correct installation, and adequate care, the removal procedure can be terribly damaging to the hair.

Micro braids prices typically vary from $150 to $450 depending on the aforementioned factors and don’t include the additional cost of pre-stretched hair which may be anywhere from 4 to 6 packs of hair depending on the length, style, and hair texture. The Instagram hairstylist @theplaitsbyb has micro braids in the range of $260 to 300.

Small Box Braids

They are normally one step wider than micro braids and about half the width of pencils. They are second only to micro braids in terms of durability, variety, and style flexibility.

Small braids will typically last 8 to 10 weeks with correct maintenance and styling advice. It is not recommended to wear braids for more than six weeks. And installation ought to take seven to nine hours.

This indicates that you should set aside between $140 and $300 for these braids, taking into account the additional expense of braiding hair extensions, as you’ll probably need four of those. This braid costs between $210 and 240 according to Instagram user @theplaitsbyb, with the length costing an additional $60 to 120.

Medium Box Braids

Since medium box braids take less time to make than small braids and have a more appealing appearance, beginners are typically advised to start with them.

Medium box braids have a width that varies from a penny to a nickel. These, like little braids, can last up to eight weeks. Because of the slightly larger parts and shorter installation times compared to small and micro braids, medium braids look particularly great on shorter lengths and add a pop of color. They also offer a lot of styling versatility. Costs for medium braids range from $125 to $275.

Large Box Braids

These braids, which are around the thickness of a marker and provide an even lower maintenance alternative for this already hassle-free hairdo, are a great option for people who want to style their hair at home or don’t have time to spend hours sitting in a salon. 

Large box braids can be finished in three to six hours, which is much quicker than the smaller braid designs because the parts of the hair are more noticeable. The braids will cost between $100 and $225 once they are finished, plus any pre-stretched braiding hair you may need. They should last for six to eight weeks.

Jumbo Box Braids

Jumbo box braids are the broadest and unquestionably the fastest of the braid styling options. They typically measure about the width of two markers and can be finished in 45 to 3 hours of your time, but they are not as durable. They allow less access to the scalp and typically last two to four weeks, which makes cleaning more difficult.

Jumbo braids are the preferred braids because they take less time to install, produce a lovely result, and are also less expensive! To get this look, budget between $75 and $175.

Other elements like coloring individual sections of hair, and ways to part hair for box braids like squares, triangles, and spider webs, among others, could affect the price. Additionally, the knotless variation of box braids—one without an anchor knot in the scalp—might be more expensive and provide a more natural appearance. 

The knotless braid, which is currently popular, uses a feed-in technique whereby tiny braiding hair extensions are intermittently added in until the desired size. And, because the natural hair is first braided, the process is painless and places little to no tension on the scalp, which is beneficial for those with sensitive, prone-to-itching scalps.

Conclusion

Is it worth it to spend money on box braids, despite the fact that they can be quite expensive? Absolutely! The trick is to consider pricing aspects and stick to your budget so that you don’t change your mind about braiding. Braids protect the hair from excessive physical handling and environmental factors that could harm it, in addition to its aesthetic appeal.

Braids can damage hair, cause edges to thin out and even induce traction alopecia, which is hair loss caused by too much tension on the scalp if they are not properly cared for. It is essential that you thoroughly research the hairstylist in your area and read reviews about them to avoid unsatisfactory experiences and, worse yet, damage to your hair from incorrect installation and too-tight braids.