How to Make Your Box Braids Last Longer

Box braids are a popular hairstyle that can elevate your look while protecting your natural hair. Box braids are known for their durability and can last for an extended period. On average, box braids can last anywhere from four to eight weeks. Some hairstylists even guarantee twelve to sixteen weeks with proper care. Still, the exact duration can vary depending on several factors such as the individual’s hair type, care routine, and lifestyle.

Box Braids Style and Technique

Africans and people of African descent enjoy box braids more than any other hairdo. This specific hairstyle is “boxy,” has square-shaped hair divisions, and is a “protective style”—a style that can be worn for a considerable amount of time to promote the growth of natural hair and safeguard the ends of the hair from excessive physical manipulation and environmental conditions.

To provide thickness and reinforce the natural hair that is already in the braid, box braids are frequently designed with synthetic hair. Box braids have more styling options than related hairstyles like cornrows since they are not anchored to the scalp. Box braids can be difficult to install, but once they are, they can last for six to eight weeks.

How long do box braids last?

When you wish to neglect your natural hair for a few weeks, box braids are one of the most practical protective styles available. In addition, they are exceedingly simple to style, especially with your ends tucked in while yet giving you a classy and beautiful look.

However, if you’ve never had them, there are several things to consider when having them for the first time. This entails doing your homework on the hairdresser you should hire, the length and color you want your hair to be, how many packs you’ll need and most importantly, how long it will last.

Box braids typically last six weeks, which is true for the majority of types, but the length of time your braids endure may frequently rely on how big they are and of course your hair care routine. 

Small Box Braids

Small box braids are gorgeous with characteristic sections that are about the width of a pencil. Depending on how you care for them, braids this size should normally last six to eight weeks. Of all braid types, the small and micro braids have a longer time.

Medium Box Braids

Beginners are frequently encouraged to start with medium box braids since they take less time to complete than small braids and have a more attractive appearance.

The width of medium box braids will range from a coin to a nickel. These can last up to eight weeks, much like little braids.

Large Box Braids

A large box braid is typically the size of a quarter, or bigger for jumbo-sized braids while a medium box braid is the size of a penny. Because the portions are huge, these braids often last less time and also, have less access to easier scalp cleansing. Large box braids with maintenance would last anywhere from four to six weeks.

Quick Tips to Make Box Braids Last Longer

You must take care of box braids if you want the best results and keep your style in for longer. Box braids are a protective hairstyle, and much like any protective hairstyle, they may have the opposite effect if they are not properly cared for. Box braids don’t need as much care because they are low maintenance, but care is still required.

Can Box Braids be washed? This is one that newbies frequently inquire about. You can, of course! especially if you lead an active lifestyle.

It’s not too difficult to comprehend how to clean. The underlying factor in the cleaning process is focusing on the scalp and rubbing gently at the fingertips.

It is recommended to wash your hair two to four weeks later, but in the interim, use dry shampoo to clear the scalp of any leftover oil and grime. Avoiding the buildup of moisture, sweat, oils, and debris on your scalp—which could act as a haven for bacteria and fungus—is crucial.

To avoid odors, ensure your braids are completely dry after washing. It’s safe to argue that since frizz follows a wash, choose frizz instead! The health of your hair ought to come first. Below are some more care suggestions for prolonging the lifespan of your braids:

• For a clean scalp, use an anti-residue shampoo. The goal is to get rid of the product accumulation and oils, and not add to them. And, anti residue shampoos work to get the hair rid of product buildup and excess oils and it does so effectively. 

• Massage your scalp with stimulating lightweight hair oils, doing this would encourage blood flow, and enable hair growth.

• Wear a silk or satin head scarf at might to keep the style in place and prevent it from messing up while you sleep. A head wrap made of silk or satin makes it simpler to glide while maintaining the braid and keeping frizz to the barest minimum.

• Keep your braids tidy and moisturize your scalp frequently.

• Consider getting your braids taken out if your hair is growing out and they are seriously irritating your scalp.

• Braids should ideally not be worn for more than six weeks to avoid damaging the hair.

• Avoid over-styling, as this could add more tension to the edges and hairlines, resulting in traction alopecia – a condition in which hair loss is brought on by extra strain on the scalp.

• Keep a hair spray in handy, to add shine and keep frizz at bay! And, keeping the edges beautifully laid and sleek would have the braids and edges looking nice to get this job done, there are gels designed for edges, smoother, and conditioners.

Box braids may seem simple and low-maintenance, but that doesn’t mean they should be neglected because doing so could seriously damage your hair. 

The usual installation time on average varies between four and nine hours for each braid type, and taking good care of box braids is the key to extending their lifespan.