How to Choose the Right Amount of Hair for Your Box Braids

What hair type is suitable for box braids is typically the most frequently asked question by beginners for this elegant and low-maintenance protective hairdo. This article will tell you everything there is to know.

Box braids are the hairstyle of choice for Africans and people of African descent more than any other. This type of 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 development of natural hair and shield the ends of the hair from damaging physical manipulation and environmental factors.

To add thickness and support the natural hair that is already in the braid, box braids are typically done using synthetic hair. Box braids have more styling options than other comparable hairstyles like cornrows because they are not anchored to the scalp. Box braid installation can take a while, but once completed, it can last for six to eight weeks. They are reputed to be simple to maintain.

What is the Best Hair for Box Braids?

When purchasing box braid hair extensions, there are so many different hair types to pick from that it can be perplexing. However, using the best hair is crucial because it affects the style’s longevity and beauty. I suggest Xpression and Kenakelon hair because they’re well-liked and reasonably priced and because they’re simple to find on Amazon and other websites that sell beauty and accessories.

How Many Packs of Hair for Short Box Braids?

The number of packs of hair needed for a bob short or shoulder-length box braid depends on your hair’s thickness, the width of your part, and the style you want to achieve. It would take two to three packets of hair for short box braids. That ought to do the trick!

How Many Packs of Hair for Medium Box Braids?

It would be ideal to use four to five packets for medium box braids with a mid-back length that creates a not-too-little and not-too-huge look.

How Many Packs of Hair for Long Box Braids?

The updo is a favorite feature of lengthy box braids! The very best! does not need a lot of style or tweaking. Five to eight packs should be more than plenty for long box braids!

How Many Packs of Hair for Jumbo Styles?

This depends on your hair’s thickness, desired length, and parting size. Five to eight packs would be a good number to work with for a short to mid-back-length and more for a longer length jumbo style.

How to Install Box Braids?

The Box braids installation procedure is identical to how a straightforward plait is done in that it is do-it-yourself friendly. You could get there quickly by following the step-by-step procedure!

The installation must be carried out using a readied and ready-to-use hair bundle and freshly washed hair. Prepare your hair bundles by running some lukewarm water into a bowl and adding about two and a half cups of vinegar. This will remove any coating that could cause scalp irritation. Place the bundles in the bowl and let them soak for two hours. Then, rinse the hair thoroughly, and let it air dry overnight. An irritant is a white film that was seen during the soaking.

Then, using a rat-tailed comb, divide your hair into sections starting at the nape of your neck in a box-shaped pattern or in the way you choose, add edge cream to each part for sleekness, and use an elastic band to lock the sections. For beginners, in particular, the grasp is made easier by the elastic band.

You must make sure the tiny separated parts are pulled up into a high ponytail before inserting the bundles. Apply an edge cream or hair gel to a single piece of hair until it reaches the very end; this makes the hair sleek, reduces frizz, and makes it simpler to merge with the hair bundle.

Unroll one of the hair bundles into a single strand and fold the extension in half and attach it with a rubber band. While holding the bundle firmly, braid your natural hair by dividing it into three sections and piling one section on top of the other.

To make sure the bundles are not blunt at the end, you would need to stretch them out before installing them. Continue in this manner until your entire head has been covered.

How long does it take to Install Box Braids?

It typically takes anywhere from 4 to 8 hours on average, and this is influenced by the thickness and texture of your hair, style, and length. So, I advised you to go to your stylist with a book, read and read again! Headphones, simply put, make yourself comfortable. The same number of hours applies if you are doing it yourself, and it could be more depending on how practiced you are and what look you’re aiming for.

Box Braids Care and Maintenance

You need to take good care of box braids to get the finest results, both for the protection of your hair and to maintain the style. Box braids are a protective hairstyle, and like all protective hairstyles, they can have the opposite effect if they are not properly maintained. Additionally, it’s critical that you maintain neat, clean braids to avoid skin infections.

Can I wash the Box Braids? Is usually the most asked question from beginners. You can, of course! Box braids can be cleaned, especially if you lead an active lifestyle. 

The cleaning process is very straightforward. Two to four weeks after, getting a wash is encouraged, but in the meanwhile, use dry shampoo to clean the scalp of any extra oil and debris. This is crucial since you don’t want your scalp to become a breeding ground for bacteria and fungus as a result of moisture, sweat, oils, and grime building up there.

To avoid odors, make sure your braids are completely dry after washing. And, with a wash comes frizz. Here are some other health tips:

• For a clean scalp, use a shampoo that leaves no residue.

• Massage your scalp and keep hair oils in handy to encourage blood flow, which will encourage hair growth.

• Wear a silk or satin head scarf to keep the style in place and prevent it from messing up while you sleep.

• Keep your braids and scalp clean and moisturized regularly.

• Consider having your braids removed if it’s really bothering your scalp and your hair is mating up.

• Ideally, braids should not be worn for six more than six weeks to avoid damaging the hair.

Even though box braids may seem simple and low-maintenance, the term “maintenance” is crucial to keeping the style in place and safeguarding the hair.

Less manipulation is needed to maintain the braids’ pleasant, fresh appearance for a long time. To avoid traction alopecia, a condition where hair loss results from increased stress on the scalp, avoid over-styling.

By keeping all edges totally placed and smooth, the braids’ beauty would be much enhanced. Edge-specific conditioners, smoothers, and gels can aid with this. Always keep a hair spray or mousse on hand for quick growth and a polished appearance.