Protective styles help to maintain length by reducing frizz and manipulation, which frequently result in breakage. If maintaining length is one of your objectives, I advise taking a temporary hiatus from natural hair and trying out one of the vogue box braids.
Individual plaits known as box braids are typically made with hair extensions. The style can be worn in a variety of ways (ponytail, buns, braided crowns), and it can endure for up to two months. “Hmm, no dealing with natural hair for two months?” is probably what’s on your mind. How do I begin?” Fortunately for you, I have six suggestions that will not only help you get ready for box braids but also maintain the health and beauty of your hair once they are removed.
1. Prep Your Hair First
Spend some time prepping your hair and scalp with these three stages before having box braids, which will remain in your hair for several months:
- Eliminate: Before doing any kind of style, it’s crucial to have a clean scalp; this is especially true if you intend to keep the same style for a few weeks. Detoxing is your finest option to make sure your scalp is clean. This can be accomplished using a clarifying shampoo and is helpful in getting rid of scabs, silicones, and hard water buildup that causes hair thinning or loss.
- Profound State: After cleansing your scalp, immediately apply a deep conditioner to help restore moisture to your hair. In addition to giving luster and strengthening the hair to stop breakage or damage, it also encourages suppleness.
- Stretch and moisturize hair: Rinse away the deep conditioner and apply your preferred leave-in conditioner. As you detangle and apply the leave-in, braid or twist your hair. You may ensure that the substance is evenly distributed throughout your hair by using the raking, smoothing, or praying hands approach. When your hair is damp, detangle it for maximum stretch. Finally, to lock in all that moisture, apply oil to your ends, such as castor, almond, coconut, or argan oil.
2. Choose Among Many Box Braid Styles
I admit that I’m constantly itching to try something new. Weeks before your hair appointment, choose the perfect box braid style for YOU, and spare yourself and your stylist the headache.
Here are a few of my top picks:
- Large box braids: rich, full box braids that truly stand out;
- Chin Length Box Braids: these braids give you a seductive bob appearance, and they look much better when accessorized with well chosen hair accessories;
- Colored Box Braids: Adding a burst of color to your box braids may make your hair look fantastic;
- Knotless Box Braids with Beads: enveloping you in the soothing noises that only beaded braids can produce;
- Box Braids with Triangle Parts: Adding a triangular segment pattern to a classic box braid design is a fantastic idea.
- Long box braids—which make Rapunzel’s locks incredibly attainable for anyone with natural hair;
- Knotless Box Braids with Curled Ends: Getting box braids with curled unbraided ends is an excellent approach to elevate your look.
3. Buy Pre-Stretched Hair
Use pre-stretched hair whether you are doing your own hair or having a hairdresser do it. It provides for a lovely combination of your natural hair with extensions and saves a ton of time when compared to traditional braiding hair.
My top pre-stretched hair brands are Model Model, E-Z Braid Professional, and X-pression. These three brands offer silky-smooth packs of kanekalon hair that result in a tidy braid appearance free of frizz.
4. Neglecting Is a NO NO!
When having box braids, maintenance is essential, and one of the biggest mistakes we naturals make is to skimp on it. You cannot overlook your natural hair and still ignore your box braids. How? If natural hair is not properly cared for, braiding hair has been known to induce dryness.
Using mousse and a little oil every couple of days to add hydration and shine to your natural hair as well as your braids is an easy approach to stop this from happening. Use of mousse too frequently should be avoided as it might lead to buildup. Use Wrapp-it style strips next, after applying mousse. Later, please thank me.
Observe the customs surrounding sleeping with curly hair. To prevent frizz and friction from taking a toll on you and your braids, sleep with a satin pillow or wrap a silk scarf around them every night.
5. When It’s Time to Go, It’s Time to Go!
Braids in boxes can endure up to two months. When it’s time to part with it, it’s time to part with it, however it might endure longer with good care. When your box braid extensions are just hanging on, there’s fresh growth at the roots—this is a clear indication. Excessive frizz is another indication.
Apply a mist of water to the extensions and take out your preferred leave-in conditioner and oil to remove them correctly. The trio will make it easier to remove the buildup your hair has built over the last two months when you unbraid.
You should wash your hair because it will be filthy. Before getting in the shower, make sure your hair is properly detangled! Working in little parts is the key to detangling. To do this, start at the ends and work your way up to the roots using your fingers or a brush. After finishing each part, twist or braid, and then proceed with your wash day regimen. Never forego deep conditioning!
6. Give your Hair a Break!
Box braids and other protective designs have their advantages and disadvantages. While your hair is being done, a lot of tension is present. Over time, all that tugging and straining causes hair loss, particularly at the front of the head (have you ever heard of the thinning edges?). That is not what we desire! Don’t we want to maintain our advantages?
Box braids that are too tight can also contribute to hair loss. These are the hairstyles where you have numerous, enormous braids on your head. Sometimes it’s best to stay away from braids like these. Waiting at least three weeks before getting them again and allowing your hair to breathe are the objectives. Your hair will be appreciative.
