woman with medium box braids

18 Medium Box Braids Styles To Try For Your Next Look

Trend alert: medium box braids are one of the hottest looks to covet in the black hairstyles world! So, if you’ve tried long box braids and have thought about giving medium-length box braids a go to change up your look, you’ve totally come to the right place.

Whether you want to try something new in the form of an updo, new colour or accessorised hair, we’ve found some magical medium box braids hairstyles that are guaranteed to leave you with major hair envy and have you rushing to the salon ASAP.

Chic Half-up, Half-down Medium Box Braids

medium box braids: shot of black woman with medium box braid hair styled into a half up and half down style
Show off your pretty lengths with this half-up, half-down hairstyle. Credit: Instagram.com/abigailodm

It’s the great debate every woman has to face before they head out for the day — hair up or hair down? If you really can’t decide, you can get the best of both worlds with your medium-sized box braids, by rocking a pretty half-up, half-down hairstyle like this stunning naturalista.

TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Shine Oil Front

Editor’s tip: Apply a tiny amount of hair oil or serum on your palm. We like the TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Shine Oil that’s smoothes away cowlicks and frizz.

High Bun

medium box braids hairstyles: woman with high bun hairstyle smiling
Creating your bun will be easy as pie with medium-sized box braids! Credit: Instagram.com/fatumahasha

Heading to the gym with long box braids can seem like a nightmare, but it doesn’t have to be when you have medium box braids! Unlike Rapunzel-length Poetic braids, medium ones aren’t heavy and can be easily styled into this gym-ready bun.

As this mega-babe, above, demonstrates, this high bun updo is stylish, practical and ready to make your next workout sesh a dream.

A front view of a SheaMoisture Coconut Hibiscus Curl Enhancer Smoothie container

Editor’s tip: Want to ensure your hair is taken care of while it is in medium box braids? Then make sure to treat them to some extra moisture with the Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancer SmoothieIt replenishes moisture in dull hair and leaves it with a brilliant shine. The formula is also free of sulphates, silicones, parabens, phthalates and mineral oils.

Boho Half-up Bun Hairstyle

backshot of woman with medium sized box braids styled into a half up half down bun hairstyle
Love buns and half-up hairstyles? Get the best of both worlds with this pretty ‘do! Credit: Instagram.com/nicolexashleyy

When it comes to boho medium box braids hairstyles, this half-up bun with golden hair jewellery might just spark your interest. This style is great because it keeps tresses stylishly out of your face, while exuding a tonne of It-girl vibes. And honestly, who wouldn’t want to look cool?

High Ponytail Hairstyle

medium box braids styles: shot of woman with medium box braids smiling with her hair styled into a half up ponytail
Easily exude catwalk vibes with this pretty high ponytail hairstyle! Credit: Instagram.com/mua_myesha

Looking for magical medium box braids styles that’ll make you shine at work? Then prepare to fall in love with this heavenly high ponytail hairstyle, which we spotted on this trendsetter.

We love how her medium-sized box braids stay slick in this tidy ponytail, plus how the style puts her gorgeous facial features into the spotlight. Now that’s what we call a flattering look!

Braided Medium Box Braids

side shot of woman with braided medium sized box braid hairstyle
You’ll be a braided beauty in no time with this look at hand! Credit: Instagram.com/bynrobyn

For an easy way to elevate your medium box braids, consider weaving them into a loose 3-strand plait, like this stylish Instagrammer has done. Cool, isn’t it?

Whether you’re heading to brunch or running to catch your morning train, you’ll be feeling on top of your hair game in no time.

Hat Hair

medium box braids hairstyles: shot of woman with medium box braids wearing hat and smiling
When in doubt, throw on a hat! Credit: Instagram.com/nicolexashleyy

Whoever said medium box braid styles and hats don’t work together, clearly didn’t take this ultra-stylish and sophisticated look into account!

So, if you find yourself stuck in a beauty rut, easily take yourself out of it with the help of either a hat or an on-trend hair accessory and you’ll be good to go. Boring hair? Not here!

Blue Streak

back view of a woman with box braids and a streak of blue
A pop of blue to make your style cool. Photo credit: Allyson Alapont

Want something funky? Buy one pack of blue braiding hair so you can add a pop of colour to your style.

Brown Medium Box Braids

close-up of a woman with medium brown box braids
Brown long braids.

You don’t always have to stick to your natural hair colour. Want to try something different? Try a brown hue.

Jumbo Bun

Young black with box braid bun holding her hips
Neat bun.

Make a #hairstatement with a jumbo bun. This style is super easy to create with medium braids. Wrap your braids around into a sleek bun and use hairpins to lock them in place.

Purple Box Braids

Woman with dark purple medium box braids
Fun hair colour idea on braids.

Inspired by the unicorn hair trend but not into getting so many colours? Stick to one. This purple style is a perfect delight.

Braids for the Gym

Woman with box braids doing boxing
Work it out in your box braids.

Whether you have micro braids, small, medium or jumbo, they all work for the gym. Pull your hair back into this protective gym-friendly style and break a sweat!

Half-up Medium Box Braids

Pretty black woman with medium box braids
Try a trendy style.

To recreate this trendy half-up look, part your hair from ear to ear and gather the top half of your hair into a bun.

Long Box Braids

Tierra Lee with long box braids looking over her shoulder
Down and long. Photo courtesy of Tierra Lee

You don’t have to join in and try your hand at fancy-schmancy hairstyles. Keep it simple and just wear your hair down.

Jewel-Toned Braids

Back view of purple medium box braids
Make a colourful statement with jewel tones.

Need help to find a colour scheme for your style? Jewel tones are in! To create balance, add in a pop of neutral.

Short Medium Box Braids

pretty woman with box braids and hair accessories
The perfect length.

If you’re looking to make a statement on your short braids, you can do so with braid charms.

Side-Swept Braids

woman with side swept box braids
Perfect for formal occasions.

Swoop your hair over your forehead to create this stylish look. Pair it up with a statement earring for a dressed-up look, or dress it down with simple accessories.

Top Knot Medium Braids

Smiling woman with high bun
We like big braided buns!

A centre bun is the perfect everyday style for medium box braids. Be sure to keep it loose to avoid tension at your roots.

Now that you have seen our faves, have you found your next medium box braid look in our edit? Which of these magnificent styles has made it to your lookbook or vision board?

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