How to Create Box Braids On Natural Hair (+26 Inspirational Looks!)

Box braids, natural hair, what else could you possibly want?

Box braids are always a fun, hip hairstyle. But, the style may look a little too complicated for some hair minimalists out there to D.I.Y. Many people opt for extensions to create a box braid look, but if you want to keep your natural locks intact, we have news for you: you can easily create box braids on natural hair, too!

Want to learn how to do box braids on natural hair? Then check out our steps and tips below, and make sure to also take a look at the amazing styles we hand-picked just for you to try out with your new natural box braids.

Step 1. Start with clean hair.

First off, you’re going to want to start with clean hair. Wash your hair with any shampoo and conditioner of your choosing. We recommend SheaMoisture Papaya & Neroli All Day Frizz Control Shampoo and Conditioner to keep frizz and flyaways tamed.

Step 2. Section your hair.

Once your hair is dry, section it into four separate parts. Make sure that your sections are four equal and straight squares. Have clips on hand to hold your separate sections in.

Step 3. Create your parts.

Take a small part of the first section, and part your section with it. The parted piece should be no thicker than a pinch, and make sure your parts are of equal size.

Step 4. Braid each parted section.

Braid each parted section from root to tip. Make sure to secure each braid with a small elastic hair tie. When you run out of hair from your section, braid the pinched part and create a new one from the unbraided hair. Make sure all of your sections are perfectly parted, looking like little squares or “boxes.”

Step 5. Braid every other section.

Braid the rest of your sections, and your head should be filled with a bunch of tiny box braids!

Now that you know how to create box braids with natural hair, check out these hot styles that we’re completely obsessed over.

1. Low Bun

box braids on natural hair low bun
Let your box braids swing low in this bun!

Let your buns hang low with these box braids on natural hair. Give your braids a glossy look by using Emerge Glow Off Oil Serum when styling.

2. Messy Crown Braid

box braids on natural hair messy crown braid
How do you upgrade box braids on natural hair? By putting them in an even bigger braid, of course!

Take the average crown braid to a whole other level with a messy look created by natural box braids.

3. Fishtail Braid

box braids on natural hair fishtail braid
Give your average fishtail braid some detail and texture with box braids.

This classic braid style is getting a major twist with these tiny box braids.

4. Side Swept Bangs

box braids on natural hair side swept bangs
Get a bangin’ style with these bangs.

Create some side swept bangs for a  sultry look.

5. Top Knot Bun

box braids on natural hair top knot bun
A top knot bun is perfect for giving your braids a voluminous look.

This big bun looks so funky and playful with the box braid details. Make sure to control any fly-aways and loose hair with Dove Style+Care Flexible Hold Hairspray. Add some fun color to your hair to take that playful look to the next level!

6. Pulled Back

box braids on natural hair pulled back
Pull your braids back for an effortlessly chic look.

Trying to elongate the timeline for wearing your braids? Then just control frizz with a quick spray of dry shampoo! This is a great way to refresh your braids on a week-to-week basis. Make sure not to overdo the dry shampoo!

7. Wavy Braids

box braids on natural hair wavy
Wavy braids are one of the hottest box braids on natural hairstyles out there!

Spice up your box braids with some waves. We love waves at the end of braids. However, for full-on glam, chic boho hair looks we recommend a full wave-out of your braids!

8. Dip-Dyed

box braids on natural hair dip-dyed
A dip-dyed look is always a fun way to dress up your locks. Photo Credit: Hope Morgan

Have some fun with your hair by adding a pop of fun color. Add some flair with dip=dyed ends. Most beauty supply stores now offer the option of braids with dip-dyed ends.

9. Halo Braid

box braids on natural hair halo braid
A style that’s as elegant as you.

This classic style is a major staple for any event. From a major gala to brunch with gal pals, this style will give your look a kick of chicness. This look can be styled on both box braids and natural hair.

10. High Updo

box braids on natural hair high updo
If your natural ends aren’t braided, then show them off in his high updo!

If you decided against braiding your ends, then this style is perfect for you! Simply throw your hair up and you’ve got the perfect high updo. Slightly spread your box braid bun apart for an effortless-looking relaxed bun style.

11. Loose Side Ponytail

box braids on natural hair loose side ponytail
A loose-side ponytail is the easiest style that creates a posh look.

Get an effortlessly stylish look with this loose-side ponytail. Leave a few braids out in your bangs area to add on to elevate the loose-side ponytail. A great look to help maintain box braids.

12. Multi-Colored

box braids on natural hair multi-colored
Give your natural box braids a major style adjustment with colors!

Light up your box braids on natural hair with a little color! Whether you want to stay on the natural-toned path or go with some eye-catching neons and pastels, your colored box braids will definitely make you stand out from the crowd.

13. High Ponytail

box braids on natural hair high ponytail
Nothing beats the classic high ponytail.

A sleek high ponytail is always one of our go-to choices. If you want to create a slicked-back look, then smoothen your tied-up box braids with TRESemmé Tres Two Mega Firm Control Gel.

14. Side Part

box braids on natural hair side part
Try this deep side part.

Try a deep side part to show off your edges and try a change of perspective. Changing up your part is a simple change that has a big impact. As braids get older. side parts tend to stay looking refreshed a bit longer than the middle part.

15. Bob

box braids on natural hair bob
There’s nothing like a chic bob.

This classic bob with oversized braids is one of the chic styles in this collection. The perfect everyday look! When in doubt, bob it out!

16. Oversized Braids

box braids on natural hair big braids
We love these oversized braids!

These larger supersized plaits make a major statement. They are the fastest braid style to install and are great for anyone who likes to switch hairstyles fast. Make your style go a long way with a little neutral color.

17. Blue Braids

box braids on natural hair blue
Play with color.

Get in on the pastel color trend and try this beautiful blue hue. Pastel braids come in a variety of gorgeous colors aside from blue such as pinks, greens, and more! Which pastel color will you choose to make a statement with?

18. Half-Top Knot

box braids on natural hair half top knot
This half-topknot is cute and fun!

Pull your braids up into a cute half-up style. This style looks great regardless of what type of box braid style you choose to wear including jumbo braids. We recommend wearing this hairstyle while your box braids are still fresh.

19. Pulled Over

box braids on natural hair pulled over
Pull your braids over to one side.

Add some volume to your style by trying this pulled-over style. If it’s your style, you can even adjust this style by laying your edges.

20. Pink Ombré

box braids on natural hair pink ombre
This hot pink ombré adds a punch of color.

Not quite ready for a full head of bright hair? Try this easy ombré style. Ombre hair looks not only look great with neutral colors but with bold colors such as this one as well! Live your boldest life with this look!

21. Lob

box braids on natural hair lob
The lob is one of the chicest lengths in this collection.

The lob is here to stay and we love this braided iteration. We love the look of rubber bands at the end making this style look both trendy and achievable at the same time! We love this look for school and work.

22. Loose Half-Updo

box braids on natural hair loose half updo
This style is an absolute classic!

Ease the tension on your braids while still nailing a pulled-up hairstyle with this loose half-up look. We love this look for a casual day out and errands!

23. Chic Updo

box braids on natural hair updo
Looking for something fancy? Try this chic updo.

Does it get any chicer than this beautiful braided updo? This style looks great on natural hair without braids as well.

24. Bright Pink Bun

box braids on natural hair pink topknot
Throw your hair up and show off your hot pink braids.

Pull off a pop of bold pink hair color and twist your strands up into this loose bun. Pair it with a fun scrunchie and jewelry for a fun look.

25. Bleach Blonde

box braids on natural hair blonde half back
Try this bleach blonde hue.

Go lighter than you’ve gone before with this ultra-vibrant bleach-blonde hue. We also love this half cornrow, half box braids hairstyle.

26. Colorful Braids

Our inner unicorn is living for these rainbow braids. Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

Sure, these pink and blue colored braids might not be for the faint of heart – but we say if you’re going to do color, why not go all out? Plus, with such head-turning hues, you can afford to keep your actual style super simple – just a basic low pony will do.

Give it a go at home creating your own box braids on natural hair. Learning how to do it on your own can save time and money, plus it can be relaxing! What box braids hairstyles will you be trying?

 

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