20 of the Hottest Long Hairstyles with Box Braids

These long box braids hairstyles will inspire you to let your creative side run wild.

Long box braids are the most versatile protective style you can wear. They’re fun and add extra detail and texture to your locks. Whether you want flowing locks or a sassy updo, box braid hairstyles for long hair are the perfect way to give natural hair some added flair.

Need some inspiration? We’ve got you! Here are 20 gorgeous long hairstyles with box braids for you to try.

How to Style Long Box Braids & 20 Long Hairstyles for Box Braids

If you need some help styling your new box braids for long hair, have no fear: Here are our favorite long hairstyles with box braids.

1. Bow Tie

long box braids bow tie
This cute and quirky style looks great on long box braids.

If you have some spare time and a few hairpins, then this adorable box braids bow tie is a cute way to dress up your box braids. Learn how to do this style in our bow braids tutorial.

2. Half-Up

long box braids half up
If you’re going to work, school, or just running around and don’t have time to style your hair, put your long box braids in a half-up style.

When you’re on the run, you don’t have many long box braid hairstyles to choose from that can be ready in a flash. That’s when the half-up hairstyle comes in: It’s as easy as grabbing a clip and pulling some braids back! If some strands are popping out of your braids, control and pat them down with a hairspray like Dove Style+Care Extra Hold Hairspray.

3. Multi-Colored Braids

long box braids multi-colored
Multi-colored box braids are a funky and vibrant way to dress up your style.

Make your hair a unique waterfall of color with these vibrant, beautiful braids! They’re oozing with personality and add an extra boost of color to just about any style. This purple and gold combination is one of our favorites!

4. Crown Braid

long box braids crown braid
What’s one way to style box braids? Putting them in one giant crown braid, of course.

Just because your hair is already in braids doesn’t mean you can’t put it in an even bigger braid. A half-crown braid is the best style that’s truly fit for a princess and can easily be achieved with long box braids.

5. Braided Bun

long box braids
If you’re going anywhere formal, this style is the perfect up-do for your braids.

We’re all about big, chunky braids made out of smaller box braids (so meta!). The look adds texture and detail to an already classic updo, and it’s very simple to recreate: Just simply braid your set of long box braids into a bigger, fatter braid, and wrap them in a bun style. Tip: To keep your edges smooth and sleek, use Emerge Edge Control.

6. Simple Bun

long box braid styles simple bun
This easy bun can be made while on the go! Photo credit: Dvora

This is one of the simpler long box braid styles on this list, yet it still looks so chic. Wrapping your braids in a big, voluminous bun is one of the easiest (and most popular) box braids styles there is.

7. Half-Twist Bun

long box braids half twist bun
Twisting your hair into this intricate half bun is great for a night out.

We’re all about the bun style with long box braids. A half-twist bun is a fun play on a regular half-up style and looks great for any occasion: Whether you’re going to the club or heading to brunch, this style steps up to any event.

8. Two Tones

long box braids two tones
Play with your braided locks by adding splashes of color to your hair. Photo credit: Allyson Allapont

Go all out with your box braids by adding some pops of color. Whether you want some neon blues or more subtle blonde, adding more hues into your weave gives off a more vibrant, unique appearance.

9. Top Knot Bun

long box braids top knot bun
A top knot bun keeps braids out of your face while adding extra volume.

A top knot bun, done in a half-up style, is another simple long box braid hairstyle for you to try out. Keep your braids out of your face while still showing off your length with this combination style.

10. Scarf

long box braids scarf
Haven’t you gotten to wash your hair, or are you just having a bad hair day? Then tie a scarf around your head for a bohemian look.

If your roots are looking a little greasy, there’s nothing a whimsical scarf can’t fix! Just spritz your hair with Nexxus Dry Shampoo Refreshing Mist to suck out excess oil, and wrap any scarf of your choosing around your crown.

11. Wrapped Ponytail

long box braids wrapped ponytail
A high ponytail wrapped with one of your braids adds a fun detail to a simple style.

Want to really upgrade your ponytail style? Then this simple tip will do the trick: just wrap one of your box braids around the base of your ponytail, pin it to secure, and voilà: You have the perfect wrapped high ponytail.

12. Side Bun

long box braids side bun
This side bun is big and bold.

Looking for long box braid hairstyles that stand out? This side bun stands out from the rest because of its fullness. It’s truly large and in charge and gives a fun new twist on a regular updo. The haphazard off-center placement gives your style an element of surprise!

13. Messy Bun

long box braids messy bun
A messy bun is the easiest way to add body to your hair while making a minimal effort.

Looking for easy long hairstyles for box braids? The messy bun is truly a girl’s best friend. It adds a sexy edge to your look while requiring practically little to no effort; just simply toss your hair up, wrap it, and off you go.

14. Large Top Knot Bun

long box braids large top knot bun
A large top knot bun is key to showing off the detail in your long box braids. Photo credit: Allyson Allapont

A large top knot bun can look sleek, styled, and chic with large box braids. If you have multi-toned long braids, this is a great way to show off those funky colors! Consider this blue and silver color combination for a vibrant and fun color story.

15. Middle Part

long box braids middle part
Let your hair down in this simple middle part.

A basic style that can go a long way with long box braids is the middle part. One of the best things about having box braids is that it’s a lot easier to change your part without any annoying frizz or flyaways messing with your flow.

16. Pinned-Back Bangs

long box braids pinned back bangs
Pin back your bangs for a simple and styled look

Are you tired of your braids whipping around on your face? Then pin them back with some hairpins or a large hair clip. To make sure your fringe flyaways (and those hairpins!) stay put, spritz hair lightly with Dove Style+Care Extra Hold Non-Aerosol Hairspray 

17. Beaded Pigtails

beaded pigtails long box braids
Embellish these pigtails with some fun beads. Photo credit: Instagram.com/braidsnation.

This was a major style in the ’90s, and now we think it’s finally time to bring this chic look back. Beaded pigtails are one of the most adorable box braid hairstyles for long hair and add a sexy finish to a basic hairstyle.

18. Thin Side Braid

long box braids thin side braid
If your box braids are on the thinner side, then putting them in a smaller braid is a great choice of style.

If you have thinner box braids, you can incorporate a fishtail braid or regular 3-part side braid into your daily look. Smaller braids add detail and texture to these and can be easily maintained with just a hair tie.

19. Deep Red

long box braids deep red
Try out a fun shade of deep red on your long box braids style. Photo credit: Roisin Murphy

This shade is unique and bold but not bright and distracting. It’s the perfect shade for anyone looking for box-braid hairstyles for long hair that’ll help them step out of their comfort zone but not go too far all at once. Perfect for the fall and winter months, this deep red hue flatters a range of skin tones.

20. Front Highlights

long box braids front highlights
Front highlights are a definite trend for 2023. Photo credit: Roisin Murphy

Blonde streak front highlights, aka money pieces, always look good, especially on box-braid hairstyles for long hair. It’s a great way to add a pop of contrast around your face without committing to tons of blonde.

Experimenting with all these long hairstyles for box braids is the perfect way to find your favorite.

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