Box Braids: What To Know, Step By Step Hairstyle Guide

What you should know before getting box braids.
Above all, it's very important to make sure your hair is shampooed, detangled, deep-conditioned, and blowdried before braiding, says Williams. This creates the healthiest environment for the hair before going into a long-term style like braids, she advises. While the hair is braided, you can't remove all of the dirt and build-up from the hair or scalp, so starting with clean hair is best.
Now, for the not-so-fun part of the 'do: getting it done. As you might expect, the process isn't for the faint of heart and/or easily bored. A common misconception is that it's also super-painful, which might be true if you're either really sensitive or it's your first time getting the style done. Williams says that while yes, the braiding may cause some discomfort, if it starts to become unbearable that means the braids are too tight. If you're experiencing excessive pain, ask your stylist to adjust the tension they're using to attach the braid, or take them out, she says. Pain is the first symptom before you begin to experience hair loss.

It can take upwards of eight hours to get them done, depending on the braid size and your stylist's technique (it took me about four, since my braids are on the bulkier side). No intriguing book, fully charged phone, or amount of busywork can prepare you for the restlessness you'll start to feel as time slowly creeps by. Around hour two, your eyes will start to droop, patience starts to dwindle, and you'll start to feel like a little kid on a road trip with their family wondering Are we there yet? By hour three, you'll start to question why you thought getting braids was a good idea to begin with. And, by hour four, nothing will matter except getting out of that damn chair (which you can't feel anymore because your butt has gone numb). But, as they say, everything good in life takes time and once you do your first hair flip, you'll quickly realize it was all worth it (and that your head is now exponentially heavier).
Enjoy your new braids! Take a cue from Willow Smith and whip your hair back and forth, toss it — put your thing down, flip it, and reverse it, what have you. The style is super-versatile, and you'll look pretty damn fly to boot, so you might as well have fun with it.

Ahead, see some of our favorite box braids — past and present.
We can't talk about Poetic Justice braids without paying homage to the star herself, Janet Jackson. The style, which she wore in the 1993 movie, lives on in our hearts — and on our camera rolls, when we show our stylists pics for inspo.
These days, you'll see the braids in all kinds of colors. Chanel Iman rocked a rainbow set during Coachella that we love.
Eva Marcille added lots of beads and yarns to hers, and we're here for it.
If full-on unicorn braids aren't your thing, sneak in a few colored plaits like Kelly Rowland.
Why pick one hue when adding a pop of color to your braids when a rainbow looks this good.
For the sake of variety, try adding cornrows to the front of your box braids like Taraji P. Henson did here.

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