Box braids are more than just a trendy style - they are one of the most popular protective hairstyles for Afro hair . They reduce the amount of styling you need every day, protect your natural hair from external influences and offer countless styling options. But to keep your braids healthy and long-lasting, the right preparation and care is crucial.
In this blog post, we'll show you how you can easily braid box braids with synthetic hair for yourself and others, and which products you need to avoid dryness and itching.
Preparing for braiding box braids.
If you choose medium box braids , it can take up to 8 hours to finish the entire head. Larger braids take correspondingly less time, smaller ones longer.
Materials needed for box braids.
With a standard pack of 100 to 120 grams, you will need about 6 to 8 packs of synthetic hair for medium braids.
Hair care before braiding - How to prepare your hair optimally
Before you start braiding, there are a few important steps you should take into account to ensure that both the braiding itself and the subsequent unraveling of the braids go smoothly:
You need:
- a gentle shampoo
- a moisturizing conditioner
- a nourishing leave-in conditioner
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a nourishing hair oil for care before and during braiding
1. Deal with existing problems
This step should ideally be done a few weeks before braiding. The goal is to get your hair in top shape. Do you struggle with dandruff? Then now is the time to combat it gently. Read ourblog post about the best home remedies for dry and itchy scalp . In general, any hair problems you ignore now will only get worse once your hair is braided.
2. Clean your hair thoroughly
Box braids are usually left in the hair for 4 to 8 weeks, so take the opportunity to cleanse thoroughly beforehand to remove any residue. A clarifying shampoo is perfect for removing dirt and oil. Follow with a conditioner to restore moisture.
3. Deep care
Time for the leave-in conditioner. Apply it a few hours before braiding to soften your hair and make braiding easier.
4. Carefully untangle
Detangle your hair as thoroughly as possible. Hair that has been carefully separated before braiding will be easier to comb and detangle after wearing the braids. This will save you a lot of frustration when taking the braids out.
5. Stretching hair
To make it easier to braid, you should stretch your hair a little beforehand. You can, for example, blow-dry your hair straight. It is gentler to braid it into five or six braids a few hours before braiding. This will stretch it naturally.
Step by step instructions for braiding box braids
Now it's time to braid. We'll describe how it works with synthetic hair, but of course you can also just braid your own hair. The great thing about synthetic hair is that you can experiment with different styles and lengths. There are no limits to your creativity.
You need:
- Comb (preferably a tail comb): For detangling and sectioning the hair.
- Hair ties or clips: For dividing hair into sections.
- Synthetic hair (optional): Choose high-quality synthetic or human hair from the Afroshop and cut it to your desired length.
-
hair wax or gel
Source: Etsy
Divide hair sections neatly
- Sectioning hair: Now it's time to put the box into the box braids. You can either divide the entire head into even squares and prepare the small braids with hair ties. Or you can work your way up from the neck. Make sure that each box is slightly offset from the one below. You can use different dividing patterns or box braid parting guides to help you do this.
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Apply hair wax: Apply some hair wax or gel to the edges of each section to clearly define hairlines and tame flyaways.
The best braiding technique for long-lasting box braids in 8 steps
- Prepare the synthetic hair: Cut a sufficient amount of synthetic hair and fold the strand in the middle to form a loop. The amount of synthetic hair depends on how thick you want the braid to be.
- Positioning the Synthetic Hair: Hold the synthetic hair by the loop and place this loop around the base of the natural hair section at the scalp. You should now have two strands of synthetic hair on one side and your natural hair on the other side.
- Create three strands: Divide your natural hair into two equal parts. You now have three parts: two strands of synthetic hair and one strand of your natural hair. Arrange the strands so that one strand of natural hair is between the two strands of synthetic hair.
- Start braiding by alternating the outer strands (one synthetic hair, one natural hair) over the middle strand (synthetic hair).
- Pull each strand firmly to ensure that the synthetic hair is firmly attached to the scalp. But don't pull too tightly, that will only cause headaches.
- Braiding the braid: Continue braiding until you reach the end of the hair. Make sure that the braid is even and not too tight to avoid tension on the scalp.
- Securing braids: When you reach the end of the braid, you can apply a little gel to the ends before securing them with a small elastic band or heating them to seal them. This will help hold the ends together and look extra neat.
- Repeat: Repeat this process for each section of your hair. Make sure all the braids are about the same thickness and length.
Caring for box braids: how to make your look last longer
- Care and protection: After all the braids are done, you can apply a soothing hair oil to the scalp to relieve irritation and provide moisture.
- Styling: You can style your box braids however you like, for example in a high ponytail, a bun or simply wear them open.
Tips for daily care of box braids
- Moisture: Keep both your hair and scalp moisturized with sprays or oils.
- Nighttime protection: Wear a silk cap at night to prevent frizz and keep your braids smooth.
- Tension: Be careful not to braid too tightly to avoid tension headaches and hair breakage.
- Care: Regular care is crucial to maintaining the health of your hair and scalp.
Recommended products for long-lasting and well-groomed box braids
To ensure that your box braids with synthetic hair not only last a long time but also look healthy, proper care is essential. Here are some products that will provide your braids with optimal moisture, prevent hair breakage and soothe your scalp:
1. Zamata Hair Oil - Intensive moisture for your scalp
Why it's important: When wearing box braids, your scalp is often exposed to a lot of tension, which can lead to dryness and itchiness. Our Zamata Hair Oil is a nutrient-rich blend of moringa oil, almond oil, jojoba oil , and castor oil that intensively moisturizes and soothes your scalp.
Application:
- Massage a few drops of hair oil directly into your scalp, especially along the hairlines and parting.
- Use the oil 2-3 times a week to avoid dryness and flaking.
- A scalp massage is ideal to promote blood circulation and reduce feelings of tension.
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2. Zamata Leave-in Conditioner- Moisture & Protection for your Braids
Why you need it: Box braids can lose moisture and become brittle due to friction from clothing or pillows. Zamata Leave-in Conditioner helps keep your natural hair hydrated underneath the braids and keeps the synthetic hair looking smooth.
Application:
- Gently apply a small amount of leave-in conditioner to your braids to keep them smooth.
- Avoid products containing alcohol or silicones as they can strip moisture - our leave-in conditioner contains only natural ingredients.
- Perfect for daily use to care for and refresh your braids.
➡️ Discover now: Zamata Leave-in Conditioner
3. Moisturizing Spray & Silk Scarf - Additional Protection for Your Box Braids
Why it helps: A light moisturizing spray with aloe vera or rose water provides quick hydration between uses, while a silk scarf or satin bonnet protects your braids from friction at night and prevents frizz.
➡️ Tip: Before going to bed, apply a thin layer of Zamata hair oil to your scalp and tie your braids with a satin scarf. This will keep them fresh and well-groomed for longer.
Conclusion: How to make your box braids with synthetic hair perfect
Box braids are more than just a stylish look - with the right care, they stay beautiful for longer and protect your natural hair optimally. Moisture is the key: Zamata hair oil soothes the scalp, while the Zamata leave-in conditioner keeps your braids supple.
With these care products your box braids look will stay long-lasting, shiny and healthy - without itching or dry scalp.
Try it yourself and discover the Zamata products for your perfect braids care!
➡️ Shop now: Zamata hair care
