Time to do something good for your hair! Box braids not only look great - when you wear your hair in braids, you give it a rest from daily stress and can protect it from damage.
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'll need to do it. Below, you'll also find out what history we associate with this hairstyle and why it's more than just a hairstyle.
How much time should you plan for braiding?
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.
How many packs of synthetic hair do you need?
With a standard pack of 100 to 120 grams, you will need about 6 to 8 packs of synthetic hair for medium braids.
Box Braids: Preparation is key
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 our blog 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. Stretch 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.
Braiding Box Braids: Step by Step
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.
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Hair wax or gel
Source: Etsy
Divide hair into squares
- Divide your hair: Now it's time to put the box into the box braids. You can either divide your 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.
How to braid box braids with synthetic hair in 8 steps
- Prepare the synthetic hair: Cut off 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.
Care and styling after braiding
- 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.
Care while wearing the 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.
What you should pay attention to
- 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.
History of Box Braids: More than a Style
In the Afro community, box braids are not just a fashion statement. No, they are a real symbol of power - a deep nod to cultural identity, history and a proud heritage rooted in the traditions of Africa. These braids are not only extremely stylish, but also a bridge to a rich past that tells of stories of resistance, incredible adaptability and creative self-assertion. The patterns in the braids used to be like secret messages - they revealed who you are, where you come from and could describe your path in life.
How did the synthetic hair get into the box braids?
The idea of incorporating synthetic hair into box braids is relatively new and really took off when the variety and availability of synthetic and natural hair extensions exploded in the second half of the 20th century. This twist on traditional African braiding not only opened up a world of new styles and lengths, but also brought extra protection to the natural hair . Plus, it suddenly became possible to experiment flexibly with volume, length and color, which was welcomed by many.
Celebrate your afro hair with box braids
These traditions have not only crossed seas, but have also evolved to become both a reminder of times gone by and an expression of individual personality. Box braids are now a symbol of community unity worldwide and celebrate the unique beauty of our hair.
Frequently asked questions about box braids
Haven't all your questions been answered? You can find more answers here!
Can I wash box braids?
Yes, you can wash box braids, but it's important to be careful when doing so. Use a mild shampoo, like our Intense Hydration Shampoo , and dilute it with water to make it easier to apply to the scalp. Gently massage the shampoo into the scalp and between the braids. When rinsing, make sure to run the water slowly through the braids. Allow the braids to dry naturally or use a hairdryer on a cool setting to completely dry the scalp.
Are braids bad for my hair?
Braids, especially box braids as hair extensions, are not inherently bad for your hair. However, they can cause breakage or damage if braided too tightly or worn for too long. It is important to make sure that the braids are not attached too tightly to the roots of your natural hair. You should also care for them regularly and not wear them for longer than 6 to 8 weeks.
How long does my hair have to be for box braids with synthetic hair?
For box braids with synthetic hair, your own hair should be at least 5 to 7 centimeters long. This way you can effectively work the natural hair into the hair extension and ensure that the braids stay in place. If your hair is significantly shorter, it will be difficult. Especially if you braid it yourself, the braids may not stay in place or may look uneven.
