How To Style Box Braids For Weddings?
This is why many African ladies prefer box braids; they are versatile and one of the best protective styles for natural hair. The best part about box braids is that they can make a gorgeous hairstyle for a wedding ceremony with a little styling.
What Box Braids Hairstyles Are There?
If you contemplate getting box braids, knowing all the box braids styles and the maintenance routine is vital. First, you will need to decide on the length and diameter of your braids. However, there are other questions to answer too. For example, will you have all individual braids or cornrows transitioning into braids too? Will you try out any beads or triangle box braids? Will you weave in any color, and what color will suit your complexion best?
All these styles look great, so don’t hesitate to try out new looks occasionally. Once you have your hair braided, experiment with different ways to style box braids: statement-making buns, high ponytails, twists, and braids on braids.
What Are Box Braids?
In short, they’re braids that get their name from the square shape in which your hair is sectioned. They’re often installed with extensions and come in various lengths, sizes, and colors (as you’ll see).
If you’re thinking of getting the style yourself, Stephen thinks you should know a couple of things. First, you should treat and trim your hair prior. Natural hair is often blow-dried out beforehand to make the installation process easier for your stylist, so you can have your ends cut then. Speaking of stylists, Stephen recommends that you research yours beforehand and be conscious of the sensitive parts of your scalp during the braiding process. “If you have a thin or weak hairline, then you shouldn’t put excess tension on those areas,” she warns.
Once you have your box braids in, it’s easy to forget about your actual from-the-root hair, which still requires moisturizing. “Products with penetrating ingredients like coconut, jojoba, and olive oil are great to use while wearing these styles,” says Stephen. As for when to take them down, she recommends keeping them in for two months maximum.
Now that we have the basics, we’ve rounded up some of the coolest box braids hairstyles for you to consider. Fair warning, though: It’ll be hard to choose just one. Scroll on through for our favorites.
Did you know you can shop right here, right now, on Glamour? Hit this article’s Glamour Buy Now buttons to start building your cart. Once you’re ready to check out, complete your purchase without ever having to leave the article. Best part? There’s free shipping on all orders. Happy shopping!
Types Of Wedding Braids
Come to your wedding hair trial prepared. Learn the names of some of the most popular types of braids (and what they are) here.
1- Box Braids
Box braids are a protective hairstyle that includes three-stranded plaits. They differ from cornrows because they aren’t braided flat against the scalp. Instead, the hair is sectioned into squares (hence the name “box”) and braided down to the bottom. “To achieve box braids, you have to wrap synthetic extension hair around the base of your natural hair, creating a knot on the scalp, and then braid the rest of the hair,” explains Kiyah Wright, Gold Series and Royal Oils celebrity hairstylist.
2- Cornrows
Cornrows are a highly-protective and low-maintenance hairstyle for natural or relaxed hair. Typically, they’re three-stranded twists that lie flat against the scalp and go toward the back of the head. They can take on various shapes depending on your personal preferences.
3- Dutch Braids
Dutch braids are similar to French braids, but there’s one key difference. For both plaits, you start with three strands and continue adding more hair into the braid as you go on. With Dutch braids, however, you cross the sections underneath each other to create an inside-out appearance. “Begin with a standard braid for your foundation, and then cross your right strand under the middle strand,” Wright explains. “Then, cross the left strand under the new middle strand.”
4- French Braids
A classic French braid is a classic style that looks neat and clean. “A French Braid is a three-strand plait that involves braiding the sections of hair together, starting from the crown of your head to the nape of your neck,” Wright says. “Start by interweaving three relatively thin strands, typically starting near the crown, then adding more hair into the braid from either side to the end.” Then, to get that seamless effect, cross the sections over each other as you braid.
5- Fishtail Braids
The fishtail braid is one of the most popular wedding braid hairstyles on Pinterest. That’s because this unique-looking plait gives off an effortlessly cool vibe. In addition, it creates a texture similar to a scaly fishtail, where the name comes from. To achieve this twist, separate your hair and sweep one piece of hair across to the opposite section, alternating sides.
6- Waterfall Braids
This Instagram-famous braid is a softer, more subtle wedding braid hairstyle. “For a waterfall braid, you have to create a horizontal or diagonal plait throughout loose hair with strands flowing throughout the braided hairstyle, so it looks like streams in a real waterfall,” Wright says.
Box Braid Hairstyles For The Bride
1- French Box Braid Lockup With A Side Sweep
This gorgeous style is very common with weaves and can be replicated for box braids too. The box braids are plaited into two neat French braids, tied to the back with pins and a cute side sweep in front. This style is very flattering as it leaves the face open, so all the attention is on the bride’s beautiful face.
2- Long Box Braids With A Senegalese Donut Knot
Senegalese ladies love their box braids long and chunky. They are tied in cute knots above the face to keep the braids in place. You can choose from a donut knot, a bow tie knot, or a high bun knot. Secure the knot with bobby pins to keep it away from the face. You may choose to have a half-up half-down style or tie all the box braids into the knot. Either way, it makes for a stunning bride.
3- Pencil Box Braids Wrapped In An Elegant Mohawk
Many people believe Mohawks are ragged styles that give off a bohemian street vibe. But if done properly, a Mohawk can make for an elegant box braid style for the bride. The braids are first plaited with Ghanaian cornrows at the front to add a feminine touch. Then take all the box braids and tie them in a Mohawk. Next, tuck in the loose ends to make it look neat and secure with bobby pins. And voila! Here comes the fascinating bride.
4- Box Braid Hairstyles For The Maid Of Honor
In this style, the box braids are neatly twisted and tied in a half-up half-down style. The top braids are then plaited into four chunky ribbons, knotted together, and secured with pins. This style is perfect for the maid of honor, giving off a mature yet sophisticated vibe.
Washing Box Braids And Twists
Before you start, think about the needs of your hair. If scalp dryness is a concern, King suggests moisturizing products to target those areas. King also says, once again, to pay close attention to how much buildup you have on your scalp and address that first. “Having excessive buildup is like putting a raincoat over any treatment you will use — it will not be as effective; thus, you are wasting your money,” she explains.
Step 1: Clarify
If it’s been a minute since you’ve washed your hair and you’ve been piling on the product, you should start by clarifying, so you’ve got a super clean base to work with. “Use a deeply-cleansing shampoo as step one to get rid of product buildup and then rinse out,” hairstylist Tiffany Mack advises. Her personal favorite is the TRESemmé Deep Cleanse Shampoo. We like the Moroccanoil Clarifying Shampoo.
Now that you’ve applied the product, “focus on the roots and the area where the braids and your hair meet because that’s where most of the buildup occurs,” New York City-based hairstylist T. Cooper advises. She shares this hair hack: “Dilute the shampoo with water, and use a squeeze bottle with a pointed nozzle for application as it helps it to penetrate in between the hair at the roots.”
Why dilute the shampoo? “Sometimes, when the shampoo is thick, it’s hard to reach certain parts of the scalp,” Cooper says. “Adding a bit of water helps it get into those tricky areas, and a squeeze bottle gives you more control over where the shampoo goes.” Ensure you massage it thoroughly into your scalp, then slide the foam downward toward the tips of your braids. Going slowly and carefully washing your hair is essential to preventing your box braids from frizzing up after washing. “Make sure you are gently massaging the scalp to reduce frizziness,” says Mack.
You should wash your hair every two weeks. If you work out and wash weekly, “it varies because people’s lifestyles are so different,” Mack explains. King confirms that you can use a clarifying shampoo weekly. Still, it’s unnecessary to reach for it every time if your hair isn’t that dirty.
Step 2: Cleanse
If you don’t have as much buildup, you can skip straight to cleansing. Instead, Mack recommends using “a moisturizing shampoo as step two.” (If you don’t need a clarifier, use this kind of shampoo first.) Cooper explains that “protective styles give your hair a break from heat styling, but it’s important to try to keep your hair hydrated while it’s braided up.” For moisture, Cooper uses the Design Essentials Almond & Avocado Moisturizing & Detangling Shampoo “Rinse until the water runs clear. If you have settings on your shower head, try to use it on the hardest water pressures to thoroughly rinse the product out.”
Step 3: Condition
When you’re done with cleansing, it’s time to move on to conditioning. “Be sure to dilute the conditioner with water so it can easily rinse out of the braids,” Mack advises. Follow up with a leave-in conditioner like the Best of Beauty-winning Pantene Miracle Rescue 10-in-1 Multitasking Spray when you are done.
“When it comes to hair care, conditioner matters more than shampoo because the function of shampoo is to clean, but conditioners can leave different effects,” King explains. “Usually, you want some quaternion compounds in the conditioner.” Before you ask us what the heck quaternion compounds are, King has an explanation: “They are known as ‘quats’ and can soften hair and serve as an anti-static and anti-flyaway.” When perusing an ingredient list, they are listed as cetrimonium chloride or quaternion.
Step 4: Dry
Cooper warns not to rub the hair when you are ready to dry, “simply place your braids in the towel and wring out the excess water.” Remember, much frizz comes from too much friction during washing or drying. Use a microfiber towel like the Best of Beauty-winning Volo Hero Towel.
FAQ’s
Can you wear box braids to a wedding?
Due to their adaptability and reputation as one of the greatest protective styles for natural hair, box braids are a popular choice among African women. The wonderful thing about box braids is that, with a little shaping, they may be transformed into a stunning hairdo for a wedding.
How do you make box braids look good?
Oludele suggests heating up a kettle of water to a boil, then drenching a cloth in it. With tongs, remove the towel from the pot and let it cool sufficiently so that it’s still quite warm, but not too hot to touch. After that, spread the towel over your braided hair. Your braids will seem cleaner and the frizz will be reduced by the hot water.
Do you shower with box braids?
Can box braids be washed in the shower? Definitely! To prevent frizz, just be sure to strictly adhere to these directions. After rinsing the shampoo off, apply your preferred conditioner to your scalp softly and cautiously without rubbing.
How long do box braids last?
If care is maintained, you may anticipate your box braids to last a total of four to six weeks after your full-day visit without a touch-up (including trimming away extension fly-aways, keeping edges smooth and hydrated, and ensuring your scalp health is in tip-top shape).
Are box braids hard to maintain?
Although box braids are designed to be a low-maintenance, protective style, some maintenance is still required to keep your plaits and scalp in good condition. Hill suggests spritzing a moisturising oil on the physical braids at least three to five times per week.
