BOX BRAIDS: WHAT ARE BOX BRAIDS? – TYPES, COST, SIZES AND MORE

Box braids are easily one of the most famous and known hairstyles in the present world. This hairstyle has not gained its immense popularity in the recent past, but it is among the very few hairstyles that have been in fashion for well over three decades. Today, we have answered all the burning questions that you may have related to box braids.

WHAT ARE BOX BRAIDS?

In terms of a layman, box braids are three-stranded plaits. Generally, box braids are mostly similar to standard braids, but box braids are more defined. Box braids are different from cornrows as they are not flatly braided along the scalp. In the case of Box Braids, the hair is segregated into identical boxes or squares throughout the head scalp.

If you want to increase the protection, volume, and length, you could choose extensions. You could use any extensions for you, but you must be aware that these can be used for multiple times during other braiding styles or future box braids.

BOX BRAID SIZES

Typically, there are three basic sizes of box braids that you could have: Micro braids / very thin, jumbo box braids, these are highly chunky and thick braids, the average size, these are just as the name suggests.

THE RIGHT SIZE OF THE BRAID

The first and foremost thing that you have to do while getting box braids is to choose the right thickness of the plaits. This decision is essential and simultaneously challenging to make, but if you consult with your stylist, this decision becomes way more comfortable. The reason for this importance is that the decision has to be made depending on the environment you live in.

Apart from the climate around you, another factor that you must keep in mind is the period of box braids that you are planning as it is also a factor in deciding the right size of the box braids.

HOW TO PREP YOUR HAIR?

Now that your hair will be tucked tightly for a significant period of time, you must prep your hair beforehand as it is essential. The best way to do so is to make sure you give yourself a scalp and protein treatment before the braiding process.

Another pervasive question that people ask is whether we should straighten our hair before the braiding treatment.  We must admit, having your hair strengthened makes the braiding process quicker and easier, which is a great deal as the process usually takes several hours to complete. Do not get confused by this, though, as you do not have to get your hair sleek or bone straight. It reduces the amount of breakage and tangling during the process, which no one is a fan of.

IS THERE ANY DISCOMFORT?

You might or might not be aware of traction alopecia, which is a condition that occurs if the braids are too tight.  It is not recommended to sit through extreme discomfort during the braiding process, and it is something that your stylist must be aware of as well.

If you are feeling discomfort, it is your responsibility to tell the stylist about it. It is essential to understand that loose braids are not suitable as well, so regardless of the years of experience your stylist has, it is your call to let him know about the discomfort. Your stylist would loosen up the dreads there and then to reduce the pain and avoid any injury.  In a nutshell, box braids are not painful and must not be discomforting.

Box braids keep on making up an essential bit of numerous African American young lady’s hairstyling collection. This is one of the hairdos that offers lower upkeep, and this defensive style permits you to keep your healthy hair liberated from control and off the beaten path.

Take significant consideration of your hair during both the establishment and the sought timing. Recall that the most significant thing isn’t to introduce plaits or contorts too firmly. You would prefer not to endure lasting going bald because you added your box braids erroneously.

HOW LONG DO BOX BRAIDS LAST?

Like most people, if you think that your box braids look great and must stay for long as possible and that is fine, but, you must be aware of the fact that if the braids are kept for an excessively more extended period, they ultimately defeat the purpose of being a protective style as it can easily cause matting, breakage, and buildup.

In general, they last for a maximum of 10 weeks if they are redone after six weeks and eight weeks if they are not repeated since the box braids application.

HOW MUCH ARE BOX BRAIDS?

Similarly, as with practically all hairstyling conferences, your box braids’ expense relies upon a couple of various elements—to be specific, the style, size, and, obviously, the length of your box plaits. Except if you’re seeing a big name beautician or visiting a top of the line salon, you can hope to spend $100 to $300 for your box braids.