How to Style Long Box Braids
If you need some help styling your new box braids for long hair, have no fear: Here’s how to style box braids this season.
1. Bow Tie
If you have some spare time and a few hairpins, then this adorable box braids bow tie is a cute way to dress up your box braids. Learn how to do this style in our bow braids tutorial.
2. Half-Up
When you’re on the run, you don’t have many hairstyles for long box braids to choose from that can be ready in a flash. That’s when the half-up hairstyle comes in: It’s as easy as grabbing a clip and pulling some braids back! If some strands are popping out of your braids, control and pat them down with a hairspray like Dove Style+Care Extra Hold Hairspray.
3. Multi-Colored Braids
Make your hair a unique waterfall of color with these vibrant, beautiful braids! They’re oozing with personality and add an extra boost of color to just about any style. This purple and gold combination is one of our favorites!
4. Crown Braid
Just because your hair is already in braids doesn’t mean you can’t put it in an even bigger braid. A half-crown braid is the best style that’s truly fit for a princess and can easily be achieved with long box braids.
5. Braided Bun
We’re all about big, chunky braids made out of smaller box braids (so meta!). The look adds texture and detail to an already classic updo, and it’s very simple to recreate: Just simply braid your set of long box braids into a bigger, fatter braid, and wrap them in a bun style. Tip: To keep your edges smooth and sleek, use Emerge Edge Control.
6. Simple Bun
This is one of the simpler long box braid styles on this list, yet it still looks so chic. Wrapping your braids in a big, voluminous bun is one of the easiest (and most popular) box braids styles there is.
7. Half Twist Bun
We’re all about the bun style with long box braids. A half-twist bun is a fun play on a regular half-up style and looks great for any occasion: Whether you’re going to the club or heading to brunch, this style steps up to any event.
8. Two Tones
Go all out with your box braids by adding some pops of color. Whether you want some neon blues or more subtle blonde, adding more hues into your weave gives off a more vibrant, unique appearance.
9. Top Knot Bun
A top knot bun, done in a half-up style, is another simple long box braid hairstyle for you to try out. Keep your braids out of your face while still showing off your length with this combination style.
10. Scarf
If your roots are looking a little greasy, there’s nothing a whimsical scarf can’t fix! Just spritz your hair with Nexxus Dry Shampoo Refreshing Mist to suck out excess oil, and wrap any scarf of your choosing around your crown.
11. Wrapped Ponytail
Want to really upgrade your ponytail style? Then this simple tip will do the trick: just wrap one of your box braids around the base of your ponytail, pin it to secure, and voilà: You have the perfect wrapped high ponytail.
12. Side Bun
This side bun stands out from the rest because of its fullness. It’s truly large and in charge and gives a fun new twist on a regular updo. The haphazard off-center placement gives your style an element of surprise!
13. Messy Bun
The messy bun is truly a girl’s best friend. It adds a sexy edge to your look while requiring practically little to no effort; just simply toss your hair up, wrap it, and off you go.
14. Large Top Knot Bun
A large top knot bun can look sleek, styled, and chic with large box braids. If you have multi-toned braids, this is a great way to show off those funky colors! Consider this blue and silver color combination for a vibrant and fun color story.
15. Middle Part
A basic style that can go a long way with long box braids is the middle part. One of the best things about having box braids is that it’s a lot easier to change your part without any annoying frizz or flyaways messing with your flow.
16. Pinned-Back Bangs
Are you tired of your braids whipping around on your face? Then pin them back with some hairpins or a large hair clip. To make sure your fringe flyaways (and those hairpins!) stay put, spritz hair lightly with Dove Style+Care Extra Hold Non-Aerosol Hairspray.
17. Beaded Pigtails
This was a major style in the ’90s, and now we think it’s finally time to bring this chic look back. Beaded pigtails look adorable on long box braids and add a sexy finish to a basic hairstyle.
18. Thin Side Braid
If you have thinner box braids, you can incorporate a fishtail braid or regular 3-part side braid into your daily look. Smaller braids add detail and texture to these and can be easily maintained with just a hair tie.
19. Deep Red
This shade is unique and bold but not bright and distracting. It’s the perfect shade for anyone wanting to step out of their comfort zone but not go too far all at once. Perfect for the fall and winter months, this deep red hue flatters a range of skin tones.
20. Front Highlights
Blonde streak front highlights were trending in 2022, and we expect them to continue going strong all throughout 2023. It’s a great way to add a pop of contrast around your face without committing to tons of blonde. Experimenting with all these box-braid hairstyles is the perfect way to find your favorite. With this many options on how to style box braids, you’re set for style inspo all 2023.