40 Box Braids Hairstyles That You Should Rock This Year

Box braids hairstyles will never go out of style as they are a “protective style” that gives the hair a break from various forms of styling and protects the ends of natural hair. These hairstyles date back thousands of years and they originated with various tribes across the African continent. Braids are never going out of style because they offer so much glamour all while protecting the hair and scalp. Box braids hairstyles are definitely a win-win!

We wanted to get a better idea of the trends of today with these braids so we turned to social media to discover what types of braids are making waves. We were delightfully surprised to discover the level of individuality and self that these hairstyles can express. The looks we surveyed range from punk rock and edgy to classic and ultra-feminine. We found traditional, knotted box braids often as well as knotless braids which we often see celebrities turning to again and again today. We pulled 40 box braids hairstyles to inspire your next look!

Check Out These Box Braids Hairstyles to Discover That the Possibilities Are Endless!

Teeny-Tiny Braids

The smaller the braids, the more movement you’re going to get. Will you have to sit for an eternity to get all of these braids installed? Yes! Will it be worth it? Also, yes!

Mini Blonde Box Braids

A popular color option for these tiny braids is blonde and platinum is the favored blonde du jour. From a distance, these braids will read as flowing locks but, up close, others are treated to the intricate lines the braids create!

Medium Box Braids

One of the perks of having box braids is that you can whip them around. One of the best sizes for it is medium which is the perfect in-between for most folks. Parting your braids on the side is a truly special look that you can make even more dramatic by pinning some of the braids back away from the face.

Braided Bun

One of the styles you can achieve with braids that you otherwise could not (in most cases) is the braided bun. It’s a classic look that is perfect for medium and small box braids that can be easily pinned in place. If you want a no-hassle style, go with the bun for ease and beauty.

Go Large

A step up from medium, you can have some really dramatic and cool large box braids. Not only does this size braid look fantastic, but they also take far less time to install than other sizes. So, if you’re in need of a quick fix, go big and reap the rewards!

Jumbo Box Braids

Yet another step up in size, you can have a ton of fun with jumbo box braids which have emerged as a wildly popular hairstyle this year. As with other larger-sized braids, these are fairly easy and fast to install.

Blonde Jumbo Braids

Of all the jumbo box braids colors we stumbled across, blonde is a hot one among the youth today. Yes, the kids are loving jumbo braids in fun colors that allow for maximum self-expression.

Box Braids In a Bob

A style that’s really come back from the nineties are the jumbo braids shaped into a bob. Isn’t it such a blast? You can do this with other size braids, of course, but it’s so much fun to rock with big braids.

Box Braids with Bangs

Lupita Nyongo is the queen of inventive bix braid styles. In the above picture, we find the star with cute bangs with gold embellishments with the rest of her hair pulled into a bun. It’s a classic style that looks so youthful and fresh!

A Variation On That Theme

Here’s another look at braided bangs and box braids, this time, the bob is dropped and decorated with dazzling beads throughout. Can’t you just hear that playful sound of the beads clicking together? What a dream!

Braided Beehive

The braided beehive is a sort of retro look that screams Hollywood glamour. This style can be dont with larger braids as pictured above but it’s also a blast with small box braids as well.

Braids In a High Pony

One of our favorite box braids hairstyles involves the braids being pulled back into a high ponytail. It really puts the focus on your gorgeous face. If you’ve got some glorious baby hairs, let them shine with this classic look.

Cowrie Shells

One of the most time-tested upgrades to your box braids hairstyles are cowrie shells. They offer the perfect natural, dainty detail that can really jazz up those braids.

Goddess Box Braids

This amazing look is accomplished by combining braids and wavy curled hair for a sort of Bohemian, free-spirited style. Let the braids curl at the ends for added volume and to further deliver on those goddess vibes!

Extra Long Rapunzel-Length Braids

Medium, large, and jumbo box braids are best suited for this extra-long look. Wear them down for an elegant curtain of beautiful braids or tie them up for a giant bun of braids.

The Giant Bun

You got super long braids, now what? If you want to get them out of your way for a day, twist them and pin them into a giant bun.

Undercut and Box Braids

For an edgy look, consider getting an undercut on one or both sides with box braids in the middle. We love the way these braids pushed to one side looks.

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Undercut All Around

For an even edgier look, undercut beneath your box braids on the top of your head. In the above image, an abstract pattern has been shaved into the undercut for even more jazz.

Braid Those Braids

In the above image, we find box braids that have been further braided into an X pattern. This keeps your braids contained and out of the way while also looking very cool and sophisticated.

Fishtail Braids

For added visual interest, consider fishtail braids that look so sharp. Fishtail braids look excellent no matter what size your braids are.

Organic, Knotless Braids

Achieve a more down-to-earth look with imperfect box braids in varying sizes. Actor Zazie Beetz looks absolutely incredible with them. You might recognize her from the hit TV series Atlanta.

Embrace the Space Buns

Why have one bun when you can have two? Box braid space buns are playful and youthful and prove to be a huge upgrade over just a single bun!

Chunky Highlights

We urge you to experiment with color and we are going to look at several styles of box braids that employ amazing color for added visual interest. Get chunky with the highlights for more dimension.

Peach & Pink

Go peach and pink in color for a forever summer vibe that looks so energetic. We find a variety of highlights in these braids that make each one look a little bit different and unique.

Purple Is Equally Fabulous

Another unnatural color for box braids that we encountered often when researching this list is purple. It offers more depth and drama than a light pink and might be the perfect pop of color that looks excellent with your skin tone.

Mix & Match

We hinted at this with the chunky highlight box braids but we think it’s wise to mix and match colors for a truly individual look. For instance, orange and lemon give off a happy, citrusy vibe that’s perfect for your never-ending summer.

Triangle Braids

For a box braids-adjacent style, consider triangle braids that are exactly what you think they are. Instead of squares or boxes, hair is separated into triangles. It’s a bit trickier for stylists to pull off but you should give it a try sometime if you’re tired of that grid of boxes.

Go Metallic

For a futuristic look, consider a metallic color for your box braids. You can channel your inner Storm from X-Men with the look and look like the heavenly angel you are!

Have You Tried Tied?

Complicate your box braids for the better with a tied and knotted style that really looks magical. It’s probably best done by a stylist who knows how to tie the braids so that they easily come undone for you.

Loosen Up with Curls

For this carefree look, consider letting the ends out and curling them for a flirty style. Your braids should naturally already curl but taking an iron to the ends can really give you the “it” factor.

Go All Out with Beads

We turn to Queen Beyonce for inspiration here as she has done with beads some truly amazing things. You can create patterns and so much more with beadwork for your box braids.

Down the Center

You can create patterns with your knotless box braids by braiding the front and going long with the braids in the back. It’s a fresh look that will really show off your face beautifully.

Get Decadent

First, how amazing do these jumbo box braids look? Secondly, how decadent do the hints of gold make her look? We absolutely love these additions in braids that will make a real statement.

Silver Works Too

As with gold, silver works equally as nicely in the box braids. Rings and more can be added to your beads with ease and the payoff is so worth it!

The Giant Braid

Get yourself a giant braid like this to keep your braids neatly contained. It also looks so handsome and tidy.

Feeling Blue?

This deep, electric or neon blue is such a winning look. If you want something dramatic and dark, consider deep colors that absorb so much light.

Ombré, Okay!

The ombré effect is a super hot trend right now. Go from one color to another like these purple to pink braids or think even further outside the box.

Rainbow Bright

Why just have two colors when you can have all of them? Check out these really fun rainbow braids which are full of energy and bursting with life!

Mohawk Box Braids

Take your hair to a whole new level with this intriguing shape that mimics a mohawk. We love the little swoop detail at the front on this one that will look perfect on any face shape!

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A Classic Braided Bow

Take your box braid bun to new heights by asking your stylist to give you a braided bow! It’s such a nostalgic and sweet look that will keep your braids out of your face. Put a bow on it! Why not?

There you go! Did these box braids hairstyles inspire you to try something new? We certainly hope that you saw some new styles that would be a good fit for you and your lifestyle. From short to long, thin to jumbo, the possibilities are endless when it comes to box braids. Now, go speak to your stylist and rock a new style this season!