Box Braids

What to know about box braids

Box braids date back to West African culture in 3500BC. The braids showed their affinity to religion, age, status, tribe and other criteria. Braiding was also seen as a form of social bonding and even box braids for kids also have the same effect.

It said to have existed 3,000 years back in Ancient Egypt. Women wore it to cover their graying hair and making themselves beautiful whilst making the appearance of their hair longer. In 1993, Janet Jackson in the movie Poetic Justice is seen wearing braids. Later on, in 2012 stars like Beyoncé Knowles wore braids of different types which led to a new wave of interest in the braids. Black women now wear them in style for different occasions. Box braids protect the hair from the heat and humidity. It prevents the hair from being damaged. A lot of salons offer these braiding services for box braids. However, box braids, if not done well, can cause pain and damage or breakage to the hair.

These braids are done by incorporating synthetic hair into the natural hair. They are usually larger in size than their micro braids counterparts. It may take one or more people to complete a session of box braids for a client. In the winter and summer box braids are good for the hair to prevent excessive brushing or combing and hair breakage. The use of flat irons, and curling irons, as well as blow dryers, can all cause hair loss if not used properly. Therefore when you do box braids it saves you all the hassle from having your hair on and styling it every day.

Stylish Box Braids for Everyone

Box braids are a type of hair that cannot lose its style no matter how many other new styles come onto the market. They are a real classic braid style. It can be done with natural hair but its more preferred when the weave is added to it. Many people love box braids because it is easy to wash and it lasts. No matter the length of the braids that you choose, box braids end up looking good. It is just that the longer box braids are famous. Only bear in mind that the longer it is, the heavier the hair and it may take more time to finish.

Some of the brands of hair that are commonly used are the kanekalon and X-Pressions. The kanekalon is light and not expensive. X-Pressions, on the other hand, are longer and more full and because of this, you will use fewer packs to do your hair. Some people choose human hair in the long run but the disadvantage of it is that you can’t keep it for long, you will not be able to seal the edges with the flame and you will not also be able to dip it hot water. The hair will be frizzled and can also untangle easily.

How many packs of hair do I need?

Sometimes it is not easy to tell how many packs of hair that you can use for your box braids. When choosing box braids for kids and for adults, the style will determine how many packs you need for your hair. It is advised to get more than you need rather than less. You wouldn’t want the stylist to be stuck in the middle of your hairdo looking for additional pieces to add to your hair. When you blow-dry your hair its easier for the box braids to be done on the hair. Box braids are low-maintenance but you shouldn’t wait to take your box braids out before washing them. You should actually wash your hair whilst the braid is on to keep the scalp clean from dandruff build-up and to keep the itching at bay.

To protect the style of your box braids, you can wear on your hair a bonnet or a scarf. You can choose to also put it in a bun right before going to bed. Box braids look very pretty on those who braid them because of its neat finish. However, the rule of thumb is not to keep it for more than 8 weeks. This because beyond that the hair can be damaged.