The box braid hairstyle is definitely having a moment:
women everywhere have been going 90s retro with heavy waist length
braids. Celebrities such as Joy Bryant, Solange Knowles and Beyonce
Knowles have been making blog headlines everywhere for embracing
90s hip and evocative braids.
Classic Box Braids
The super-long, rope-thick style of braids and twists we’re
seeing right now is a direct throwback to the 90s, when Janet
Jackson made the hairstyle iconic. To this day, box braid
hairstyles haven’t changed much: women are still wearing their
box braids in pretty much the same way, piled high atop the heads
or down their backs with a sleek middle part.
New Box Braid Styles
Ever since Solange Knowles started wearing her hair natural in
2009, she’s been locking it into long box braids. Her
sister, Beyonce, followed the trend in 2012,
swapping her wavy locks for blonde box braids. While black hair
fiber is by far the most common color choice for box braids,
Beyonce’s brighter alternative reminds us that synthetic hair
offers endless color options and is free from the harmful effects
of chemicals.
Box Braid Styling Tips
Make sure that your braids are thick enough and braided loosely.
You should also give your hair a few days to relax after getting it
done before you start trying to pull it back and experimenting with
the many different styles.
Premature box braids styling while your hair is still fairly tight
can put major stress on your edges. Also, box braids that are too
thin will be very difficult to take out. Remember, the longer you
braids are, the better: waist length box braids offer a lot more
styling options. For example, a sexy and sophisticated braided, low
bun is an essential part of the box braid style!
Box Braids Maintenance
The maintenance of your box braid is very important: stylists
warn against using anything other than naturally derived oils to
keep your own hair moisturized while it’s braided.
Go for natural oils like Dr. Hauschka
Neem oil, Eva
Nyc’s Hungry Hair treatment or Rodin by Recine Olio Lusso hair oil. These can work
wonders if massaged into the head twice a week, restoring your
hair’s natural sheen with their revitalizing natural extracts.
However, don’t go crazy and apply to many products as they can make
your braids look old and frizzy quickly.
You might also like:
Photos: Getty Images, Mail Online