Box braids are a popular hairstyle that offers versatility and longevity. They can last for weeks with proper care, making them perfect for individuals who want to protect their natural hair from daily wear and tear. If you’re interested in learning how to start box braids, this article will guide you through the process from start to finish.
Preparing Your Hair
The first step in starting box braids is preparing your hair properly. This means washing and moisturizing it before you begin. Clean hair is essential because it allows the braids to hold better without slipping or sliding around on the scalp.
After washing, make sure your hair is completely dry before moving onto the next step. Moisturize your scalp using oils such as jojoba oil or coconut oil, which help keep your roots healthy and hydrated.
Choosing The Right Braiding Hair
When choosing synthetic hair for box braiding, consider quality rather than cost. Cheap synthetic hair tends not to be strong enough, leading to breakage over time which can lead to discomfort as well as more frequent visits required at salons.
Another thing about cheap synthetic hairs is that they tend not to blend seamlessly with natural tresses; high-quality ones usually imitate human texture perfectly giving a natural look .
Also worth stating – jumbo packs of Kanekalon fiber with colors like blond ombre’ have become relatively affordable these days if that’s what one wishes however lots of people opt-out of adding any accessory color making straight black ones an ideal choice.
What supplies do I need?
To get started knotless box braid styles easily at home there are basic supplies required:
• Marley/kanekalon extension (the exact amount depends on how many boxes needed)
• Rat tail comb
• Moisturizer/oil (coconut oil/jojoba oil or castor oil work well)
• Scissors
Step 1: Sectioning Hair Altogether
Separate your hair into four sections significantly. Once you section it, make sure to zip up each portion in a bun or ponytail so that they are entirely out of the way.
Step 2: Creating The Box Braid Sections
Next, use your rat-tail comb to divide one section into small square parts sized evenly across the scalp. Repeat this process until all four sections are done well-enough.
When tying each box braid portion together with an elastic band try using as many elastics as possible because they maintain neatly even and steady placement (If you fail to keep enough conditioner on the hair it may become frizzy after styles have been taken down)
Incorrect parting
Incorrectly made patterned braid parts can cause uneven bald spots which could lead to traction alopecia – hence why neatness is fundamental while creating your braids.
Step 3: Adding In Extensions
Take only some extensions at a time and insert them smoothly under natural roots decreasing breakage risk for fragile edges targeting and keeping away from holding on too tightly when tightening hairstyles basing classic box braiding step-by-step routine.
Additionally, remember not to wrap the extensions around natural strands too much nor add excessive weight here again leading back to the same problem!
Tip:
While placing synthetic fiber at times feel free pinch at least two strands randomly stretching long before putting them where needed This helps ensure robust coverage e.g., single-strand one-inch-long Marley twists don’t last very long within days whereas curl powered ones styled more than just that length will thrive up-to six almost twelve weeks guaranteeing satisfaction throughout wear time frames
Step 4: Begin Braiding Hair Roots With Extension Fibers
Now starting from scalp roots introduce extension fibers uniformly according how full-haired or chunky-like results wanted making sure not overly tight plus solid attachment places so style survives days planned intact!
Make sure once each row has been additioned-in take out any doubles/extensions pieces that get tangled while reinforcing mid-size hangouts before moving sideways braids by crisscrossing them together.
Step 5: Braiding The Box
Starting from where the two strands meet, use a three-strand braid technique to finish your box. First, section your hair into three parts at equal lengths, while making sure all strands are perfectly in line.
Take the left strand and cross it over the middle one so that now what was originally “middle” becomes “left.” Now take what was originally on the right side and place it over where you first began with a stable yet semi-loose hold.
Continue with this pattern until you reach end-of-the-extension always preserving firmly-secured standing base essence & stability. If necessary redo any spots for added precaution if too loose or inconsistent.
Step 6: Wrapping It Up
To complete each box braid, make sure to wrap an elastic band around its finished tip so it holds work integrity through-out styling maintenance period thoroughly – additionally comb-fly aways letting everything smooth out nicely without increasing frizz through unnecessary tension putting too much pressure overall.
With these steps properly executed results generated incredible guarantees beautiful knotless hairstyles ready-to-go lasting weeks!