Box braids are one of the most versatile protective styles for black hair. The sleek braided look can be dressed up or down for any event. Box braids allow you to get ready quickly since the hair is already styled. You just need to switch up how you arrange and accessorize the braids. Here are tips for rocking box braids for every occasion, from work and school to weddings and holidays.
Keep It Simple and Professional for Work
When going into the office or workplace, it's important to keep braided styles neat and subdued. Start off by having medium-sized box braids freshly done, with clean parts and uniform braids all the same size. This creates a polished, tidy look perfect for a professional environment. Pull your braids back smoothly into a classic low bun at the nape of your neck or low on your head. This cleanly fastens all braids securely and keeps them out of your face, allowing you to focus without distraction. You can also try a low ponytail, using gel to smooth any flyaways or shorter pieces around your hairline for a sleek finish. For a subtle touch of elegance, hide small pearl accents within the low bun or ponytail. If you want to show your edgy office style, pull braids tightly into a high top knot bun on the crown of your head. Keep it work-appropriate by pairing with business casual attire in conservative solid colors and dressy footwear. The top knot exudes confidence while remaining understated.
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Embrace Fun Styles for School Spirit Days
Showing school spirit with your hairstyle is a fun way to get creative. Separate your hair into two high pigtail buns spaced evenly apart on your head for a spirited game day look. Use colored ribbons that match your school colors, either weaved into the braids or wrapped around the pigtail bases. For spirit week events, go bold by using temporary colored hair spray or chalk to dye the ends of your braids in fun bright hues representing your school. You can also clip in hair extensions, feathers, glitter clips, pom poms, and other accessories that coordinate with the theme days like neon day or decades day. Just make sure any dyes or unnatural add-ons can be easily brushed out or removed afterwards. This allows you to express school pride through eye-catching braided hairdos without the damage of permanent coloring.
Get Fancy with Updos for Special Events
When you have a wedding, prom, formal gala, or other special occasion coming up, styling your box braids into elegant updos is a great way to glam up. Braids provide the perfect smooth base and length for twisting into intricate buns, knots, and chignons. Sculpt braids into a graceful knotted chignon at the nape of your neck, leaving a few face-framing pieces loose in the front. Or sweep braids into a regal crown braid, intricately winding and crossing them into a braided headband that sits atop your head like a tiara. For prom, pull the front top sections of braids into a half updo bump while leaving the rest hanging down your back in a long, sleek ponytail. Add dazzling hair jewelry like rhinestone bobby pins, silk flower pins, or a jewel-encrusted elastic band to glam up any formal updo. The containment of braids gives you endless options for red carpet ready hairstyles perfect for a special event.
Top With Wigs for Cosplay and Halloween
Box braids make for the ideal protective base when dressing up for costumes and Halloween. You can get really creative by topping your braids with fun braided wigs, long wigs, or wild colored wigs to match any costume look. Carefully secure the wig over your braids using wig clips, combs, or adjustable bands. You can also tightly wrap your braids into a low bun or several pinned-up flat twists, then pin the full wig over them for a seamless effect. At the end of the night out, simply remove the costume wig to reveal your neat braids ready to wear for any occasions in the weeks after Halloween. Topping braids with wigs allows you to fully transform into any character while keeping your natural hair protected underneath.
Go Glamorous for Holiday Parties
Holiday celebrations are the perfect chance to amp up the glamour factor with your box braids. First, ensure braids look extra sleek, shiny, and frizz-free by moisturizing them thoroughly with argan oil or serums. Pull all braids to one side in a ponytail, then carefully wrap the base into a neat bun shape. Cover the elastic hair tie with a ribbon that matches your outfit. For an eye-catching effect, lightly curl just the bottom half of the ponytail with a curling wand, leaving the top section straight. This adds bouncy fullness contrasting with the sleekness of the straight braids on top. Pin any loose shorter braids securely with glittering bobby pins decorated with pearl or rhinestone accents. For a New Year's Eve look, dramatically part your hair deep to one side, then gather all the braids on the heavier side into one shiny clip or barrette. Spritz braids lightly with glitter hair spray for sparkling shimmer on a night out. Dress up your holiday party style easily with these simple yet glam adding touches.
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Style with Headwraps for Vacation Mode
Headwraps like silk scarves, patterned pareos, or twisted turbans are perfect light accessories for keeping braids styled yet carefree on vacation. Whether you're hitting the beach, sightseeing on a cruise, or exploring a new city, wrap braids into an easy top knot bun to get them up and off your neck. Finish the look by tying a printed scarf or pareo around the bun base for a cute island or nautical vibe. For water activities, tightly secure braids into a low ponytail, then completely cover them with a swim cap for protection. The stretchy cap compresses braids to keep them dry and prevent chlorine or salt damage. After swimming, let braids air dry fully, then gently work leave-in conditioner through to smooth any kinks. Headwraps bring vacation vibes while also functionally protecting braids from sun, water, and wind damage.
Get Sporty with High Ponytails
The low maintenance nature and hold of box braids makes them perfect for active days playing sports. Pull braids up and away from your face into a super sleek, tight high ponytail for activities like running, cycling, yoga, dancing, and more. This secures all your hair securely to prevent any interference in your vision while you move. Use a strongly holding gel to smooth any wispy hairs or edges around your hairline for a polished athletic ponytail look. For team sports like soccer, tennis, or volleyball, tie a colorful stretchy bandana or silk scarf around the ponytail base. This adds a cute style touch while also absorbing sweat during your game or match. The high ponytail placement and tight hair elastic prevents any slipping or loosening of braids mid-game while you're jumping and running around.
Add Hair Jewelry and Accessories
One easy way to instantly elevate basic box braids is by accessorizing with jewelry and other embellishments. Add glitz and color by threading metallic beads or attaching bead tipping onto the ends of individual braids. Or, brighten up your look by weaving ribbons and colorful strands into braids. Gold jewelry like cuffs, chains, and decorative pins around braids or ponytails amp up the glamour for nights out. Large flower or bow clips placed at the top or side of your braids create a sweet, feminine vibe. Pull back and secure smaller front sections of braids with bobby pins decorated with glitter, pearls, flowers, or other ornaments. Hair jewelry makes it simple to take any basic braided hairstyle to the next level.
Do Jumbo Braids or Knotless Braids for Volume
To dramatically switch up your look, go bigger and fuller with your braids! Jumbo box braids are done using less but much larger braids, creating a super voluminous statement style. Or try knotless braids like faux locs, passion twists, or crochet braids. These add swirls of tucked-away fullness and length. While these styles do take longer initial install time, they last for months with proper care between touch-ups. The additional weight of bigger braids makes it easier to wrap, pin, and sculpt braids into elegant updos for evenings out. The extra volume also allows for dramatic crimping or curling with rods to temporarily add striking waves and curls. Think big and bold for showstopping impact!
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Conclusion
The versatility of box braids lets you adapt your style for any occasion that comes up. Follow these tips to switch it up and take your braids from professional settings to parties and events. Show off your personal flair by incorporating fun accessories and embellishments into your braided looks. Since the foundation of box braids allows for quick styling, you can focus on enjoying any event seamlessly!
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