20 Different Ways to Wear Box Braids

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If you haven’t seen Janet Jackson’s Poetic Justice, or at the very least a picture of her in the iconic movie, it’s time to get your life together. Jackson sports one of the ultimate ’90s hairstyles: box braids. Box braids, originating from Africa, have been donned by all your favorites like Beyoncé to Zoe Kravitz to Chanel Iman. The protective style can be worn in a million ways, from space buns to knots. It can be installed the traditional way, meaning the braid begins with a small knot at the root of the scalp, or you can go the knotless box braids route. Knotless box braids are done by a feed-in method. The braiding hair is added in small pieces, creating less tension and pull on the root of your hair.

Below, 20 styles to sport with box braids. Ombre box braids, anyone?

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Half-Up With Pigtails

Upgrade your half-up, half-down ‘do with flirty pigtails and face-framing strands.

Multi-Color Neon

Color block sections of hair with neon hues for an electrifying look.

Asymmetrically Beaded

Use clear rubber bands to secure rows of beads on random sections of braids for an unexpected style.

Side Swept

Form a deep side part and fasten your braids behind your ear to add a romantic accent to a half-up, half-down style.

Low Bun

Zoe Kravitz goes back and forth from braids to a short pixie, because if you’re Kravitz you can pull off every single look possible. We love her micro boxer braids pulled back into a low bun.

Half Shaven

A shaved side paired with bleach blonde box braids is the definition of edgy. Add extra length like actress Jada Pinkett Smith to take the daring ‘do one step further.

Knotted

The gorgeous Amandla Stenberg’s box braids were knotted by celebrity hairstylist Vernon Francois, who created a beautiful rainbow design.

Side Pieces

Make a subtle statement with face-framing jumbo braids like actress Logan Browning.

Waist Length

Long braids, don’t care might not rhyme like the classic saying, but it still very much applies.

Mohawk Buns

Divide hair into three sections and secure them into buns to create a fun faux hawk.

Colorful High Pony

Pull your jumbo box braids up for a ’90s high-pony throwback.

Top Knot

So knotty. This easy-to-achieve style pulls the front hair up and out of the way to show off your beautiful face.

Space Buns

Standout among the Earthlings. You can channel your inner Scary Spice with two buns or add three for an out-of-this-world look.

Middle Part

You can never go wrong with a strong middle part, especially when paired with extra long locks.

Braided Bun

A bun full of box braids sit nicely on any head and is a perfect way to beat the summer heat.

Big Braids

Need to keep your braids out of your face? Secure them into simple, three-strand styles like Euphoria actress Storm Reid.

Box Bob

No need for braids that hit the floor. The African style looks great short and bobbed just above your shoulders.

Boho Braids

Rainbow Brite IRL. The loose ends add a bohemian flair and are further amplified by the pink and blue strands. La Vie Bohème.

Bow Bun

Pull a few braids over your bun, wrap the remaining ends around its base, and secure with a few bobby pins to create an adorable updo like actress Skai Jackson.

Half-Up, Half-Down

Pull half of your hair up into a loose pony for an effortlessly chic vibe.

Chloe Hall
Beauty Director
Chloe Hall oversees all beauty coverage at ELLE.com.

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This article was originally published by Elle.com. Read the original article here.