It’s easy to appreciate the practicality of box braids. This is one of the many reasons I come back to them time and time again. It’s also the reason my clients are able to get booked with me so often. Just last month, one of my new clients came in with a lot of options, but without the direction from her friends or inspiration photos, she was overwhelmed. After we went over some ideas I thought would highlight some of her features, I asked her what her goal was for her hair. After a bit of thought she said she wanted to look polished without having to do any work. I said great, we are definitely doing box braids then, because that’s the exact vibe I was aiming for.
Medium box braids are amazing because they hit that sweet spot. They are thick enough that you do not feel too much weight of the braids pulling at your scalp and also thin enough that you achieve the look with enough volume. Some of my clients have been so chilled out with the process that they have even started sleeping in my chair, and I always really love that. With medium box braids, you will have a lot of styling options, and if you want to switch it up, you will be able to easily pull the braids into a high ponytail, half up, a bun, or whatever style you want that the braids will cooperate with. Contrary to popular belief, I am going to show you 24 different ways to style medium box braids that will surprise you because the range of styles is really wide.
#1: Clean Geometry with a Side of Sophistication
Everything about this is great, but the lines are everything. They make the style look so intentional (which I know it was) and there are no messy lines in the style, so you must have spent a long time in the chair for clean lines. I love that the length is sitting right on the shoulders because it gives you range of movement, but it also won’t get caught in your bag strap every five seconds. I can tell that the person who did the finish did a good job because the frizz is really low and it looks very polished. This was either sealed really well or they used a good braiding mousse before the installation ’cause it looks so clean and gives almost no frizz.
#2: Playing with Light and Shadow in the Best Way
Here we can see a great example of how placement of color can work in our favor. The lightest braids being in the front is no accident as it really highlights the face and it’s something I try to persuade my clients to do as it has such a great effect. The mix of light and dark through the braids adds so much movement to the hair even when it’s still and this is a goal I try to achieve with all of my clients. The braids have been woven at a medium size so they still have a fair bit of volume but they’re not going to be too heavy which is great. If you want to try this method with the two-tone colors I would suggest being careful of how much tension there is at the roots as the installation can take longer when there is color placement at the top. But it’s definitely worth it!
#3: Curls at the Ends Change Everything
I love this style. The curly ends have added personality and texture to what would otherwise be a standard long box braid. Box braids that are straight don’t have the movement that these ends have. Actually, the braids will bounce and catch the light as you walk, and when there is a breeze. The thickness is perfect because it gives the right amount of thickness to the braid and keeps it from being too heavy with the added length. The only thing I always tell clients about curled ends is that the style requires more maintenance. A light curl refresresher spray is a must every few days to prevent the curls from falling flat and to keep the hair from getting frizzy.
#4: That Ombre Moment Without Going Overboard
This ombre was done very well. It doesn’t look bad and is very easy to look at. The transition from brown roots to light tips is very nice. This will catch the attention of a lot of people without being overly distracting. I love the length, as it is not too long. With obsessions, you can want the color payoff without the commitment that comes from waist-length braids. With this style, you can say, “I want to do something different, but will still have to go to work on Monday.”
#5: Sometimes Simple Is the Whole Point
Braids like these show not only
skill, but also a great deal of time and effort. Maintaining transferral and design
uniformity throughout the whole braid is challenging. Also, you may think that the
absence of accessories, colored hair braided in, or ends of the braid that are curled
is a negative thing, but in fact, it is the exact opposite. You can see the quality of
work in how even and straight each of the parts is along with the size being just
right to hold it all together. There is nothing like a good braiding job that will last
long, and that is exactly what this is. Most styles loosen and unravel over time, but
this is not what we will be seeing here. It is only going to get even fresher as time
goes on. This is especially true for people with coarser hair, as the hair grips the
braiding hair and holds it tight resulting in even less loosening.
#6: A Little Blonde Goes a Long Way
The added blonde highlights mixed in here are easy to miss in certain lighting, but when the sun comes out, they really stand out! And I love this approach; it’s low commitment but high impact. The medium thickness is practical here as well. It’s thick enough to show off the color contrast but not so thick that it complicates styling. If you’re thinking of adding highlights into your braids for the first time, this level of subtlety is a great place to start. Just make sure to be gentle on your edges when installing, because finer braids around the hairline can really pull if you’re not careful.
#7: Caramel That Actually Looks Like Caramel
I see a lot of braids named ‘caramel’ and they tend to look just orange. So when the tone is warm and rich like this, I get excited. The color here is doing what it’s meant to do, catching the light in a way that doesn’t feel too fake. The precise parting here adds a crispness that contrasts the warmer tone of the color, which is a color palette I feel like not a lot of people experiment with. The volume is great, not too heavy on the scalp and just the right amount to look fluffy. This is one of those colors that works across seasons, which is not something you can say about a lot of shades.
#8: Texture at the Ends with Polish at the Top
Having structured braids on top give a nice contrast to the style with loose ends which gives a two-in-one effect. I like how clean and intentional it looks with the parting shown through to the scalp. The base hair of type 3B matches the curl pattern at the ends just right so that it blends to give a nice seamless look. Mid-back length hair is the ideal length for updos because it doesn’t get too long to be a hassle. The most important thing to consider with this style is moisture. The exposed curls will dry out even quicker than the braided parts, so do keep a good leave-in conditioner on hand.
#9: Depth Without Drama
The combination of black with caramel highlights blends beautifully. The way the hair has depth looks realistic. Shoulder-length braids are the best. They give the illusion of length, but aren’t too long to get in the way. The clean braiding pattern shows that you have good scalp hygiene, and I appreciate that since it’s often overlooked.
#10: Golden Hour, But Make It a Hairstyle
The way the golden color is working here is really special. The defined curls on the ends make the whole look feel warm and playful and impossible to look away from. The braids look lightweight, which tells me the quality of their braiding hair is really good since cheap hair gets heavy faster. The curls are really flattering as they give the cheeks a lovely face-framing layer look, but in braid form. I would keep a light sheen spray handy so the golden tone would look glossy without any buildup.
#11: Burgundy That Knows What It’s Doing
Burgundy is my favorite color to use in braids because it is just enough color to seem purposefully done instead of feeling costume-y. The blending of burgundy with black creates such an amazing look, especially the more you look at it. I like this length the most because you can see more of the color play. The density on this install is amazing, really well-maintained, and no thin spots at all. I will say that keeping the burgundy braiding hair bright will take some effort since the color dulls over time, but that’s true for pretty much any colored style, and it is manageable.
#12: All Burgundy and Fully Committed
This one completely owns the color so I have to respect the energy a lot more.n A whole head of burgundy braids is a statement, and there’s no pretending you didn’t mean it.n The rich tone is simply gorgeous. The editorial sleekness of the finish, combined with the tight, neat parting is high enough quality to work at a dinner, errands, or anywhere else. The length cascading down the back and even sizing through the braids are a sign these were installed with care and attention to detail. Just a heads up for anyone who goes fully burgundy: be mindful of your clothing for the next few weeks; burgundy really demands attention next to certain colors.
#13: Subtle Dimension That Sneaks Up on You
From a distance, this might appear to be a sleek all-black braid style, but up close, the lighter strands bring the style to life. The subtle layering also helps avoid that one-dimensional, overly-dense look with medium and thick braids. With layering, movement is created, and variance is introduced to the way the braids fall. The lighter strands add warmth and interest without clashing with the overall braid color. This install is all about technique. The tension is even, and the density is nice and full without being overly packed. For clients who want a change but aren’t ready for anything too crazy, this type of color work is always my suggestion.
#14: Sleek and Long and Unbothered About It
Long box braids look beautiful, with a shiny finish, and reach all the way down your back. Box braids are a great way to express confidence, and are a neutral style. Here, the box braids look polished since the hair density is finer, giving it a flexible look. There is great movement to the braids, which adds a lot to the experience of having the braids. To really amp up the style, I would add some gold cuffs.
#15: Warmth That Frames You Right
I really like these braids! They’re great! The warm shades work nicely together. There’s no harsh contrast. With the right lighting, the braids give an illuminating look. The length is great; I like the length being just below the shoulders. The styling draws attention to the face and you don’t end up pushing the hair aside or over your shoulder every 5 minutes. The thickness is just right as well, it doesn’t feel like too much. This style suits a busy schedule as well, it’s good to just get up and go afterwards, just don’t forget to keep your braids moisturised!
#16: Gold Accessories Doing the Most (In a Good Way)
Honestly, the gold accessories really elevate the braid. The dark brown color contrasts with the accessories, which is perfect for letting them shine without the braid color competing with them. The rings and cuffs are spaced and organized nicely. With the length of the braid, I’ve no doubt that there will be plenty of room to adjust the accessories as you wish. The medium to thick size of the braid keeps them from drooping, which is great. If you’re adding accessories, I suggest that you wait a day or two after the braid is done when they typically fall so that you can see better where you’d want to add them.
#17: Curled Ends with a Flirty Energy
The ends that are curled look softer and more appealing than the blunt cut braid ends that look more harsh. The braids each have a gentle wave so they don’t look too uniform. The curls provide a natural frame around the face which is a nice touch since it is complimenting to most face shapes. I can hardly think of a face shape that wouldn’t work with this. From every angle this style works. It is medium length and medium thickness with just the right amount of personality to be interesting while still being easy to maintain.
#18: Polished from Root to Tip
Some days, I come across an installation of braids that I can tell the stylist was acutely focused while working on it. This is an example! The braids are all woven with uniform consistent tension, and the high density is oh so pretty. This style is perfect for oval and heart shaped faces. The braids that fall straight down are so good for giving a pretty for elongating effect. I could see some small accessories being woven in for a little customization. I’m thinking just something thin like metallic threading or tiny cuffs. This clean foundation can definitely handle some small edits and not feel overcrowded.
#19: A Bun That Means Business
Another great advantage of wearing braids in a bun is that it changes up the typical look of wearing braids down, while also being protective. The best thing about this bun in my opinion, is the lovely, braided edges. They give a sort of architectural elegance that is beyond just an updo. The shape and volume of the bun really comes from the braids, so no extra pieces are needed. This is definitely a style that stands out and is frequently a conversation piece, which I think is a great compliment. It’s true that when the hair is worn up, it can feel tight at the nape and hairline. Just be sure you’re not sacrificing your edges for the sake of a look.
#20: Natural Shine Without Product Overload
The shine from these braids appears to be coming from a natural source rather than a spray or some other product. This healthy looking shine indicates that the quality of the braiding hair is good. In contrast, poor quality synthetic hair looks damaged and matted and no amount of hairspray can improve it. The weave appears to be of medium to thick density with a slight wave in the texture which is a nice change as it reduces that overly sleek look. The ends of the hair are nice and polished and it is a relief to see that they do not look like they have been dipped in something. If your braiding hair looks this shiny, leave it alone, it’s best if it just does its thing.
#21: Neat Lines and Easy Living
My favorite part about these braids is how clean the installation is. The photos don’t do it justice, but I will say the end of the braids looks tapered, so it gives the style a more realistic look, plus it adds a little movement when you walk into the braids. Even though the density is nice and full, it doesn’t feel heavy. I love that this style is acceptable for daily wear, to work, the gym, weekends, etc. And it still looks great. Although it may be a little boring, it is very practical.
#22: Two-Tone with Textured Ends That Pop
The combination of black and blonde looks great. The contrast is very noticeable, and the texturized ends create an overall balanced look. This is definitely a tricky style and it’s been pulled off exceptionally well here. For this style, a two-tone look with medium thickness is the way to go. If your sections are too thick, the blocks of color will be too chunky, and if they are too thin, the contrast won’t be enough. Also if you plan on using blonde braiding hair, especially one that’s as bright as this one, I recommend moisturizing oil because the lighter synthetic hair gets dried out easily and ends up looking a lot more frizzy than the darker synthetic hair. The texturized ends add a nice element to the look so it doesn’t feel too formal.
#23: Geometric Parting as Art
I appreciate artistic, modern looks that utilize sharp geometric shapes. It’s so great when the canvas isn’t merely a background, but the scalp weaves into the whole composition. It creates such an unbeatable effect! I can tell a quality stylist when I see a braid that she values the closure. Coily hair is great for braids as it helps hold the braid for longer. The density of the hair is what helps the pattern of the parting to stand out, and with the lengths of the braids all the way down past the shoulders, I can tell a lot of creativity has gone into the style while expressing this.
#24: Caramel Highlights That Melt Right In
It is not easy to create the seamless transition between the black and caramel colors in these braids. The technique used makes it look like the color is growing out from the scalp. The color even looks like it fades naturally into a warm tone at the middle and ends of the braids. That type of blending shows real intention during the installation. The installer had to really think through which braids received color and where each colored braid placed. Additionally, each braid is consistently the same size which keeps the color looking neat and clean rather than muddy. Showcase highlight work sits right at the shoulders. It is a perfect length to see the color and gradient transition. If you want to maintain the caramel tones to be as vibrant as they are now, you will need to wrap your braids in a satin bonnet to protect them at night.
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