Hair is always the most essential part of a perfect makeover. No matter what the weather or occasion is, your hair needs to be styled properly. In many cultures, hair is considered to be one of the most important factors in determining several societal norms. And among various hairstyles, the box braids are known to have a close-knitted connection with African culture.
In recent times, box braids have gained quite the popularity among women and children of different ages. This hairstyle is absolutely gorgeous, and it elevates your entire look with its classic appeal. The amazing part is you can style these braids with elegant accessories, and the most popular one is beads.
Now before jumping into the details of box braids with beads, let us first know what a box braid actually is.
Table of Contents
- It’s All About ‘Box-ing’ Your Braids!
- Beads on Box: Yay or Nay?
- What’s the Easiest Way to Add Beads to Box Braids?
- Types of Beads for Box Braids
- Best Box Braids with Beads Hairstyles
- 1. Long Box Braids with Beads
- 2. Box Braids with Beads for Medium Hair
- 3. Short Box Braids with Beads
- 4. Jumbo Box Braids with Beads
- 5. Half-up Double Bun Box Braids with Beads
- 6. Half Up Pony Box Braids with Beads
- 7. Box Braids with Beaded Bangs
- 8. Ombre Box Braids with Beads
- 9. Tidy-Messy Updo Box Braids with Beads
- 10. Box Braids with Clear Beads at the End
- 11. Box Braids with Wooden Beads
- Box Braids With Beads For Little Girls
- Toddler Box Braids with Beads
- Box Braids with Beads for Men
- Box Braids with Beads Care Guide
- FAQs
- Final Words
It’s All About ‘Box-ing’ Your Braids!
As the name suggests, the hair is divided into box-like sections throughout the scalp and then properly braided. This hairstyle may seem quite tricky and hard to do on your own, but with the right steps, it is just a matter of time to perfect your box braids.
We know that protective styles are the best options for those with curly hair, as these styles can be the solution to problems created by different weather conditions. So if you want your ‘hair worries’ to be lessened, box braids can be the answer!
Ahead is a step-by-step process on how you can rock perfect box braids within the comfort of your home. Don’t forget to thank us later for saving your bucks!
Step 1: Clean and Dry is the Only Way to Try!
Before starting the styling process, you need to ensure that your hair is properly cleaned and dried. Use a good quality shampoo according to your hair type. Condition your hair and after the cleaning process is complete, make sure that your hair is detangled and dried perfectly.
Step 2: Apply Leave-in Conditioner
The next step is to apply a leave-in conditioner for making your task easier. You can part your hair beforehand to make sure that the conditioner covers properly.
Step 3: Part and Start
Now is the time to divide your hair into sections. Start by parting your hair into front and back halves with a style tail comb. Tie up the back part with a good quality elastic hair tie. Now move on to your front half.
Make mini sections within the parted hair, and ensure that the parts are precise for the most beautiful and uniform outcome.
Step 4: The Braiding
Start by tying up the first smaller section of hair with a rubber band right at the roots. For making box braids, you need to use pre-stretched braiding hair in any color you prefer.
Now divide your braiding hair into roughly equal parts. Take one part and fold it in half. Pull out a piece of hair from one side and bring it over to the middle. Line up this part with your actual hair that was tied up with the rubber band, and wrap around the other two side pieces as well. Keep on braiding the hair as far as you can.
Step 5: Braid and Braid and Braid!
Continue the same process of tying up your hair with rubber bands and adding the braiding hair. Make sure that your braids are tight and the strands have equal distribution of hair.
After the front half is done, move on to the back half and repeat the process of making mini sections, tying up, and braiding. Carry on braiding all the smaller sections and making beautiful box braids in the process.
Step 6: Seal the Deal
As you have finished braiding all your hair, now it’s time to add some finishing touch. You can start by trimming off hair at the end to give it a cleaner look. Then take the ends and soak them in hot water to seal.
The final act is creating slayed edges. Just take an edge control gel and a brush to take care of the edges for a beautifully complete look.
That’s it! You are now left with the most elegant box braids you always dreamt of.
Now for the extra dazzle and style, let’s know how to add beads to box braids.
Beads on Box: Yay or Nay?
Doing box braids is difficult work and it requires a huge amount of patience. You might not even be able to braid your hair properly at the very beginning. However, with practice and confidence, perfecting box braids will become easier.
Now you might think that after all that hassle you went through, adding beads to your braids is just a luxury. But we are here to tell you that this extra effort will take your entire look to another level! Your braids are already beautiful on their own, why not make them perfect by adding beads altogether?
So when it comes to our opinion, we believe that you need to give the beads a try. Trust us, you won’t regret AND you won’t think twice the next time before adding beads to your box braids.
What’s the Easiest Way to Add Beads to Box Braids?
Well, there are several ways to add beads to your braids, but here we are going to talk about the easiest and most satisfactory way to do so. Let’s call it the Bobby Pin method.
For perfecting this method, you need to grab a bobby pin. Not joking, if you search sincerely, you will find one or two of them hiding in a corner or laying around casually on top of your vanity. And if you don’t have any, just buy a pack of these handy hair tools already!
To start the process, first take a bobby pin and loop it around the end of your braid. Now grab your beads, place them one after another into the hairpin, and slide it through. You can add more beads if you want to.
After the beads have been added, it’s time to secure the end of your hair. Put in an elastic band fold just over your last bead to secure all the beads added to your braid. Then cut off the excess hair, and you will be left with perfectly styled beads on box braids.
Types of Beads for Box Braids
Different types of hair accessories are used to enhance the beauty of box braids. But nothing can beat the classic appeal of beads. From wooden to gold, you will find them in different types and designs.
Wooden Hair Beads
Wooden beads are popular among users for their versatility, and they are available in different shapes and sizes. You can choose from a variety of barrel wood beads in shades of brown, black, and beige.
Drum wood beads are also quite popular and you can find them in different patterns. We especially love the floral patterns which look exclusive when added to the braids.
Painted barrel wooden beads have also achieved their fair share of popularity, as they add that extra touch of color and pattern to your braided hair.
Candy Color Beads
If you are all about that cute appearance when it comes to your hair, then candy color beads are the perfect options for decorating your box braids. Made of wood, these beads are all about the candy vibe with shades of pink, blue, and bisque.
Gemstone Beads
Natural hand polished gemstone beads look quite spectacular when added to your braids. Their earthy colors are literally everything! The rose quartz, amethyst, yellow jade and all the other variations will surely take your hair bead game to the next level.
Gold and Silver Hair Rings
When it comes to adorning box braids, gold and silver rings made of aluminum are our personal favorite! The adjustable options make it easier to style your braids, plus the intricate designs of these hair rings add absolute glam to your hair.
Clear Beads
The trendiest hair beads in town are the clear beads. In recent times, we have seen many girls opting for this specific kind of beads for making box braids look classy and elegant. The transparent look of these beads will make your hair look dazzling both upfront and in pictures.
Pony Beads
Little girls and toddlers can also carry box braids with quite the grace. So for them, pony beads are the best thing to decorate their braids. These beads are available in different cute and vibrant colors, which will make their braids all cutesy and adorable in an instant!
Best Box Braids with Beads Hairstyles
The versatility of beads for braids makes it an exclusive accessory for styling your hair. You will find beads in different sizes, colors, and designs on the market. Plus, the material also varies when it comes to these accessories. Picking a quality product with the perfect design will make your braids outstanding in no time!
Now there are literally so many hairstyle options when it comes to box braids with beads. You can easily opt for a long hair look or choose a hairstyle that is suitable for those with short hair. No matter what your hair length is, adorning your box braids with beads will always do the magic.
So let’s take a look at some of the exclusive beaded box braid hairstyles that we have handpicked for you.
1. Long Box Braids with Beads
Long box braids are always a treat to look at. It might take a little bit longer to perfect this hairstyle, but once completed, this look will be everything.
For knotless box braids with beads, you can easily choose clear beads and flaunt your length. This entire hairstyle is so Instagram worthy that you will love to do it on your own. Just remember to pick a pack of quality beads and you will be ready to rock your box braids with elegance and comfort.
2. Box Braids with Beads for Medium Hair
When it comes to medium-length hair, the styling options for box braids are infinite. Box braids look neat and smart on medium hair, and the beads undoubtedly add extra dash of sophistication.
You can try side part box braids if your hair length is medium. Add transparent or colorful beads to make a pop up effect. The extra addition of colorful braiding hair can make your hair look chicer.
Shoulder length box braids with beads are loved by many girls out there as it is a simple but fashionable hairstyle. Try this out today if you just want to skip the styles for long or short hair.
3. Short Box Braids with Beads
If you are not a fan of long hair, then short box braids can be the perfect option to opt for. Short box braids look fun and chic at the same time. Just the addition of wooden beads makes the braids pretty and cute, so this hairstyle can be your go to option.
This look has simply left us mesmerized. The wooden beads are placed with precision and the end of the braids are quite eye-catching. If you are a fan of clear beads, then you can try them out with this hairstyle as well.
4. Jumbo Box Braids with Beads
Another exclusive style for long hair is the jumbo box braids. When beads are added to these braids, your entire hairstyle will be breathtaking.
We recommend using gold hair rings for perfecting this hair look. It’s not necessary to place the beads at the end of your braid. Rather adjust them at different lengths of different braids, and this hairstyle will be loved by everyone around you!
5. Half-up Double Bun Box Braids with Beads
We always adore perfectly done double buns as they are cute and classy to look at. However, with box braids, you can experiment and create classier styles like this half double bun look.
Part your hair in the middle for this hairstyle. After braiding and adding the beads, create half-up double buns. Make sure to let the end of your buns flow for the additional two-level beaded hair vibes.
These wooden hair beads seem like they were exclusively made for this amazing hairstyle.
6. Half Up Pony Box Braids with Beads
You can rock a half up ponytail even if you have the tightest of box braids. So if anyone tells you otherwise, we are here to assure you that you can actually pull it off!
For this particular hairstyle, make a half up ponytail with the box braided hair and tie it up with a scrunchie. You can use both plain and painted barrel wooden hair beads to give your hair a touch of grace. Also opt for placing adjustable silver and gold hair rings here and there in your braids.
7. Box Braids with Beaded Bangs
The classic bangs can never go out of style. But if you have what it takes to be bold and unique, then you can try out box braids with bangs that are beaded at the end. This hairstyle looks great on black women and girls, as they can carry it out with utmost grace.
Creating this particular style is quite easy. Just braid out your bangs and place the beads at the end of each braid. You can choose metal as well as wooden beads to make this hairstyle perfect. Don’t forget to add the golds and silvers here and there throughout your hair!
8. Ombre Box Braids with Beads
Ombre hair color looks quite attractive on those with curly hair. So if you are willing to create box braids with this particular style, go for ombre pre-stretched braiding hair.
You can adore your ombre box braids with gold hair rings, as they add to the shine and overall outlook of your hair. Do not be worried while experimenting with the colors. Go for a vibrant black/red tone, or if you want to play it safe, brown/blonde/white three tone hair will be the best option to opt for.
Ombre box braids are absolutely gorgeous and they look stunning out in the sun. Just the addition of beads takes this hairstyle to the next level!
9. Tidy-Messy Updo Box Braids with Beads
Box braids are quite the organized type of hairstyle, but that doesn’t mean you cannot have fun with your hair. For example, this hairstyle shows how you can make your box braids appear tidy and messy at the same time.
This simple updo with slayed edges is absolutely perfect for those who want to keep their protective hairstyle classy at all times. Different types of beads have been placed at the end of each braid, however, the big wooden beads are the centerpiece for us. They just perfectly contribute to the absolute elegance of this gorgeous hairstyle.
10. Box Braids with Clear Beads at the End
Clear beads can be added to any length of box braids, but they complement long box braids the most. So if you want to go for a hairstyle like the long box braids with beads at the end, then clear beads should be your first choice.
We are absolutely in love with this hairstyle consisting of clear beads. The entire look is neat and modish, and the hair looks phenomenal with those transparent beads placed at the end.
11. Box Braids with Wooden Beads
Wooden beads give your box braids a kind of a traditional vibe, which looks aesthetically pleasing at the same time. We have already talked about different types of wooden beads. In case of styling your box braids, wooden beads are perfect for medium to long hair.
The plain barrel wood beads are worn by many box braid lovers out there. But if you want to enhance the elegance, we recommend the painted ones. These wooden beads not only increase the beauty of your braids, but also provide you with a natural, earthy look.
So next time you are shopping for hair beads, don’t forget to include the wooden ones.
Box Braids With Beads For Little Girls
If you are thinking that box braids are only suitable for teens and adults, then we are here to tell you that kids can also rock this hairstyle because of its versatility. Recently, we have seen adorable little girls carrying their box braids with poise, and the additional beads in different colors and styles just makes them look so cute! So let’s take a look at some of the style ideas for box braids with beads for kids.
12. Double Pony Box Braids with Pink and Purple Beads
This hairstyle is so pretty that you might want to try this out on your daughter or little sisters’ hair. The two little ponies make it a perfect style for little girls, and we cannot just take our eyes off of those super cute beads!
Some of the braids have been made using bright red pre-stretched braiding hair. Additionally, metal hair rings have been added here and there to make the entire look super adorable!
13. Medium Hair Box Braids with Clear Beads
We have already talked about the styling process with clear beads. These beads are actually so versatile that you can style your kids’ hair with them anytime you want. It is actually in the trend at present to adore the hair of young girls with clear hair beads.
This aww-some hairstyle is so simple to try out! Just the regular box braids have been done on the little girls’ hair, and the clear beads have been added at the end to make the style pretty and cutesy.
14. Knotless Box Braids with Wooden Beads
This is one of the simplest styles for kids that we absolutely love and adore. The knotless braids are finished to perfection, and the wooden beads make the black hair completely pop up! Also, the varying lengths of hair make the entire style total adorbs!
15. Box Braids with Slayed Edges and Beads
We simply cannot get over the cuteness of this picture! The length of the braids are so perfect, and they are totally cute-approved. Plus, the slayed edges at the front makes the entire hairstyle neat, smart, and clean.
Gold and clear beads have been used in this hairstyle to complement the hair color and length. The braids are tight and the boxes are uniform, which makes this hairstyle for kids one of a kind!
16. Box Braids with Blue Beads in Different Shades
If your little girl likes to keep her hair short, then this might just be the best hairstyle for her. The box braids are short in length and they are beautifully done with slayed edges at the front.
The addition of blue beads is what makes this hairstyle so lovable. The different shades of blue in the beads reminds us of the ocean and the sky at the same time. This lovely hairstyle is a must try for little girls!
Toddler Box Braids with Beads
Just like little girls, toddlers can also be super cute and chic with box braids and the cutest of beads. You can match your box braids with your toddler, and add cool and fun beads to both your and your toddlers’ hair for the extra glam.
17. Medium Box Braids with White, Pink, and Clear Beads
This mesmerizing hairstyle seems like it was meant to be for this cute little toddler flaunting her box braids. The beads are so vibrant, and the combination of these colors totally complements the color of her hair.
This precious hairstyle surely reveals its true beauty when the sunlight hits the beads. On top of that, the overall attire of the toddler complements her braids nicely.
18. Natural Box Braids with Beads
Toddlers can easily carry their box braids when it’s done on natural hair. So if you want to give a makeover to your toddlers’ hair, then natural box braids will be a great pick.
Adding colorful beads to natural box braids is the perfect option to elevate the hairstyle. The placement of different shades of pink beads at the end of the braids has made this entire hairstyle oh-so-cute!
Box Braids with Beads for Men
We have already talked about the versatility of box braids with beads and showed hairstyle options that are quite appealing. This particular style is so popular and charming, that even men can adopt this hairstyle and make a stunning impression. Here we have presented our favorite hairstyles of box braids with beads for men.
19. Male Box Braids with White and Clear Beads
Just look at how impressive this hairstyle is! The braids are done maintaining the sizes of each mini section, and they look quite stunning right from the very first glance. The white and clear beads have been added at the end maintaining random patterns, which makes the hair look splendid!
20. Box Braids with Gold Hair Rings and Twisted Ends
This hairstyle might be our new personal favorite, and we simply cannot explain how incredible it looks altogether. The amazing box braids are embellished with randomly placed gold hair rings, which gives the braids a royal and elegant look.
And if that wasn’t enough, the ends of each braid are twisted, which gives them a funky vibe instantly. So if you are a man who wants to rock a classy and bold hairstyle, then this might be the best option to opt for!
21. Shaved Hair Box Braids with Silver Hair Rings
This fashionable hairstyle is perfect for those who love shaved hairstyles and also want to try something unique. The lower part consisting of a shaved hairstyle is complemented by the upper part carrying beautifully created box braids.
Each of the braids are prettified adding silver hair rings which absolutely make the black hair stand out. This hairstyle is so soothing to look at, we suggest you try it out as soon as possible!
Box Braids with Beads Care Guide
After braiding your hair and adding the beads as a finishing touch, you need to know how you can take care of your box braids. Because without proper care, your braids will be ruined in no time.
First of all, it is absolutely essential to moisturize your hair with a light oil. Going for heavy products will cause build ups, so avoiding them will be the right option.
Use a clarifying shampoo to wash your hair. Make sure to clean your scalp properly. After washing your hair with a shampoo, opt for a conditioner that suits your hair. Always keep in mind that you should not overwash your hair as it can cause dryness.
Remember to put on a silk scarf and wrap up your hair properly before sleeping, because this little act will save your hair from great damage. While showering, put on a bonnet and a shower cap to keep your braids from getting wet.
FAQs
How long should I keep box braids in?
We recommend keeping in the box braids for up to 4 weeks. If you start observing frizz and build up, it is better to take off those braids.
Do box braids help hair grow faster?
Your hair grows naturally everyday but when it faces pollution, chemical treatments, and heat styling damage, a massive harm is done which might hinder the hair growth. Keeping your hair braided helps to avoid such damage, plus protective styles like box braids ensure the protection of your hair and ends.
What kind of hair should I use for box braids?
We recommend using the 100% Kanekalon Jumbo braid for box braids, which is a synthetic hair with high quality. You can also opt for human hair if you want to.
Can I get box braids if my hair is straight and long?
Getting box braids for a shorter time is appropriate for hair that is long, straight, and thin. But for this type of hair, long term braids can result in hair loss.
Final Words
A perfect hairstyle is all you need to step outside with confidence like never before. Box braids are always the best option for those who are looking for that extra dash of elegance and boldness, and adding beads to your braids allows you to create a statement which you have always desired.
So if you are thinking of getting box braids or simply want to renew your style, pick any hairstyle from our suggestions and flaunt your braids like a diva! Make sure to take care of your braids properly, and pick your beads according to your mood and vibe to walk around gracefully with your beautifully braided hair.
