Long box braids are a protective braiding hairstyle with box-shaped divisions at the roots, typically from chest to waist-length. You must agree that this traditional African women’s braiding hairstyle couldn’t look hotter without added length!
Celebrity fashion figures Zoe Kravitz, Kehlani, and Jordyn Woods sported dramatic box braid looks, from jumbo box braids to beaded center-part styles to cutesy rainbow-dyed box braids, and they had us dreaming about them! Beads, metallic cuffs, and fashion colors are only a few iterations to make your braids extra fashionable and one-of-a-kind.
Natural hair specialist and braid artist Angela Perrantes displays her different takes on this versatile hairstyle. The styles you can do daily are endless, from updos to side braids to half-up-half-downs!
You don’t need to worry about maintaining it, as only a few steps need to be done – protecting your hair at night when you sleep, keeping your scalp moisturized, and washing your hair a few times every week. If you get these things right, these sexy braids can be yours for about 6-8 weeks.
Before your next hair appointment, check out these photos of the prettiest long box braids hairstyle ideas.
Long Bohemian Braids with No Bangs
These modern box-braided hairstyles are perfect for black ladies of all ages. These braids have an intricate grid pattern and attention to detail. Box braids offer plenty of length, movement, and bounce that is effortless. Style your newly healthy braids for maximum impact. Add accessories like gems, beaded bands, or ribbons to wear your hair uniquely. Achieve neatly parted and braided box braids by seeking a professional hair braider. They can help you decide what size and length are best for you.
Long Big Box Braids
The angels must be smiling upon you because of that heavenly box braiding hair idea! A thick long hairstyle with box braids would look nice with some hair gems at the front for a face-framing effect.
Long Blonde Box Braids
Take those dark roots and twist them into long golden blonde box braids. Add beads and strings for the ultimate boho look, or keep them natural, as shown above.
Small Long Box Braids
A detailed pattern like these small box braids on long hair deserves a long canvas. Feel free to style these waist-length box braids in a low ponytail with beads and cuffs to create a boho look.
Long Fulani Box Braids
Long fulani box braids are one of this year’s trendiest braid styles. Ask your braider to tuck your natural hair to avoid dyeing your hair. This will make the color more prominent. With fulani tribal style braids, the individual locks let you wear your hair in various styles. Try buns, ponytails, or letting it all hang long.
Small Boho Box Braids
When small boho box braids are requested, they can be a great way to make a statement. Flattering and fun, these braids look beautiful on all face shapes and hair textures. To achieve this look, use smaller sections of hair when creating the individual boxes for more intricate details. If you want to avoid frizz or flyaways, use an anti-frizz product after styling your braids.
Long Braids with a Middle Part
Long box braids are a flattering style that can be achieved with long locks. With their middle part, I’ve found that these braids give off a beautiful yet edgy vibe. For those with thicker hair, I suggest using smaller sections when creating the braid to ensure they stay light and lighter. To keep long braids hairstyles looking fresh and neat throughout the day, try spritzing some hairspray on your hands and lightly running them along each strand of the braids.
Trendsetting Large Box Braids
To get some trendsetting large box braids, you’ll need hair accessories. One of the best ways to sharpen the standard box braid style is to wear them in jet black. The black seems to give a more sleek look. To help create a trend, get creative with hair jewelry and string on your braids.
Goddess-Like Box Braids
If you’re looking for a goddess-like hairstyle, I’ve found that long box braids can help you make a statement. Ask for the style to be done in an intricate pattern with added texture and color accents to create a flattering hairdo. Use hair products like gel and oil sheen to keep the braids moisturized throughout the day to ensure your look remains neat. With this simple yet stunning style, you’ll turn heads wherever you go!
Long Braids with a Subtle Side Part
If you’re wearing individuals, long braids with a subtle side part are timeless. Mirrored to fall as if it was your natural hair, you must wear the part where your natural part falls. If you didn’t know, you can comb your hair straight back and allow it to fall to see where the part is.
Extra Long Box Braids
Extra long box braids are one of the simplest and most versatile styles. Plus, they are for women with the least amount of upkeep required. Did you know that this can be installed using the crochet method? It saves time in the chair, but the disadvantage of crochet is the limited mobility of the style.
Long Knotless Braids
Long knotless braids are a protective style that can last up to 8 weeks before needing re-touched. If you need to figure out what size and length are best, ask your braider to test the strength of your natural hair. I advise ladies to consider these long skinny box braids to avoid them if their hair is weak.
Stunning Long Box Braided Hair
Surprisingly, long box braided hair is a vacation style suitable for all hair types. It’s one of the best protective styles because of its minimal tension. Add some hair jewelry and string for some extra jazz if you can.
Amazing Waste-Length Braids
Wearing waist-length braids is always a safe choice when deciding how to wear your braids. If your hair is in the midst of a growth journey, I suggest box braids. They last for months, have so much styling versatility, and are a great protective choice.
Long Burgundy Braids in a High Pony
Consider getting long burgundy braids worn down or in a high pony. Knotless braids, an updated version of box braids, are in high demand. Because they’re lightweight and versatile, women can obtain these types of braids and continue to get different styles at home or the salon for a few months! This is an excellent choice for low-maintenance styling with endless styling options.
Long Box Braids with Blonde Ends
Long box braids with blonde ends are an easy go-to protective style. Because of its versatility to be worn in multiple styles, I would choose this look for a long-term braid style. Remember that the universal rule is to have your hair tucked in box braids. This is key to longevity and protection.
Long Light Brown Gypsy Braids
Consider getting long light brown gypsy braids as another close option to knotless goddess braids. Because these are traditional box braids, you can usually wear your hair longer. Remember that the curls are best with human hair, as this will help with longevity.
Chunky Long Box Braids
Looking like lady Rihanna! You better work, work, work those chunky long box braids in, honey!
Long Box Braids with Blue and Pink Hues
Long box braids with blue and pink hues are perfect for an adventurous, protective hairstyle. Experiment with colors you always wanted to try without the commitment while you enjoy the versatility of long box braids.
Brown Ombre Box Braids
Brown ombré box braids will get you that color you want without the commitment. Long box braids and the transition from adding brown ombré add flair to the overall look.
Boxy Micro Braids for African American Women
Try boxy micro braids for African-American women to wear trendy protective hairstyles. Micro braids require time to install and remove. These braids are best suited for women with medium to thick hair to preserve the hair follicles.
Long Box Braids with Curly Ends
After going for a tidied-up long box braid, add some pizzazz at the end, leaving the curls all loose and fabulous. Keeping your box braids long will give you versatility, for sure.
Long Box Braids with Shaved Sides
Perk up your look with these blonde box braids for long hair! Leave it to a braided bun updo on top of the head. Keep your small box braids long to achieve the bulky updo. Add hair tattoos to make you shine, too.
Long Bob with Box Braids
A long box braided bob with golden cuffs and string? If you’re a girl with a round face shape, keep the length a few inches beyond the shoulder area for an elongating effect.
Long Jumbo Box Braids
To add to the party, use extensions, beads, or strings for the ultimate long box braids hairstyle. Short braids are fun, but wait ’til you rock longer hairstyles.
Long Medium Box Braids
You can pancake your chunky braids to achieve these long box braids with long hair. Flatten them out to make them wider, thus a little bit bigger.
Long Crochet Box Braids
The fellas would want to get in line with your gorgeous long box braid locks! A little box braiding goes a long way when you combine box braids and curly crochet braids.
Long Triangle Box Braids
Get creative with some tri-pointed waist-grazing box braids on your locks! The more patterns, the better, right?
This look is what professional braider Yaki of Windsor Mill, MD, would call the triangle part box braids. They are waist-length and range in pricing from $160 to $200, depending on size and length.
Yaki says, “The best thing about these long box braids is it doesn’t take long to do like most of the styles like regular box braids and cornrows.”
These braids look amazing on all hair types, from 1 to 4c hair. The braid style eliminates having to wake up every morning and struggle with getting your hair ready for the day.
Yaki adds, “This style can last for up to 2 months depending on your routine of maintaining the style, meaning wrapping your hair at night with a scarf can help keep it looking fresh.”
Long Box Braids with Beads
This hairstyle features three-stranded long box braids that start from being thick to having small fine strands at the ends to bring out that gorgeous shape. It was created by a hairdresser from Johannesburg, Jenny Mpanzu.
“The best thing about box braids is the way the shape of the boxes look and the fact that the braids are flexible right from day one and, with an additional touch of beads on the braids, look goddess! I also love the joy it brings to women. It’s always good to see them walk out with smiles,” Mpanzu explains.
Regarding a long box braid hairstyle, Mpanzu thinks one should always consider their hair type first. You can take the next step as soon as you know your hair type.
Mpanzu says, “An example for black girls with natural hair – heat does not work with natural hair, as we all know. Therefore, they must consider using a heat protector on their hair before drying. In this way, the heat doesn’t damage the hair.”
Mpanzu emphasizes that styling is one important part. “Styles like up-ties (ponytails), lazy buns, or just simple buns are must-do stylings. They save you so much time.”
Long Box Braids on Red Hair
These red long box braids are what is known as a protective style. It can be done on any hair type. Dressed down or dressed up, it’s suited for all occasions. It’s the perfect vacation hair.
“My favorite thing about this long hairstyle is its flexibility and longevity. It also promotes hair growth,” says braider Natalia Moses of Trinidad and Tobago.
Moses’ advice to ladies is to refrain from pulling on your edges or hairline too tightly when styling long box braid hairstyles, as this can cause hair loss. If you have a very active lifestyle, Moses also suggests getting them lightweight, as they can be heavy depending on how it’s done.
