Q&A for How to Do Box Braids

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  • Question
    Can you get in the pool with box braids?
    Ashley Adams
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Ashley Adams is a Licensed Cosmetologist and Hair Stylist in Illinois. She completed her Cosmetology education at John Amico School of Hair Design in 2016.
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Expert Answer
    Yes, you can get in the pool with box braids. You should tie them up prior to getting in the water (only if your entire head will come in to contact with the water) because once they get wet, they'll become heavy.
  • Question
    Can you get in the pool with box braids?
    Ashley Adams
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Ashley Adams is a Licensed Cosmetologist and Hair Stylist in Illinois. She completed her Cosmetology education at John Amico School of Hair Design in 2016.
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Expert Answer
    Yes, you can get in the pool with box braids. You should tie them up prior to getting in the water (only if your entire head will come in to contact with the water) because once they get wet, they'll become heavy.
  • Question
    How long does it take to do medium sized box braids?
    Ashley Adams
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Ashley Adams is a Licensed Cosmetologist and Hair Stylist in Illinois. She completed her Cosmetology education at John Amico School of Hair Design in 2016.
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Expert Answer
    Medium box braids can take several hours to do, usually about 5-8 hours, depending on your speed and how long the braids will be. Waist length box braids would take much longer to do than mid-back length box brids.
  • Question
    How long can you keep box braids in your hair?
    Ashley Adams
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Ashley Adams is a Licensed Cosmetologist and Hair Stylist in Illinois. She completed her Cosmetology education at John Amico School of Hair Design in 2016.
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Expert Answer
    Box braids can last about 6-8 weeks. Even if your braids still look presentable after 8 weeks, you should take them out to prevent breakage.
  • Question
    How do you loosen tight braids?
    Ashley Adams
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Ashley Adams is a Licensed Cosmetologist and Hair Stylist in Illinois. She completed her Cosmetology education at John Amico School of Hair Design in 2016.
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Expert Answer
    Box braids are generally braided tight. There's no way to loosen them; you would need to take them out if they're too tight for you.
  • Question
    Can you get in the pool with box braids?
    Ashley Adams
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Ashley Adams is a Licensed Cosmetologist and Hair Stylist in Illinois. She completed her Cosmetology education at John Amico School of Hair Design in 2016.
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Expert Answer
    Yes, you can get in the pool with box braids. You should tie them up prior to getting in the water (only if your entire head will come in to contact with the water) because once they get wet, they'll become heavy.
  • Question
    How do you loosen tight braids?
    Ashley Adams
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Ashley Adams is a Licensed Cosmetologist and Hair Stylist in Illinois. She completed her Cosmetology education at John Amico School of Hair Design in 2016.
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Expert Answer
    Box braids are generally braided tight. There's no way to loosen them; you would need to take them out if they're too tight for you.
  • Question
    Can you get in the pool with box braids?
    Ashley Adams
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Ashley Adams is a Licensed Cosmetologist and Hair Stylist in Illinois. She completed her Cosmetology education at John Amico School of Hair Design in 2016.
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Expert Answer
    Yes, you can get in the pool with box braids. You should tie them up prior to getting in the water (only if your entire head will come in to contact with the water) because once they get wet, they'll become heavy.
  • Question
    Is box braiding good for my hair?
    Community Answer
    If done properly, it prevents your hair from breaking, so in that sense it is. However, if you keep the braids in too long they can cause breakage, knots, and matted hair.
  • Question
    How often can I wash my hair in the shower?
    Community Answer
    You should wash no more than 2-3 times a week (wash too much and your braids will get frizzy).
  • Question
    Can I make these tight?
    Community Answer
    Yes, but not too tight. Braids that are too tight can be very uncomfortable after a while. They can also cause headaches and hair breakage.
  • Question
    Do I have to do anything special at the beginning of the braid?
    Community Answer
    Just make sure your hair is clean. Before starting a braid you should put some natural oil on it to keep it from being too dry or dehydrated.
  • Question
    Is it ideal to have box braids in the winter?
    Community Answer
    This chic, comfortable style, is great for both summer and winter.
  • Question
    Can box braids help my hair grow?
    Community Answer
    Yes and no. Box braids cannot make your hair grow longer faster. They can, however, help your hair grow healthier and keep it from breaking.
  • Question
    Can I make a bow with my box braids right after I've had them done?
    Community Answer
    You can, but it will be tight. I wait 1-2 days to even put my hair up because they're new and I want them to set and get used to them.
  • Question
    Should I straighten my hair before having box braids done?
    Community Answer
    You may straighten your hair if it is very curly. If it is not, there is no need to straighten it first.
  • Question
    Will this work if I have curly hair?
    Community Answer
    Yes.
  • Question
    Can I reuse old braids in my hair?
    Community Answer
    You can, but it is not recommended. There are old oils and dirt in the extension, unless you wash it. Even so, the old braid will be frizzy, and won't look as neat anymore.
  • Question
    Where do I go to have box braids done?
    Community Answer
    It really depends on where you live. Search on the internet to see if there are any places nearby and how much they charge. Practice on yourself and others -- it's fun, and the only way to get experience is to jump right in and do it. Ask a friend to help you out! You will get better and faster over time.
  • Question
    How long should I wait before braiding again?
    Community Answer
    There is no time you should wait but make sure you have washed your hair after you have taken your braids out.
  • Question
    Can I use wax to keep them neat longer?
    Community Answer
    Yes, but I don't recommend it. Wax usually leaves heavy residue. You do not want too much of a build-up on your braids.
  • Question
    Can I use a hair tie at the top of the braid?
    Community Answer
    Yes, you can. Make a mini ponytail first, then make the braid, then tie another hair tie at the end of the braid.
  • Question
    Do you have to have extensions?
    Community Answer
    No, you can just use your natural hair. It works better with longer hair, though.
  • Question
    Can I use castor oil on my scalp instead of coconut oil?
    Community Answer
    Yes, castor oil is a very good choice.
  • Question
    How do I make my box braids not frizzy?
    Dawn-Cecilia Damiso
    Community Answer
    If you used synthetic hair, you can trim the frizz with a pair of scissors or you can run a flame quickly over them. Alternatively, do the braids neater and prevent frizz by using a satin head wrap when sleeping or a satin pillowcase if you used you own, natural hair.
  • Question
    Can I re-braid the ends even if I've secured them with boiling water?
    Community Answer
    Yes you can. Just take your time while loosening out the braid and comb it out before you re-braid. This will eliminate the frizz and allow for a neater finish since you won't have the pre-braided form to worry about.
  • Question
    Should I expect a lot of shedding when I take my braids out?
    Community Answer
    If you've done your braids well, no. Combing out some dead hair is normal, though.
  • Question
    Can white women wear box braids?
    Community Answer
    Of course. Why not? If you like the style, go for it.
  • Question
    How long does it take to do box braids?
    Community Answer
    3-4 hours depending on the length and the speed and experience of the braider.
  • Question
    How long does my hair have to be to do this?
    Community Answer
    Your hair only has to be long enough to pinch. Then, it can be box braided with extensions.
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