Box braids are more than just a trendy style – they're one of the most popular protective hairstyles for Afro hair . They reduce daily styling effort, protect your natural hair from external influences, and offer countless styling options. However, proper preparation and care are crucial for keeping your braids healthy and long-lasting.
In this blog post, we'll show you how to easily braid box braids with synthetic hair on yourself and others, and which products you need to avoid dryness, breakage, and itching.
Preparation for braiding box braids.
If you opt for medium box braids , it can take up to 8 hours to complete your entire head. Larger braids take correspondingly less time, smaller ones take longer.
Materials needed for box braids.
With a standard pack of 100 to 120 grams, you will need about 6 to 8 packs of synthetic hair for medium braids.
Hair care before braiding - How to optimally prepare your hair
Before you start braiding, there are a few important steps you should follow to ensure that both the braiding itself and the subsequent undoing of the braids go smoothly:
You need:
- a gentle shampoo
- a moisturizing conditioner
- a nourishing leave-in conditioner
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A nourishing hair oil for care before and during braiding.
1. Address existing problems
Ideally, this step should be tackled a few weeks before braiding. The goal is to get your hair in top condition. Are you struggling with dandruff? Then now is the time to gently combat it. Feel free to read our blog post about the best home remedies for dry and itchy scalp . Generally speaking, any hair problems you ignore now will only worsen once your hair is braided.
2. Clean your hair thoroughly
Box braids are typically left in for 4 to 8 weeks. Therefore, take the opportunity before hand for a thorough cleaning to remove all residue. A clarifying shampoo is perfect for removing dirt and oil. Follow with a conditioner to restore moisture.
3. Deep care
Time for the leave-in conditioner. Apply it a few hours before braiding to make your hair smoother and easier to braid.
4. Carefully untangle
Detangle your hair as thoroughly as possible. Hair that has been carefully separated before braiding will be easier to comb and detangle after wearing the braids. This will save you a lot of frustration when taking the braids out.
5. Stretching hair
To make braiding easier, you should stretch your hair a little before hand. You can, for example, blow-dry it straight. A gentler method is to braid it into five or six braids a few hours before braiding. This naturally lengthens the hair.
Step-by-step instructions for braiding box braids
Now it's time to braid. We'll describe how it works with synthetic hair, but of course you can also simply braid your own hair. The great thing about synthetic hair is that you can experiment with different styles and lengths. There are no limits to your creativity.
You need:
- Comb (preferably a tail comb): For detangling and sectioning the hair.
- Hair ties or clips: For dividing hair into sections.
- Synthetic hair (optional): Choose high-quality synthetic or human hair from the Afro shop, which you cut to your desired length.
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Hair wax or gel
Source: Etsy
Neatly divide hair sections
- Sectioning the hair: Now it's time to create the box braids. You can either divide your entire head into even squares and prepare the small braids with hair ties, or you can work your way up from the nape of your neck. Make sure each box is slightly offset from the one below. You can use various sectioning patterns or box braid parting guides to help you with this.
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Apply hair wax: Apply some hair wax or gel to the edges of each section to clearly define the hairlines and tame flyaways.
The best braiding technique for long-lasting box braids in 8 steps
- Preparing the synthetic hair: Cut off a sufficient length of synthetic hair and fold the strand in the middle to form a loop. The amount of synthetic hair needed depends on how thick you want the braid to be.
- Positioning the synthetic hair: Hold the synthetic hair by the loop and place this loop around the base of your natural hair section at the scalp. You should now have two strands of synthetic hair on one side and your natural hair on the other.
- Forming three strands: Divide your natural hair into two equal sections. You now have three parts: two strands of synthetic hair and one strand of your natural hair. Arrange the strands so that one strand of natural hair lies between the two strands of synthetic hair.
- Begin braiding by alternately placing the outer strands (one made of synthetic hair, one of natural hair) over the middle strand (made of synthetic hair).
- Pull each strand taut to ensure the synthetic hair sits firmly against the scalp. But don't pull it too tight, that will only cause headaches.
- Braiding the hair: Continue braiding until you reach the end of your hair. Make sure the braid is even and not too tight to avoid tension on your scalp.
- Securing braids: When you reach the end of the braid, you can apply a little gel to the ends before securing them with a small rubber band or warming them to seal. This helps keep the ends together and looks especially neat.
- Repeat: Repeat this process for each section of your hair. Make sure all braids are approximately the same thickness and length.
Caring for your box braids: how to make your look last longer
- Care and protection: After all the braids are finished, you can apply a soothing hair oil to the scalp to relieve irritation and provide moisture.
- Styling: You can style your box braids however you like, e.g. in a high ponytail, a bun or simply wear them open.
Tips for the daily care of box braids
- Moisture: Keep both your hair and scalp moist with sprays or oils.
- Nighttime protection: Wear a silk cap at night to prevent frizz and keep braids supple.
- Tension: Be careful not to braid too tightly to avoid tension headaches and hair breakage.
- Care: Regular care is crucial to maintaining the health of your hair and scalp.
Recommended products for long-lasting and well-groomed box braids
To ensure your synthetic box braids not only last a long time but also look healthy, proper care is essential. Here are some products that will optimally moisturize your braids, prevent breakage, and soothe your scalp:
1. Zamata Hair Oil - Intensive moisture for your scalp
Why it's important: When wearing box braids, your scalp is often under a lot of tension, which can lead to dryness and itching. Our Zamata hair oil is a nutrient-rich blend of moringa oil, almond oil, jojoba oil , and castor oil that intensely moisturizes and soothes your scalp.
Application:
- Massage a few drops of hair oil directly into your scalp, especially along your hairline and parting.
- Use the oil 2-3 times per week to avoid dryness and flaking.
- A scalp massage is ideal to promote blood circulation and reduce feelings of tension.
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2. Zamata Leave-in Conditioner - Moisture & Protection for your Braids
Why you need it: Box braids can lose moisture and become brittle due to friction against clothing or pillows. Zamata Leave-in Conditioner helps keep your natural hair hydrated under the braids and keeps the synthetic hair looking soft and manageable.
Application:
- Gently apply a small amount of the leave-in conditioner to your braids to keep them soft and manageable.
- Avoid products containing alcohol or silicones, as they can dehydrate your skin - our leave-in conditioner contains only natural ingredients.
- Perfect for daily use to care for and refresh your braids.
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3. Moisturizing spray & silk scarf - Extra protection for your box braids
Why it helps: A light moisturizing spray with aloe vera or rose water provides quick hydration in between, while a silk scarf or satin bonnet protects your braids from friction and prevents frizz at night.
➡️ Tip: Before going to bed, apply a thin layer of Zamata hair oil to your scalp and tie your braids with a satin scarf. This will keep them fresh and well-groomed for longer.
Conclusion: Here's how to create perfect box braids with synthetic hair
Box braids are more than just a stylish look – with the right care, they stay beautiful longer and optimally protect your natural hair. Moisture is key: Zamata hair oil soothes the scalp, while Zamata leave-in conditioner keeps your braids soft and manageable.
These care products will keep your box braids look long-lasting, shiny and healthy - without itching or dry scalp.
Try it yourself and discover the Zamata products for your perfect braid care!
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