Despite the name, box braids can also have triangle parts and can take on other geometric shapes.Īs versatile as box braids can be, it’s easy to get overwhelmed with just how many ways there are to wear them - and the list only continues to grow. Those sections are then joined with extensions and braided into box braids. If you’re unfamiliar with the style, box braids are created by sectioning natural hair into equal-sized parts, usually shaped like a box (hence the name). 'Braids are protective because they shield the dry ends of the natural hair within the braid,' shares Ellen Marmur, MD, a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist. Box braids can add length and even a stylish flare to your outfit - all while tucking your curls away to keep them protected and healthy. While the hair look is mainly worn as a protective style, its appeal doesn’t stop there. Whether you're two or 102, nothing beats the feeling of first seeing your hair in the neatly parted plaits. Box braids are a timeless staple in the arsenal of Black girl hairstyles.