- Small box braids are a versatile and stylish protective hairstyle option.
- They can help protect your natural hair, promoting growth and minimizing damage caused by constant styling and exposure to the elements.
- Small box braids are manageable and low-maintenance, requiring minimal daily styling and care.
- They provide an opportunity to experiment with various braid styles and colors, allowing you to express your individuality and creativity.
The legendary pop queen Janet Jackson stylishly pulled off a trend in her debut film Poetic Justice back in 1993, and the world has not been able to stop raving about it since!
We’re talking about sexy small box braids – a hairstyle that has never in three decades gone out of fashion.
Very recently, more stars in pop culture – the likes of Beyonce, Gabrielle Union, Zoe Kravitz and Solange have also worn the style, which goes on to prove that box braids are indeed an evergreen trend.
Especially during the Spring and Summer seasons, the style beautifully sends out tropical beachy vibes – perfect for the #hotgirlsummer moment.
Now if you’re thinking of getting box braids for yourself, here’s a handy guide about everything you need to know.
Now that you know what it takes to rock the hairstyle, here is a round-up of 53 sexy ways to style it.
Before You Get Started
- Small box braids are a protective hairstyle that helps maintain the health of your hair.
- They are versatile and can be styled in various ways, from updos to down-dos.
- Small box braids work well for all hair types, especially if you want a break from daily styling.
- This hairstyle is known for its longevity, lasting several weeks with proper care.
- You can add beads, threads, or other accessories to enhance the look of your small box braids.
45 small box braids hairstyles
1. Square Small Box Braids
Image by @stylesbyhips via Instagram
The basic box braids style with a twist – the hair is sectioned off in squares and then the boxes are created with three sections of hair divided off.
Here the stylist uses smaller squares or sections of hair to form the boxes, which gives a dense look to the style. The process might take some time but the results would be totally worth it.
2. Micro Small Box Braids
Image by @stylesbyhips via Instagram
The smaller the braids, the better! This style uses micro size boxes and braids throughout the length. This would look best with short to medium length hair.
RELATED: 55 HOTTEST GODDESS BRAIDS STYLES TO ROCK YOUR HAIR GAME
3. Black Knotless Small Box Braids
Image by @her.braids via Instagram
No color beats black to really bring out the beauty of box braids.
Put together a knotless style of braiding, where the hair sections are not knotted around first before braiding and you’ve got yourself the perfect vacay style.
Unlike knotted styles, the braiding starts at the root and the hair is added using a feed-in technique.
4. Tall Blue Beads Small Box Braids
Image by @kamyiathestylist_ via Instagram
Add some more sass to your already sassy self with tall blue beads at the ends of your box braid strands.
It adds a pop of color to your hair and plus, you can jiggle it around to let people know you’re coming.
5. Bold Brown Small Box Braids
Image by @braidsbyduce via Instagram
Blacks are classic when it comes to small box braids, but why not style it in brown. Go for bolder, slightly bigger box braids in brown to make a statement.
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6. Half Head Box Small Box Braids
Image by @touchedbymyah via Instagram
Here’s a subtler version of tight small box braids where the hair is parted in the middle and the boxes sectioned off are slightly bigger in size.
7. Small Box Braids With Starter Locks
Image by @makaylamanetains via Instagram
Can you add dreadlocks to your box braids? Yes you can! Here are short dreads sectioned off with box braids, for the ultimate street look.
8. Pretty Long Small Box Braids
Image by @niaslayedit via Instagram
For ladies and gentlemen that love to rock long hair, here’s how pretty your hair can look if you opted for small box braids.
For extra thickness though, your stylist may use extensions here. As long as it’s real human hair, maintenance will be easy peasy.
Keep in Mind
- Scalp Health: Maintain a healthy scalp by moisturizing and keeping it clean. This is crucial for the foundation of your small box braids and to prevent itchiness or dryness.
- Braid Size and Length: Communicate the desired size and length of your small box braids with your stylist. This influences the overall appearance of the hairstyle.
- Tension Control: Ensure that the braids are not too tight to avoid discomfort, hair breakage, and scalp problems. Proper tension is essential for healthy hair.
- Regular Maintenance: Schedule touch-up appointments to keep your small box braids looking neat and fresh as your natural hair grows.
- Versatile Styling: Small box braids can be styled in various ways. Experiment with different updos and half-up styles, or accessorize with beads and cuffs to showcase your unique style.
9. Brown Knotless Small Box Braids
Image by @label22beautybar via Instagram
To spice up the knotless long small braids look, you can go for brown or blonde colors. You can even try a mix of black and brown and colors for lovely highlights.
10. Tight Knotless Small Box Braids
Image by @hairbyosa via Instagram
Knotless braids typically have a less tight appearance at the roots as the hair is not knotted.
If you wish to keep the tight look but do not want to put knots in your hair, here you have tight knotless small box braids too.
RELATED: 51 MEDIUM KNOTLESS BRAIDS YOU NEED TO UP YOUR HAIR GAME
11. Long Half Head Small Box Braids
Image by @glammedbyshamirah via Instagram
Part your hair in the middle and go for slightly bigger boxes if you have beautiful long hair.
It helps keep the focus on the length and doesn’t take away from the richness of that good full head of hair.
12. Small Box Big Braids
Image by @aceofbraids_5 via Instagram
This is the perfect way to braid your hair when you already have thick, voluminous and dense hair.
It would be easier for the stylist to section off bigger strands of hair and form slightly bigger braids through the length.
13. Rectangle Small Box Braids
Image by @hairbyosa via Instagram
The best thing about box braids is that you can play around with the box shape and the size of the braids as much as you want and come up with new ways to pull it off.
Here’s a box braid hairstyle with rectangular sections of hair.
Quick Hairstyle Guide: Small Box Braids
- How To Choose a Style: Customize your small box braids based on your preferred size, length, and braid pattern. The versatility of small box braids allows you to express your style.
- Level Of Maintenance: Moderate
- Suitable For: Small box braids can suit various hair textures and lengths, making them versatile and ideal for different individuals.
- Looks Best With: Experiment with makeup to enhance the overall look of your small box braids. Coordinate eyeshadows and lip colors that complement your style, whether it’s natural or bold.
14. Green Grass Small Box Braids
Image by @banasbraidsbaby via Instagram
Green to represent the envy that your friends are going to have with the way you carry off box braids. Especially if you have long hair, the green color will definitely amp up the beauty of your hair.
15. Loose Criss-cross Box Small Box Braids
Image by @iamlorriechanell via Instagram
If you’d like the crown of your hair to stay in place and not fall over your face, then this criss-cross style is what you should go for.
It uses bigger boxed sections criss crossed to the back of your head where it falls into small box braids.
16. Bantus Knotted Small Box Braids
Image by @melaninhairstyles via Instagram
Bantu Knots are always super cute and comfortable to wear, with the hair neatly tucked up and away from the face.
Couple them with small box braids and you’ve got the world’s first flyaway free hairstyle ever.
17. Backside Small Box Braids
Image by @jaziehandz via Instagram
This one’s for the bold and the brave hearts. It leaves the crown of the hair open, and the back of the hair knotted and braided.
It would be perfect for people who have thin or less dense hair. The open crown would help not completely flatten out the front.
18. Multi Box Small Box Braids
Image by @thelocappeal via Instagram
The ways to play with the boxes of the braids never end. Here’s one where the hair is sectioned off in different sizes of boxes to give it an asymmetric look.
This would especially look great for people with thick hair. It prevents the box braids from making the hair look too “neat”.
19. Black Bobbed Small Box Braids
Image by @eniola_12 via Instagram
The beauty of a chic mod style bob combined with the sass of small box braids. If you wish to maintain a bit of sophistication along with the edge of street style, bob is the style for you.
20. Pink Half Up Small Box Braids
Image by @shakieras.twisted.styles_ via Instagram
A half up hairstyle always gives us those “mean girl” vibes. This Summer, why don’t you try a half up style in small box braids. Nothing like a refreshing new take on a classic hairstyle.
RELATED: 70 IMPRESSIONABLE TWIST BRAID IDEAS TO STYLE YOUR HAIR
21. Oily Shine Small Box Braids
Image by @t.beautybarr via Instagram
Shiny lips, shiny lids and shiny everything is the new trend. Why not shiny box braids?
This hairstyle uses criss crossed knots in the front to enhance that shiny scalp and small box braids at the back. The longer the braids at the back, the better the look.
22. Coffee Brown Small Box Braids
Image by @naturalhairartist via Instagram
Imagine the rich color of coffee doing its magic on your hair! Coffee brown colored small box braids are another increasingly popular braid hairstyle that you can copy right now this Summer.
Fun Fact
Small box braids offer a versatile and manageable hairstyle. They gained popularity in the 1990s as a symbol of individuality and style, becoming an iconic look for women of all backgrounds.
23. Knotted Square Small Box Braids
Image by @justbraidsinfo via Instagram
A simple variation of the small box braids hairstyle, this one uses defined knots and defined even squared sections of square to form braids.
If you have an OCD for all things even, this one’s going to satisfy your soul.
24. Simple Small Box Braids
Image by @zahquavia via Instagram
If you like to play safe with an edgy street style, then simple box braids would be the one to go for.
There is no particular symmetry or defined shape for the sections of hair. The sheer flaws of human hand work shine through in this one.
25. Glam Small Box Braids
Image by @dhaiirfairy via Instagram
For this hairstyle, rectangular sections of hair are separated and knotted together to form glamorous criss crosses.
At the back, they fall into stylish knotted small box braids. A little more effort for your stylist but a whole lot of glam for you.
26. Bantu Knot Small Box Braids
Image by @hairbyosa via Instagram
Apart from the shape of the boxes, another element you can play around with is the knot on the braids.
Bantu knots are also used at the roots apart from the updos. If you’re up for a little more detail on your box braids, then this one is for you.
27. Box Bangs Small Box Braids
Image by @_.hairbybre via Instagram
These braids stand a little loose and away from the roots. They’re also not knotted – perfect for those of you who like to further style box braids in different ways.
Teenagers are sporting a half up half down style this Summer with box braids.
28. Golden Small Box Braids
Image by @kenbraids_ via Instagram
Goldilocks has always been a trendsetter, especially among teenagers. Here’s a super stylish rendition of the small box braids in a rich golden color.
29. Tight Zip Small Box Braids
Image by @shayshairplay_ via Instagram
Small box braids look their finest when they are nice and tightly placed. Fashionistas with thick and dense hair can totally pull off tight braids without making it look completely flat.
Here’s a version of tightly wound box braids that Gen Zers call the “zipper braid”.
30. Warm Small Box Braids
Image by @braids_by_kay_kay via Instagram
We got a style for loose box braids and we got a style for tighter braids. How about one in between?
Here are warm small box braids that neatly fall in fairly-tight-but-not-too-tight braids – a good option for those who hate the feeling of tension on their scalp.
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31. Reddish Black Small Box Braids
Image by @braids_by_kay_kay via Instagram
If you’re game to play with bright colors this season, then this is the style for you. Nice and tight small box braids in a cool combination of black and bright red hair. This style is sure to turn heads.
32. Soft Blonde Small Box Braids
Image by @wristwithbeadsnbraids via Instagram
Soft Blonde hair magically flatters every skin tone. That’s probably why we have a soft blonde version of the box braid trend rising in popularity this season.
Go for simple box braids and let the color do the rest of the talking.
33. Deep Waves Small Box Braids
Image by @exquisitestylezz via Instagram
Anyone who loves to sport long box braids would love this style. We have neatly middle parted hair splitting into two sides of box braids from the front to the back.
With waist length or hip length hair, it would look like beautiful deep waves.
34. Classic Janet Small Box Braids
Image by @braidedstyles_taipei via Instagram
A tribute to the very trend that the iconic Janet Jackson sported in the early 1990s; this style is a classic and authentic rendition of the same hairstyle.
You might want to prep your hair well for this, because the braids are fairly tight.
Pro Tip
To add a chic touch to your small box braids, consider wrapping a thin strand of braided hair around the base of each braid and securing it with a small hair tie. This technique hides the roots and adds an elegant finish to your hairstyle.
35. Light Blonde Small Box Braids
Image by @hairstyles_byarie via Instagram
If soft blonde is a little too soft for you, here’s a wackier version of the trend in lighter blonde.
Go for an ombre style starting from dark brown or black to light blonde in tight small box braids to see a gorgeous transition.
36. Pony Length Small Box Braids
Image by @johnsansaloon via Instagram
Long small box braids apart from being super stylish by themselves provide room for more styles because of their versatility.
Among those styles is the classic high pony. You can also do half up ponytails and flaunt your inner Ariyana Grande in braids.
37. Copper Fade Small Box Braids
Image by @exquisitestylezz via Instagram
While bright red braids have made a statement of their own, we also have a close sister doing the rounds.
Copper fade small box braids, where bright copper and black are combined to form ombre looks.
38. Big And Bold Small Box Braids
Image by @braidzbynay via Instagram
Up until now, we’ve been seeing the glam ups of the small box braid. Here’s a style for those of you who like things big and bold – bigger size braids with bigger size boxes. Certainly, a style to try this season.
39. Curly Small Box Braids
Image by @braidzbynay via Instagram
Adding to the endless possibilities of styling small box braids, here’s one for curly beauties.
Ultra curly and thick hair when braided uncovers a whole new look – one that perhaps only a few can pull off well.
40. Multi Tone Small Box Braids
Image by @braidzbynay via Instagram
Classic small box braids, being fairly minimal and simplistic in appearance can be experimented with, especially in coloring.
Two or three colors in the same family can add a beautiful tonal difference in the braids and makes a style statement.
RELATED: HOW TO DO STUNNING GODDESS BRAIDS
41. Highlighted Small Box Braids
Image by @wristwithbeadsnbraids via Instagram
Highlights are apparently not just for straight or wavy hair. You can go for classic combinations of highlight colors and simply opt for classic small box braids to pull an amazing braided hairstyle.
42. Burgundy Ombre Small Box Braids
Image by @poohdohair via Instagram
Black and burgundy are no doubt a killer combo when it comes to hair color.
Small box braids or even tiny tighter box braids in a black to burgundy ombre transition, gives a fuller more dense look to the braids.
43. Little Bling Small Box Braids
Image by @braids_by_kay_kay via Instagram
Box braids are indeed the epitome of chic street style. Amp it up with a little bit of bling – perhaps with beads or tiny steel cuffs for a sassier look.
You can also place tiny beaded pins in between your braids randomly for a more asymmetric look.
44. Contrasting Root Small Box Braids
Image by @exquisitestylezz via Instagram
Adding a contrasting color to your outfit adds that pop when you step out. In the same way, adding a contrasting color to the roots of your small box braids makes your hairstyle absolutely stunning.
45. Small Box Braids With Top Knot
Image by @johnsansaloon via Instagram
Top knots are mostly used among people with short to medium length hair. Here’s a unique idea – a voluminous top knot created with highlighted small box braids.
That’s a combination of three elements making a kickass style statement.
46. Nice and Neat Small Box Braids
Image by @bluehairguru via Instagram
Small box braids are meticulously crafted, slender hair extensions that offer a neat look.
Each braid is skillfully sectioned, plaited close to the scalp, and secured with a discrete elastic band.
This versatile style showcases precision and beauty, providing a chic appearance for various occasions.
47. Hip Length Small Knotless Box Braids
Image by @johnsansaloon via InstagramCredit:
Hip-length small knotless box braids are a stylish protective hairstyle.
Tiny, seamless sections of hair are braided close to the scalp without using knots, resulting in a natural look.
The braids extend to hip length, offering versatility in styling and a chic appearance.
This method reduces tension and breakage, promoting hair health while showcasing a trendy and elegant aesthetic.
48. Blonde Small Box Braids
Image by @jadeandjala via Instagram
Blonde Small Box Braids are a stylish and versatile hairstyle. Thin sections of blonde hair are intricately braided close to the scalp, creating a neat and structured look.
These small box braids offer a chic appearance, while the blonde color adds a touch of elegance. Perfect for those seeking a modern and fashionable twist to their hairdo.
49. Beaded Small Box Braids
Image by @mirandas_hair_care via Instagram
Beaded small box braids are a stylish and intricate hairdo. Tiny braids are meticulously crafted close to the scalp, creating a neat and structured look.
Decorative beads are woven onto the braids, adding a touch of flair and personalization.
This trendy hairstyle combines precision and creativity, offering a chic and culturally inspired appearance that celebrates individuality.
50. Micro Knotless Small Box Braids
Image by @jane_braids via Instagram
Micro Knotless small box braids feature intricately braided sections with a seamless, tension-reducing technique.
These stylish braids are adorned with curls at the ends, adding a touch of flair to the jet black hair.
The knotless method ensures comfort and durability, making it an appealing and trendy choice for a protective hairstyle with a charming twist.
51. Thigh Length Small Box Braids
Image by @africanahairstyles via Instagram
Your lengthy strands should hang freely.
Long box braids are a terrific protective style that, when done correctly, can help your hair keep its length and give you extra hair to swish around.
You will stand out in the crowd because most people who wear braids like to wear them around the waist or shorter.
52. Ombre Knotless Small Box Braids
Image by @africanahairstyles via Instagram
We adore how these ombre knotless braids give us a “sun-kissed vacation” mood.
When you want to add color, ombre is always a terrific choice because the work has already been done for you; all you need to do is install your braided hair and go.
No blending or combining is necessary.
53. Side-Swept Bangs With High Ponytail
Image by @ngozamay via Pinterest
There is no need to search further if you need ideas for styling your small box braids. Always take into account wearing bangs and a ponytail.
You can help yourself truly own this look by adding accessories like these amusing bobby pins.
Conclusion
That’s 45 new age styles of box braids starting from minimal and understated to super loud statement makers for you to try. Which ones out of these are your favorites and which ones are you going to try?
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