Box braids are a popular and versatile hairstyle that has gained widespread popularity around the world. Originating from African hair culture, box braids involve sectioning the hair into square or rectangular sections and then braiding each section from the root to the tip. This style not only offers a stylish and protective look but also allows for a long – lasting hairstyle that can be worn in various ways.
Factors Affecting the Time to Braid Box Braids
Hair Length
One of the most significant factors that determine how long it takes to braid box braids is the length of the hair.
Short Hair: If you have short hair, say around 4 – 6 inches in length, the process of braiding box braids can be relatively quick. Short hair is easier to manage and requires less time to braid each individual section. On average, it might take about 2 – 3 hours to complete a full head of short box braids. This is because there is less hair to work with, and the braiding process can move along more swiftly. For example, if you’re using a basic three – strand braid technique, you won’t have to spend as much time weaving through long strands of hair.
Medium – Length Hair: Medium – length hair, which typically ranges from 6 – 12 inches, takes a bit more time. As the hair is longer, there are more strands to handle, and the braiding process becomes more time – consuming. On average, it can take between 3 – 5 hours to braid a full head of medium – length box braids. The extra length means that you have to be more careful with each section to ensure that the braids are even and well – formed. Additionally, the time may increase if you choose to add extensions to increase the length or thickness of the braids.
Long Hair: Long hair, usually 12 inches or more, is the most time – consuming to braid into box braids. With long hair, there is a significant amount of hair to work with, and each braid requires more effort and time to complete. It can take anywhere from 5 – 8 hours or even longer to braid a full head of long box braids. The longer the hair, the more likely it is to tangle, which can slow down the process even further. For instance, if you have very long and thick hair, you may need to spend extra time detangling before you even start the braiding process.
Hair Thickness
The thickness of your hair also plays a crucial role in determining the braiding time.
Thin Hair: People with thin hair will generally find that the braiding process is faster. Thin hair is easier to separate into sections, and each braid doesn’t take as long to complete. Since there are fewer strands in each section, the braiding can be done more quickly. A full head of box braids on thin hair might take around 2 – 4 hours, depending on the length. However, thin hair may require more precision to ensure that the braids are secure and don’t come undone easily.
Thick Hair: Thick hair, on the other hand, can be quite a challenge. With a large number of hair strands in each section, it takes more time to braid. The process of sectioning the hair alone can be time – consuming, as you need to make sure that each section is even. Braiding a full head of thick box braids can take anywhere from 5 – 10 hours. Moreover, thick hair may require more product to keep it manageable during the braiding process, which can also add to the overall time spent.
Braid Size
The size of the box braids you choose has a direct impact on the time it takes to complete the hairstyle.
Small Braids: Small box braids are very detailed and intricate. They require smaller sections of hair, which means more sections overall. Creating small box braids takes a lot of time and patience. Each individual braid needs to be carefully formed, and the process can be quite labor – intensive. A full head of small box braids can take anywhere from 6 – 12 hours. The smaller the braids, the more time – consuming the process becomes, as you have to pay close attention to each strand of hair to ensure that the braids are consistent in size and shape.
Medium – Sized Braids: Medium – sized box braids are a more common choice for many people. They offer a good balance between style and time. While they still require some time to braid, it’s not as long as with small braids. On average, it can take about 4 – 6 hours to complete a full head of medium – sized box braids. These braids are large enough to be noticeable but not so large that they sacrifice the detailed look of the style.
Large Braids: Large box braids are the quickest to create. With larger sections of hair, there are fewer braids to make, and the braiding process is much faster. A full head of large box braids can be completed in approximately 2 – 4 hours. However, keep in mind that large braids may not last as long as smaller ones, as there is more hair in each section, which can lead to more movement and potential unraveling.
Skill Level of the Braider
Whether you’re braiding your own hair or having someone else do it, the skill level of the braider makes a big difference in the time required.
Beginner Braiders: If you’re new to braiding box braids, it’s going to take you a lot longer. You may struggle with sectioning the hair evenly, and the actual braiding technique may be slower as you’re still learning. Beginners may take 8 – 12 hours or even more to complete a full head of box braids, especially if they’re working on a complex style or longer hair. There may also be a lot of trial and error involved, which can add to the overall time spent.
Intermediate Braiders: Intermediate braiders have a better understanding of the braiding process and can work more efficiently. They are more familiar with different techniques and can section the hair more quickly. An intermediate braider might take 5 – 8 hours to braid a full head of box braids, depending on the factors mentioned above. They can handle most common braiding styles with relative ease but may still need some time to perfect more complex designs.
Professional Braiders: Professional braiders are highly skilled and experienced. They have mastered the art of box braiding and can work very quickly. A professional braider can complete a full head of box braids in 3 – 6 hours, even for more challenging hair types and styles. They are able to work efficiently without sacrificing the quality of the braids, thanks to their years of practice and expertise.
Step – by – Step Guide to Braiding Box Braids and Estimated Time for Each Step
Preparation (30 – 60 minutes)
Wash and Condition Hair: Start by washing your hair with a gentle shampoo and conditioner. This helps to remove any dirt, oil, or product buildup, making the hair easier to work with. Washing can take about 15 – 20 minutes, depending on the length and thickness of your hair. After washing, make sure to detangle your hair thoroughly using a wide – tooth comb or your fingers. Detangling can take another 15 – 40 minutes, especially if your hair is prone to tangling.
Dry Hair: Once your hair is clean and detangled, you need to dry it completely. You can air – dry your hair, which may take a few hours, or use a blow – dryer on a low – heat setting. Using a blow – dryer can speed up the process and take about 15 – 30 minutes, but be careful not to damage your hair with excessive heat.
Section the Hair: Divide your hair into four main sections using clips or rubber bands. Then, further divide each section into smaller square or rectangular sections. The size of these sections will depend on the size of the box braids you want. Sectioning the hair can take about 15 – 30 minutes, especially if you’re aiming for very precise and even sections.
Braiding Process
Starting the Braid: Take a small section of hair from one of the pre – sectioned areas. Split this section into three equal parts. Then, cross the right strand over the middle strand, and then the left strand over the new middle strand. This is the basic three – strand braid technique. For each braid, starting the process may take about 1 – 2 minutes, especially if you’re making sure that the base of the braid is secure.
Continuing the Braid: As you continue to braid, add small amounts of hair from the sides of the section into each strand as you cross them over the middle. This is what creates the box braid look. The time it takes to continue braiding each section depends on the length of the hair. For a short section of hair, it may take about 5 – 10 minutes to braid to the end. For a medium – length section, it can take 10 – 20 minutes, and for a long section, it might take 20 – 40 minutes.
Finishing the Braid: Once you reach the end of the section, secure the braid with a small rubber band. Finishing each braid usually takes about 1 – 2 minutes.
Overall Time for the Braiding Process
If you’re doing a full head of box braids, assuming an average of 50 – 100 braids depending on the size, and taking into account the time for each individual braid as well as any breaks or adjustments, the total braiding time can vary significantly. For example, if each braid takes an average of 10 minutes and you have 80 braids, the braiding process alone would take about 800 minutes or approximately 13.3 hours. But with breaks and more efficient working, it might realistically take 8 – 10 hours for a beginner, 5 – 7 hours for an intermediate, and 3 – 5 hours for a professional.
Tips to Speed Up the Box Braiding Process
Practice and Familiarize Yourself with the Technique
The more you practice braiding box braids, the faster you’ll become. Take the time to practice on small sections of hair or on a mannequin head. Familiarize yourself with different braiding techniques and shortcuts. For example, once you get the hang of the basic three – strand braid with adding hair, you’ll be able to do it more quickly and efficiently.
Use the Right Tools
Invest in good quality hair products and tools. A sharp pair of hair scissors can help you trim any stray hairs or uneven ends quickly. A wide – tooth comb is essential for detangling hair smoothly. Hair clips that hold the hair securely in place can make sectioning the hair much easier and faster. Also, using a good quality hair gel or mousse can help keep the hair in place during the braiding process, reducing the time spent on fixing flyaways.
Work in an Organized Manner
Create a system for sectioning the hair and braiding. For example, start from the back of the head and work your way forward in a systematic manner. This helps you stay organized and ensures that you don’t miss any sections or create uneven braids. Labeling the sections or using a specific pattern for sectioning can also speed up the process.
Enlist Help
If possible, ask a friend or family member to help you. They can assist with sectioning the hair, holding sections in place, or even braiding some of the sections. This can significantly reduce the overall time it takes to complete the hairstyle. Just make sure that the person helping you has some basic knowledge of braiding or at least understands the process well enough to be of assistance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the time it takes to braid box braids can vary widely depending on several factors such as hair length, thickness, braid size, and the skill level of the braider. Whether you’re a beginner looking to try out this trendy hairstyle or a professional braider aiming to improve your efficiency, understanding these factors and following the tips provided can help you better estimate the time required and potentially speed up the process. Box braids are a beautiful and versatile hairstyle, and with a little patience and practice, you can achieve the perfect look in a reasonable amount of time.
Related topics:
How Long Does It Take to Get Micro Braids?
How Men with Short Hair Can Master Bold Styles？
