These days colorful box braids are trending among women without dying their natural hair. They’re using colored hair extensions to add colors to the braids and beauty to their look.
However, it may throw you in a dilemma like what color box braids should I get and how to find the right color for myself. You should pick a color that goes with your skin’s undertone to look natural and attractive.
But do you know that you should take a little extra care of your colored hair? Read along to learn how to take care of colored box braids and pick the perfect color for you.
Things To Consider Choosing A Color For Your Box Braids
We know how stressful it is to pick the best hair color for box braids that’ll blend with YOU perfectly. But it’s an easy step if you know what to consider before choosing a color for your box braids.
Here is how to pick the best extension color for your box braids:
1. Your Current Hair Color
Your current hair color plays a significant role in deciding which hair extension color will suit you since the current hair color will blend with the extension hair color.
If your hairs are black, you can blend blonde, golden, orange, blue, or even red with black. In case you have blonde hair, deep blue, light blue, pink, brown, or gray extension hair color would be the best pick.
2. Understand Your Skin Tone
Your desired extension color for box braids is important to match your skin tone if you want the color to compliment your skin. Otherwise, picking the wrong color for your skin tone will look unnatural.
That’s why it’s necessary to understand whether you’re warm-toned or cool-toned. You can easily examine your undertone within a few minutes. Here’s how:
a. Look at your skin:
First, wash your face and remove all makeup. Set a well-lit room and look closely at your skin in the mirror. If your skin looks yellowish, you have a warm undertone. And if you have pinkish hues, you’re a cool-toned person.
b. Examine your wrists
You can identify your undertone by checking your veins’ color. If your veins are green, you have a warm undertone. And people with blue veins are cool undertone people.
c. Check your eye color
It’s not 100% accurate, but 90% of warm-skin-toned people have brown, gold, or black eye, while cool-skin-toned people have blue, green, and also black eyes.
d. Put on some jewelry
This is a fun way to identify undertones. Grab your silver and gold jewelry and place them on each hand. Now, if you look good on silver, you have a cool skin tone, and if you look good in gold, you’re warm skin toned.
3. Professionalism
Your working life should also be considered before choosing a color for box braids. If your work life involves a very professional look, you should avoid colors like burgundy, red, blue, green, etc. In that case, you should go for black, blonde, brown, or grey.
Best Color For Box Braids
Here are some trendy colors for box braids recommendations from experts:
Box Braids with Rainbow Color
The most favorite and attractive color for medium box braids is rainbow color. Both warm and cool skin-toned people can go for this.
The key advantage of this color is that you can make your color palette according to your choice. If you want darker or lighter colors of rainbow box braids, you can get them.
Purple to Pink Ombre Box Braids
Ombre purple to pink is probably the best combination of box braids color to glow throughout the day, especially at night.
If your life revolves around parties and fancy functions and you want color so that people compliment you, this box braid color is perfect for you.
Light Blonde Box Braids
Light blonde color is pretty similar to silver, and the combination of black and light blonde box braids will bring all the attention to you. Basically, the combination will create striking color contrast and make you stand out in the crowd.
Burgundy Box Braids
No matter whether you’re from black civilization or white, burgundy is a go-to box braid color to look elegant and beautiful. But burgundy is a popular color for dark skin tones who want red hair but afraid to try.
Bold Blue Box Braids
We all know bold blue never failed to wow people. Bold blue box braids are mostly seen worn by white-toned people. Try adding hair accessories like rings to add some more elegance to the braids.
What Color Box Braids Look Good On Dark Skin?
Don’t be afraid to play with colors like white, red, or blonde if you have dark skin. Both brighter and darker colors actually look amazing on people of dark skin. Here are some color recommendations for box braids:
- Ombre purple
- Pink
- Burgundy
- Gray
- Blonde
- Brown
- Ombre Turquoise
- Light green
- Chestnut
Is Box Braids For Black Only?
Box braids first originated in South Africa, and this braid was the symbol of wealth and power in ancient times. But in today’s generation, box braids are widely worn by women to protect afro-textured hair from damage by humidity and heat and split ends.
In short, box braids are now a protective style to protect hair which both black and white people can wear.
How To Care For Color Treated Curls Box Braids?
Generally, color-treaded curls box braids need some extra care than traditional black box braids to ensure hydration. Therefore, you need to be careful about what hair care product you choose.
Here are more maintenance tips for color-treated curls:
- Choose the right hair care products that include rich butter, glycerin, and monoi oil to give your curls enough hydration and lock moisture.
- Use sulfate-free shampoo and deep moisturizing conditioner.
- Always check your water temperature before rinsing, and avoid using warm water.
- Use a wide tooth comb to detangle and avoid using a narrow tooth comb to prevent breakage on curls.
- Always air dry your hair.
- Avoid direct sunlight as much as possible to prevent damaging the color.
- Apply moisturizing leave-in-conditioner after drying and detangling your curls.
- Wear a silk bonnet at night to prevent additional damage to your hair.
how to create traditional box braids
Box braids are a traditional African hairstyle that has been popular for centuries. This style involves sectioning the hair into small, square-shaped sections and braiding each section from the root to the ends. Box braids can be created with natural hair or by adding synthetic or human hair extensions for added length and thickness. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to create traditional box braids:
- Start with clean, moisturized hair: Wash and condition your hair thoroughly, and apply a leave-in conditioner or moisturizer to ensure your hair is well hydrated.
- Section the hair: Divide your hair into small, square-shaped sections using a rat-tail comb. The size of each section will depend on your preference and the thickness of your hair.
- Prepare the extensions (optional): If you’re using hair extensions, separate them into small bundles that match the thickness of your natural hair. This will make it easier to add them as you braid.
- Begin braiding: Take one section of hair and divide it into three equal parts. Cross the right section over the middle section, then cross the left section over the new middle section. This is the basic braiding technique.
- Add extensions (optional): If you’re using extensions, incorporate a small bundle into each section of your natural hair before crossing the sections over each other. Hold the extension hair and your natural hair together as you braid.
- Continue braiding: Repeat the braiding process, adding extensions (if desired) and crossing the sections over each other until you reach the ends of the hair. Ensure that the braids are tight and secure.
- Repeat for all sections: Move on to the next section of hair and repeat the braiding process until you’ve completed all the sections. Make sure the sections are evenly sized for a neat and uniform look.
- Care for your braids: Once all the sections are braided, you can dip the ends of the braids in hot water to seal them and prevent fraying. You can also apply oil or a light moisturizer to your scalp to keep it hydrated.
- Maintain your braids: To keep your box braids looking fresh, you can wrap your hair at night with a silk scarf or sleep on a silk pillowcase to prevent frizz and maintain the style. You can also wash your scalp regularly with a diluted shampoo and moisturize as needed.
experienced victimization or trauma
Box braids can indeed be a form of self-expression or empowerment for individuals who have experienced victimization or trauma. Hair has always played a significant role in personal identity and expression, and box braids specifically have a rich cultural history and symbolism.
For individuals who have experienced victimization or trauma, box braids can serve as a means of reclaiming their identity and embracing their heritage. The act of styling their hair in box braids can be a powerful statement of self-acceptance, resilience, and empowerment. It allows individuals to reconnect with their roots and express pride in their cultural heritage.
Furthermore, box braids can provide a sense of control and agency over one’s appearance. For some individuals who have experienced trauma, hair can be an area of focus for regaining a sense of control. The process of braiding can be therapeutic, allowing individuals to engage in self-care and create a physical representation of their strength and resilience.
Additionally, wearing box braids can be a form of solidarity and representation for others who have gone through similar experiences. It can serve as a visual reminder that they are not alone and that their experiences matter.
It’s important to note that self-expression and empowerment are deeply personal experiences, and not everyone who has experienced victimization or trauma may choose box braids as a form of expression. People may find different ways to reclaim their identity and find empowerment, whether through art, fashion, advocacy, or other means. It’s crucial to respect individual choices and journeys toward healing and self-expression.
FAQs
Generally, it depends on the brand and how thick you want your box braids to be. If you use kanekalon hair, you’ll need between 8 to 10 packs of hair.
You can get shoulder-length, medium, and long box braids. Now it depends on you how long box braids you want.
Box braids are a better option for a protective style compared to cornrows. It’s because box braids are last longer, lighter, and easier to manage than cornrows.
Box braids gained massive popularity during the 1990s, and this hairstyle is still, after 32 years, widely worn by women.
Box braids are installed tightly, which can cause itchy scalp and headaches. But it takes only 2 days for box braids to loosen up and relieve you from pain.
Generally, box braids last for 3 months, but they start to look old after 6 to 8 weeks. It’s also suggested to remove box braids after 6 weeks.
Box braids can damage Caucasian hair if they’re not done correctly. Box braids are a popular hairstyle for women of all races, but they’re particularly harmful to Caucasian hair because of its natural wave. If the box braids are too tightly spaced, it can cause breakage and damage to the hair shafts. Box Braids that are pulled too hard also cause friction and inflammation which can lead to permanent damage.
Braids are similar to dreads in that they are both types of hair extensions. They differ, however, in the way they’re put together – braids are usually secured with thread or a band while dreads are attached with wax
Yes, protective hairstyles can help in preserving color-treated hair as they minimize exposure to environmental elements and reduce manipulation, which can help prevent color fading and damage.
To prevent damage to braided hair after coloring it, avoid tight or heavy braids that can cause tension and stress on the hair. Opt for looser braids and avoid styles that pull on the hairline to protect the colored hair and prevent breakage.
Yes, you can get braids after coloring your hair, but it’s important to wait at least a week to allow your hair to recover from the coloring process before adding additional stress from braiding.
Prior to protective styling, apply a leave-in conditioner or a lightweight oil to moisturize and protect your hair from breakage during the styling process.
It’s recommended to give your hair a break from dying for at least 6-8 weeks between color treatments to allow your hair to recover and minimize damage.
Using a plastic bag for over-dyed hair can help to trap heat and enhance color processing, but it’s important to follow the instructions of your hair dye product for the best results.
To keep your hair from getting damaged after coloring, avoid heat styling tools, protect your hair from harsh weather conditions, and regularly deep conditions to keep your hair hydrated and healthy.
Style freshly dyed hair with minimal tension, avoiding tight protective hairstyles and opting for loose, gentle protective styles to prevent breakage and protect the color.
Braids that don’t pull out your edges include knotless braids, crochet braids, and box braids with larger sections that reduce tension on the hairline.
Protect the ends of your hair when dyeing by applying a protective oil or conditioner to the ends before applying the hair dye to prevent them from becoming dry and brittle.
To protect color-treated hair, use sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners specifically formulated for color-treated hair, minimize heat styling, and avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight and chlorine.
To protect chemically treated hair, use gentle hair care products formulated for chemically treated hair, avoid heat styling, and deep condition regularly to keep your hair moisturized and nourished.
The best hair treatment for colored hair includes deep conditioning treatments, protein treatments, and regular trims to keep the hair healthy, strong, and minimize breakage.
Frizziness after dyeing hair is common and can be reduced by using anti-frizz serums or oils, avoiding excessive heat styling, and using a wide-toothed comb or your fingers to detangle your hair gently.
Coconut oil can fade hair color if used excessively or left on the hair for prolonged periods of time, so use it sparingly and rinse thoroughly after applying to avoid color fading.
Olaplex is a color-safe hair treatment that helps to repair and strengthen the hair, making it safe to use on color-treated hair to minimize damage and breakage.
Yes, color-treated hair can be healthy with proper care and maintenance, such as using color-safe hair care products, minimizing heat styling, and regular deep conditioning treatments.
To protect dyed black hair, avoid excessive heat styling, use sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners formulated for color-treated hair, and protect your hair from UV rays to prevent color fading.
The most non-damaging protective hairstyle includes loose, low-manipulation styles such as buns, loose braids, or loose twists that do not put excessive tension on the hair and promote hair health.
Braids that do not damage your hair include knotless braids, crochet braids, and box braids with larger sections that reduce tension on the hair shafts and minimize breakage.
The healthiest way to put your hair up is to use hair-friendly accessories such as satin scrunchies or hairpins, avoid tight hairstyles that pull on the hair, and protect your hairline from tension.
The least damaging protective style for your hair is to wear it loose or in a low-manipulation hairstyle, such as a loose bun or a low ponytail, to minimize tension and friction on the hair shafts.
Hairstyles that promote hair growth are typically those that protect the ends of the hair, such as braids, twists, or buns, which help to reduce breakage and split ends.
Protective styles for bleached hair include gentle braiding or twisting, as well as wearing wigs or weaves, to protect the delicate bleached hair from further damage.
Braiding hair may not necessarily make it grow faster, but it can protect the hair from external damage and breakage, which can aid in retaining length.
It is generally recommended to avoid sleeping with your hair tied tightly, as it can cause tension and breakage. Instead, consider using a satin or silk scarf or pillowcase to protect your hair while you sleep.
Styling your hair in ways that minimize manipulation, such as using protective hairstyles like braids, twists, or updos, can help prevent damage from excessive styling, heat, or chemicals.
The longest-lasting protective style will depend on your hair type and the specific style chosen. However, options such as box braids, crochet braids, or a well-maintained wig or weave can typically last several weeks to months.
Knotless braids are often considered gentler on the scalp and edges compared to traditional box braids, as they create less tension on the hairline. However, the choice between the two may depend on your personal preference and hair type.
Taking care of natural hair with color-treated hair involves using color-safe products, minimizing heat styling, and deep conditioning regularly to maintain moisture and minimize damage.
To reduce shedding in color-treated hair, use a wide-toothed comb or your fingers to detangle gently, and avoid rough towel-drying or excessive brushing.
Moisturizing color-treated natural hair should be done as often as needed to maintain proper moisture balance, typically every few days to a week, using products formulated for color-treated hair.
Using a conditioner specifically formulated for color-treated hair can help to preserve the color and maintain the health of the hair.
Dyed hair will not fade back to its natural color, as the color change is permanent. New hair growth will be your natural color, and the previously dyed hair will retain its color until it grows out or is cut off.
Deep conditioning can be beneficial for colored natural hair, but it’s important to use products specifically formulated for color-treated hair to prevent color fading or damage.
Mielle products are generally safe to use on colored hair, but it’s best to check the specific product instructions and ingredients to ensure they are suitable for your hair type and color-treated hair.
The longevity of hair dye on natural hair can vary depending on factors such as hair porosity, color, and maintenance routine. On average, it can last for several weeks to months before requiring touch-ups.
Mielle oil can typically be used on colored hair, but it’s recommended to patch test first and follow the instructions for use provided by the manufacturer to avoid any adverse effects.
Conditioning your hair after coloring is important to restore moisture and maintain the health of the hair, especially for color-treated hair that may be more susceptible to dryness and damage.
Coloring can affect natural hair by altering its structure, porosity, and moisture levels, which may require additional care and maintenance to keep the hair healthy and vibrant.
Hair masks formulated for color-treated hair can be safe to use, but it’s important to check the ingredients and follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer to ensure they are suitable for your color-treated hair and won’t cause any color fading or damage.
It’s generally recommended to wait at least 24 hours after coloring your hair before washing it to allow the color to set and minimize color bleeding or fading.
The longevity of color-treated hair can vary depending on various factors such as hair care routine, hair color, and exposure to external factors. On average, color-treated hair can last for several weeks to months before requiring touch-ups.
Sleeping with colored hair can be done by protecting it with a satin or silk scarf or pillowcase to minimize friction and preserve the color. Avoid sleeping with wet hair to prevent color bleeding or fading.
Related Articles
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- What Kind Of Hair To Use For Box Braids
Conclusion
So you now have the answer to what color box braids should I get, what to consider while picking the color, and how to take care of color-treated curls box braids.
The color-picking process will become easier once you learn your skin’s undertone. However, make sure you follow the maintenance tips and check for ingredients before buying hair care products to prevent damaging hair color with the products.
