When you have your box braids, you’ll often face flyaways and frizzy hair problems. And this problem can ruin your neat and professional box braid look. In that case, hair gel comes handy to make your braids tidy again.
But what gel to use for box braids? You can opt for eco styler or cult-favorite gel types to fix flyaways of your protective style. But how do you apply them? What’s the benefit of using the gel? Read along to get your answers.
Do You Need Gel For Box Braids?
Yes, you need hair gel or pomade to set your baby hair and make your hair parting correct and even sectioned while braiding box braids. Plus, hair gel is also necessary to tame frizzy hair.
There are different types of gel for different purposes, such as foam-based gel for synthetic hair, gels to add shine to hair, and frizz control gel.
Can You Use Eco Styler Gel For Box Braids?
During the early twentieth century, eco styler gels were used to create box braids. Some eco styler gel is actually very good and calming for your hair. It means you can use eco styler gel for box braids.
But you should know that cheap eco stylers can harden your hair after it dries and can lead to breakage and damage.
What Are The Benefits Of Using A Gel For Box Braids?
Here are some benefits that you can enjoy by using a gel for box braids:
- It’ll help you to control your edges and tame your frizz.
- You can attain a shiny and classic hair look by coating your hair with gel.
- It gives you a strong hold of hair and a neat box braid look.
- A gel with organic ingredients can give your scalp essential nutrients, minerals, and vitamins, which make your hair naturally healthy.
- Some hair gel can give your hair a voluminous and fuller look.
Best Gel To Use For Box Braids
Finding a good quality hair gel can be tricky for a new braider. Here are 5 best gel recommendations for box braids from experts:
- All Day Locks Braid Gel
- Shine N Jam Conditioning Gel
- All Day Locks & Braid Foam Control
- SoftSheen-Carson Let’s Jam Gel
- African Pride Black Castor Miracle Gel
What Hair Products To Use For Box Braids?
Here is a list of all the necessary hair products to use for box braids:
- Clarifying shampoo
- Deep conditioner or leave-in conditioner
- Hair mask
- Hair moisturizer
- Essential oils
- Edge control gel
- Apple cider vinegar to eliminate product buildup
- Silk bonnet
How To Apply The Gel To Box Braids?
Applying hair gel to tame frizz and baby hair while creating box braids is simple and straightforward. Here is how to apply the gel to box braids:
- Take a small amount of gel on your palm and rub them to melt.
- Now section your hair and apply the gel on the parting to create even sections.
- Then comb the hair near the scalp.
- Before you start braiding, take gel on your palm again and apply them to the hair strands as you braid the hair.
NOTE: Don’t apply too much gel on the strands; never leave the gel on your hair for more than two days.
How To Style Box Braids With Gel?
Box braids are quite a versatile protective style that allows you to do most of the hairstyle. If you want to make a bun, ponytail, or up-do, create the style first. Now apply the gel to the areas where you have flyaways or frizzy hair to make your hairstyle look neat and professional.
tips to help keep flyaways down
If you prefer a more controlled and polished look for your box braids, here are some tips to help keep flyaways down:
- Gel or edge control: Apply a small amount of hair gel or edge control product to your fingertips and gently smooth down any flyaways along the hairline or on the braids. Be careful not to apply too much product, as it can make your hair appear greasy or weigh it down.
- Bobby pins or hairpins: Use bobby pins or hairpins to secure any loose or unruly strands of hair. Twist or wrap the flyaway around the base of the braid and insert the pin to hold it in place. This method is particularly useful for controlling flyaways in updo styles.
- Scarves or headbands: If you’re dealing with a lot of flyaways, you can accessorize your box braids by wearing a headband or tying a scarf around your head. These accessories not only help keep the flyaways in check but also add a stylish touch to your overall look.
- Moisturize and seal: Dry or brittle hair is more prone to frizz and flyaways. Ensure your box braids are well moisturized by applying a leave-in conditioner or hair oil to the lengths and ends of your braids. This helps keep the hair hydrated and reduces the likelihood of flyaways.
- Re-braiding or touch-ups: Over time, the natural movement of your head or daily activities can cause some braids to loosen or unravel, leading to flyaways. To maintain a neater appearance, you can re-braid or touch up specific areas where flyaways are prominent. This process involves unraveling a small section of the braid and re-braiding it tightly to secure any loose hair.
cultural significance of box braids
Box braids, also known as plaits, have a rich cultural significance in various societies around the world. They hold particular importance within African and African diasporic communities, but their popularity and adoption have extended to a global scale. Here’s a look at the cultural significance of box braids and how they are embraced and incorporated into personal styles worldwide:
- African and African diasporic communities: Box braids have deep roots in African culture, dating back thousands of years. In many African societies, braiding hairstyles were used as a way to communicate social status, age, wealth, and cultural identity. They were also practical, serving as a protective style against the elements. Box braids, specifically, involve sectioning the hair into square or rectangular sections and braiding them from the scalp to the ends.
- African American culture: In African American communities, box braids became especially popular during the 1990s as a form of self-expression and cultural celebration. They were seen as a way to reconnect with African heritage, embrace natural hair textures, and reject Eurocentric beauty standards. Box braids became iconic through influential figures like Janet Jackson, Brandy, and Alicia Keys, making them a symbol of empowerment and cultural pride.
- Caribbean and Afro-Latinx cultures: Box braids have a significant presence in Caribbean and Afro-Latinx cultures as well. In countries like Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, and Haiti, braided hairstyles, including box braids, are an integral part of cultural traditions and rituals. They are often adorned with beads, shells, or other decorative elements that carry symbolic meaning.
- Global adoption: Box braids have gained popularity beyond African and African diasporic communities and have become a global trend. People from various backgrounds are embracing box braids as a versatile and fashionable hairstyle. They are appreciated for their low maintenance, protective qualities, and ability to promote hair growth. The rise of social media and increased representation of diverse beauty standards have contributed to the widespread adoption of box braids by people of different ethnicities and cultures.
- Fusion and personalization: While box braids have historical and cultural roots, they have also evolved to incorporate elements from different cultures and personal styles. Many individuals around the world have embraced fusion styles, combining box braids with other braiding techniques, twists, or incorporating hair accessories and colors. This fusion allows for creative expression, individuality, and the celebration of diverse cultural influences.
FAQs
Can you put coconut oil on box braids?
Yes, you can put coconut oil on hair and scalps with box braids. Coconut oil improves the moisture-retaining capacity and prevents hair from breaking.
Can oil loosen tight braids?
Most people dilute the oil with water and spray it on the scalp and hair to soothe the itchiness and loosen tight braids.
Why moisturizer spray for braids?
Protective hairstyles can make your natural hair dry and rough. Plus, your scalp can get dry and itchy too. Hence, moisturizer spray can help moisturize hair and prevent additional damage to the hair.
Does dry shampoo work on box braids?
Yes, but the dry shampoo must be alcohol-free and contain hydrating and moisturizing ingredients to refresh and hydrate your hair.
What to put on braids to keep them fresh?
Use warm water, shampoo, and a deep conditioner to clean your hair. Let the conditioner sit in your hair for 3 minutes. Then rinse your hair thoroughly with clean water.
Can you get box braids without edges?
Yes, you can. In that case, you can go for a hair wig and get your box braid done. If you have a small edge area problem, then you can use hair ink to hide your alopecia.
do getting box braids hurt
No, getting box braids won’t hurt. In fact, they can be quite comfortable and even therapeutic!
What do you need for box braids?
To create box braids, you need hair cleansing products, hair extensions, edge control gel, comb, and hair accessories if you want to decorate your braids.
best Box braid colour for light skin
Best box braid color for light skin is black. Black braids look good on all types of skin tones and can be dressed up or down. They’re a versatile style that will suit most occasions.
How long should you wait to get new braids after taking them out?
You should wait at least two weeks to get new braids after taking them out because the hair may not have had a chance to grow back in completely. The longer you wait, the better the chances are that your new braids will be long and lustrous.
Is it good for a white girl to wear braids?
There is a lot of controversy surrounding the appropriateness of braids for white girls, but the truth is that it depends on your hair type and how you wear them.
If you have dry, healthy hair that doesn’t tend to knot easily or if you can put your hair in a bun without it becoming messy, then braids may be a good choice for you.
However, if your hair is thick and curly, wearing braids regularly may cause it to become greasy and heavy.
are dreads better than braids
Some people believe that dreadlocks are a better option than braids because of their natural look and feel. Dreadlocks are easy to care for and don’t require any special products or techniques.
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Verdict
So there you have the answer to what gel to use for box braids, what the benefits are, and how to apply the gel to your hair.
Besides giving you the recommendation of what gel to use, we also gave you a list of the least products you need to take care of your box braids. And make sure you know when to take off your box braids.
