Yes, you absolutely can braid box braids into various styles! While box braids themselves are a type of protective hairstyle created by braiding extensions or natural hair into individual, box-shaped sections, the finished braids can then be braided together to form new, intricate looks.
Understanding Box Braids and Styling
Box braids are a popular protective style known for their versatility and longevity. Once installed, each individual braid acts like a strand of hair that can be manipulated and styled in numerous ways. This includes gathering them into ponytails, buns, or, as the question asks, braiding them further.
Braiding Box Braids into New Looks
One common and stylish way to utilize existing box braids is by braiding them into other styles. This technique allows you to create complex patterns and updos without starting from scratch.
As highlighted in styling tips for box braids:
- If you're looking to add even more mesmerizing patterns to your hair, braid the box braids into French braids.
- How to French Braid Your Box Braids:
- Gather several box braids on one side of your scalp.
- Divide these gathered braids into three groups.
- Braid them together as though they were loose hair, feeding in more box braids from the sides as you go, just like a traditional French braid.
- Secure the end.
- Then, repeat on the other side of your scalp for twin pigtail braids, or braid them across the head for other variations.
This method essentially treats bundles of box braids as the strands you would normally use in braiding techniques like French braids, Dutch braids, or even basic three-strand braids.
Popular Braided Styles for Box Braids
- French Braids: As described above, braiding sections of your box braids along the scalp.
- Dutch Braids: Similar to French braids, but the sections are crossed under rather than over to create a raised effect.
- Braided Ponytails: Braiding the length of a ponytail created from your box braids.
- Braided Buns: Creating braids from sections of box braids and then wrapping them into a bun.
By braiding your existing box braids, you can easily change your look, add complexity, or simply keep your hair neatly styled and out of the way. It's a fantastic way to extend the styling possibilities of your protective hairstyle.
