Like top knots and the hun that came before it, the box braid is the new hair trend that's taking over the the world or, more importantly, Instagram, right now. It all started when the queen of trendsetting, Miss KKW, started rocking them on the regular. Then we spotted Karlie Kloss flaunting the look at the Topshop show during London Fashion Week. Now box braids are getting the Insta limelight they deserve.
Box braids obviously aren't a new thing. Nope, they didn't start with Hillary Swank in Million Dollar Baby. Box braids are very similar to dutch braids, and are fundamentally a variation on cornrows. Dutch braids and cornrows are basically a different name for the same thing. The difference, as explained by Chocolate Hair Vanilla Care (a site started by a white woman who adopted a black child), is that dutch braids pick hair up from the outside, whereas cornrows add hair to just the middle section of the braid. Box braids follow this same principle.
The great thing about box braids is their no-muss no-fuss attitude towards hair styling. They're great for when you're working out to keep strays out of your face. But they're also crazy versatile. Need to get out the house but haven't dried your hair? Try box braids. Meeting up with friends for breakfast on a Saturday hungover? Box braids. Going for a night out and need a sleek hairstyle to go with your black dress? Yep, box braids. Don't feel like using straighteners today? Imma stop you right there - it's box braids. All day every day.
Here's a few of our favourite box braid looks.
What do you think of box braids? Let us know! @sofeminineUK
You might also like...
18 Influential Ladies Who Redefined Hair Trends For Women Of Colour
Cream Of The Crop! 50 Pixie Crops That Will Make You Want Short Hair
What Is Balayage? The Hair Colour Trend You're About To Book In For
