When were box braids invented? People found box braids in South Africa dating back to 3500 B.C. The Eembuvi braids of Namibia and the chin-length bob braids of the ladies of the Nile Valley from over 3,000 years ago are similar to the box braids we know and love today.
Read on to discover more about box braid, including how to perform it and in-depth information.
How Long do Box Braids Last?
When you have box braids, your hairdresser may tell you that the style will last six weeks on average. While this is true for most fashions, the length of time your braids will last is frequently determined by how large they are.
- Duration of small box braids: Braids of this size may last anywhere from six to eight weeks, depending on how well they’ve cared.
- Medium box braids duration: These will last up to eight weeks, much like small braids.
- Duration of large box braids: Because the parts are substantially larger, these braids often have a shorter lifespan. They’ll be okay for six weeks.
Can Box Braids be Done on Wet Hair?
People do box braids on dry hair rather than wet hair. You can spray water on the braids to ease any potential dryness during installation, but there should be no additional sign of water before that.
Because box braids are tighter and last longer than most other styles, any water left in the hair can quickly become a breeding ground for bacteria.
Why were box braids created?
Every creation serves a specific function. Box braids are used to prevent Afro-textured hair from split ends and heat and humidity damage, in addition to its aesthetic appeal.
Box braids are a hair-braiding style that is particularly popular among Africans and the African diaspora. This hairstyle is “boxy,” with square-shaped hair divisions, and is a protective style.
What is the Purpose of Braids?
Braids represent wealth, marital status, age, and position. They’re also practical, keeping their users comfortable and free of encumbrances so they can focus on their tasks without getting hair in their eyes. Not simply for fashion, people employ this technique for kinkier textures as a sort of protective styling. Braids protect natural hair from heat and humidity damage.
Braids were also employed for another vital purpose by Black women: they used braid as a secret communications system for slaves to communicate with one another. People employed braids as a map to liberation.
When to Wash Your Box Braids?
Wash your braids every two to three weeks, according to Harris, to maintain your hair healthy. If you don’t wash your hair and scalp, all of the product buildup and dry skin lingers on your scalp, causing flakes and itching.
You may wash braided hair, but use a mild shampoo and avoid scrubbing it too hard. While cleaning the braids, be sure to massage the scalp with shampoo.
How Soon Can You Wash Box Braids?
Box braids may last anywhere from two to eight weeks, depending on the type and how they’re worn, you should cleanse them every two to three weeks. If you’ve been swimming (or sweating a lot), your scalp will need some attention.
Gently wash your box braids once a month with diluted shampoo and conditioner to preserve their health. After washing, use a natural oil and leave-in conditioner to moisturize the hair and restore moisture.
Is it Better to Do Box Braids Wet or Dry?
It is better to do box braids when it is dry. However, with plaits, it’s always best to use a concealed heater. You can let the hair dry naturally. You may also use a moisturizer while your hair is still damp, although this falls under the dry styling category. When your hair is wet, it expands at least 15 times its actual length. Braid your hair while it’s dry since it’ll be too heavy.
Should You Sleep With Hair Up or Down?
If your hair is short, sleeping with it down is the best option. It also allows air to easily circulate through your hair follicles, allowing you to sleep more peacefully. If you have long hair, we advise you to tie your hair to avoid knots and damage.
If you have long hair, a loose braid around the nape of your neck is one of the most effective techniques to prevent hair damage at night. Sleeping with braided hair is also a heat-free styling technique that may give you natural curls in the morning if you have straight hair. It also prevents tangles in your hair.
Why are Box Braids Bad?
Some techniques including, extensions, like box braids, have been reported to cause hair or scalp damage. It’s no secret that the instant addition of hair extensions to traditional box braids can cause stress on the scalp. This pulling and clutching of your natural hair may easily snare your edges and potentially cause traction alopecia.
Here are some tips to prevent damages:
- Before making an appointment, speak with your stylist.
- If breaking is a worry, go with the knotless method.
- After installation, use the appropriate moisturizing products.
- Use a product to ease the matting of the hair when removing your box braids.
How Long Should I Keep Box Braids In?
You may be able to keep your appearance for a little longer than others, depending on how well you care for your hair. Delicate hair types may not be able to tolerate the stress of extension braids for long. If you’re unclear about your hair situation, the two-month rule is a better place to start.
It’s okay to use box braids or any other extension protective style for up to a month, but no more than two months. Even if you maintain the fashion with touch-ups and regular moisturization, the second month is the exact last expiry date; even then, you wouldn’t want to go much longer than that.
Which Last Longer Twists or Braids?
Braiding your hair lasts longer than twisting it because it locks in more moisture. There is less strain on the hair if you are not plaiting with extensions. Twists and braids are both safe techniques, but braids will last longer in terms of durability.
When it comes to the box braids, some of us are more naturally endowed than others, but nearly no one will pick it up straight away. Like all protective styles, box braids are supposed to be low-maintenance and give you a break when it comes to combing your hair in the morning.
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