Box braids are the ultimate get-up-and-go hairstyle. The initial time investment can be frustrating, but when you leap up from that chair you can get dozens of styles for the price of one. Adding beads, a bun, clips, or a twist to your box braids can transform your look in minutes. Play with the length or sweep your new growth into an updo to stretch the time until your next maintenance appointment.
There are so many ways to style box braids, and you’ll feel like you have a fresh install every time you try a new one. Scroll on for 15 of our favorites.
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Slick Side Part
![A woman with long knotless box braids](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/dC5Uk86GLTwtQGwcZDjkMlq9g7A=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/401848670_18428438776004078_6346569366682481281_n-f25e6ec087dc44708cf39abcc397e7dd.jpg)
Pull all of your braids to one side for a fresh perspective. Gather them with a clip that complements your outfit to take things up a notch, or tuck half of them behind your ears for a lower-maintenance look.
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Magnificent In the Middle
![Actor Tessa Thompson with long box braids parted down the middle](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/1cnryXNmaY28YzbTl7PQP6ScVEI=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-1406968605-08ea840eaca04d88a351b47b1b90421a.jpg)
Or let your braids flow with a middle part. You can never go wrong with this style. Top off the look with cute hair clips or rock it without accessories for an almost ’70s vibe.
03of 15
Put a Pin In It
![Box braids with safety pin and cuff accessories](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/q-tFap4fzKoVh038BKMfLRHPsCs=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/56481874_340143116629275_3157844434099013078_n-a94cb5cdc7eb4d34ba8a78b9641566ca.jpg)
Instead of (or in tandem with) the go-to cuffs, cover your braids in dainty gold safety pins. Slip in beads and charms to make the look even more whimsical. Customize a few with your initials or a fun abbreviation.
04of 15
Partially Pulled Back
![A woman with braids pulled off her face](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/DZNMZfyQibMnsyvuyS95zT65GIc=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/121737815_1059326244537611_3651563771781998592_n-88d85357898f4920b2b78bcb3b1fe268.jpg)
A half-up, half-down style with the ponytail gathered at the crown keeps your braids out of your face in a soft, elegant way. Stay on trend by clipping in an oversized bow.
05of 15
Two-Strand Pony
![Woman with a braided high ponytail](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/fP8nJUs_uCY6DDe9q1DrBLKQ5qY=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/365389562_996172445134918_8909425567637089735_n-28dffd5ce89d4af6badd97f8bd07772d.jpg)
Two face-framing strands immediately elevate any style. Pull your braids up in a high ponytail and leave two out in the front for a youthful ’90s vibe.
06of 15
Butterfly Dreams
![Woman with butterflies in her box braids](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/nq6ZV16TMoCeHtAJfb0G73EsRXc=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/69263512_724024198064576_7402867272610688356_n-a0e3b212269f497d893ba1f8d56ae664.jpg)
Festoon your braids with butterfly clips for a fantastical look. Not ready to go full fairy tale? Restrict the clips to just a few braids toward the front.
07of 15
Lob City
![A woman with red boho box braids cut into a lob](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/yJuAL5HXlqnrP9mOVYwpWjKyVFM=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/braidedbob-a56e3e2bd56245ff90c308cea15b3bd2.jpg)
Before taking your braids out, consider cutting them down for a shorter look. Opt for a super short braided bob to give Jada Pinkett in Set It Off energy, or go longer to test out what you would look like with a lob.
08of 15
Fanned Half-Up, Half-Down
![A woman with box braids half up, half down](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/szLgIlevovaPra-ODaKRV3QV12Y=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/400297065_736474754993190_1931284386331415540_n-6da999e4810d48919b0eab7675089a43.jpg)
Fan out your top knot to add playfulness to your half-up, half-down bun style. Let the ends hang freely or pin them beneath for more structure. It’s a fun twist on a classic look.
09of 15
Braided Wrap
![Knotless braids in a twisted high ponytail](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/VAmp504N98-tbiALpHTq5jad81s=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/235965732_264892571815517_5699506792287987031_n-374b5dacf41b4451b3d47cc2ad2053d5.jpg)
A wrap is a great way to extend the life of your braids. Smooth down flyaways and new growth with styling mousse before nestling them into the wrap of your choice. Push it back and use your favorite edge control to slick down the front of the wrap.
10of 15
Crimson Swoop
![Red box braids in a half up ponytail, some braids pulled to the side to mimic bangs](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/dVh99WQWxFVVMj1XG3wfMiPpUJ8=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/133320408_1110620382724279_1026706007316771299_n-0fa392c3a3964ad7aeebc82ea7549a6b.jpg)
Faking an Aaliyah-esque bang with braids is always fun. Pin a group of your front braids to one side and pull the rest to the back. Use extra pins to keep things in place.
11of 15
Oversized Top Knot
![Woman drinking coffee, her hair in a box braids top knot](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/bdCqwDEoXWy8-jPHs3PlCJgMO0E=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/245678889_303374507930337_4520749676452058685_n-6e1068a8189641cabf618c15f3890c42.jpg)
An oversized top knot is a great choice for formal occasions. It’s an elegant and low-maintenance option. A bonus? It keeps hair out of your eyes and away from your neck.
12of 15
Space Buns
![A woman with blonde box braids in space buns](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/Ap56Gr_WvwglO6l8LpSNewmNGEU=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/273043862_696051825100010_5334071686584296818_n-6f496f4d65dd40d9a995272442811408.jpg)
Space buns have always been fun, but they’re definitely having a moment right now. Ease into the look with two on either side or go maximalist with five or six buns towards the hairline.
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Knee-Length Bust Down
![Woman with long boho box braids to her knees](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/1Sq6NsIyPY7JCeIIJv3TAbYH5NY=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/336960017_528314552791620_6315508010233500622_n-7837fb675460404089799fe7fa7ebadf.jpg)
Going extra long with your braids gives you more room to play. You can create fuller buns, fasten them into a super-sized top knot, or let them hang freely for a Lady Godiva moment.
14of 15
Floating Rapunzel Braid
![A woman with box braids, half plaited, half down](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/TykX3JmewzoWmTltOGNsVBfWyYY=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/101334968_342760630038662_242720116662679355_n-d942737112ea49cda1ee39a41575aebf.jpg)
Add a large oversized plait to the back or side of your hair to create some texture. Get fancy by opting for a fishtail-style style.
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Curled Ends
![Zaya Wade with long braids curled at the ends](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/9bM7LQZ_5vrgargNBcPdOKyNb44=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/429823506_415185360873753_5735412437277600302_n1-2b6e34f614bd425ab926976ad36eaa92.jpg)
Add a French curl to the end of your braids for a romantic effect. Use the dip method, hard rollers, and some water to create raw ends, or start with human hair curls embedded into your style from the get-go.