Box braids continue to be a beloved go-to hairstyle for black women in 2023. Offering versatility, creativity, and hair protection, box braids empower women to embrace their natural textures in a sleek, stylish way. This classic braided style has stood the test of time while also evolving with the times. Modern twists like vivid ombre colors, trendy lengths, artistic shapes and decorative embellishments keep box braids fresh and on-trend. Whether you prefer neat medium box braids or messy boho braids, jumbo Goddess braids or short cropped braids, the styling possibilities are endless. From edgy braided shapes to whimsical butterfly braids, these 50 gorgeous box braids styles for 2023 prove this protective hairstyle is here to stay. Offering creativity, versatility and hair health benefits, box braids are a timeless way for black women to merge beauty, culture and self-expression. Let's check on the hottest box braid styles taking over in the new year!
1. Boho Knotless Box Braids
Boho Knotless Box Braids feature chunky, knotless braids that exude an effortless boho-chic vibe. Installed using pre-made synthetic braiding hair in jet black, the braids start big at the roots for volume, tapering to sleek ends. Keeping clean parts and laid edges perfects the style. When decorated with gold cuffs and beads, these knotless braids take on a glam-nomadic look. Black women who love bohemian fashion will adore this romantic, carefree braid idea. Our brand FANCIVIVI has the perfect boho knotless braids wig - the Boho Knotless Braids Over Hip-Length 36” Double Full Lace FANCIVIVI Small Square Box Braided Wig. This wig recreates the boho knotless style with a natural-looking hairline. Black women who love bohemian fashion will adore this romantic, carefree braid idea.
2. Medium Box Braids
Medium box braids are a versatile braided style that falls between small and large sizes. Using mid-sized synthetic braiding hair, these shoulder-grazing plaits are easy to maintain and style. The medium box braids look neat and polished, while still allowing natural volume. Whether worn freely flowing or styled up, medium box braids offer endless styling possibilities.
3. Goddess Box Braids
Goddess box braids exude regal elegance and beauty. These waist-length plaits are created using jumbo braiding hair in a sleek, jet black shade. The super long goddess box braids are installed with neat precision from root to tip.Drawing inspiration from ancient African royalty, this braided style makes any woman feel like a queen. When styled with gold jewelry and accessories, the look transports you to a modern day African fantasy. Black women who want to celebrate their roots will feel majestic in goddess box braids.
4. Box Braids with Curly Ends
Box Braids with Curly Ends is a playful and bouncy braided hairstyle. Traditional box braids get a fun twist by using pre-made curly hair wigs that have defined ringlets at the ends. These pre-made curly ends create lively bounce and movement, contrasting the straight smoothness of the braided plaits. The curly ends provide volume, texture and a cute curled shape that pops against the straight braids. This hairstyle combines the sleekness of box braids with the flirty flair of curly ends. The curls add personality and a cute flair to the classic box braided look. Box braids with curly ends is a great way to enjoy both the neat, uniform look of braids as well as carefree, spirited curls. This hairstyle blends traditional technique with playful, modern curl.
5. Large Knotless Box Braids
For a seriously eye-catching look, large knotless box braids are the way to go. These chunky plaits make use of extra-long synthetic braiding hair, creating an ultra dramatic large knotless braids hairstyles when installed in larger sizes. The jumbo knotless plaits cascade down the back for a super on-trend style. Our brand FANCIVIVI offers a gorgeous pre-made large knotless braids wig. This high quality large knotless braids wig features a pre-plucked hairline for a natural fit. The square box braided design and incredible 36 inch length provide a stunning look.
6. Short Box Braids
Short box braids are a chic, modern take on the classic braided style. These braids stop above the shoulders, grazing the jawline or chin area for a cute cropped length. Installed using short synthetic braiding hair, short box braids are easier to maintain and style on a daily basis. The abbreviated length is also perfect for transitioning from long locks to a short hair statement. Short box braids can be worn sleek and polished with defined parts or with texture and frizz for an undone look. Both edgy and feminine, these chin-length box braids offer versatility for black women looking to switch up their style.
7. Jumbo Box Braids
Jumbo box braids feature extra large plaits for a voluminous, statement-making style. The synthetic braiding hair is left straight and installed in dramatic, oversized plaits all over the head.
8. Box Braids for Kids
Fun box braids help protect little ones' hair while keeping them styled for school. Short to medium length braids suit kids' active lifestyles. Ask for soft synthetic hair and be gentle with edges to maintain a comfortable style. Add cute beads or clips for extra personality!
9. Boho Knotless Braids
Boho knotless braids feature chunky, tapered plaits in a chic undone style. The knotless look is installed with textured synthetic hair for a romantic, lived-in vibe.
10. Knotless Braids with Beads
Knotless Braids with Beads add a touch of glamour and decoration to this sleek protective style. Knotless braiding creates a smooth, polished look as the hair seamlessly flows into the braids. Interspersing gold and silver beads throughout the braids provides eye-catching shine and sparkle. The metallic beads glint and shimmer, dressing up the braids with chic accents. Strategically placed beads amp up the style and glitz. Both large and small beads can be used to create varied texture and decorate the neat, knotless braids. Knotless Braids with Beads keeps hair tidy and out of the way, while the beaded embellishments make a fashionable statement. This is a great way to combine the practicality of knotless braids with the luxury and glam of metallic, decorative beads.
11. Jumbo Box Braids with Beads
Bead embellishments take jumbo box braids to the next level. Large barrel beads are interwoven into the giant braids for an opulent, decorative touch.
12. Bohemian Box Braids with Color
Bohemian Box Braids with Color is a fun and creative braided hairstyle. Traditional box braids get a free-spirited bohemian twist by incorporating hand-dyed ombre synthetic hair in a rainbow of bright hues. The colored braiding hair fades from dark roots to vivid shades like light pink, blue, and purple. Scattering these multi-colored bohemian braids randomly throughout the hairstyle creates a vivid, artistic look. The blend of traditional box braids and vivid ombre rainbow braids embodies the carefree, artistic bohemian spirit. This braided hairstyle is perfect for making a bold artistic statement and embracing your creative side with bohemian braids hairstyles. The bright colors and bold mix of hues channels a relaxed, boho chic vibe.
13. Box Braids Styled in a Scarf
Scarves and headwraps style beautifully on box braids. Wrap a bold scarf around braided hair to protect edges and complete the look.
14. Bob Boho Box Braids
A short, chin-length bob is edgy and modern on box braids. Pair the chopped length with untamed boho braids for a cool combo.
15. Butterfly Bob
The Butterfly Bob is a hot, on-trend look. Q-curl butterfly locs are cut in a short bob that floats around the shoulders. This frames the face in a halo of natural curls. The bouncy, springy texture provides volume and movement to the Butterfly Bob. The chin-length cut shows off the three-dimensional corkscrew shape of each loc. This curly bob hairstyle makes a statement with its lively shape and carefree vibe. The Butterfly Bob envelops the face in tousled coils for eye-catching results.
16. Long Knotless Box Braids
Super long knotless box braids extend down to the waist or beyond. They're installed using jumbo braiding hair for dramatic length.
17. Box Braids with Heart
Box Braids with Heart add a sweet, romantic detail to this protective style. Small sections of hair are used to braid tiny heart shapes that decorate the straight plaits. Interspersing these miniature hearts throughout the box braids creates a loving, girly look. The small braided hearts mix femininity with the sleekness of standard box braids. This unique detail puts an affectionate spin on a classic hairstyle. Box Braids with Heart infuse this practical protective style with delicate charm thanks to its tiny braided hearts.
18. Mixed Color Box Braids
Why stick to one braid color when you can pick a few? Mix shades like blonde, burgundy and brown for added dimension. Or go bold with purple, blue and mermaid greens! Blend colors seamlessly or in an ombre design.
19. Blonde Box Braids
Platinum blonde synthetic hair makes a statement in box braids. The bright blonde hue pops against darker skin tones.
20. Red Box Braids
Fiery red box braids are bold and eye-catching. Red synthetic hair looks great in box braids for women wanting a vibrant color pop.
21. Small Knotless Box Braids
Tiny, miniature knotless braids are super chic and feminine when installed carefully in neat rows. Lots of small braids create a cool small knotless braids hairstyles look. Our Small Knotless Braids Wig recreates this style to perfection, with hundreds of tiny knotless braids pre-installed on a lace frontal wig. The small knotless braids wig saves hours of braiding time while achieving a gorgeous neat and intricate braided appearance. This is a great protective style option for women with natural hair seeking a break from daily styling. The tiny braids cover every inch of the head for a striking small knotless braids hairstyles look.
22. Braided Fringe Box Braids
Edgy braided fringe adds a rock n' roll vibe to box braids. Section out a fringe along the hairline and braid it straight down.
23. Knotless Braids with Bangs
Knotless Braids with Blunt Bangs create an eye-catching, modern look. The straight across fringe makes a bold statement by angling sharply over the forehead. These thick, blunt bangs contrast the smooth flow of the knotless braids. The bangs add a dramatic focal point and frame the face in a chic, contemporary way. This pairing of sharply cut bangs with sleek knotless braids makes a bold fashion statement. Knotless Braids with Bangs blend edgy bangs with classic braiding technique.
24. Jumbo Knotless Box Braids
Jumbo knotless braids are created using extra bulky synthetic hair, resulting in larger-than-life braided hairstyle.
25. Knotless Box Braids with Curls
Knotless Box Braids with Curls is a fun and bouncy hairstyle. Knotless braids create a smooth and sleek look, while adding in tight curls of synthetic hair at the ends gives tons of volume and texture. The combination of knotless box braids and tight curls creates the perfect braids with curls hairstyle. The curls add movement and bounce, softening the look and preventing the braids from appearing too stiff and perfect. This is a great protective style that allows you to have fun, bouncy curls while keeping your natural hair tucked away and safe from manipulation. Knotless Braids with Curls gives you the best of both worlds - sleek braids and lively curls.
26. White Blonde Box Braids
Platinum white box braids make a seriously striking statement. This icy shade works perfectly on darker complexions wanting a fun, bold look. Keep the icy blonde braids long for greater impact.
27. Triangle Box Braids
Triangle Box Braids put a modern geometric twist on classic box braids. Rather than traditional straight parts, the hair is sectioned into sharp triangular segments before braiding. This creates an edgy, angular look with dynamic triangle shapes. The triangular parts allow for creative patterns, with triangles pointing up, down, and crisscrossing each other. The geometric vibe makes this braided style feel more urban, contemporary and outside-the-box. The triangular box braids almost resemble mosaic tiles or an abstract work of art on the head. This cool, unexpected partitioning elevates basic box braids through inventive geometry. Triangle box braids keep protective styling fresh and artsy with their forward-thinking triangular parts.
28. Butterfly Knotless Braids
Butterfly Knotless Braids put an artistic spin on the classic knotless braided style. The hair is neatly braided down close to the scalp in a knotless technique. However, instead of braiding all the way to the ends, the stylist loops the hair back up into a butterfly shape near the bottom. This creates a beautiful fluttering effect, with the braided hair fanning upwards into an open butterfly design. The unique shape adds flair and artistry to the braids. Butterfly Knotless Braids keep the hair smooth and secure while amping up the visual interest with the whimsical butterfly loops. This style is eye-catching and graceful, taking basic braids to the next level with creative shaping. The upwards swoop evokes the wings of a butterfly in flight for a breezy, delicate look. Butterfly Knotless Braids take artistic liberties with a classic braiding technique for gorgeous results.
29. Box Braids into Bantu Knots
Bantu knots add cute curl definition when twisted using pre-installed box braids. Simply knot the braids into bantus for bouncy curls.
30. Box Braids Ponytail and Bangs
Rock a braided top knot ponytail paired with straight across bangs for a stylish updo. This look keeps braids out of the face.
31. Peek a Boo Box Braids
Peek a boo braids mix a few colored plaits throughout basic black braids. The subtle pops of color "peek" out when hair moves. Try vivid red, purple, blonde or other shades for a little hidden surprise!
32. Small Long Box Braids
Tons of slim braids extend down the back for an ultra sleek style. The small long box braids look intricate, yet are lighter than thick heavy plaits. This versatile length works for any occasion.
33. Long Medium Box Braids
Long medium box braids are the perfect in-between length, falling just below the shoulders yet above the waist area. This versatile mid-length allows for lots of styling options, from chic updos to free-flowing wear. The braids are long enough to create drama but not so extra long that they become impractical for daily life. Long medium box braids can be dressed up with gold accessories for a night out or worn casually with a topknot and hoops during the day. Their shoulder-grazing length is easy to manage and style.
34. One Side Box Braids
Make a bold asymmetrical statement by only installing box braids on one side. Leave the other side braid-free.
35. Brown Box Braids
Luscious chocolate brown synthetic hair makes a rich, decadent braid color that flatters all complexions. The deep brown shade provides a gorgeous neutral that isn't too warm or cool in tone. Dark brown box braids exude an especially plush and healthy-looking luster under the sunlight. This dark cocoa hue evokes images of melted chocolate and creates an overall smooth, sleek braided style. Brown makes a subtler color statement than vivid tones like red or blue, for those who want braids that blend in or match their natural hair color.
36. Chunky Box Braids with Curly Ends
Chunky box braids get bouncy texture with tightly curled ends. The curly ends contrast the thickness of each braid.
37. Ginger Box Braids
Fiery ginger box braids provide a bold auburn color pop perfect for making a statement. The rich reddish-orange hue is eye-catching and vibrant. Ginger box braids look especially striking against darker skin tones and add warmth to fair complexions. The metallic ginger shade has a molten, shiny finish that amplifies the visual interest of the braids. For women who want to stand out with their hairstyle, ginger box braids broadcast fun spirit. The brazen color works year-round and transitions beautifully from summer to fall.
38. Blue Box Braids
Vibrant blue box braids let you display a bold, creative flair. From dark navy to pastel sky blue, blue synthetic hair makes a dramatic style statement. Icy platinum blond and blue ombre braids create a cool mermaid fantasy. Electric cobalt and sapphire blues turn heads for their striking visual impact. Blue works beautifully against warm brown complexions. For darker skin tones, vivid royal blue pops gorgeously. Blue braids exude an airy, carefree vibe perfect for summer fun. This dynamic hair color reflects a confident, outgoing personality.
39. Box Braids Mohawk
Dare to be bold with a faux-hawk strip of box braids down the center of the head. Edgy and unique!
40. Head Wrap Box Braid Hairstyle
Wrap headscarves around a beautiful box braids 'do to protect styled edges or as an accent.
41. Box Braids with Shaved Design
Amp up your braided style by shaving a shape or line into one side of your head. Show off the shaped undercut.
43. Red and Black Box Braids
The edgy combo of red and black box braids blends dramatic style with versatilty. Scattered red plaits among neutral black braids provides an electrifying two-tone look. The contrast makes both colors pop. Jet black braids serve as the perfect bold backdrop for vibrant crimson accents throughout. The red braids draw the eye to create visual interest. This red and black mix allows you to have a neutral everyday style that can be easily amped up with colorful braids when you want to stand out. It gives you styling flexibility.
44. Ombre Box Braids
Ombre box braids fade from dark roots to light ends for dimension. Hand-painted synthetic hair blends gorgeous colors.
45. Colored Box Braids
A rainbow of colored box braids creates a lively, spirited look. Vivid red, orange, yellow, green, blue and purple synthetic hair can be mixed, ombred, or dip-dyed for an explosion of brightness. The vivacious hues convey the wearer's bold, confident personality. Colored box braids are perfect for making a cheery style statement. Constantly changing colors in motion prevent these braids from ever looking dull. Bold yet playful, a full spectrum of rainbow box braids says the wearer is creative and fun.
46. Box Braids in a Bun
Box braids swept up into a top knot bun provide a chic updo option when you want to get long braids off your neck and shoulders. The box braid bun adds drama, height and versatility to the style. Braids can be parted neatly and tightly swept up, or loosely bundled for an undone vibe. Finish it off by curling face-framing tendrils or pulling down a braid or two. The bun works with small or jumbo braids equally well. This functional updo keeps your artistic braids out of the way but still shows off their full beauty.
47. Butterfly Box Braids
Butterfly braids get their name from the butterfly shape created when braided down and then looped up into a pretty butterfly locs hairstyles look. Romantic and girly, these butterfly locs hairstyles are created by braiding down the hair, then looping the ends up into a butterfly design rather than leaving them hanging straight. The butterfly braids allow you to enjoy an artistic braided hairstyle with a unique whimsical touch. Our Butterfly Braids wig makes it easy to DIY this style at home.
49. Cornrow Box Braid Styles
Intricate straight back cornrow braid styles look amazing paired with box braid hair extensions. Get creative with shapes!
50. Boho Box Braids
Boho box braids have a laidback, untamed vibe. Tousled chunky braids in an assortment of earthy hues create a chic, texture-rich style.
With endless options for creative expression, box braids continue to reign as a beloved black hairstyle in 2023 and beyond. As a protective style, box braids keep natural hair healthy by minimizing manipulation. Our wig brand, FANCIVIVI, offers high-quality synthetic lace front wigs to help black women easily achieve these gorgeous box braids styles. FANCIVIVI box braid wigs use premium Japanese fibers, lasting up to two years with proper care. Avoid sulfate shampoos, and use heat tools sparingly to maintain synthetic hair quality. We just use two lace types: double weft full lace wigs with a Korean lace outer layer and diamond weft inner layer provide comfort and affordability. Single full lace wigs are hand-tied with comfortable lace for a customizable fit that blends like salon braids. Many of the trending styles in this article can be found on our website. By empowering black women with stylish, protective braided wig options, FANCIVIVI helps ladies safely express their beauty and creativity through classic box braids with a modern twist.
