10 Cool Box Braid Hairstyles for Men

When it comes to protective hairstyles, box braids are the forever go-to. Whether you’re heading to a wedding, going on vacation or feeling like taking a daily styling break, box braids will serve you well. And one of the things we love most about the style is that anyone can wear them — yup, they’re not just reserved for the ladies. Box braids for men have always been popular, and are becoming increasingly trendy with influencers, celebrities and everyday men alike. So we’re sharing 10 of our favorite ways for men to rock box braids for a striking look.

What Are Box Braids?

ICYMI, let’s do a quick refresher about this gorgeous style. Not to be mistaken with two strand twists or faux locs, box braids have a unique look that comes from a unique process. Box braids are loose hanging plaits, or braids, typically parted at the roots in small boxes (hence the name — although, they can be parted several ways) and woven through the length to the tip. They’re amongst the most popular protective hairstyles because they’re beautiful, versatile and can last for several weeks, alleviating the need to style your hair daily. 

Box Braids Hairstyles for Men

You’d be hard pressed to scroll through your social media feeds and not come across an influencer or celebrity sporting box braids — including your favorite men influencers. Here, ten chic and cool box braids hairstyles for men that we absolutely love.

1. Short Box Braids

Perhaps seen on your favorite rapper or ‘90s movie character, short box braids have been the ultimate go-to for men who love loose braids. Whether you wear them down around your face or up like a high-volume hairdo, they’re fitting for any occasion. 

2. Box Braids With a Fade

If you’re already rocking a fade with length at the top and want to add some flair to your hair, box braids are a great way to do this. Grab some hair gel, like the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle LOCK IT Clean Style Gel, to keep your roots sleek and to give your braids some hold. Then weave away, making your braids as large or small as your heart desires.

3. Zigzag Part Box Braids

Although the name of the style comes from the unique boxy parts that are used to separate the braids, box braids have evolved. Using zigzag parts for the base of your braids gives the style extra interest as it draws the eye to these fun and funky shapes.

4. Triangle Box Braids

Similar to zigzag parts, triangle box braids are all about how you start the style at the roots. While it can affect how the braids lay down (they can frame your face or scatter in all directions on your head), it’s more about creating interest and dimension in your style. Try box braids with triangle parts and add some small beads at the ends of the length to up the ante even more.

5. Waist-Length Box Braids

Who says ultra-long hair is only for the ladies? For the guys who want to sport the trend, waist-length box braids are an easy and quick way to do it — no long hair growth journey needed. Go see a professional braider to execute the style since you want to ensure that the amount of braiding hair added to your roots is proportionate to the part. Adding excessive amounts of hair to a too small part can create unwanted tension to your hair and possibly lead to breakage and hair loss if done often.

6. Double-Stitch Box Braids

Micro-braids braided into larger box braids bring dimension to the parts and the plaits — that’s what you get with double-stitch box braids. This style may take a little longer to do as the roots must be woven into tiny braids first, then woven into the larger braids. But the result is so breathtaking it’s worth the hours in the chair (bring a pillow and a podcast!). You may want to build some extra time into your travels as you’ll constantly be stopped on the street by strangers wanting to know where you got your hair braided!

7. Jumbo Knotless Box Braids

Knotless box braids has easily become one of the most popular box braids styles out right now. Using the feed-in braid technique, it lets you sport box braids sans the little knot that confirms that you have braiding hair added to your roots. Opting for a jumbo version of the style cuts down on execution and take down time. 

8. Box Braids With A Puff Top

If you’re well on your hair growth journey and keen on wearing the über-trendy high puff, throw in some box braids at the roots to give the style more panache. Since your ends are left out to create an Afro puff, you only have to braid a few inches into your length — making it a quick and easy style to do. Use the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Curls Non-Stop Dreamy Curls Leave-In Conditioner to moisturize your curls as you create your braids and puff. Then give your strands a spritz with the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Curls Refresh & Reshape Leave-In Spray to give your curls a boost of bounce and shape once your style is a few days in.

9. Box Braids Bob

For the guys out there that want a box braids style that will frame the face, the braided bob is for you. It combines two super on-trend hairstyles for the ultimate braids must-have. The bonus: It can be done on long hair, short hair or medium length hair of any texture, in any size. How’s that for versatility?!

10. Box Braids With Color

One of the easiest ways to upgrade any hairstyle is to add a pop of color to it — and the same goes for box braids. You can do box braids with color using pre-dyed braiding hair or grab a temporary hair color, like the L’Oréal Paris Colorista Hair Makeup Temporary 1-Day Hair Color Spray. This wash out hair color lets you play with lots of different hues without commitment. So you can keep a natural hue most days of the week and have some hair color fun on the weekends.  

How Long Do Box Braids for Men Last?

Box braids for men are just like box braids for everyone else. How long you can keep your box braids in will depend on several factors. Generally, after about six to eight weeks you’ll want to take them down and give your hair a wash and deep conditioning.  

Next: The Ultimate Guide to Hair Color For Men

Written by: Shalwah Evans, Photo Credit: iStock