To do box braids, follow these steps for a beginner-friendly approach:

Preparation

• Start with clean, moisturized hair. Wash, deep condition, detangle, and blow dry your hair to create a smooth base for braiding

• Apply leave-in conditioner or moisturizer to keep your hair hydrated and manageable during the braiding process

Sectioning

• Part your hair into sections. A common method is to divide the hair into a front and back half, then further subdivide into smaller square or rectangular sections ("boxes") that will form each braid

• Use a precision comb to make clean parts and secure sections with hair ties or clips to keep them out of the way

Braiding

• Take one section and divide it into three strands.
• If adding synthetic braiding hair, attach it by combining it with your natural hair strands at the root, ensuring the braid is tight and secure

• Begin braiding by crossing the strands over each other, adding small amounts of synthetic hair as you go to keep the braid even and full

• Continue braiding down the length of the hair, maintaining tension but not too tight to avoid scalp discomfort or damage

• Finish the braid by braiding to the ends and securing if needed.

Tips

• Use edge control or styling gel at the roots to smooth down hair and create neat braids

• Keep your hair moisturized throughout the process to prevent breakage

• Practice different starting methods for box braids, such as traditional three-strand braiding or knotless braids, depending on your preference and skill level

This method can be done at home with patience and practice, and watching detailed video tutorials can help you master the technique