18 Short Box Braids Styles To Try Right Now (2024)

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Add a Touch of Color

Amandla Stenberg knows how to make any look their own. Follow their lead and add a hint of color around your face to brighten up your beautiful brown skin.

Keep It Simple and Shoulder-Length

I'm a sucker for a bob, especially a braided one. You get a classic shape with a protective style staple.

Layer to Add Dimension

Going for a chunky box braid is likely easier with a shoulder-length style. To add dimension, have your stylist layer your braids, as Emani Marie did here.

Bring on the Nostalgia

This look is giving me all the nostalgic feels. Someone might think rocking two ponytails is child's play, but I beg to differ.

Add Heat to Your Ends (Carefully)

A blunt bob is one of the most jaw-dropping ways to rock short box braids. This style is so well done, and the ends give this style crisp, clean lines.

Go for the Gold

If you're trying shoulder-length box braids for the first time and you want to add some pizzazz, pick up some gold string from a craft or beauty supply store. I like to make sure my string has a little spring because it makes it secure and a little easier to work with.

Blonde and Bronde Box Braids

Before you commit to a new hair color or cut, box braids can help you test it without the commitment of chopping your hair—or the possible damage that comes with lightening your coils.

Pop Those Braids into a Pony

Having shorter braids doesn't mean you have to forgo wearing your hair in a ponytail. To keep the stress off of your edges, try using a Snapee or silk scrunchie to secure your braids.

Take on New Parts

If you've ever Googled "box braid styles," Kersti Pitre's photos always pop up. This self-taught braider is continually trying out new looks. Her red hair and triangle parting are both worth experimenting with at your next appointment.

Play with as Many Colors as You Please

Where do I start with these colorful, chunky braids? From the color and cut to the white string accents, I can't get enough of these.

Go Blonde or Go Home

Going chunky seems to be a trend among those who opt for shorter braids. A middle part with a neck-length style helps frame the face.

Shine Bright Like the Sun

Orange is one of my all-time favorite colors to wear on my brown skin, but I never thought to wear the hue in my hair until now. A simple, blunt bob length allows the bright hue to truly shine.

Monochromatic is Always a Good Idea

I get to wear hats when my natural hair is running wild and free. Adding a hat to this stunning beaded look is giving me accessory envy.

Go Natural

Wearing box braids doesn't always mean you have to add extensions. This beauty opted to use the box braid technique with her natural hair.

Play Up Your Skin Tone and Features

This fiery red braided bob is a stunning example of how to personalize your hair color and cut to complement your face shape and skin tone.

Bring On the Salt and Pepper

As a young woman who already has a head full of gray hair, I may have to give this salt-and-pepper look a try.

Pay Homage to the '90s

I couldn't write this story without paying homage to one of the first women I remember seeing on television wearing braided styles week after week.

Embellish Those Braids

These two-toned, jeweled box braids scream, "Yaassss, Queen." This is a pretty intricate look to recreate, but with the right stylist or creative eye, you'll be wearing this look in no time.