Introduce
Boxer braids are a trendy and versatile hairstyle that’s perfect for short hair. With their sleek and sporty look, they offer a stylish way to keep your hair out of your face while adding a touch of flair to your everyday style. In this tutorial, we’ll guide you through the steps to achieve perfect Boxer braids for short hair, from preparation to finishing touches. Whether you’re heading to the gym or a night out, mastering this hairstyle will give you a chic and effortless look that’s sure to turn heads.
Introduction to Boxer Braids:
Boxer braids, also known as Dutch braids or double French braids, have surged in popularity in recent years, becoming a go-to hairstyle for many. Originating from African and African-American culture, they were traditionally worn by boxers to keep their hair neat and out of their face during matches, hence the name “boxer braids.“
These braids are characterized by their sleek appearance and the way they sit close to the scalp, making them a practical choice for active lifestyles. What’s great about boxer braids is their versatility—they can be worn casually for everyday activities or dressed up for more formal occasions.
One of the reasons boxer braids have gained widespread appeal is their adaptability to different hair lengths and textures. While they are often associated with long hair, they can also be styled on short hair with a few modifications to the technique.
Boxer braids offer more than just a stylish look; they also provide several practical benefits. By braiding the hair close to the scalp, they help distribute tension evenly, reducing strain on individual strands and minimizing breakage. Additionally, boxer braids can help protect the hair from environmental factors such as wind and humidity, making them a great option for all seasons.
Preparing Your Short Hair for Braiding:
Before diving into the braiding process, it’s essential to prepare your short hair to ensure optimal results. Proper preparation will not only make the braiding process easier but also help your boxer braids look sleek and polished.
Washing and Conditioning:
Start by washing your hair with a gentle shampoo and conditioner suitable for your hair type. Clean hair is easier to work with and holds braids better. Be sure to rinse thoroughly to remove any product residue that could affect the braid’s hold.
Detangling and Ensuring Hair is Dry:
Once you’ve washed your hair, gently detangle it using a wide-tooth comb or a brush designed for wet hair. Removing knots and tangles will make the braiding process smoother and prevent breakage. Allow your hair to air dry completely or use a blow dryer on a low heat setting. Avoid braiding wet hair, as it can lead to frizz and weaken the braid’s hold.
Using Hair Products for Hold and Texture:
To help your boxer braids stay in place and maintain their shape throughout the day, apply a styling product with hold, such as a lightweight gel or mousse. This will provide grip and control, making it easier to braid short hair. If your hair tends to be slippery or fine, you may also benefit from using a texturizing spray or dry shampoo to add grip and volume.
Sectioning Your Hair:
Before you begin braiding, divide your hair into two equal sections using a tail comb or your fingers. Create a clean part down the center of your head, starting from your forehead and ending at the nape of your neck. Use clips or hair ties to secure each section, keeping them separate as you work.
Sectioning Your Hair:
Sectioning your hair properly is crucial for creating neat and symmetrical boxer braids, especially on short hair. This step ensures that each braid is uniform in size and placement, resulting in a polished final look. Follow these steps to divide your hair into two sections effectively.
Divide Hair Equally:
Start by creating a clean, straight part down the center of your head, from your forehead to the nape of your neck. Use the end of a tail comb or your fingers to make the part as straight as possible. This will divide your hair into two equal sections, with one on each side of your head.
Secure Each Section:
Once you’ve divided your hair, use hair clips or elastic bands to secure each section, keeping them separate as you work. This will prevent the hair from becoming tangled or getting in the way while you braid. If your hair is particularly short or fine, you may find it helpful to use smaller clips or hair ties to keep the sections in place securely.
Create Clean Partings:
To ensure a neat and professional-looking finish, take care to create clean partings when sectioning your hair. Use the tail of a comb or your fingers to make straight partings along the sides of your head, separating the hair into smaller subsections if necessary. This will help you maintain control and precision as you braid each section.
Adjust for Short Hair Lengths:
If you have shorter hair, you may need to make adjustments to the size and placement of your sections to accommodate your hair length. Aim to create smaller, more compact sections that are easier to braid and blend seamlessly into the rest of your hair. You can also experiment with different parting angles and placements to find the most flattering look for your hair length and face shape.
Braiding Technique for Short Hair:
Braiding short hair requires a slightly different approach than braiding longer hair, but with the right technique, you can achieve beautiful and well-defined boxer braids. Follow these step-by-step instructions to master the braiding process.
Step 1: Start at the Front:
Begin by selecting a small section of hair at the front of one of the sections you’ve divided. This will be the starting point for your braid. Divide this section into three equal strands, holding one in each hand and the middle one between your thumb and forefinger.
Step 2: Dutch Braiding Technique:
To create a Dutch braid, also known as an inverted French braid, cross the right strand under the middle strand, then cross the left strand under the middle strand. This is the basic braiding pattern for a Dutch braid. As you continue braiding, add small sections of hair from the sides of your head into the outer strands before crossing them under the middle strand.
Step 3: Incorporate Small Sections:
As you braid, continue adding small sections of hair from the sides of your head into the outer strands before crossing them under the middle strand. This will gradually incorporate all of the hair from each section into the braid, creating a sleek and uniform look.
Step 4: Braid Towards the Back:
Continue braiding in this manner, working your way towards the back of your head. Keep the braid tight and close to the scalp to prevent it from coming loose. If you have layers or shorter pieces of hair that are difficult to incorporate into the braid, you can use bobby pins to secure them in place before braiding over them.
Step 5: Secure with an Elastic:
Once you’ve reached the nape of your neck, continue braiding the remaining hair in a regular three-strand braid until you reach the ends. Secure the end of the braid with a small elastic band or hair tie to keep it in place.
Step 6: Repeat on the Other Side:
Repeat the braiding process on the other side of your head, starting at the front and working towards the back. Try to mirror the size and placement of the braids on each side to ensure a balanced and symmetrical look.
Adding Extensions (Optional):
While boxer braids can look stunning on short hair, some individuals may desire extra length or volume to achieve their desired look. Adding extensions is an optional step that can help enhance the appearance of your boxer braids, especially if you’re aiming for a longer or fuller style. Here’s how to incorporate extensions into your boxer braids :
- Selecting the Right Extensions:
Choose extensions that closely match your natural hair color and texture for a seamless blend.
Opt for clip-in or tape-in extensions, as they are easy to apply and remove, and won’t damage your hair. - Preparing the Extensions:
If using clip-in extensions, prepare them by brushing and styling them to match the texture of your natural hair.
For tape-in extensions, ensure they are clean and free of any residue before application. - Sectioning the Hair:
Divide your hair into two equal sections as you would for regular boxer braids.
Clip or tie back any excess hair to keep it out of the way while you work with the extensions. - Applying the Extensions:
Start by attaching the extensions to the roots of your hair along the parting line using the clips or adhesive tape.
Gradually work your way down the length of each section, adding extensions as needed to achieve your desired length and volume.
Ensure the extensions are securely attached and blend seamlessly with your natural hair. - Braiding with Extensions:
Once the extensions are in place, proceed with braiding each section of hair as usual, incorporating the extension hair into the braids.
Be mindful of the added length and volume provided by the extensions, and adjust your braiding technique accordingly to maintain a consistent and balanced look. - Securing the Braids:
Once both sections of hair are braided, secure the ends with elastic bands or hair ties to keep the braids in place.
Gently tug on the sides of the braids to loosen them slightly and create a more relaxed and effortless look. - Styling and Blending:
Use your fingers or a comb to gently blend the natural hair with the extensions, ensuring a seamless transition between the two.
Style the braids as desired, whether it’s leaving them sleek and straight or adding waves or curls for added texture.
Conclusion
In conclusion, mastering the art of creating boxer braids for short hair opens up a world of stylish possibilities. From the practicality of keeping hair out of your face to the versatility of styling options, boxer braids offer a chic and fashionable solution for individuals with shorter hair lengths. By following the step-by-step instructions provided in this tutorial, along with helpful tips and styling ideas, you can confidently achieve flawless boxer braids that complement your unique style and personality.
Whether you’re rocking a sleek and polished look or embracing a more textured and relaxed vibe, boxer braids allow you to express yourself creatively while maintaining a practical and put-together appearance. So, grab your comb and hair ties, and embark on a braiding journey that’s sure to leave you feeling empowered and stylish every step of the way. Boxer braids for short hair are indeed a versatile and trendy hairstyle option that can elevate your look effortlessly.read more
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):
- Can I still create boxer braids if my hair is very short?
Yes, you can still create boxer braids on very short hair, but you may need to adjust the technique slightly. Start with smaller sections of hair and braid them tightly to the scalp for a neat and polished look. - Will boxer braids work for different hair textures?
Absolutely! Boxer braids can be styled on a variety of hair textures, including straight, wavy, curly, and kinky hair. Just be sure to use appropriate styling products and techniques to ensure the braids stay in place and look their best. - How long does it take to braid short hair into boxer braids?
The time it takes to braid short hair into boxer braids can vary depending on factors such as hair thickness, braiding experience, and desired intricacy of the style. On average, it may take anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes to complete the braiding process. - Can I sleep with boxer braids in my short hair?
Yes, you can sleep with boxer braids in your short hair. To preserve the braids overnight, consider wrapping them in a silk scarf or sleeping on a silk pillowcase to minimize friction and prevent frizz. In the morning, you may need to touch up the braids slightly to refresh the style. - How long will boxer braids last in short hair?
The longevity of boxer braids in short hair can vary depending on factors such as hair texture, activity level, and maintenance routine. With proper care and maintenance, boxer braids can last anywhere from a few days to a week or more before needing to be redone. - Can I wash my hair with boxer braids in?
Yes, you can wash your hair with boxer braids in, but it’s important to be gentle to avoid disrupting the braids. Use a sulfate-free shampoo and focus on cleansing the scalp while avoiding excessive manipulation of the braids. Follow up with a lightweight conditioner, being careful to rinse thoroughly to prevent product buildup. - Will boxer braids cause damage to my short hair?
When done correctly and with proper care, boxer braids should not cause damage to short hair. However, it’s essential to avoid braiding the hair too tightly, as this can lead to tension and breakage. Additionally, be mindful of the braids’ placement and avoid pulling or tugging on them excessively
