Generally, you will need between 5 and 7 – 3x packs of hair. The specific number of 3x packs you will need may also depend on factors like style, length, and head size. It’s recommended to consider the desired length and thickness of the style when determining the amount of hair needed.This is an amazing article On How Long Do Box Braids Last For Guys: Guys Talk Check it out for all of the details.
What Type of Hair Should You Buy?
Before we get into how much hair you’ll need for box braids, let’s start by answering the question of what type of hair to buy. The market is filled with numerous braiding hair brands, but some brands stand out above the rest for box braids. Here are a few recommendations:
- Yeluchi By Un-ruly: This brand offers pre-bundled, hypoallergenic, and client-tested braiding hair. It takes the guesswork out of shopping for hair by allowing you to buy all the hair you need for your favorite braided styles in one easy click.
- X-pression by Outre: Their pre-stretched braiding hair is a great time-saver and has a softer quality than cheaper kanekalon fibers.
- EZ Braid Professional: The only brand on the market made with patented Spectra fiber, which is itch-free and won’t cause scalp irritation.
- Bobbi Boss’ KING Collection: A line of synthetic hair that’s already curly or wavy, perfect for achieving the trendy Goddess Boho Box Braids.
- FreeTress: A great line of pre-curled and braided, pre-looped crochet hair.
- Boho Locs: A natural-looking line of goddess locs.
- Janet Collection: Great for pre-braided locs, braids, Mambo twists, and human braiding hair.
- African Collection: Known for their pre-curled crochet hair.
Now that you know the best brands to consider, let’s move on to determining how much hair you’ll need for your box braids.
Factors to Consider When Buying Hair
When buying hair for box braids, it’s important to consider a few factors that can affect the amount of hair you’ll need. These factors include:
1. Hair Texture: Are you relaxed or natural? The texture of your hair can impact how much braiding hair you’ll need to achieve your desired style.
2. Hair Density: Is your hair thick or thin? The density of your hair can also influence the amount of braiding hair needed to create full and voluminous box braids.
3. Hair Length: How much hair do you have? If you have shaved sides or a shorter length, you may need less braiding hair compared to someone with longer hair.
Once you’ve considered these factors, you can move on to determining how much hair to buy for your box braids.
How Much Hair Do You Need for Box Braids?
Box braids come in various lengths and widths, so the amount of hair needed can vary depending on your desired style. To help you out, we’ve broken down the recommended quantities for different lengths and widths of box braids. Keep in mind that these are general guidelines, and you may need to adjust based on your personal preferences and the thickness you desire.
Medium Width Box Braids
Medium width box braids are a popular choice for a sleek and stylish look. Here’s how much hair you’ll need for different lengths of medium width box braids:
- Shoulder Length (12, 14, or 16 inches): 4-6 single packs of pre-stretched braiding hair or one multi-pack that contains 6 bundles.
- Mid-Back Length (24-28 inches): 4-6 single packs of pre-stretched braiding hair or one multi-pack that contains 6 bundles.
- Hip-Butt Length (36-48 inches): 4-6 single packs of pre-stretched braiding hair or one multi-pack that contains 6 bundles.
Jumbo Width Box Braids
Jumbo width box braids are a bold and statement-making style. Here’s how much hair you’ll need for different lengths of jumbo width box braids:
- Shoulder Length (12, 14, or 16 inches): 5-7 single packs of pre-stretched braiding hair or one multi-pack that contains 8 bundles.
- Mid-Back Length (24-28 inches): 5-7 single packs of pre-stretched braiding hair or one multi-pack that contains 8 bundles.
- Hip-Butt Length (36-48 inches): 5-7 single packs of pre-stretched braiding hair or one multi-pack that contains 8 bundles.
Keep in mind that the fuller you want your braids to be, the more hair you’ll need. However, adding more hair can also add weight and tension to your strands, so it’s important to find a balance that works for you.
Achieving the Zoe Kravitz Box Braids
If you’re interested in achieving the trendy Zoe Kravitz Box Braids, which feature wavy ends, you can use curly or wavy human hair bundles. Here are a few options to consider:
- Shake-N-Go 100% Virgin Human Bulk: This hair can be braided down to a certain point, leaving the ends loose.
- Bobbi Boss King Body Wave braiding hair: This synthetic braiding hair is already curled and can be used to achieve wavy ends.
- X-pression by Outre or The Yeluchi line: These pre-stretched synthetic braiding hair options can be curled with perm rods or flexi rods and set with hot water to achieve wavy ends.
Remember, the fuller you want your braids, the more hair you’ll use. Just keep in mind that adding more hair can also increase the weight and tension on your strands.
Additional Tips for Maintaining Your Box Braids
Now that you know how much hair you’ll need for box braids, it’s important to take care of your braids to ensure they last and stay looking fresh. Here are a few tips for maintaining your box braids:
- Keep the hair under your protective hairstyles fresh: Use products specifically designed for maintaining the hair under protective styles, such as Girl+Hair’s complete under hair care system or Dark & Lovely’s Protective Styles Collection.
- Give your hair a break from protective styles: It’s important to give your hair a break from time to time. Opt for natural hairstyles like a twist out during your time off from box braids.
- Avoid scalp irritation from synthetic hair: If you’re using synthetic braiding hair, rinse it with apple cider vinegar before installation to help prevent scalp irritation. Alternatively, you can choose brands like The Yeluchi line of hair or EZ Braid Professional, which are made with patented fibers that are itch-free and antibacterial.
- Hydrate your braids: Keep your braids healthy and hydrated by using a lightweight leave-in conditioner like Jane Carter Solutions revitalizing leave-in conditioner. This will help prevent dryness and keep your braids looking shiny and fresh.
- Protect your braids at night: Wrap your head and the ends of your braids at night to prevent them from getting fuzzy. Use a satin-lined bonnet or turban for ultimate protection.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your box braids stay looking fabulous for as long as possible.
In conclusion, figuring out how much hair to buy for box braids doesn’t have to be a pain. By considering factors like your hair texture, density, and length, you can determine the right amount of hair needed. Whether you opt for medium width or jumbo width box braids, there are recommended quantities for different lengths to help guide your purchase. Remember to choose high-quality brands like Yeluchi By Un-ruly, X-pression by Outre, or EZ Braid Professional for the best results. And don’t forget to take care of your braids to ensure they last and stay looking fresh. With these tips in mind, you’ll be rocking stunning box braids in no time!
So go ahead, embrace your unique style, and enjoy the beauty and versatility of box braids!
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