How to Do Boxer Braids

A simple guide to getting that perfect boxer braid look all by yourself

Co-authored by Amber Rose

Last Updated: March 20, 2022

Boxer braids are two Dutch braids or Reverse French braids. They are both stylish and chic, and easy once you get the hang of them. You can even style them in different ways to suit the occasion. Regular boxer braids are great for working out, but a boxer braid updo or bun would be perfect for a romantic date or a fun night out with your friends!

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Doing Basic Boxer Braids

1
Brush and part your hair down the center. Comb your hair to remove any knots or tangles. Next, part your hair down the center. Drape the left side over your left shoulder, and the right side over your right shoulder.^{[1]
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- Use the handle of a rat-tail comb to create a neat, even part.
- Choose a side to start with, then clip the other one out of the way.
2
Gather three sections from your hairline. Gather three thin sections from your hairline, like beginning a regular French or Dutch braid. Each section should be no thicker than ½ inch (1.27 centimeters).^{[2]
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- Make sure that the sections are pointing towards the back of your head and not the floor.
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3
Cross the left and right strands under the middle one. This is just like Dutch braiding or Reverse French braiding. Instead of crossing the strands over the middle one, you'll be crossing them under. This is very important. If you don't do this, then the boxer braids will end up too flat.
4
Add a thin strand of hair to the left section. Gather a thin strand of hair from your hair line or part (depending on which side you started on). Make sure that the strand is no thicker than ½ to ¾ inch (1.27 to 1.91 centimeters). Add the strand to the left section.^{[3]
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5
Cross the left section under the middle one. Give the left and middle sections a gentle tug to make them as tight as comfortable. Smooth down any stray hairs with your fingers.
- Be careful not to put too much tension on your scalp since it could cause bald spots later on.^{[4]
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  Expert Source
  
  Amber Rose
  Licensed Cosmetologist
  Expert Interview. 13 April 2021.}
6
Add some hair to the right section, then cross it under the middle one. Gather a ½ to ¾-inch (1.27 to 1.91-centimeter) thick strand from your hairline/part. Add it to the right section, and cross it under the middle one.
7
Dutch-braid towards the nape of your neck. Continue gathering thin strands of hair from your hairline/part and adding them to the left and right sections. Cross the left and right sections under the middle one. Try to keep the braid between your ear and center part, and angle it towards the center of your nape.
- The tighter you braid, the better. Don't worry, you can loosen the braids up at the end.
8
Finish off with a regular braid. Once you reach the nape of your neck, you will run out of hair to gather into your left and right sections. Instead, continue doing a regular braid. Remember to cross the left and right sections under the middle one. Stop braiding when you have about 1 to 2 inches (2.54 to 5.08 centimeters) of hair left.^{[5]
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9
Tie the braid off with a clear elastic. If you have very dark hair, you can use a black elastic instead. You can also use a colored elastic for something more fun.
10
Do the second braid to finish the look. Use the same technique as before. This time, begin by crossing the right strand under the middle one. Continue adding thin sections of hair to each strand when crossing it over. When you reach the nape of your neck, finish off with a regular braid.^{[6]
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11
Set the style with hairspray. For a boho-chic look, gently tug on the outer loops of your braid to loosen them. If you want to, you can also muss up the hair at your temples. Set the style with a light misting of hairspray.^{[7]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Adding to the Style

1
Do a unique twist on the milkmaid style. Begin with completed boxer braids. Grab the two braids and cross them behind your head. Pull the left braid towards your right temple and pin it against the existing braid. Pull the right braid towards your left temple, and pin it in place as well.^{[8]
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- Use bobby pins that match your hair color.
- You can cross the tails across the top of your head, or tuck them into the space between the two braids.
2
Merge the braids into one. Do a set of regular boxer braids, but stop when you reach the nape of your neck. Gather your hair together into a low ponytail. Split it into three sections, then continue with a regular braid. Secure the braid with a hair tie.^{[9]
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- Clip your first boxer braid out of the way when you reach the nape of your neck.
- You can also just gather your hair into a loose ponytail and forgo doing a regular braid.
3
Coil the boxer braids into a bun. Do a set of boxer braids as usual, but stop braiding when you reach the nape of your neck. Gather your hair into a low ponytail and tie it off with a hair tie. Twist your hair into a rope, then coil it into a bun. Secure it with another hair tie.^{[10]
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4
Try a braided bun instead. Start with completed boxer braids. Gather them together and secure them with a hair tie. Twist them into a rope, then coil the rope into a thick bun at the nape of your neck. Tuck the tail under the bun, then secure it with bobby pins.
5
Twist the braids into two mini braided buns. Have two boxer braids completed. Twist each one into a mini bun at the nape of your neck. Tuck the tails underneath the buns, then secure them with bobby pins.
6
Do a boxer braid ponytail. Begin doing your boxer braids as usual, but stop when you reach the back of your head, just behind your ears. Gather all of your hair into a ponytail, and secure it with a hair tie.^{[11]
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- Secure the first braid with a clip while you work on the second one. Remember to remove the clip before pulling your hair into a ponytail!
7
Try a half-up, half-down style. Dutch braid only towards the back of your crown. Secure the braids with bobby pins, then let the rest of your hair hang loose. For a more romantic look, use a curling rod to add gentle, loose curls to your hair.

Community Q&A

Question

What is another style I can do for long hair?

Community Answer

You can try a braided crown. If you don't know how, check Zoe's (Zoellas) channel for an awesome tutorial.
Question

Are these also called cornrows?

Community Answer

No, cornrows are a completely different kind of braid. You can look them up online to determine what the differences are.
Question

Are there any easy braids? The boxer braids are hard, the French lace braid isn't easy, and I don't have all day to do this.

Community Answer

Boxer braids are the easiest stylish braids I know. It gets easier the more you practice. Side fishtail braids are also cute and easy once you get the hang of it. It takes time to finish, but doesn't have to take all day if you divide your hair into bigger sections. You don't have to do the braid from the top of your head if that's too difficult for you, and the braids look more stylish when necessary.