Box Braids Or Bust: My Latest Hair Adventure

Hey all!

Things have been super crazy lately, including apartment hunting in NYC (!!!), but I'm super excited to continue sharing my journey with y'all! Although I've since taken  these bad boys out,  I still wanted to blog a little bit about my experience with having box braids this summer. Being half African American and living in Brooklyn, I really wanted to get back to my native roots and partake in the local culture while trying to keep cool this summer. And boy has it been a hot one in the city!

Box braids are by no means a new trend, but it was fun for me to be able to try something new with my hair. They are traditionally used as a protective style during the warmer months, and it was so amazing not having to deal with my hair in the humidity and having it instantly styled when I woke up each day. I also had lots of fun experimenting with different styles, wearing it up and down (and even braiding it some more!) as I went from work to the beach to drinks and beyond. It only took two hours from start to finish to have my hair braided at a local salon, which was a lot less than I was expecting. 

Overall I was only able to keep my braids in for two weeks due to some important events, but they would have lasted much, much longer, and I would definitely get them again. If you're considering having them done just know that you can't (and don't need to!) wash your hair very often while they're in, but that's part of the magic of it! I washed my braids once a week and used dry shampoo and styling cream throughout the days that followed to keep them looking neat. However, everyone's hair type is different and it's important to keep in mind whether you'll be using only your real hair like I did, or whether you'll be adding in extensions. 

Have you tried box braids, or are you thinking of getting them done? Let me know in the comments below and tell me what ya think!

xoxo,
​Lara