Box braids last for weeks, and updos are what keep them feeling new. Because each braid acts like a thick, flexible strand, you can twist, knot and wrap them into shapes that would be hard with loose hair. This gallery collects twenty options: quick fixes such as a half top knot, a simple ponytail and pigtail buns; polished shapes like a swirl bun, a crown braid in silver and a twisted croissant across the forehead; and statement looks including a braided pompadour, a faux hawk with cornrowed sides and a row of three buns.
Length and thickness determine what is possible. Shoulder-length braids suit half-ups and small buns, while waist-length braids can form a huge top knot or pompadour. Very jumbo braids are heavy when gathered, so higher styles may feel tight. Coloured braids, from candy pink and yellow to electric blue and silver blonde, make even the simplest updo look intentional.
One practical note: fresh installs are often stiff and tight at the roots, so save high, pulled styles for a week or two after braiding.
1. Box Braids Half Top Knot
A half top knot takes seconds and looks especially full on big braids. Section the top braids from temple to temple, twist them into a bun at the crown and fasten it with one sturdy ponytail holder, leaving the remaining braids loose.
Inspiration: @Instagram
2. Pulled Back Box Braids with Beads
Not every braided updo needs to be high or complex. Front braids are drawn back and tied loosely or plaited into one big braid, while the lower braids are swept over one shoulder, an easy look for medium-length braids decorated with beads.
Inspiration: @Instagram
3. High Bun Updo
A bulky high bun shows off beads that peek out randomly between braids. Flip your head forward, gather everything at the crown and twist it into one large rope, adding a small elastic at the ends to make wrapping easier, then clip the bun securely.
Inspiration: @Instagram
4. Silver Crown Updo
Silver braids are woven into a crown that wraps around the head. Begin near one ear and French braid along the hairline, picking up new sections as you circle around, then tuck the end away. A quicker alternative is to plait one braid and pin it around your head.
Inspiration: @Instagram
5. Box Braids Pigtail Twists
For a soft, romantic low updo, part the braids precisely down the centre and form two thick plaits, styling the front neatly. Halt each braid halfway down, then loop the ends up and thread them through to create two twisted pigtails.
Inspiration: @Instagram
6. Box Braids in Twisted Crown
Colourful, highlighted braids look striking in a side twist. Simply twist the top section together and drape it along one side of the head, securing it with pins tucked behind the ear for an elegant asymmetrical crown.
Inspiration: @Instagram
7. Triple Buns Updo
Three equally sized buns in a row form a mohawk-style updo. The braids need to have loosened a bit before you try this, as brand-new braids may feel too tight. Careful, even parting is the secret to balanced buns.
Inspiration: @Instagram
8. Box Braids Fantasy Side Braid
Silver blonde braids turn a basic side twist into a fantasy look inspired by Game of Thrones. White or grey braids are an ideal backdrop for accessories, so try weaving hair chains or metallic cuffs through the twist.
Inspiration: @Instagram
9. Candy Colored Updo
Candy pink and yellow braids are made for anyone who loves colour, festival or no festival. Pulled into a high, slightly imperfect side ponytail, they create a carefree, playful style perfect for parties. Wrap one braid around the base to hide the tie.
Inspiration: @magavilhas
10. Box Braids Pompadour
Long braids can be shaped into a retro pompadour. Gather all the braids and plait them in reverse, from back to front, then fold the braid over and clip the end underneath so it stays hidden. It adds personality to almost any outfit.
Inspiration: @Instagram
11. Elegant Swirl Updo
To get the elegant swirl, avoid putting everything in one bun. Make a bun with the upper half of the braids, leave the lower half down, and then wrap those remaining braids around the bun before pinning them in place.
Inspiration: @Instagram
12. Vibrant Box Braids Top Knot
A purple-to-fuchsia ombre needs little styling to stand out. Pull the braids into a high ponytail, separate it into sections and braid each one, then wrap the braided sections around each other to create a giant top knot.
Inspiration: @Instagram
13. Nineties Style Crown Updo
Small buns along the hairline form a playful nineties-style crown. It is a quick way to get ready for a concert or night out, but the look is easy enough for everyday wear too. Keep the buns evenly spaced for a balanced finish.
Inspiration: @Instagram
14. Box Braids Faux Hawk
A half-up French braid made from the top braids pops up in the centre, creating a faux hawk effect while the rest of the long braids flow down. It combines height and visual interest with the beauty of loose, long braids.
Inspiration: @Instagram
15. Box Braids Easy Pony
When time is short, a simple ponytail does the job. It shows off facial features, keeps braids out of the way and works with any braid length. Tie it at the crown for a lift or at the nape for a softer, more relaxed look.
Inspiration: @Instagram
16. Twisted Croissant Updo
The croissant is a favourite updo among box braid wearers, and here it is styled as a loose twist that loops across the forehead. Pin the ends at the sides for a soft, framed look that works for both casual and dressy occasions.
Inspiration: @Instagram
17. Box Braids Pigtail Buns
Pigtail buns give a confident, playful attitude. Part the braids down the middle, wrap the top section on each side into a bun and secure with one or two ponytail holders, leaving the lower braids long to flip around.
Inspiration: @Instagram
18. Half Up Corn Rows and Box Braids
Cornrows on the sides of the head combined with box braids on top produce a bold half-up faux hawk. Ask your braider for this layout at your next appointment if you want a wilder, more distinctive style.
Inspiration: @Instagram
19. Electric Blue Pompadour Updo
Electric blue braids look fantastic in a twisted pompadour. Create the twist at the front, then sweep the side braids over and back. It takes some strategic parting and practice to find the arrangement that suits your braids best.
Inspiration: @Instagram
20. Box Braids Waterfall Bun
A waterfall bun looks complicated but is simple: clip up the ends of the braids while letting the middle lengths drape loosely. Combined with side undercuts, the result shows off both the shaved design and the braids.
Inspiration: @Instagram
Keeping braided updos comfortable
- Wait until the braids loosen slightly before attempting high buns or mohawks; pulling fresh braids upward can cause soreness and stress the edges.
- Use large fabric scrunchies, coil ties or braid cuffs instead of thin rubber bands that snag.
- Distribute weight: a half-up style or low bun is kinder to the scalp than gathering every braid at the crown.
- Take the updo down before bed and sleep with braids loose under a satin bonnet.
Accessories that work with box braids
Box braids grip accessories well, which makes them ideal for experimenting. Metal cuffs and wooden beads add weight and sparkle along individual braids; hair chains drape beautifully over crown and side styles; and silk scarves can be wrapped around a bun or tied as a headband. Bobby pins disappear more easily if you slide them through the braid rather than over it. For buns, U-shaped pins hold better than regular pins.