Adding color to box braids is a playful and expressive way to make your style pop. Here are 17 stunning ideas that showcase a range of hues and techniques, making it easy to find the perfect colorful box braid look that suits your personality.
1. Gypsy Braids with a Blonde Skunk Stripe
This look mixes dark braids with a bold, blonde “skunk stripe,” typically a single section of lighter color that draws attention. It’s a unique, edgy style that breaks up the color for an eye-catching effect, adding a modern twist to traditional gypsy braids.
Styling Tip: To keep the blonde stripe vibrant, use color-safe shampoo on that section, and if you opt for synthetic hair, choose a high-quality brand that retains color well.
2. Dip Dyed Braided Bob
Short, dip-dyed braids are a trendy, manageable style that adds flair without overwhelming length. The ends of each braid are dipped in a contrasting color, creating a bold transition from natural or dark roots to a vivid finish.
Styling Tip: For a sleek look, ask your stylist to keep the color only on the tips, and consider bright colors like pink, blue, or even pastel shades for a softer effect.
3. Small Boho Braids with Color
Small, boho-inspired braids allow for a natural, laid-back vibe while incorporating subtle color. This style is great for those who want a hint of vibrancy without going full-on bold. Consider shades that complement your natural hair, like soft purples, blues, or golds.
Styling Tip: To keep the color fresh, use lightweight oils or leave-in conditioner to maintain the bohemian look without weighing the braids down.
4. Two-Tone Red and Blonde Style
Combining red and blonde into a two-tone style creates a striking look that’s full of energy. This high-contrast color combination brings warmth and depth, especially in thick box braids that allow each color to stand out.
Styling Tip: Keep the red rich by using color protectant sprays, and if opting for synthetic braiding hair, choose shades that blend seamlessly with your natural color for a smooth transition.
5. Pink and Purple Knotless Box Braids
Knotless box braids with pink and purple hues are vibrant and fun, giving a pop of color that’s also gentle on the scalp. The knotless technique reduces tension, making this style as comfortable as it is playful.
Styling Tip: Opt for pastel or neon variations of pink and purple to suit your vibe, and apply mousse to keep the braids looking fresh and frizz-free.
6. Medium Caramel-Brown Boho Braids
For a soft, earthy vibe, caramel-brown braids provide a natural look that still adds a twist of color. This shade blends beautifully with most skin tones and adds a sun-kissed effect, perfect for any season.
Styling Tip: Add shell beads or tiny gold cuffs to accentuate the warm tones, and use a moisturizing braid spray to keep the color looking glossy and rich.
7. Unicorn Chunky Braids
Unicorn braids mix pastel shades like lavender, pink, and teal for a magical, fantasy-inspired look. This style works best with chunky braids to showcase each color, blending them for a dreamy finish.
Styling Tip: Protect pastel colors from fading with UV-protectant products, especially if you’re spending time outdoors. Try knotless braids to lessen the weight of chunky styles and improve comfort.
8. Long Braids with Blonde Streaks
Blonde streaks through long braids bring a sunlit highlight effect that’s both elegant and striking. Perfect for long, waist-length braids, this style offers a lighter look that pairs well with natural or dark root colors.
Styling Tip: Keep streaks subtle for a more classic look, or go for thick, bold sections if you’re after something dramatic. A lightweight oil adds shine without flattening the braids.
9. Braids with Highlights and Beads
This look combines subtle highlights with decorative beads for an artistic, dimensional finish. Choose highlights a few shades lighter than your natural color for a layered effect, and use beads to add unique accents.
Styling Tip: Be selective with bead placement for balance, concentrating them toward the ends or along the middle for best effect. Use color-safe sprays to maintain the highlighted sections.
10. Heart Part Braids with a Hint of Color
Heart-parted braids with a hint of color offer a playful and romantic touch. This style involves parting the hair into heart shapes, adding just a splash of color to make it extra special.
Styling Tip: Consider pink, red, or any color that contrasts well with your natural hue. To preserve the design, use a silk wrap when sleeping to prevent frizz.
11. Rainbow Top Knot Style
Rainbow box braids styled into a top knot add a burst of color with a high, stylish bun. This look is energetic and bold, combining a range of colors from root to tip in each braid.
Styling Tip: For a cohesive look, choose either pastel or bright neon colors. To maintain vibrancy, avoid washing frequently, and spritz with a moisturizing spray as needed.
12. Black Braids with Orange Color Underneath
Black braids with hidden orange sections create an edgy look that’s as surprising as it is stylish. This style appears as traditional black braids until the orange sections peek through when styled or moved.
Styling Tip: Concentrate the orange on the underside of your braids for a discreet yet bold effect. Use color-protecting conditioner sparingly to avoid over-moisturizing synthetic colors.
13. Burgundy Red Gypsy Braids
Gypsy braids with a deep burgundy shade add richness and warmth, ideal for those wanting a subtler color that still stands out. The gypsy braid style enhances the volume and texture of the color.
Styling Tip: Keep the burgundy rich by avoiding sun exposure, which can fade red shades. Use a light oil to add a natural sheen and preserve moisture.
14. Small Green Knotless Braids
Small green knotless braids offer a cool and unexpected look, adding just a hint of color without overwhelming the hairstyle. This color can be soft and pastel-like or bold, adding a fresh twist.
Styling Tip: Pair green braids with earth-tone accessories for a cohesive look. Use knotless braiding for a lightweight style, and regularly moisturize to prevent synthetic braids from drying out.
15. Black Braids with Blonde Money Pieces
Blonde money pieces in black braids bring attention to the face and brighten the overall look. The blonde accents create contrast without overtaking the dark base color.
Styling Tip: Consider chunkier blonde sections around the face for more emphasis. Keep the blonde clean and fresh with color-protecting products to prevent brassiness.
16. Long Blue Ombre Braids
Long blue ombre braids create a gradient effect that transitions from natural roots to a cool blue hue at the tips. This is a bold look that’s perfect for making a statement.
Styling Tip: Opt for darker blue near the roots and lighter at the ends for a soft ombre transition. Limit washing to prolong the color and use mousse to keep frizz in check.
17. Fiery-Red Medium-Size Braids
Fiery red braids are vibrant and make a bold, eye-catching statement. This intense red shade works beautifully with medium-sized braids, adding warmth and vibrancy to the look.
Styling Tip: Choose a hue that complements your skin tone, whether it’s a deep auburn or a bright crimson. Protect the color with heatless styling methods to prevent fading.