16 Trendy Box Braid Styles for Men You’ll Want Right Now

Box braids aren’t just a hairstyle — they’re a bold expression of culture, confidence, and creativity. While once mostly seen in traditional styles, box braids have now become a mainstream trend for men, offering endless ways to stand out and stay stylish. From neat, short braids to long, dramatic designs with color, there’s a box braid style to fit your personality and hair type.

In this article, we’ll break down 16 popular box braid hairstyles for men, explaining how they look, who they suit, and what makes each style unique.

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Classic Box Braids

This is the go-to look. Classic box braids are medium-sized, evenly sectioned, and fall naturally. They offer a clean, organized look and suit men of all ages and face shapes. They work best on thick, coily, or textured hair. A professional braider parts the hair into square sections and braids each one down. Maintenance is simple: wrap them at night and moisturize regularly.

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Box Braids with Taper Fade

This version combines neat braids on top with a taper fade around the sides and back. The contrast between the clean fade and the detailed braids makes the look sharp and stylish. It suits oval and square faces and medium to thick hair. You’ll need both a barber and a braider for this combo. Keep the fade touched up every few weeks.

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Long Box Braids

These braids extend to the shoulders or beyond, giving a bold and expressive vibe. They work well on longer hair or with extensions. This style fits best on oval or longer face shapes. The braids can hang loose or be tied back. A professional installs them, and regular scalp care is a must to avoid itching or buildup.

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Short Box Braids

Short box braids are chunky and sit above the neck. They’re neat, easy to manage, and still look great. Perfect for round or square faces and men who want something low-maintenance. The braids are done with natural hair or short extensions. Just keep the scalp moisturized and re-braid as needed.

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Box Braids with Undercut

This edgy version leaves the top braided and shaves or fades the sides completely. It creates a bold contrast and sharp shape. Best for men with oval or angular faces and thick hair. A barber does the undercut while a braider handles the top. Clean, modern, and full of attitude.

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Triangle Part Box Braids

Instead of square sections, this style uses triangle-shaped parts to create a geometric look. It’s a small twist that adds visual interest. Works well on medium to long hair and suits most face shapes. It needs a skilled braider who knows how to section cleanly. Daily care is the same — oil your scalp and wrap your hair at night.

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Box Braids with Beads

Want to add personality? Beads or metal cuffs on the ends of your braids add cultural flavor and style. This works on short or long braids. Choose beads that reflect your taste — wooden, gold, or colorful plastic. Best for expressive, bold personalities. Add beads during or after the braiding process. Just make sure they’re secure.

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Half-Up Box Braids

This stylish look pulls the top braids into a bun or ponytail while leaving the rest down. It’s great for showing off both your braids and your face. Works on medium to long braids and all hair types. Tie up the top section loosely and leave the back to flow. Very trendy and easy to switch between styles.

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Blonde Box Braids

Add a bright twist by dying your hair blonde or using blonde extensions. This high-contrast look stands out in any crowd. Works best with medium to long braids. It suits men who love attention and bold fashion. Be careful with color-treated hair — use a color-protecting shampoo and moisturize often to prevent dryness.

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Box Braids into Bun

For a practical and clean style, tie all your braids into a high bun or knot. It keeps hair off your neck and face and looks sharp. Ideal for longer braids and any hair type. Great for gym sessions, formal events, or hot weather. Use a hair tie or band, and don’t pull too tight to avoid stress on your scalp.

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Box Braids with Fade and Design

This combines detailed braids with a skin fade and shaved designs, like lines or curves. It’s a true barber-braider collab. Best for men who want a high-impact, creative look. You’ll need a skilled barber to do the design and a braider to handle the top. Keep the design touched up every 1–2 weeks for sharpness.

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Two-Strand Twist Box Braids

This is a hybrid of twists and box braids. The parting is done in box sections, but the hair is twisted instead of braided. The result is a rope-like, softer look. Works well on natural hair and gives a different texture. Suits round and oval faces. It’s less tight than regular braids, so it’s great if you want less tension on your scalp.

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High Top Box Braids

Braids are arranged to mimic a high-top shape — full on top, faded on the sides. This style has a strong ’90s vibe and adds volume up high. Best for thick, textured hair. Ask your barber for a high fade and your braider to form the top into a flat or rounded high-top shape. It’s bold and structured.

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Box Braids with Fade and Part

This version features a clean fade and a sharp part line separating the fade from the braids. It adds structure and detail. Ideal for straight edges and modern styles. A barber makes the part and fade, and a braider handles the top. Use a light edge control or gel to keep the part sharp.

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Box Braids with Highlights

Highlights in some of your braids add color and contrast. You can bleach parts of your natural hair or add pre-colored extensions. Works for short or long braids. Go for bold streaks or subtle tones — your choice. A stylist or braider can help with color blending. Maintain with color-safe products and regular trims.

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Messy Box Braids / Boho Style

This relaxed version features slightly undone or loose braids for a natural, free-spirited vibe. Perfect for men who like a laid-back, artsy look. Best for medium-length hair. Let a few strands fall free, and don’t worry if it’s not perfect. Just oil your scalp, shake them out, and go.

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Styling Tips for Box Braids

1. Moisturize your scalp – Use light oils or leave-in sprays to prevent dryness and itching.
2. Wrap your hair at night – A satin or silk scarf helps keep your braids neat and prevents frizz.
3. Don’t keep them in too long – 4–6 weeks is ideal. Leaving braids too long can cause buildup or breakage.
4. Wash gently – Clean your scalp with diluted shampoo and rinse well. Don’t scrub the braids too hard.
5. Refresh edges and fade – Visit your barber for edge touch-ups if you have a fade or part.

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Conclusion

Box braids offer a world of style, creativity, and culture. Whether you go for a classic clean look or something bold like color or designs, these styles help protect your hair and show off your personality.

Try one of these 16 popular box braid hairstyles for your next look. Don’t be afraid to experiment — braids are about confidence and self-expression, and there’s no one right way to wear them.