Can You Wear Box Braids over Locs? YES YOU CAN

The answer is YES! You can absolutely wear box braids over locs. It always blows people’s minds, but it is possible. In fact, it’s probably easier because folks with locs already have parts, you don’t have to section off the hair. All you have to do is add the braiding hair. For many people locs seem quite limiting as a hairstyle. And for a while, I subscribed to that notion as well. However, when I knew I was getting ready for my 1st cruise during summer 2016, I knew that I DID NOT want to deal with my hair while on vacation. So I decided to go ahead and get box braids. This very concept was super surprising to a lot of people. But I did learn that it’s not always an easy process to get box braids done over locs.

Call or Stop by well before you need them done

Now if you have un-loc’d hair, you can simply go to any braiding salon and get them done without a problem. I found out very quickly that that is not easy when you have locs. I was turned down by multiple braiding salons when I inquired about getting box braids done.

I then went to my trusty friend google, found braiding salons in my area and called all of them to inquire. If you can find a salon that has an emphasis on working with/styling locs that is a major plus. You will need to be very specific about what you want to be done. Because you most certainly will encounter people that will look at you like you’re crazy.

I settled on a local shop about 20 minutes from my house that charged a great rate.

Be Specific About the length

This really pertains to those who have long locs like me. Newbie locs, shoulder-length or early year locs really won’t have this issue too much because you have more opportunity to have long braids done. Mature & long locs will most certainly have to very specific about length.

When I got mine done, I was very clear that I wanted long poetic justice (butt length) braids. And I ended up getting the look I was going for and I was quite pleased with the end results.

Bring more hair than you think you’ll need

This is a given but just in case. Especially for long locs that want length, you will need a lot of hair in order to ensure your locs are completely covered. I personally brought with me 12 packs of hair and even that wasn’t enough for my locs. Good thing the salon I was at happen to have the same packs of hair that had with me.

Your hair will be heavier than you’re used to

GIRL! Honestly, I didn’t realize how light my real hair actually is until I took my box braids down. My hair was heavy. I definitely felt it in my neck and I felt it when styling my hair. When I took my braids out, I felt like I had no hair on my head because my actual hair was light as a feather. I also do not advise getting box braids done often because you don’t want to stress your hair out too much. You don’t want that much weight pulling on your locs. So do be mindful.

Enjoy your hair & the attention

I can’t tell you how many people were so thrown by my braids. People thought I cut my locs, people were completely confused as to HOW I can wear box braids.  I rocked out with my braids for the later 1/2 of the summer and it was awesome.

How do you rock your locs? let me know in the comment section below. If you’re looking for a place to get your locs done in NYC do check out NappStar, it is my go-to place to take care of my hair!

More posts about my locs here!

xoxo

Shay