Box Braids in Houston, TX
Clean square sections, braided to the size and the length you ask for — the style every other protective style gets measured against, installed by braiders who do it every day.
from $155 jumbo at midback — the full grid is below
- 4.6 from 575 Google reviews
- Open 6:30 AM, seven days
- Walk‑ins welcome
- (832) 834‑0324
What Are Box Braids?
Named for the parting, not the braid
Box braids are named for the parting, not the braid. Your hair is divided into clean square sections — boxes — and each one is plaited with an extension down to the length you asked for. The grid is what makes them box braids. Everything after that is a choice.
They are a protective style. Your own hair sits inside the braid and is left alone for the weeks it stays in, which is why people reach for them between relaxers, through a Houston summer, or any time they want to stop handling their hair every morning.
There are two ways to start one. The traditional start ties your hair to the extension with a small knot at the scalp. The knotless start skips it: the braider begins with your own hair and feeds the extension in gradually. Same grid, same finished look, no knot at the root. We do both — say which you want when you book.
Sizes run from jumbo down to small and lengths from shoulder to past the waist. The ends can be sealed, or finished with loose curly hair instead — that version is called boho, and it has its own page with its own photographs. Bring a picture if you have one and we will match it.
Our Box Braids
Our own work, in our chairs on Hillcroft
Box Braids Prices
Starting prices. If your hair needs more time or more packs we tell you before we start — never at the end.
-
Shoulder
- Small
- $235+
- Smedium
- $230+
- Medium
- $225+
- Large
- $185+
- Jumbo
- —
-
Midback
- Small
- $265+
- Smedium
- $260+
- Medium
- $255+
- Large
- $185+
- Jumbo
- $155+
-
Waist
- Small
- $325+
- Smedium
- $300+
- Medium
- $285+
- Large
- $205+
- Jumbo
- $185+
-
Butt length
- Small
- $355+
- Smedium
- $320+
- Medium
- $315+
- Large
- $225+
- Jumbo
- $205+
- Braiding hair$16 a pack
- Boho / French curl hair$60, coloured $70
- Wash & blow dry$35 with a service
- Takedownfrom $155
See every style on the full price list.
Box Braids Questions
If yours isn’t here, call (832) 834‑0324
What is the difference between box braids and knotless braids?
The parting is the same - both use square sections - but the start is not. A box braid begins with a knot that ties your hair to the extension. A knotless braid begins with your own hair and the extension is fed in gradually, so there is no knot and no single point carrying the weight. Knotless is the gentler of the two on your hairline; box braids hold their shape a little longer.
How long do box braids last?
Six to eight weeks. After that your new growth loosens the parts and the braids start to slip, which is when they begin to pull. Taking them out on time matters more than which style you chose.
Do box braids damage your hair?
Not when they are installed at the right tension. Box braids are a protective style - your own hair sits inside the braid and is left alone. Damage comes from braiding too tight or leaving them in too long. If your hairline is fine or you have had traction damage before, ask for the knotless start instead.
How long does a box braid appointment take?
Three to four hours for a medium size at midback length. Smaller braids and longer lengths take longer, so tell us the size you want when you book and we will give you the time before you come in.
What are boho box braids?
Box braids finished with loose curly hair left out along the braid instead of sealed ends. Same square parting, same install - the curls are added as the braider works down. They have their own page with their own photographs: see boho knotless braids. Curly hair is $60 if you want us to supply it, or $70 in a colour.
How much are box braids?
From $155 up to $355, and the size of the braid moves the price more than the length does. Jumbo at midback is $155, medium at midback is $255, and small down to butt length is $355. The full grid is on this page. Braiding hair is $16 a pack.
Can I wash my hair with box braids in?
Yes, and you should. Dilute a gentle shampoo, work it into the scalp with your fingertips rather than your nails, rinse until the water runs clear and let the braids dry fully - damp braids left to sit are what causes the smell. Every two to three weeks is enough.