What is the difference between box braids and micro braids

Knotless braids can take about 5 to 6 hours depending on the size and length. Knotless box braids are a pain free and tension-less variation of traditional box braids, where the braids are started using your own hair unlike in box braids where a knot is first formed.

At no additional cost to you. We earn a small commission on qualifying purchases. Unlike box braids where a knot is used to tightly secure the braid to your hair, in knotless braids, the stylist uses your own hair to start the braid and gradually feeds in the braiding hair as they move along. The lack of a knot in knotless braids makes the braiding experience more pleasurable and pain free.

Start by washing and conditioning your hair. Use a rattail comb to section your hair into triangle or square parts. Use shine n jam to sleek the roots of your hair and to make your sectioned parts look neat. Once you've chosen braids or twists and found a reputable stylist, now it's time to narrow down your style choices. For starters, not all braids and twists are created equal. Box braids, as its name would suggest, are chunkier and box-like in appearance, while micro braids are super tiny plaits that are slightly more versatile since they can be worn straight or wavy, but the downside is that they take much longer to install.

When it comes to twists, there are four types, pictured below clockwise from the top left: Senegalese, Havana, Kinky and Marley, also called Mali.

Havana, Marley and Kinky twists all use Marley hair, which is coarser and closer to the client's natural hair texture. Marley twists resemble dreadlocks, so they're perfect for anyone who isn't committed to growing out locs, which can be a tedious process. Havana twists are similar to Marley twists, but they're larger in diameter, resulting in fewer twists. Small box braids are classy, practical, and can effortlessly highlight your facial features.

They also take between 7 — 8 hours to install, a full workday, and a considerable time commitment. Medium size box braids were put in the spotlight by the flawless Janet Jackson in the movie, Poetic Justice. Although she rocked them waist-length, medium size box braids look beautiful short or long and in all sorts of colors. Medium box braids are easier and faster to install than thin and small size plaits. You still have several parted hair sections for similar attention-grabbing, versatile looks.

Medium braids are also an ideal size for length retention. However, they will save you time—installation usually takes 5 — 7 hours. Use 9 — 11 single packs of pre-stretched braiding hair for mid-back length. Large box braids offer a chic no-fuss braiding option that will make you stand out in a good way! Roughly the size of a marker, these statement braids are easy to do at home. One thing about yarn too is the variety of colors your able to use, they are endless. With Marley locs, the hair used made the locs look chunkier, but gave a little nice sheen to them.

I pleasantly like the two equally, and it be so fun to just try all of them! Video Credit: LoveNaturally. Those who believed box braids were never going to come back, shame on you for not having faith. They are simply three-strand twists braided together. My recommendation is to for smaller box braids not the big ones.. Nubian twists look natural and gorgeous, especially when rocking them short. You can even add a little highlights to the extensions for some flavor.

Video Credit: Ninisis Locs. If you want to do micro and tree braids yourself you will need to dedicate a lot of time and have pretty of it to kill. They both are super tiny braids.