Say hello to summer with on-fire, red box braids that will shake up your look. Here are 20 ways you can rock this sizzling style. With summer around the corner, there’s no better way to celebrate than trying out a classic look with a color twist. Box braids have always been a great alternative style that keeps your natural hair out of the sun and protects it from whichever pool or beach you choose to lounge in. But this time, try experimenting with red braids.
Don’t be scared to try something a little flashy. Red might be loud, but it will work perfectly with any summer outfit you choose. On the other end, you can command attention and respect during formal situations with a high bun or up-do.
Do Red Box Braids Look Good On Everyone?
Whether you’re hip to the vibrant-colored box braid trend or trying it out for the first time, this is a valid question. After all, red is a hard-to-miss, eye-catching color that leaves no room for shyness. With that said, you’ll never know if you don’t try, so here’s how to figure out which red is best for you.
Red can look good on almost everyone, as long as you pick the right shade. If you’re fair-skinned, with pink or yellow undertones, a dustier, muted scarlet color works brilliantly for you. Ginger, rosy copper, bright and neutral red also works for fair skin.
Auburn and cherry-colored braids accentuate tan skin and fiery red and burgundy work wonderfully on deeper skin tones. But these are just basic guidelines, so don’t be scared to pave your own red-haired path!
What Do Red Box Braids Mean?
Color theory is not just for interior decorating or graphic design. It also applies to our hair and how we rock it, and different colors make different statements. So if you’re curious about red box braids, know that red is often associated with boldness, confidence, beauty, love, femininity, and strength. If you’re still shy about walking around with such an attention-grabbing look, browse through this list for different shades of red that won’t stop traffic.
Here are the red box braid trends we’re obsessed with. Pick your favorite pattern, color, and length, and try it out!
You can’t beat a classic and these traditional red box braids look good no matter the occasion. Medium to long length red braids allow for versatility as they can be held up or tied back during formal events or let loose for a relaxing day.
If you want to spice up the plain look then add gold jewels, multicolored strings and clips that can be switched out depending on your mood.
Looking to add a little bounce to your walk? Spring twists are the way to go. Unlike traditional box braids, spring twists use lighter, curly hair that’s wrapped around your natural hair for weightlessness.
Another plus, these braids look better the older they get, so you can keep them in for months. The burgundy color is muted, which means it’s perfect for an understated yet unique look.
Red makes a big statement, and if you want to go bigger, why not make your red braids jumbo? Big braids will definitely draw attention so try it out.
One major pro about this style is that it won’t take as long to install, maybe 2-3 hours. A major con? While beautiful, these braids might not be for you if your scalp is sensitive to tension, as they require large sections and a tight, sleek look at the braid base, so that’s something to keep in mind.
You get the best of both worlds with this straight and curly combination. It incorporates the light and airy feel we all want, with bouncy soft ends, showing off how versatile braids can be.
Be sure to use the knotless braid installation method with this style so that the braids are thin enough to curl at the ends. Add a dramatic baby hair design like the one above for an even bigger pop.
These braids may be super tiny, but they’re not subtle by any means. Adding red to micro braids take this sophisticated and complicated hairstyle to another level. If you’re looking to stretch the amount of time you can keep braids in, these will take you well past the usual 8-week timeframe.
With that said, you’ll have to make sure your edges aren’t sacrificed in the process. Be sure to leave them out as they are your scalp’s weakest and most vulnerable section, and can be pulled out if incorporated into such a small, tight braid.
Micro braids also take a long time, sometimes 16-18 hours! So prepare yourself for a long salon or DIY session.
Okay, so maybe a full-on red look isn’t for you. Ombre is your next best bet and if you want to ease your way into the colored braids trend, start with a familiar dark base like black, that fades into an exciting, vibrant red.
Whether your braids are pencil thin or ruler thick, ombre flatters the shape of your face, drawing attention downwards and elongating your features. When tied up in a bun, ombre braids can give the illusion of two separate colors on your head, which is pretty cool.
Add a little fun to your vibrant red braids by rocking a bob with playful beads. Not only is the shorter hairstyle easier to manage, but the beads give off an eccentric look. You can go for a more subdued look with neutral-colored beads like white, black, brown, or clear.
If you’re feeling experimental, then try daring bead colors like yellow, green, or even blue. Be careful though, because the more colorful the beads, the less versatility your braids will give.
We might be living on Mars in a few decades so why not pay tribute to the red planet by rocking fiery red space buns? This look is perfect for a nighttime party. It also keeps your scalp protected from the hot sun during the day.
To achieve this look, it’s best to use strong, elastic scrunchies that can bulk up the bun without cutting into the individual braids.
February isn’t the only month to celebrate love, and this cornrow red heart-themed braid look is a perfect example of that. Curling the ends further softens the already delicate look.
This is a more intricate design, so it will take a lot of practice if you’re looking to do it yourself, but it will definitely be worth the effort.
This is as bold as it gets. Bright, red, fiery, and unapologetic, these braids scream confidence and are sure to turn heads.
Whether they’re up in a bun, flowing down your back, or swept to the side, there’s no mistaking the message this looks sends. If you ever want to tone things down, sweep the braids into a low bun or wrap them up in a dark-colored turban.
Nothing says easy and painless like knotless braids, and a calm, deep red braid color adds to that effortless look. Red kicks up the already casual knotless style and the installation method ensures minimal tugging on your roots.
Feeling like you want to switch things up? Try a half-up, half-down ponytail. Since knotless braids have a unique installation method that doesn’t twist your roots, you’ll be able to style them on the same day.
Two bold colors are better than one, but instead of a traditional ombre look, try this mix and match red and blonde combo. This style is achieved with two different colors so you’ll need different packs of braiding hair.
Add an extra layer of texture by curling the ends. You can do this by braiding the bottoms of your hair together and dipping them in hot water for around 5 seconds. After the hair has been dipped, unbraid the ends and enjoy.
Red wine and dark brown mixtures work perfectly if you’re looking for a little variety. Combine a protective staple like cornrows in the front with box braids in the back.
The thicker cornrows mean you’ll have less strain on your scalp. It’s also easier to pull off at home, so it’s the perfect style for those looking to practice their braiding skills.
This reverse ombre hairdo features soft and bright red as the root color that fades out into white. It’s bolder than the traditional black to red ombre but it’s a great way to express your adventurous side.
Though you can choose any size, medium braids show off the varying colors without weighing down your head.
If you’re looking for something a little different from the three-part braid, then try this berry red jumbo twist style. It’s a vibrant, fluffy alternative that’s easy to install.
Heads up, if you’re trying to stay away from a heavy style, then don’t use regular braiding hair for this one. Opt for a fluffy, Havana, Marley, or Cuban twist hair texture.
This light, ultra red flare is definitely not for the faint of heart. Not only is the color a great way to have all eyes on you, but the shaved sides add a rebellious edge.
If you want to take things even further, color the sides of your head red and pull off a monochromatic theme. You can style the look by creating a top knot bun, holding it up in a ponytail, or splitting it down the middle to hide the sides for a formal occasion.
Nothing creates a dramatic entrance like knee-length, maroon red braids. Long and flowing, these locks give serious mermaid vibes.
Now, they will take a long time to install, and they will require a lot of braiding hair so they’re a little heavy when you tie them into a bun, so make sure you get slim braids to minimize the weight.
Super short and super red, this chin bob style is reminiscent of the early 1920’s hair trend. The braid bob has a unique styling method that involves cutting the hair extensions and sealing the ends with an open flame or flat iron.
Unfortunately, if you have hair that goes past your chin, you’ll have to get a haircut to achieve this look. It’s perfect for anyone looking to give their natural hair a big trim.
If you’re aiming for a looser, lived-in hairstyle with bohemian flair, red goddess braids are perfect. The blend of textures and length gives a fairy-like feel.
To add depth and color variation, mix dark and light colors like blonde and black.
The downside about having two textures is the different types of maintenance they’ll require. So keep some extra mousse around to keep up the shape and manage frizz from the curlier, lighter strands.
Last but definitely not least is this vibrant, rose red lob (long bob), with a cornrow design on the side. This is easily one of the lowest maintenance styles on the list given the predetermined side part.
Much like the chin bob, you have to burn the ends so long-haired hopefuls might feel discouraged. You can still rock the side look with longer hair though, so don’t rule it out.
Would You Try This Trend?
See a style you like? Run to your nearest braid technician or try to DIY your favorite look from the list, adding your own twist and individual flavor to it.
MaryLynn is a professional hairstylist who can help you get trendy hairstyles. She loves to experiment with different hairstyles that complement each other. With years of valuable experience in flawlessly polished ideas, MaryLynn helps her clients with satisfaction. She accessed herself to reach a level to help readers with immense choices. Making her hobby a passion, she is a professional stylist.
