How Much Do Box Braids Cost?

Janet Jackson popularized the box braids in the 90s. Time passed and a lot of people believe that box braids’ heyday is finished. But now, box braids are starting to make a comeback.

If you want a unique yet easy-to-maintain hairstyle, box braids are perfect for you. But before you go to the salon, there are several things that you must consider.

Aside from the hair prep, time spent sitting in a salon chair, and maintenance, the most important factor when getting this hairstyle is the box braids prices. This leads to the question: how much do box braids cost?

Average Cost of Box Braids

Depending on the hair length, braid size, and location, the average box braids prices start at $35 to as much as $400. Prices also vary depending on pricing methods. There are two most common pricing methods: by hair length and by hour.

Most braiding salons base their box braids prices on the client’s hair length. For instance, the Georgia-based The House of Weaves and Braids price their services according to the length. Prices start at $120 for hair 10 to 12 inches long. The cost increases about $10 to $20 for every additional two inches.

On the other hand, some braiding salons charge on an hourly basis. The Conscious Coils Salon in Portland, Oregon follows this method. For example, the cost for large box braids start at $45 for the first hour and becomes $15 for every succeeding hour. Meanwhile, single box braids have a fixed fee of $35 per hour.

To answer the question “how much do box braids cost?” here’s a more detailed list of braiding salons with their services and prices:

• Natural Hair Braiding by Shawna

• 8-year-old and below – $80
• Adults – $100 (mid-back); $125 (longer)

• Emani Salon

• Box braids with cornrows – $150
• Box braids with invisible braids – $150 and up

• Lady A Braids and Hairweaving Studio

• Box braids (shoulder length) – $180
• Box braids (mid-back length) – $210
• Box braids with cornrows – $190
• Small box braids – $195
• Medium box braids – $180
• Big box braids – $130

• The House of Weaves and Braids

• 10 to 12 inches box braids – $120
• 18 to 20 inches box braids – $180
• 26 to 28 inches box braids – $280

• The Conscious Coils Salon

• Large box braids – $45 for first hour; $15 for each succeeding hour
• Box braids with single twist – $35 per hour

• Image by Bignon’s Braiding Styles

• Box braids – $120 and up
• Box braids bob – $165 and up
• Box braids pixie – $185 and up
• Box cornrows – $130 and up

Hair Preparations

Before braiding, the hair must be cleaned first. It should be shampooed, conditioned, and detangled. Then, it should be blow-dried. Some salons offer to treat the hair and scalp with hot oil to make them more manageable. Hair preparation usually costs $15 to $30.

Hair Extensions

Most price quotes are only applicable if you have naturally long hair. But for people with short hair, extensions are required. Most braiding salons provide synthetic hair braids to use for this situation. But if you want to save a few bucks, you’d do well to buy your own hair extensions.

Kanekalon is one of the most popular synthetic hair used in extensions, wigs, and braiding. Unlike other types of artificial hair, kanekalon feels just like the real thing: lightweight and soft. It also adds length and increases volume to your hair as well.

There are two popular brands of kanekalon hair: Kanekalon Braids and Xpression. Kanekalon Braids is the more economical of the two. Each extension pack only costs $1.99 to $2.49.

Xpression has considerably thicker and longer braids. It has fewer stray hair strands too. However, Xpression is more expensive and prices range from $4.99 to $5.99 per pack.

With hair extensions, the answer to “how much do box braids cost?” will depend on the style of box braid, brand of extensions, and desired length and thickness of the braid. Here’s a list of estimated number of packs required and their prices:

• Large box braids

• Kanekalon – 8 to 10 packs; $15.92 to $24.90
• Xpression – 4 to 6 packs; $19.96 to $35.94

• Medium box braids

• Kanekalon – 8 to 10 packs; $15.92 to $24.90
• Xpression – 4 to 5 packs; $19.96 to $29.95

• Small box braids

• Kanekalon – 6 to 8 packs; $11.94 to $15.94
• Xpression – 3 to 5 packs; $14.97 to $29.95

Maintenance

The Doo Gro Anti-Itch Growth Oil is a good example of braid maintenance product. You can buy a 4.5-ounce bottle for $9 to $10. It has a nozzle top which is perfect for sore and itchy spots caused by braiding.

A braid spray is also a good investment if you want to be box-braided. The price usually ranges from $2.50 to $5. It keeps the braid soft and easier to manage. With its natural oils, it keeps the hair underneath the braids healthy too. Plus, the compact spray bottle allows you to target the areas on your head that need it the most.

Conclusion

Before you let the stylist touch your hair, instruct him or her to not braid too tightly, particularly around your head’s edges. If you feel any pain or burning sensation on your scalp, your braids may be too tight.

Lastly, while the prices listed in this article are helpful, you should still do your own research before box braiding. After all, no matter how accurate the cost estimates are, nothing still beats actual consultation.