24 Different Ways to Wear Box Braids

If you haven't seen Janet Jackson’s Poetic Justice, or at the very least a picture of her in the iconic movie, stop what you're doing and stream it right now. In the iconic movie, Jackson sports one of the ultimate '90s hairstyles: box braids. Box braids, originating from Africa, have been donned by all your favorites like Beyoncé to Zoe Kravitz to Brandy. The protective style can be worn in a million ways, from space buns to knots. It can be installed the traditional way, meaning the braid begins with a small knot at the root of the scalp, or you can go the knotless box braids route. Knotless box braids are done by a feed-in method. The braiding hair is added in small pieces, creating less tension and pull on the root of your hair.

Below, 24 styles to sport with box braids. Ombre box braids, anyone?