30 Red Box Braids Styles

Box braids get their name from the box-shaped parts that are used to divide the hair into sections to make individual braids. They can be done with or without adding synthetic braiding hair, but the latter option is more popular for several reasons: adding braiding hair can help better protect your natural hair, gives you more length to play with, and helps keep the braids looking smooth and neat longer. And of course, adding braiding hair allows you to temporarily change your hair color. Red is a great color that compliments many different skin tones. Whether you want a vibrant red or something darker and more understated, red box braids are a great way to play around with color.

You can choose to make your box braids small, medium-sized, or large. As far as length, you can make them short, medium-length, or long. Medium-sized box braids (braids that are about the size of a pencil) are a popular choice because they can withstand the weight of added hair pretty well; they’re also easy to wash and style. Large or chunky box braids tend to put the least amount of stress on your roots because they use larger sections of hair but they can be harder to wash and style. Micro braids put the most tension on your hair, so if you choose to go with this size, try to opt for shorter braids and don’t leave them in for too long.

Box braids offer a ton of styling versatility, and the pop of color that comes with red box braids pretty much guarantees that no style will ever be boring. Medium-length and long box braids can easily be styled into ponytails, buns, and updos. Even short box braids can be styled in a variety of ways, especially with the help of accessories like beads and cords. Box braids are a great, low-maintenance protective styling choice. If you’re looking for some hairstyle inspiration, here are 30 red box braids styles.

These deep red box braids are an ideal size and length if you want styling versatility. You can style them in a ponytail, bun, or a simple half up half down high ponytail like the one pictured here.

Gold beads compliment the gorgeous bright red color of these box braids, creating a really nice contrast. These braids look great styled with a simple middle part, but they’re long enough for plenty of other styles as well.

These dark red/burgundy box braids are a great choice if you want a more understated shade of red. The size of the braids puts less tension on your roots, which is essential for a successful protective style.

These bright red box braids are a great choice if you want a bold, head-turning color. They look great styled into a half up high bun style, like the one pictured here.

What’s not to love about these gorgeous wine colored box braids? This style is perfect if you like chunkier braids and darker shades of red.

These pretty red box braids are styled into a chic high bun. Side-swept bangs put a twist on the classic high bun, giving this style a sophisticated edge.

Two-toned braids are always a nice way to find that happy medium between trying a new color and matching your braids to your natural hair color. These red and black box braids give you the best of both worlds.

These pretty red box braids look great pulled up into a slightly off-center high ponytail. You can easily go from day to night with this look.

These long red box braids are styled into a single chunky side braid that hangs over one shoulder.

In the 90s, box braids this size became known as Poetic Justice braids after Janet Jackson made them popular in the film of the same name. A pretty shade of red puts a spin on classic Poetic Justice braids.

Double buns are always a fun styling choice, no matter how you might be currently wearing your hair. This look is a great way to show off the styling versatility of box braids.

These chunky red box braids are styled into a chic half-up high bun style. Because of their size, you’ll likely need the help of a few hairpins to help keep the braids in place.

Bob-length box braids are a great choice if you want a lightweight, low-maintenance protective style. These bright red box braids are incredibly chic and stylish.

These gorgeous red box braids are styled into a neat high bun. This is a classic look that never gets old.

These braids have a strikingly seamless look because the natural hair has also been dyed red. A single chunky braid in the center of the head and gold beads give this style a really unique look.

Pigtails aren’t just for kids: they’re also a great, fun way to style your box braids and show off that gorgeous red color.

This style is yet another example of how well red and gold go together. Gold beads are used to accent and accessorize these beautiful red box braids.

These dark red box braids are styled in one large halo braid that circles the head. This is a unique, gorgeous way to style box braids, though you may need a little help to achieve this look if you are a novice at braiding.

If you don’t want to commit to all-red box braids, consider ombre colored braids like these. This look gives you the option to show off (or conceal) as much of that red color as you wish.

These box braids are sure to turn heads with their chunky size and vibrant red color. This is a great look for those who prefer larger braids.

The great thing about box braids is that you don’t have to style them every day if you don’t want to. They look great left down with a simple side part.

A high ponytail is another great way to style box braids. This style allows the braids to frame your face nicely and it only takes a couple minutes to achieve this look.

These pretty box braids are embellished with a few gold beads which help bring out the braids’ deep red color.

A half up half down style is a great way to wear braids of any length, but it works especially well for these bright red, chunky red box braids.

This simple side-swept style is a great, easy way to wear box braids. This look has a casual but sophisticated feel to it.

These hip-length red braids are accented with gold beads and styled into a half up high bun for a cute, ultra-modern look.

If you can’t decide between pencil-sized and chunky braids, these large red box braids might be just right for you because their size falls right in between.

This half pulled back style creates a sleek, sophisticated look while showing off the gorgeous deep red color of the braids.

This cute high bun leaves two braids out in the front, forming tendrils that frame your face. Add a couple beads to the braids for a little extra pizzaz.

They take a long time to install and they can put too much tension on your roots if you’re not careful, but there’s no denying the beauty of micro braids.

These red copper box braids are thin and long and look super stylish and cute pulled half updo with added golden beads. Gorgeous!

Another super long red box braids style only with thicker braids and beautiful triangle parts.

You can spice up your box braids with two different colors like black and red. This two-tone style is fabulous!

This chunky box braids style is so eye-catching and chic! The zigzag patterns and hair jewels really make this style pop.

Deep wine box braids are a hot color trend this season! The added baby hair and golden makeup look perfect with this bright hair color.