How To Do Boxer Braids

Whether you're off down the gym or need a casual but polished day to night style, boxer braids are a hair style that will do it all. 

The simple double Dutch braided style isn't a new one and has long been a style used by the black community, and if you want to give it a go then never fear as it's actually a pretty easy one to nail with the help of this handy four step guide.

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STEP 1: As with most braided styles, this one is going to work best on day old or slightly greasy hair. If you have just washed your locks but still want to give it a try, start by adding some texture to your hair with a product like the Oribe Dry Texturising Spray. 

When you've worked that in to give your hair a bit of grip, split your locks with a centre parting all the way to the nape of your neck. Secure one side in a loose ponytail out of the way and brush the other out ready to plait. 

STEP 2: You're basically going to be doing a French plait on each side - or a double Dutch braid if you're more confident (that's like a backwards Franch plait), so starting on your preferred side, split a section of hair at the very front into three and begin to braid.

Then, every time you take a section from either the right or left, add in a section of the loose hair at the side, gradually braiding all the way down to the nape of the neck.

STEP 3: You want to think about the shape of your braid as you plait and if you want the braid to really stand out, you'll want to keep the braid really tight and position the centre of your plait in a slight arc following the shape of the ear.

STEP 4: Once you reach the nape of your neck, switch to a normal plait and braid all the way down, securing with a band at the bottom. Then backcomb the tail at the bottom for a bit of volume, spritz the whole braid with a light mist of hairspray to secure and repeat the whole thing on the other side.

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Alternatively, you can just fasten at the nape of the neck and leave the tails loose if you want a slightly more Sunday morning feel to the braids.

Need a little more guidance? This tutorial video shows how it's done:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eXQXCQa-B1I

Et VOILA. Let us know how you get on with boxer braids and if you feel like it, why not tweet us a pic of your finished look to @MTVStyleIntl?