10 best products for box braids

July 19, 2024

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Aveda Foam Reset Rinseless Hydrating Cleanser

Credit: Feelunique

Aveda is one of the best brands for catering to afro hair (its Control Paste is brilliant for edges, while the Nutriplenish Deep Moisture range is an absolute treat for Type 4 textures), and this rinseless cleanser was made specifically with box braids and extensions in mind. When massaged into the scalp and worked through the hair, Foam Reset quickly absorbs sweat and grease, soothes itching and dryness, and can even help calm frizz, too.

Bouclème Super Hold Styler

Credit: Feelunique

While Bouclème’s Super Hold Styler is designed to give curls definition, it’s also brilliant for smoothing the ends of box braids when they start to become frizzy and frayed. Like all of the brand’s products, this non-drying gel is packed with naturally derived ingredients such as chia seed and kahai oil, and provides a hold that lasts throughout the day.

Charlotte Mensah Manketti Oil Finishing Mist

Credit: Spacenk

Widely considered the best afro hairdresser in London, Charlotte Mensah is also the brains behind a superb range of products that use oils derived from the vitamin E-rich manketti nut. This lightweight mist is the perfect finishing touch for wigs, afros and braids alike, giving hair a glossy sheen and protecting from environmental aggressors.

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OUAI X Byredo Super Dry Shampoo

Credit: Byredo

Super-stylist Jen Atkin has partnered with Byredo to create the world’s chicest dry shampoo, infused with the fragrance brand’s beloved Mojave Ghost scent (with notes of amber, cedarwood and magnolia) and packaged in a sleek, minimal can. Sprayed onto the roots from 30cm away, it shouldn’t leave any white residue – if it does, simply follow up with Ouai’s equally divine-smelling Rose Hair Oil.

The Afro Hair & Skin Co Bloom Omega Healthy Hair Oil

Credit: Afro Hair & Skin Co

The Afro Hair + Skin Co. is a Sussex-based small-batch brand that’s built up a cult following for its plant-based products, and its award-winning hair oil is easily one of best on the market. Formulated with camelina seed, thistle and almond oils, and full of essential fatty acids, Bloom Oil has a gorgeous botanical smell. It feels substantial but not heavy – perfect for applying to the lengths of braids.

Philip Kingsley Scalp Toner For Flaky & Itchy Scalps

Credit: Lookfantastic

Trichologist-led haircare brand Philip Kingsley provides a brilliant selection of products for afro hair, including that iconic pre-shampoo treatment, Elasticizer Extreme. This anti-dandruff toner contains a handful of antimicrobial and cooling ingredients that help instantly soothe and refresh an itchy scalp, and comes with a nozzle for precise application.

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Oribe Rough Luxury Soft Molding Paste

Credit: Selfridges

While traditional edge-control products can be great for achieving super-slicked baby hairs, day to day, pastes and waxes allow for a more natural, medium hold. Oribe’s Rough Luxury Soft Molding Paste is a flexible lanolin-based product that’s non-drying and, when applied with a small dense brush and tied down with a scarf, leaves edges looking soft, not stiff.

Be Gentle, Be Kind Avocado Co Wash

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Briogeo

£28

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This creamy co-wash from Briogeo is enriched with quinoa extract, which helps protect against free radicals and UV, as well as ultra-moisturising, softening ingredients such as avocado oil and shea butter. The result is a silky conditioning shampoo that lathers well, but isn’t overly sudsy, and leaves the hair and scalp feeling cleansed but never stripped.

Vernon François Leave-In Conditioner

Now 21% Off

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The weightless formula of Vernon Francois’s Leave-In Conditioner makes it ideal for box braids. While most leave-in conditioners and creams can feel a little too heavy on braids, this product hydrates thoroughly without leaving any build-up, thanks to tiare flower extract and Tahitian coconut oil. The handy spritz function makes it especially easy to apply, too.

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Anita Grant Aloe Rose Oil-Free Hair Spritz - Leave-in Conditioning Spray

Now 46% Off

Credit: Anita Grant

Anita Grant’s namesake beauty brand is something of a hidden gem, selling a range of creams, conditioners and shampoo bars made from delectable-sounding ingredients such as babassu oil and mango butter. This rosewater-based mist is oil free, perfect for hydrating the scalp and soothing any itching, and contains vitamin and mineral-rich aloe vera for healthy hair growth.

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