14 Dope Red Box Braid Styles to Inspire Your Next Appointment

person with red box braids — @kersti.pitre

Box braids are a protective style classic. However, that doesn't mean you can't give a haircare staple a creative update. Box braids offer an opportunity to experiment with length and color without the permanent commitment. Specifically, we're talking about about red box braids. Red hair has always been a favorite amongst the natural community, but red highlights are now one of the latest 2021 beauty trends.

Like other vibrant box braid combinations, red is also an option—and not just vibrant reds. Red isn't limited to the color labeled red in a box of crayons; red can mean auburn, burgundy, fire engine, orange, wine, and copper. We know that trying out a new hair color can be intimidating, especially when you think of a standout color like red. But we want you to know that depending on your skin tone and level of comfort, your options are plentiful, so there's a red shade out there that could work for you.

Check out our list of 14 red box braids styles that vary in hue, length, and style, below.

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Middle-Parted Deep Red

Rihanna wears long burgundy red box braids with center part — @fentybeauty

In our book, Rihanna can do no wrong. She's no stranger to rocking red hair—remember the 2010 Loud era? But unlike the fire-engine-red looks from that iconic time in Riri history, here, she opts for deep red box braids with a face-framing middle part.

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Bright Red

Red hair with dark roots gives these large box braids new life while creating depth. If you're not currently a redhead, you can ask your stylist to tuck your hair so your ends don't show through.

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Fiery Red Ponytail

Woman with bright red box braids in a ponytail and dyed red eyebrows — @a_caroleartistry

Red box braids with red brows are a dynamic duo. Here is another example of dark roots and length, giving a bright red look depth with smaller braids. Since these braids are on the thinner side, they can easily go up into a ponytail; just be mindful of your edges—wearing your hair up too often can cause tension.

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Half-Up, Half-Down

It doesn't take much to make box braids versatile. You can wear them half-up, half-down, and you also have the option of adding a couple of face-framing pieces to switch things up. A neutral, glowy makeup look, as seen on Keke Palmer here, is the perfect complement to your bold new 'do.

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Rust Fulani Braids

If you want a more stylized version of box braids, merge two classics: Fulani braids and box braids. Try an orange-auburn color if you're not quite ready to go for a true red.

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Natural Redhead Ponytail

Joyjah Estrada wears auburn red box braids in a wrapped ponytail style — @joyjah

Joyjah is giving us Janet Jackson in Poetic Justice vibes, and we're here for it. If you're a natural redhead, finding the right match for your braids could present a challenge. But don't worry—your braider will be able to guide you in finding your perfect match.

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Red Bob

Wearing your box braids short could feel boring, but that's nothing a few packs of red braiding hair, jewels, and textured ends can't fix. There's no one ideal way to add braid jewelry—just go with what looks good to your unique eye.

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Fire Red and Long

Woman with long, bright red box braids and smoky eyeshadow — @tshanimarithe

Opting for a fire engine red, bold box braid look is what makes beauty so fun. If you're not quite ready for a root-to-tip look, this color braiding hair also comes in ombré for a more gradual dive into such a daring color.

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Red Blend

We love an unexpected mix of color, and this blend of bright red and burgundy is an example of that. The combination of bright and muted reds provides a great balance. Find a braider who's as creative as you, or if you feel like you can do it on your own, we say to go for it.

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Orange-Red and Shoulder-Length

Box braids aren't synonymous with long lengths. You can wear them short, long, and anywhere in between. Keep in mind that you don't have to stick to one parting: Experiment to create a look that opens you up to something new.

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Deep Red Loose Bun

Woman with burgundy red box braids topknot hairstyle — @braidsgang

A loose bun is always a good idea, especially when you're ready to get your braids off your neck. If it's getting close to time to remove your braids, get creative with your baby hair. A toothbrush, edge control (layered with gel if you need), and a few extra minutes can give those edges new life.

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Brown-Red Ponytail

Woman with burgundy red box braids ponytail with dark roots — @braidsgang

Auburn-colored box braids are a happy red medium, not too bright and not too subtle. This ponytail might seem a little complicated to recreate, but it's simpler than you think. It may take you a few tries to find your signature technique, but start with flipping your head over to create your base. Once you have your hair gathered, wrap two to three braids around the base of your ponytail to secure it.

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Wine-Hued with Gold Accents

These purple-burgundy wine box braids remind us that red is a spectrum. For deeper skin-toned beauties, this color complements the skin perfectly. Add gold embellishments to give your wine-hued braids a pop of extra color.

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