Tutorial: How to Install Jumbo Box Braids + Styling Tips (2024)

Here at All Things Hair, we just can’t get enough of the jumbo box braids trend. Protective hairstyles, such as rope twists like the Senegalese twist and Havana twists, are beautiful styles that also do a great job of giving your real hair a break from styling and daily wear and tear. Wearing jumbo box braids hairstyles is another trend you can explore as well. Jumbo box braids, especially when done with a weave or some hair extensions, can give you a long, thick feminine sheath of hair—all with minimal product and close to zeroheat damage.

If you’re looking to create a new protective hairstyle while hanging at home, this is a great choice! Jumbo box braids will make you feel high fashion from the comfort of your couch. Creating the style may also be relaxing as you create your braids. We’ll walk you through this tutorial so you nail the look without a hitch.

Tutorial: Jumbo Box Braids

Not sure how to create jumbo box braids? Read on as we break down the steps and give you some style inspo below:

Step 1: Wash and condition (or co-wash) your natural hair.

Use a lightweight yet intensely moisturizing cleanser, such as SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Moisture Retention Shampoo and SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Restorative Conditioner, or your favorite natural hair shampoo and conditioning system.

Towel-dry and follow up with a leave-in hair care product, like Dove Amplified Textures Moisture LockLeave-In Conditioner, which helps soften and prep your hair as well as get rid of any knots.

Step 2: Prepare your hair extensions.

Jumbo braids styles require bigger sections of hair, so adjust the thickness of each strip to your liking. Some women also like to pull the ends of their extensions so they fall more naturally when braided and don’t look as blunt.

Step 3: Section all of your natural hair into four, and clamp three aside.

Using a rat-tail comb, further, divide the loose section into smaller grids (some prefer grids underneath and triangles at the hairline—up to you).

You can also opt to refine your sections with hair wax, such as Bed Head by TIGI Manipulator Cream, to clean up the edges.

Step 4: Split each small grid into two.

Take a strip of hair extensions, holding it in the center so it doubles up into an upside-down “U” shape, and lay each side of the weave on top of each side of your natural hair. Both the left and right sections must have a weave on them.

Step 5: Anchor your braid with a twist.

Some like to go directly into braiding using their natural hair as the third section, but we find that starting with a twist results in a more secure base. Starting with the right side, hold the hair snugly and begin twisting in one direction about two or three times. Repeat on the left side for about two to three twists.

Step 6: Begin braiding.

Now that your weave is nicely secured into your natural hair, split that entire grid into three, as you would with a regular three-strand braid. Begin braiding until you reach the ends.

Step 7: Secure your ends.

You can either use a hair tie at the tips or dip them in hot water to seal them off.

Step 8: Rub on some styling oil.

The plaits on jumbo box braids usually already end up with a pretty gleam. Add a bit of styling oil to add some extra sheen.

Step 9: Revitalize with dry shampoo.

Jumbo box braids can be left in for weeks at a time, so a dry shampoo, such as Suave Hair Refresher Dry Shampoo, can help refresh your scalp while you skip the washes. Remember to spritz at least 12” from your head (or until your arms form a capital letter “L”) to avoid any telltale white flakes on your scalp.

Jumbo Box Braid Styles: 8 Ways to Wear the Look

There are so many ways to wear and style jumbo box braids. Trust us, from unique colors to updos to Bantu knots; there are practically endless ways you can sport this jumbo braided look. Keep scrolling for eight ways to wear jumbo box braids:

1. Bantu Box Braids

Update your large box braids style by mixing in a few Bantu knots. To add more visual interest to your look, opt for using colored hair extensions. This high-contrast look features a bright white and black blend.

2. Jet Black Box Braids

Keep your big box braids styles simple with a jet-black hue. This sleek look pairs well with any look you might be going for and allows you more flexibility with your fashion choices.

3. Blonde Box Braids

Blonde jumbo box braids styles are taking the street-style scene by storm. This light color adds the perfect contrast to darker roots. Experiment with lighter locks without inflicting any damage on your natural hair.

4. Brown Jumbo Braids

Highlight your braids by adding light brown braiding hair into the mix. This subtle addition adds loads of dimension to your style. Unlike the more dramatic high-contrast styles above, this color contrast is more subdued but equally as charming.

5. Jumbo Braids on Mini Box Braids

Try two styles in one by braiding your small box braids into jumbo sections. This style offers a unique jumbo box braids style that isn’t the typical standard style. Experiment with this if you’re looking to do something really different next time you’re at the salon!

6. Braided Ponytail

In the mood for an updo? Gather your braids into a side pony. This quirky and cute style is full of personality! It’s also a great way to show off your jumbo box braids without feeling bothered by having hair on your face.

7. Colorful Braids

Looking to try something fun? Add a mix of colors to your look to make it stand out. By blending more than just two colors into your braided style, you create a look that’s truly unique to your personal style.

8. Extra Jumbo Braids

Make a bigger impact with your look with huge box braids. This style gives new meaning to the phrase “jumbo box braids.” Not for the faint of heart, this style certainly makes a statement.

Are you thinking about trying out one of these styles? Be sure to grab a picture and tag us over @AllThingsHairUS!