22 Lovely Short Box Braids You Will Love in 2025
Short box braids are a protective hairstyle made with small, square-shaped sections. While they are often worn long, this African-inspired style also comes in short, simple braids that are easy to manage.
People often say short hairstyles can’t be styled in many ways, but that’s not true! You can add cropped extensions for jumbo braids, decorate with metal cuffs and fun beads, pull your hair into a neat ponytail or updo, or try bright, bold colors.
If you want to spend less time styling your hair each morning, short box braids are a great choice. They are simple to care for and quick to style, giving you that effortless, just-woke-up look!
Hairstylist and braid specialist Tekeira Atkins shares her simple and fast box braid styles for short hair on her page. These looks give off bold and cool vibes!
Before you book your next hair appointment, take a look at these stylish photos of the latest short box braids hairstyles for inspiration!
#1: Shoulder-Length Crochet Braids
Add extensions to get the ideal shoulder-length box braids hairstyle. These braids shape your face and give you a fresh, new style.
#2: Jeweled Box Braids
Jeweled box braids are a timeless hairstyle for black women. Box braids are easy to put in and don’t take much time. Wearing your short braids in a bob keeps your neck from feeling heavy. Add some sparkle and jewels to make your style stand out.
#3: Short Bronde Box Braids
Choose short bronde box braids for a flexible hairstyle that doesn’t take long to install. Since each braid is separate, you can wear them up, leave them down, style them in a bun, or curl the ends.
#4: Bun Updo for Short Box Braids
Try a bun updo with your short box braids to change your bob look. Pulling the braids forward highlights your face and its shape. You can add gold clasps at the ends whenever you want, based on your style or the event.
#5: Neck-Grazing Knotless Box Braids
Consider trying neck-grazing knotless box braids for a light and comfortable hairstyle. With knotless braids, the roots are less bulky, giving you a smoother and flatter look.
#6: Ponytail Style for Shorter Braids
If you have short braids, a ponytail is a great way to keep hair out of your face, especially when you’re active. Gathering the braids in the middle helps maintain a cute bob look. Use a soft scrunchie without metal parts to gently hold the ponytail and reduce pulling on your hair.
#7: Pixie Cut with Box Braids
This playful, vintage-inspired pixie cut with box braids is a stylish choice for young black women. Adding short box braids in bright colors like neon yellow gives the look a bold twist without using harsh chemicals.
#8: Short Jumbo Box Braids
Try out these short jumbo box braids! You can decorate your short braids with beads, strings, or fun jewelry. Love this thick box braid look? Check out these popular jumbo box braids.
#9: Blonde Bob Braids
To highlight your face shape, especially your jawline, consider this braided bob. The blonde color in the short box braids adds a fun and lively touch.
#10: Short Triangle Box Braids
Box braids can look tricky on short hair, but they are actually simple to create. Braids work well not just on long hair, but also on shorter styles.
Find more ideas for triangle box braids here!
#11: Small Braids on Short Hair
Box braids with beads on short hair offer a fresh and stylish way to wear a long bob. This is currently one of the top classic short box braid styles.
#12: Short Bob with Box Braids
A short hairstyle with medium box braids is perfect for a full, stylish bob. It holds its shape well and gives you a beautiful, flowing look.
#13: Short Burgundy Braids
Burgundy red box braids on short hair are a great way for beginners to try out new hair colors. This bold red style gives Black women a cool, edgy look.
#14: Braided Hairstyle With Curly Ends
Adding creativity can make short box braids more exciting. This style leaves the ends loose, creating a fun and frilly look.
#15: Brown Box Braids
Caramel box braids on short hair help protect your natural hair. The soft golden tones add a subtle shine, giving your style a warm, sun-kissed glow.
#16: Rubber Band Box Braids
Using rubber bands makes creating box braids much simpler. This method looks beautiful and is a gentler way to style your hair with neat patterns.
#17: Short Braids with Natural Loose Ends
These are small feed-in braids with curly ends. I like this short box braid style because it is very versatile. The soft curls on top give it a classy and elegant look. Any African-American woman can wear this hairstyle. It is easy to style and needs little upkeep. I suggest keeping your scalp well-moisturized to avoid dryness and irritation. Use light oils like unrefined wild growth oil, coconut oil, or avocado oil. Choose any light oil you prefer, but avoid using hair grease.
#18: Curly Box Braids on Neck-Length Hair
These curly box braids are short, stylish, and full of attitude. They use a mix of two hair extensions that look great on women with darker skin tones. While this style can work for light-skinned women, I usually suggest dark-skinned clients avoid it, as it might appear too bold.
#19: Short Box Braids with Purple Color
These box braids with a side part look very trendy on short hair. If you are a Black woman thinking about getting shorter braids, be aware that the burnt ends might bother your neck, so keep that in mind.
#20: Collarbone-Length Silver Box Braids
This short box braid hairstyle makes a bold statement. It highlights your personality, so it’s hard to ignore. It suits all hair types, but if your hair is short, try smaller braids. I suggest this style for someone shy or quiet because it can help you feel more confident. Silver braids look amazing with this style!
#21: Short Braided Bob with Bangs
Choose a short hairstyle with a bob of short box braids and bangs. Even though her natural hair is longer than the bangs, I was able to install the style without harming her hair. My top advice is to oil your scalp every 2 to 3 days during the first two weeks after getting braids. Braiding exposes your scalp, which can make it dry and itchy. Using oil helps soothe dryness and reduce itching.
#22: Gorgeous Short Thick Braids
A stylish protective short box braid style looks elegant without needing to cut your natural hair. It works well for both work and casual outings like the beach. This braid style suits everyone. It is both classy and bold, plus very easy to care for. Wrap your hair with a silk scarf at night, apply a little oil in the morning, add some hair accessories, and you’re all set.