Neat, comfortable braids that protect your hair, for women and men, never braided too tight.
Quick answer
At Eugenia Hair Studio in Virginia Beach, box braids typically last 4 to 8 weeks and cornrows 2 to 6 weeks, depending on care and how fast your hair grows. Every install starts with a scalp treatment, and your quote is set at a consultation.
- How long it lasts
- Box braids: 4 to 8 weeks; Braided cornrows: 2 to 6 weeks
- Best for
- Giving your own hair a rest from daily styling and heat
What is included in a braid appointment
- Consultation
- Style, size and length, and how long you want to wear them
- Scalp treatment
- Before every install
- Braiding
- Sectioned and braided with gentle tension
- Edges and finish
- Edge styling and a neat finish
- Care guide
- How to wash, sleep and keep your scalp healthy
- Your quote
- Set at the consultation, for your hair and the style you choose
Styles we braid
- Box braids
- The classic protective style, versatile and long-lasting. Good for low maintenance, active lifestyles and giving your own hair a rest.
- Braided cornrows
- Sleek braids close to the scalp, from simple straight-back rows to curved patterns.
- Men's braids
- Cornrows and braided styles for men, neat at the hairline and comfortable to wear.
- Retwists
- Fresh roots for locs and twists. We retwist the new growth so your style looks neat again.
How your quote works
Braids are quoted at a consultation, for your hair and your style. The price depends on your hair's length, thickness and condition, and on the style: smaller braids and longer lengths take more time and more braiding hair, and a retwist depends on how many locs you have and how much new growth there is.
Who braids are right for
Great for
- Giving your own hair a rest from daily styling and heat.
- Active lifestyles, the gym, travel and summer at the beach.
- Growing your hair while it stays tucked away.
- Men who want neat, low-maintenance braids or fresh loc roots.
- Anyone who wants a style that lasts for weeks.
Wait, or choose something else, if
- Your edges are thin or your hairline is already breaking. We protect them first, or choose a lighter style such as natural braids.
- Your scalp is irritated or sore.
- You want extra fullness while still wearing your own hair out. That is a job for Brazilian knot extensions, which are extensions, not braids.
Your braid appointment, step by step
-
Consultation
We choose the style, size and length, and the braiding hair color.
-
Wash and scalp treatment
Your hair is cleansed and your scalp treated before braiding.
-
Sectioning
Clean, even parts, planned for the style.
-
Braiding or retwisting
Firm enough to last, never tight enough to hurt.
-
Edges and finish
Edges laid, ends sealed and the style finished.
-
Care guide
How to wash, sleep and refresh, and when to come back.
Box braids or natural braids?
| Box braids | Natural braids | |
|---|---|---|
| Length and fullness | Any length you choose | Your own length and density |
| Weight on the scalp | More | Less |
| Best for | A long-wear protective style, a change of length | A lighter style, sensitive scalps, giving hair a rest |
-
Box braids
- Length and fullness
- Any length you choose
- Weight on the scalp
- More
- Best for
- A long-wear protective style, a change of length
-
Natural braids
- Length and fullness
- Your own length and density
- Weight on the scalp
- Less
- Best for
- A lighter style, sensitive scalps, giving hair a rest
How long each style lasts
| Style | How long it lasts |
|---|---|
| Box braids | 4 to 8 weeks |
| Braided cornrows | 2 to 6 weeks |
How long yours last depends on how fast your hair grows, how you sleep and how you wash.
To keep them neat
- sleep in a satin bonnet or durag, or on a satin pillowcase,
- keep your scalp clean with a light cleanser on the scalp only, and dry your braids fully,
- moisturize your scalp and edges lightly, without heavy grease,
- do not keep braids in past the time we agreed. Long wear causes matting at the root and breakage at takedown.
Braid questions
Text or call 757-478-9908
How long can I keep braids in?
Box braids typically last 4 to 8 weeks and cornrows 2 to 6 weeks. Going past that is not worth it: new growth tangles at the root, braids get heavy on fewer strands, and takedown causes more breakage. Book your takedown and your next style before the time is up.
What is the difference between box braids and natural braids?
Box braids add braiding hair to your own, so you can choose the length and fullness, and they last about 4 to 8 weeks. We help you choose at the consultation.
Do you braid men's hair?
Yes. We offer men's braids, including cornrows and braided styles, and retwists for locs. Tell us at booking which style you want and how long your hair is, so we set aside the right time.
What is a retwist?
A retwist is upkeep for locs and twists. As your hair grows, the new growth at the root loosens; a retwist twists it back so the roots look neat and the locs stay defined.
Can I wash my hair with braids in?
Yes. Focus on your scalp: dilute a gentle shampoo, apply it to the scalp with your fingertips, rinse well and squeeze, do not rub, the lengths. Dry your braids completely, with a hooded dryer or air-drying, because braids that stay damp can smell and mildew. Most people wash every one to two weeks.
What hair type should not get braids?
Very fragile, breaking or chemically damaged hair, and hairlines that are already thinning, should rest before braids. Very short hair may not be long enough to grip. If your scalp is sore or irritated, wait until it heals. At your consultation we look at your hair and tell you which style is safe, or whether you should wait.
Text or call 757-478-9908
Book your braids
Tell us the style, the size and the length. We will braid it neat, braid it gentle, and send you home with a plan to keep it fresh. Appointments are required.