11 Ways to Style Your Box Braids, According to the Chicest People on Instagram

Take it from someone who gets their hair braided on the regular: Your prep process before ever sitting in the salon chair can make a huge difference in the end result. With its powerful formula of vitamin C and E, As I Am's Jamaican Caster Oil Water can be used to coax out even the toughest knots and tangles.

A must-have for all hair types, this conditioning detangling spray is another product you'll want to add to your hair inventory for before, during, and after your box braids. It smoothes and strengthens dry, damaged hair while also majorly reducing breakage and providing heat protection.

If you haven't tried anything from Sunday II Sunday's line of revolutionary products, you've been majorly missing out. One of its best sellers, the Revive Me Daily Moisturizing Spray, has quickly become one of my favorites for keeping my box braids looking and feeling fresh weeks after they're first done.

Another must-have product braiders and their customers alike won't stop raving about is the Braid Balm by Beachwaver. Described by the brand as "the perfect pre-braid prep," the balm encourages frizz-free braids starting at the root.

Ideal for quick and elegant styling, this stainless steel hair pin by Deborah Pagni will do everything from keeping your small to medium braids in check to adding a laid-back luxurious touch to however you decide to style your braids.

Bobby pins are a no-brainer for any hairstyle, but they're particularly helpful when it comes to styling box braids of any size (especially if you're planning on guiding your braids up to a bun). Remember, the "bumpy" part of the bobby pin should touch the hair in order to offer a good grip so your braids won't slip and slide.

We're fans of Function of Beauty's personal haircare products offered on its website, but did you know it sells collections targeting different hair types at Target? Its Moisturizing Styling Gel, for example, is a holy grail for coily hair in our out of braided styles. With little to no effort, you'll have laid edges.

As long as I've been wearing braids (which is about 15 years off and on), Eco Styler's Olive Oil Styling Gel has remained my go-to. It's easy to use, keeps my 4c strands laid, and leaves no unsightly white sheen or flakes after the product dries. It also helps that its stayed at an affordable price.

Chunky hair ties are the way to go if you're looking for a quick and easy way to style your box braids. Planning on pulling your hair into a timeless sleek pony or a trendy half-up, half-down look like Instagram's braided girls? You'll want to grab these before they're gone.

Alternately, small hair elastics for more detailed box braid styles also make a great investment. These ones, by Heliums, are gentle on the hair and don't have any metal parts or exposed rubber that risks snagging or pulling your strands.

Soft boar-bristle brushes will always be a holy-grail product for those of us with thick, coily 4c hair. With them, Evolve's Perfect Edge Brushes help promote growth and retention through distributing natural oils throughout the hair. For anyone who likes styling their box braids with laid-down edges, this brush also keeps them looking smooth.

Pattern by Tracee Ellis Ross's Edge Tool also does an amazing job of keeping your edges looking fresh. It's a solid three-in-one edge tool crafted from strong vegan bristles to create endless swirls, shapes, and swoops to complement your stylish box braids.

If you know me, then you also know I take any opportunity to add some shine and shimmer to my everyday looks. Whenever my hair is in box braids, you can bet I'm back on the hunt for some chic additions to my styles. These hair and face gems come in a variety of sizes with the addition of easy to use tweezers.

Getting box braids gives you endless styling possibilities and sources of inspiration. Use an oversize silk scrunchie to protect your tresses while adding effortless style. Whether you wear your hair high or low in this scrunchie, you can count on receiving compliment after compliment.