20 Box Braids Bob Styles to Try Now

All Things Hair | June 20, 2023

We’re calling it. The box braids bob is winning the hair game right now. Perfect for flaunting a shorter look and keeping a protective style, it’s fun, bold and full of character.

And with box braids and bobs flooding the red carpet recently, you’ll want to do like The Little Mermaid beauty Halle Bailey and sport them both.

Ready to try the look? Discover our top box braid bob hair styles here…

Chin-Length Box Braids

Box braids bob: Woman with caramel brown short bob box braids hairstyle, wearing a grey top — Simply divine. Credit: Instagram.com/olajarel

We can’t get enough of this ultra-stylish look. The chin-length cut is cute yet sassy, making it the perfect pick for first-timers who want to dip into the trend, but don’t want to go for anything too dramatic.

Cute Short Braids

Woman with very short box braids bob — Ready, set, slay. Credit: Instagram.com/melviee

A must-try for framing your face shape beautifully, these short braids certainly make a statement. And they totally suit an off-the-shoulder outfit, don’t you think?

Short Bob Braid with Side Bangs

Woman with side swept short box braids hairstyle — That side bang really completes the look. Credit: Instagram.com/thelondoncurls

For an elegant, dynamic look, opt for some side-swept bangs – a great way to make a statement with short bob braids. Oh, and it’s the perfect selfie look. Keep your braids healthy and nourished with the SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Shampoo.

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Braided Bob with Undercut

Amandla Stenberg with short bob braids with side shaved hair — The definition of cool. Credit: Instagram.com/amandlasponsored

Get ready to slay. There are short box braids and then there’s this – featuring a unique shaved hair design that’s truly eye-catching. But even if you go for a standard undercut, you’ll give your box braids bob an edgy, fuller look.

Wavy Short Box Braids

Short wavy box braids hairstyle — Cute and wavy. Credit: Instagram.com/braidedbytee

For a beachy vibe whatever the weather, go for a mix of done and undone short box braids. Psst: the look is basically calling to be worn on a dreamy holiday…

Short Dookie Braids

Prefer thick box braids? Bob styles, like these dookie braids, will give your hair a fabulously ’90s vibes. And we’re all for it.

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Editor’s tip: Replenish and reinvigorate your natural hair in-between styling with SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Hair Treatment Masque, whose formula is specifically designed for natural and transitioning hair.

’90s-Inspired Box Braids in a Bob

Box braids bob: Woman with dark brown short bob box braids smiling — Bob goals. Credit: Instagram.com/kersti.pitre

Speaking of ’90s hair, we urge you to try this side-parted cut, which works for all face shapes. It’ll give you all those Jada Pinkett Smith vibes from The Nutty Professor – glamorous and gorgeous!

Editor’s tip: Whichever box braids bob style you go for, you’ll want to protect your tresses with a leave-in conditioner spray, like the TRESemmé Botanique Nourish & Replenish Hydrating Mist. This will help to keep your strands hydrated and leave them with a lustrous sheen.

Modern Braided Bob

Woman with short braided asymmetrical bob with hair accessories — This bob is best in class, in our opinion. Credit: Instagram.com/jenylucena

With short hair, accessories are everything. Give your favourite box braids bob a sparkly makeover with some gold hair threading and hair cuffs.

Short Blonde Box Braids

close up shot of woman with blonde box braids bob style, wearing white shirt and blue jeans — Blonde ambition? Take note of this look. Credit: Instagram.com/maryzzle_

If you’re inspired by celebrities who sport bleached box braids like Eva Marcille, give your box braids bob a platinum refresh with this fun, vibrant look.

Rose Gold Short Braids

Bob braids bob: Woman with rose gold short box braids, wearing cherry earrings with grey blazer and pink top, posing outside — Box braids bobs look magical in rose gold. Credit: Instagram.com/sol_noturno

The coolest way to go pink? Rose gold hair (a la this trendsetter). These pretty braids are all you need to take your short hair to the next level.

Short Red Cornrow Box Braids

Woman with red cornrow braided box braids — Go daring, go red. Credit: Instagram.com/nneunfiltered

Short red cornrow box braids are always a yes from us. The overall look? Fierce and fiery with heaps of character.

Short Purple Braids

Woman with purple long box braids bob — Doesn’t this purple hue look incredible? Credit: Instagram.com/tropicalboxbraids

Go full-on purple with these neat and small box braids. Whether you’re off to a far-flung holiday destination or just want a hair refresh, purple box braids are here to brighten up your day.

Boho Blue Box Braids

Woman with blue box braids bob — Hello, boho blue! Credit: Instagram.com/dvonnbraidandcrochetstore

Introducing blue box braids in a bob, the hairstyle you didn’t know you needed until now. Add aviator sunnies, a fedora hat and a bold lipstick to complete the look.

Up next: 11 beautiful boho box braids hairstyles you’ll want to try now.

Asymmetrical Short Braided Bob

Woman with angled short box braids — Oh-so-chic. Credit: Instagram.com/braidedbytee

This simple yet striking asymmetrical bob is ideal for work, play and everything inbetween. Plus, it has an edge to it, so if you want to look centre-stage wherever you go, pick this.

Medium Box Braids

Box braids bob: Woman with dark brown box braids in a bob style smiling, wearing floral dress — Not ready to part with long lengths? Try a medium bob. Credit: Instagram.com/mercredie

This lob (long bob) box braid look is giving main character vibes. A great option if you’re not quite ready to take on the bob, but want a fresh cut that looks stunning, it perfectly goes with any style or outfit just the way it is.

Half-Up Short Braids

Box braids bob: Woman with dark brown half up half down short bob box braids, with yellow background — You’ve got to try this, people. Credit: Instagram.com/kalkidan_

The hun (AKA half-up bun) is the hairstyle of the season, so earn yourself some extra hair points by sporting the style with your short bob box braids.

Half-Up, Half-Down Space Buns

Cute hairstyle alert! Double the buns means double the fun, right? Correct. If you’ve got a party, festival or girls trip in the diary, you can’t go wrong with this bob box braid look, complete with half-up style space buns.

Cornrow Braided Bob

Bob braids bob: Woman with caramel brown short fulani braided bob hairstyle with bead detailing at the ends, wearing a yellow top and posing in a bathroom setting — We can’t stop staring at this gorgeous hair style. Credit: Instagram.com/solange_hair

Not all bob box braid hairstyles have to be the same. In fact, you can update your look by adding a stunning Fulani effect at the front. Don’t forget the beads at the ends!

Short Box Braids Updo

Box braids bob: Woman with dark brown box braids styled into a scarf updo, posing against some green plants — Everyone loves a good updo. Credit: Instagram.com/naturalbabe10.11_pro

If you fancy a change of hairstyle, pair your box braids updo with a stylish hair scarf and there you have it – a seriously swoon-worthy look.

Ribbon Braided Bob Hairstyle

Box braids bob: Woman with dark brown box braids bob hairstyle, with accessories in it — Adding accessories to your box braids will make your locks look like a work of art. Credit: Instagram.com/tarnde

Box braids adorned with ribbon? Yes, please. It completely elevates any look, even if you do it on a few braids. The fun doesn’t have to stop there – try beads, hair jewellery, hair hoops and pearls too.