Box Braids, Quarantine, and Identity: Styling through Social Distancing
How quarantine changed my hair routine—and what box braids taught me about patience, identity, and self-care.
The abrupt reality of quarantine brought about seismic changes in our daily routines, many subtle and some monumental. For many, hair and beauty rituals became a source of stress, improvisation, and ultimately, self-discovery. This article is a personal reflection on giving myself box braids during lockdown, the lessons I learned about patience, identity, and the quiet heroism of hairstylists everywhere.
Intro: The Case of the Unskilled Beauty Writer
I make a living writing about beauty—how-tos, product recommendations, red carpet analysis. Oddly enough, when it comes to actually *doing* my own hair, my expertise fizzles. Styling, blow-drying, the perfect twist-out: I can write instructions, but executing them on myself felt overwhelming.
So when the world shut down and all salons went dark, I had a sobering realization: My sew-in was outlasting its welcome, and I’d have to face my natural hair for the first time since adulthood. Wash day loomed large: the ritualistic detangling, oiling, shampooing, conditioning, and deep conditioning. It all felt impossibly tedious.
After joking with friends about box braiding my hair at home, a plan hatched. I bought three packs of braiding hair and, somewhere between optimism and delusion, convinced myself this would be easy. With a glass of wine in hand—a questionable companion for a beauty transformation—I began the process.
Why Box Braids? Cultural Significance and Practicality
- Protective Styling: Box braids are more than a trend—they are a protective style, minimizing manipulation and allowing hair to grow without constant heat, combing, or brushing.
- Cultural Identity: For Black women, braids hold deep-rooted significance. They’re historically and culturally meaningful, a tradition and symbol passed through generations. Wearing them is, often, an act of cultural reclamation.
- Low Maintenance: In a period of social distancing, braids promised low maintenance and practicality. No more worrying about styling for work or the threat of humidity ruining a silk press.
The Braiding Process: An At-Home Experiment
The DIY braiding journey was a blend of excitement, frustration, and improvisation. Here’s a step-by-step recounting:
- Step 1: Preparation
I washed, detangled, and blow-dried my hair—already exhausting. My arms ached before a single braid had even begun.
- Step 2: Sectioning
Attempting to part my hair in neat, square sections (the hallmark of box braids) proved far harder than any tutorial suggested. My hand-eye coordination was tested to its limits.
- Step 3: Braiding
The actual braiding process was slow and clumsy at first. As I crossed from one side of my head to the next, some braids started large, some became smaller, with a general lack of uniformity. My self-critical instincts kicked in.
- Step 4: Improvisation
Impatience set in. Instead of soldiering through neat, knotless box braids, I improvised. I left the ends unfinished, channeling a goddess braid vibe inspired by Zoe Kravitz. Creativity born of necessity, or perhaps desperation.
- Step 5: The Final Product
Four and a half hours. Dozens of messy, mismatched braids. A triumph—of sorts.
Emotional Rollercoaster: From Excitement to Weariness
Doing my own hair was—let’s be real—exhausting. Repetitive arm movements, the constant struggle to keep parts straight, the sheer length of time, and waves of boredom. My patience evaporated quickly, replaced by a growing appreciation for hair professionals.
What others are reading
Unlike my roommate, who would build furniture from scratch, I’m the TaskRabbit type. Why go through this ordeal when I could normally book a stylist and be done in a fraction of the time? Quarantine forced me out of my comfort zone.
The Aesthetic Outcome: Imperfection and Self-Compassion
When I finally finished, the results were imperfect but satisfying. The quarantine provided a unique silver lining: If I messed up my hair, no one would see it. I snapped a photo and sent updates to friends and family, savoring their encouragement and praise. Was it pride? Relief? Maybe both.
What I Learned: Lessons in Patience and Identity
- Resilience: Even in frustration, I finished. That felt like growth.
- Stylist Appreciation: Hairstylists are unsung heroes. Box braids are an art form that requires skill and stamina—qualities I lacked but desperately admired.
- Self-Discovery: Quarantine forced me to confront my hair in its natural state, and with each braid, I slowly reconnected with parts of my identity I’d neglected for years.
In answering my mom’s question—”What did you learn?”—the response was clear: I learned I won’t be DIY braiding any time soon, but I gained newfound respect for the craft, the culture, and myself.
Box Braids: A Cultural Table
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Styling Purpose | Protective styling to reduce hair manipulation and breakage |
| Cultural Significance | Connected to African heritage; a marker of cultural identity and pride |
| DIY vs. Professional | DIY requires patience and skill; professionals offer speed, uniformity, comfort |
| Modern Visibility | Once niche, box braids are now mainstream across Black communities and gaining wider recognition |
| Quarantine Impact | Increased DIY attempts; highlighted disparities in access and expertise |
Social Distancing and the Black Hair Experience
Lockdown didn’t just strain hair routines—it also deepened reflection about beauty and identity. Box braids became a silent companion during isolation, a nod to cultural resilience and adaptation. For many women of color, hair isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s a way to connect with family, tradition, and community, even when physically separated.
Salon closures led to newfound independence but also exposed the gaps in self-sufficiency for those used to professional care. The trial-and-error process became a metaphor for broader uncertainties of the pandemic.
Protective Styling and Mental Well-being
- Low Daily Maintenance: No need for daily detangling or heat styling
- Reduced Anxiety: No fear of ‘bad hair days’—braids just are
- Mental Protection: As much a balm for the mind as for natural hair, offering a rare moment away from routine stress
Protective styles like box braids aren’t just about keeping natural hair healthy; they’re also a type of emotional armor for many Black women, a way to reclaim time, space, and freedom from the pressures of Eurocentric beauty standards.
Representation and Legacy
Box braids have been gaining increased visibility. Where they were once a hidden part of Black childhood, they’re now celebrated on runways, social media, and everyday life in cities worldwide. As representation improves, a new generation of Black girls can see themselves reflected in media, unashamed and proud of their hair’s heritage.
Box Braids FAQ
How long do box braids typically last?
Box braids can last 4–8 weeks depending on hair texture, maintenance, and braid size. Regular scalp care and gentle washing prolong their life.
Are box braids easy to do at home?
While possible, box braiding at home is time-consuming and requires skill, patience, and endurance. Most first-timers will experience arm fatigue and uneven braids. Watching tutorials and starting with larger braids can help.
Do box braids damage hair?
When installed correctly—not too tight at the scalp—and properly maintained, box braids are protective and reduce damage. Improper technique can put stress on roots and cause breakage.
What products are best for box braids?
Light leave-in conditioners, scalp oils, and gentle edge control gels help maintain braid hygiene and keep hair healthy.
Can box braids help with hair growth?
Yes, protective styling keeps hair manipulation to a minimum, allowing strands to grow with less breakage. Regular scalp massages and keeping braids clean enhances growth potential.
Reflections: Hairstylists as Unsung Heroes
Post-braiding, the greatest lesson may have been a heightened reverence for Black hairstylists. Their expertise transforms what is strenuous and awkward for amateurs into an artful, liberating process. Quarantine created a distance from their skills, but also shined a light on their value. Booking that next appointment feels almost sacred—a reunion worth celebrating.
The Takeaways: What Quarantine Taught Me about Beauty, Identity, and Box Braids
- DIY Endurance: I survived my first box braiding attempt and learned my limits.
- Cultural Connection: Braiding my hair deepened my appreciation for Black cultural traditions.
- Stylist Gratitude: Salons and professionals are essential pillars in hair care.
- Self-Compassion: Imperfection is okay. Braids are forgiving, quarantine is private, and growth can be messy.
To anyone considering their own box braids journey—whether inspired by necessity or curiosity—give yourself grace, give stylists credit, and let every messy braid be a thread in your story.
References
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/beauty-hair/hair/a37760078/reconnecting-with-braids/
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/a32380411/box-braids-social-distancing-essay/
- https://sociology.illinois.edu/system/files/2020-06/LiaoStewardClarkeASAIPMNewsletter0820.pdf
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VPGOvWKvpVc
Similar Articles
Read full bio of medha deb
