Box Braids are four strand round braids made by crossing opposing strands on top of one another.

Example:

<--- a box braided dreadlock. Four dreadlocks were box braided together.  For a change of pace, from time to time, I do my whole head with box braids.   It's blurry, but it was taken on the webcam.  You can get the idea though. This is what my hair looked like when I took the braids out.

Here is a helpful image to show you the basics of how to box braid:

Instructions for how to box braid:

1. Part a section of hair that you'll be able to divide into four equal strands.  Alternatively, if you're going to be box braiding already existing braids or dreadlocks, you need to get four of them that are immediately around each other.
2. Cross two strands that are at opposing corners of the section you've selected.
3. Cross the other two strands right on top of where you crossed the others.
4. Repeat, crossing opposing strands over and over again.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Box Braids

Box braids are basically four strand round braids.  You make them by crossing the strands opposite each other, forming a braid that looks somewhat like a twisted chain.  They are not just individual braids with extensions or with square shaped parts.  You can use just about any shape of parting, and you can even make box braids out of dreadlocks or individual braids.  So long as there are four of them, and you're crossing opposing strands, it's a box braid.  By the way, there is also a four strand flat braid, and you can also do four strand track braids.

Yes it is.  You just need to start it as if you were making a pinch braid, and then shift to box braiding after a few stitches.

For the most neat and secure ends, I recommend bringing together two of the strands, and doing a few cycles of regular 3-strand braiding at the ends.  If needed, use a rubber band, barette, or clip bead as well.