20 Butterfly Box Braids Everyone Is Obsessing Over

Butterfly box braids are soft, full, and made for women who want braids with movement. They give classic box braids a pretty curly twist.

This article shares 20 cute ways to wear them, from bob lengths to waist-length looks, buns, beads, and soft face-framing pieces.

In my experience as a stylist, the best styles balance neat parts with loose curls. That keeps the look pretty, easy to wear, and perfect for saving to your Pinterest board.

1. Butterfly Box Braids

Butterfly box braids give the classic box braid a softer, fuller look. The loose curly pieces make the style feel light, pretty, and easy to wear. It has that “fresh from the salon” feel without looking too stiff or too perfect.

This style works well when you want braids with shape and movement. I’ve noticed it looks best when the curly pieces are placed evenly, not all packed in one spot. That keeps the whole look soft, balanced, and photo-ready.

 Best For: Medium to long hair, oval and heart-shaped faces
Maintenance Level: Medium — loose curls need gentle care
Time Needed: 4–6 hours
Pro Tip: Wrap your braids with a silk scarf at night to keep the curly pieces smooth.

2. Shoulder-Length Butterfly Braids

Shoulder-length butterfly braids are cute, light, and easy to manage. They frame the face without feeling heavy. This is a great pick if you love braided styles but do not want hair hanging all the way down your back.

The shorter length makes the curls stand out more. It also gives the style a bouncy, playful look. In my experience, this length is perfect for busy women who want beauty, comfort, and less daily fuss in one hairstyle.

 Best For: Short to medium hair, round and oval faces
Maintenance Level: Low — shorter braids are easier to sleep with
Time Needed: 3–5 hours
Pro Tip: Ask for clean medium parts so the style looks full without feeling bulky.

3. Waist-Length Butterfly Braids

Waist-length butterfly braids bring drama in the prettiest way. The long braids flow down the back while the soft curly pieces add body. It is a bold style, but it still feels romantic and wearable for everyday outfits.

This look is perfect for photos, vacations, birthdays, and weekend plans. The length gives you more styling options, from half-up looks to loose side parts. Keep the ends neat, because long braids show every detail clearly.

 Best For: Long hair, oval and diamond face shapes
Maintenance Level: High — extra length needs more night care
Time Needed: 6–8 hours
Pro Tip: Use lightweight mousse once a week to refresh the curly pieces without buildup.

4. Side-Part Butterfly Braids

Side-part butterfly braids give the face a soft, flattering shape. The part adds instant style without needing clips or extra accessories. It makes the braids fall naturally to one side, which gives the whole look a pretty, relaxed finish.

This style is great when you want your braids to look styled every day. The side part works well with hoops, glossy lips, and simple outfits. It also helps soften the forehead area and brings attention to the cheekbones.

 Best For: Medium to long hair, square and heart-shaped faces
Maintenance Level: Medium — parting needs to stay neat
Time Needed: 4–6 hours
Pro Tip: Keep edge control light so the hairline looks clean but not hard.

5. Boho Butterfly Braids

Boho butterfly braids mix soft curls, loose pieces, and neat box parts for a dreamy look. The style feels relaxed but still polished. It is perfect if you want braids that look full, textured, and full of movement from every angle.

The key is balance. Too many loose curls can tangle fast, while too few can make the look plain. I suggest asking your stylist for soft curly strands around the face and ends, so the style stays pretty but easy to manage.

 Best For: Medium to thick hair, oval and long face shapes
Maintenance Level: Medium — curls need gentle finger styling
Time Needed: 5–7 hours
Pro Tip: Do not brush the loose curls. Separate them with your fingers and a little styling foam.

Also Visit : 20 Wash and Go Hairstyles for Natural Hair You’ll Love

6. Knotless Butterfly Braids

Knotless butterfly braids feel light on the scalp and soft around the hairline. The feed-in method makes the base look smooth and natural. This is a great choice if you want a full braided look without too much tightness.

The loose curly pieces give the braids that fluffy, pretty finish people love on Pinterest. I’ve noticed this style works best with medium-sized parts because it keeps the look neat, airy, and easy to move throughout the day.

 Best For: Fine to medium hair, tender scalps, oval faces
Maintenance Level: Medium — curls need light refreshing
Time Needed: 5–7 hours
Pro Tip: Ask your stylist not to braid too tightly around your edges.

7. Jumbo Butterfly Braids

Jumbo butterfly braids are bold, chunky, and easy to notice. The larger sections make the style look full fast, while the curly pieces soften the whole look. It is perfect when you want big braids without spending all day in the chair.

This style gives a strong beauty look with less tension than tiny braids. The bigger parts also make takedown quicker. Keep in mind, jumbo braids may not last as long, so they are best for short trips, events, or quick style changes.

 Best For: Thick hair, long faces, oval faces
Maintenance Level: Low — fewer braids are easier to manage
Time Needed: 2–4 hours
Pro Tip: Use a light shine spray so the chunky braids look smooth, not dry.

8. Small Butterfly Braids

Small butterfly braids have a clean, detailed look that feels polished from root to tip. The smaller parts make the style last longer and give the hair more movement. This is a nice pick if you love neat braids with soft curls.

The tiny sections help the curls blend beautifully through the hair. This style takes more time, but the finished look is worth it. In my experience, small braids are best for women who want a long-lasting protective style with a soft finish.

 Best For: Medium to thick hair, round and heart-shaped faces
Maintenance Level: High — small parts need careful care
Time Needed: 7–9 hours
Pro Tip: Oil your scalp lightly every few days to stop dryness between the small parts.

9. Half-Up Butterfly Braids

Half-up butterfly braids give you the best of both worlds. The top section pulls the hair away from the face, while the rest flows down with soft curls. It looks cute, fresh, and easy without needing much extra styling.

This style is perfect for brunch, selfies, school runs, or casual weekends. The lifted top adds height, which can make the face look longer. Keep the half-up section loose enough so it does not pull on your roots.

 Best For: Medium to long hair, round and square faces
Maintenance Level: Medium — top section needs gentle handling
Time Needed: 4–6 hours
Pro Tip: Use a soft scrunchie instead of a tight elastic to protect the braid base.

10. Blonde Butterfly Braids

Blonde butterfly braids are bright, fun, and perfect when you want a fresh change. The light color makes every curl and braid detail pop. It gives the whole style a sunny feel, especially with soft makeup and simple gold jewelry.

This look works best when the blonde shade matches your skin tone. Honey blonde feels warm and soft, while ash blonde looks cooler and bolder. I suggest starting with blended blonde pieces if you want color without a huge change.

 Best For: Medium to long hair, warm undertones, oval faces
Maintenance Level: Medium — lighter hair needs shine care
Time Needed: 4–7 hours
Pro Tip: Use a small amount of braid sheen to keep blonde hair from looking dull.

11. Bob Butterfly Braids

Bob butterfly braids are short, cute, and full of shape. The curled pieces add softness around the cheeks and jawline. This style is perfect when you want braids that feel light, stylish, and easy to wear every single day.

The bob length makes the look feel neat without being boring. It works well with middle parts, side parts, or tucked-behind-the-ear styling. In my experience, this cut looks best when the ends sit right above the shoulders.

 Best For: Short to medium hair, oval and heart-shaped faces
Maintenance Level: Low — shorter length is easier to control
Time Needed: 3–5 hours
Pro Tip: Ask for curled ends so the bob shape looks soft, not blunt.

12. Middle-Part Butterfly Braids

Middle-part butterfly braids give a clean, balanced look that frames both sides of the face. The center part makes the style feel simple but very pretty. It is a great choice if you like neat hair that still has soft movement.

This style works well for everyday outfits, selfies, and low-key glam days. The key is keeping the part straight and the curls even on both sides. A clean middle part can make the whole hairstyle look more polished right away.

 Best For: Medium to long hair, oval and round faces
Maintenance Level: Medium — part line needs to stay clean
Time Needed: 4–6 hours
Pro Tip: Use a rat-tail comb to refresh the part before taking photos.

13. Layered Butterfly Braids

Layered butterfly braids have soft shape and body from top to bottom. The different lengths help the curls fall in a more natural way. This style is perfect if you want your braids to look full, light, and full of movement.

The layers can also help frame the face beautifully. Shorter front pieces soften the cheekbones, while longer back pieces keep the style dramatic. I’ve noticed layered braids photograph really well because they do not look flat from the side.

 Best For: Medium to long hair, oval and square faces
Maintenance Level: Medium — layered curls need gentle care
Time Needed: 5–7 hours
Pro Tip: Ask for face-framing layers if you want a softer front view.

14. Brown Butterfly Braids

Brown butterfly braids feel warm, soft, and easy to wear. The brown shade adds depth without looking too loud. It is perfect if you want a small color change that still looks natural with everyday makeup and casual outfits.

This style looks beautiful in chocolate brown, chestnut, or soft cinnamon tones. The color helps the curly pieces stand out, especially in sunlight. For the most natural look, choose a brown shade close to your undertone.

 Best For: Medium to long hair, warm undertones, oval faces
Maintenance Level: Medium — colored braiding hair needs shine care
Time Needed: 4–7 hours
Pro Tip: Mix dark brown with natural black for a softer, fuller finish.

15. High Bun Butterfly Braids

High bun butterfly braids are cute, lifted, and perfect for showing your face. The bun adds height, while the loose curly pieces keep the look soft. It is a great style for warm days, events, or outfits with a clean neckline.

This look works best when the braids are not too heavy. A loose bun protects your scalp and keeps the style comfortable. In my experience, leaving a few curls out near the face makes the bun look softer and more natural.

 Best For: Medium to long hair, round and heart-shaped faces
Maintenance Level: Medium — bun tension must be controlled
Time Needed: 4–6 hours
Pro Tip: Do not sleep with the bun tight. Take it down at night to protect your roots.

16. Curly End Braids

Curly end braids give the whole style a soft, flirty finish. The braids stay neat through the length, while the ends open into pretty curls. It is a great choice when you want a protective style that still feels bouncy and fun.

This look works well for everyday wear because the curls sit mostly at the bottom. That means less tangling near the face. I’ve noticed it looks best when the curled ends are trimmed evenly, so the shape stays clean and full.

 Best For: Medium to long hair, oval and heart-shaped faces
Maintenance Level: Medium — curly ends need light care
Time Needed: 4–6 hours
Pro Tip: Add mousse to the ends, then let them air dry to keep the curls soft.

17. Long Boho Braids

Long boho braids are soft, flowing, and full of texture. The loose curly strands make the braids feel relaxed instead of stiff. This style is perfect when you want hair that looks pretty in photos but still feels easy for daily life.

The long length gives you many styling options. You can wear it down, half-up, in a side sweep, or in a loose ponytail. Keep the curls separated with your fingers, not a brush, so the soft pieces do not turn frizzy.

Best For: Long hair, thick hair, oval and long faces
Maintenance Level: High — loose curls can tangle faster
Time Needed: 6–8 hours
Pro Tip: Sleep with the hair in loose sections to stop the curls from matting.

18. Goddess Box Braids

Goddess box braids have a soft, romantic look with loose curls placed through the braids. The box parts keep everything neat, while the curly pieces add body and movement. It is a lovely pick for women who want braids with a softer finish.

This style looks great with gold cuffs, clear beads, or tiny hair charms. In my experience, it works best when the curls are placed with care, not added everywhere. That keeps the look pretty, clean, and easier to maintain.

Best For: Medium to long hair, oval and square faces
Maintenance Level: Medium — curls need gentle finger styling
Time Needed: 5–7 hours
Pro Tip: Use human-hair curls if you want a softer, longer-lasting finish.

19. Face-Framing Braids

Face-framing braids are perfect when you want the front of your hair to stand out. The shorter curly pieces near the face soften the cheeks and jawline. This style gives your braids a more custom look without changing the whole length.

It is a smart choice for selfies because the front detail shows right away. The face-framing pieces can be soft curls, thin braids, or a mix of both. Ask your stylist to shape them around your best features, not just copy a photo.

Best For: Medium to long hair, round and square faces
Maintenance Level: Medium — front curls need daily smoothing
Time Needed: 4–6 hours
Pro Tip: Refresh the front curls with a tiny amount of leave-in spray.

20. Beaded Butterfly Braids

Beaded butterfly braids add a cute, playful touch without doing too much. Clear, gold, wooden, or brown beads can change the whole mood of the style. The beads also make the ends look more finished and eye-catching in Pinterest photos.

This look is great if you love accessories but still want soft curls and movement. Keep the beads light so they do not pull on the ends. I suggest adding them near the front or lower ends for detail that feels pretty, not heavy.

Best For: Medium to long hair, oval and heart-shaped faces
Maintenance Level: Medium — beads need gentle night care
Time Needed: 4–7 hours
Pro Tip: Use rubber bands that match the hair color so the beads look neat.

Conclusion

Butterfly box braids can change your whole look without feeling too stiff or heavy. From short bobs to long boho styles, each idea gives you a fresh way to wear soft curls, clean parts, and pretty volume.

Save your favorite styles to your Pinterest boards so you can show your stylist later. Try the look that fits your face, mood, and daily routine. I’ve seen how the right braid style can make a woman feel fresh, confident, and ready to be seen.