Box braids last 6 to 8 weeks on average. With diligent night-time care and weekly washes, knotted installs can stretch to 10 weeks before takedown is recommended.
Most braiders recommend taking box braids down between **week 6 and week 8**. Going past 8 weeks is possible but increases the risk of matting at the root as your natural hair sheds and tangles inside the braid.
**What shortens lifespan**
- Sleeping without a satin bonnet or pillowcase.
- Skipping scalp cleansing for 2+ weeks.
- Heavy product buildup at the roots.
- Constant high ponytails that put tension on the install.
- Swimming in chlorinated or salt water without rinsing.
**What extends lifespan**
- Weekly diluted-shampoo scalp wash.
- Nightly satin bonnet.
- Light scalp oil 2 to 3 times per week.
- Re-doing the front 2 to 3 braids around week 4 (the "edge refresh").
**When to take them down — even if they still look good**
- Visible matting at the root.
- Persistent itching that doesn''t clear after washing.
- Painful tension that hasn''t eased after a week.
- Hair shedding in clumps when you move a braid.
Your hair needs 1 to 2 weeks of recovery between protective styles. Don''t back-to-back installs for more than three cycles in a row without a longer break.