Short answer: most people in the UK pay between £60 and £160 for box braids, with size and length doing most of the work.
A short or jumbo set in synthetic hair can come in from around £35 to £50, while small or knee-length braids, and anything in human hair, run higher, into the £150 to £250 range. London and the bigger cities sit at the top.
That is a wide spread, because box braids cover everything from a quick shoulder-length jumbo set to a full head of small, waist-length braids that takes most of a day. Here is what moves the price, what you are paying for, and how to get a quote you can rely on before you book.
Typical box braid prices in the UK
These are indicative 2026 ranges from live UK salon and booking listings. They assume synthetic braiding hair is included unless noted, which is not always the case, so use them as a starting point and confirm with the braider.
| Size and length | Typical UK price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Jumbo, short to shoulder | £35–£80 | Fewest braids, quickest install, loosens soonest |
| Medium, shoulder to mid-back | £60–£140 | The most common booking and the figure most people mean |
| Small, mid-back to waist | £140–£250 | More braids, several more hours, lasts longest |
| Knotless method | +£10–£40 | Gentler on edges, takes longer, often a small add-on |
| Human-hair install | £200–£300+ | Hair cost rises sharply; mostly London and larger cities |
Indicative mid-2026 ranges. Prices vary by braider, area and how much hair your style needs. Always confirm what the quote includes before you book.
What you are actually paying for
Box braids are priced mostly on time, and four things drive how long the job takes.
Braid size
This is the biggest single factor. Small braids mean more sections, finer parting and the longest sit, so they cost the most. Medium is the usual middle ground. Jumbo is the quickest and cheapest because there is less to do, though it loosens sooner. A small set can be two to three times the price of a jumbo set at the same length.
Length
Longer braids need more hair and more time to braid down, so the price climbs with length. A shoulder-length set is the cheapest version of any size; waist or knee-length is the dearest. If budget is tight, losing a few inches saves more than people expect.
The hair
Synthetic braiding hair is cheap, often a couple of pounds a pack, and a full head takes roughly five to eight packs, so synthetic hair adds maybe £15 to £25 to the job. Human hair is a different story and can add a hundred pounds or more on its own, which is why human-hair box braids sit so much higher. Colour, beads and cuffs add a little on top.
Where you book
A commercial salon in central London charges more than a home-based or mobile braider in a smaller town, for the same style. Some of that is overheads, some is demand. It does not always track quality, plenty of excellent braiders work from home, but it explains a lot of the regional spread.
Box braids or knotless: the price difference
Traditional knotted box braids are usually a little cheaper than knotless, because starting each braid on a knot is quicker than feeding the hair in gradually.
Knotless is gentler on your edges and sits flatter, which is why many braiders charge a small add-on for it.
The look is similar, so the choice comes down to comfort, time and budget. If your edges are fine or braids have hurt before, the knotless add-on is usually money well spent.
Is the hair included, or extra?
This is the question that catches people out. Plenty of UK braiders quote for their time only and ask you to bring the hair, or buy it on the day. A quote that looks cheap can land higher once you have bought six or seven packs.
Before you book, get three things in writing: whether hair is included, how many packs your style needs, and whether take-down is a separate charge.
London versus the rest of the UK
London is the most expensive place to get box braids, with the larger cities, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, Bristol, close behind.
Smaller towns and home-based braiders tend to come in lower. The style is the same; you are mostly paying the local rate for the braider’s time. If you are near a city border, it can be worth checking braiders one town over.
The costs people forget
Take-down is the main one. Some braiders include it, others charge £15 to £40 to take a full head out properly, and rushing it yourself is how edges get damaged, so it is worth budgeting for.
Aftercare is cheap but real: a satin scarf or bonnet, a light scalp oil and a diluted shampoo will see you through six to eight weeks of wear.
How to get an accurate quote
Message the braider with the size, length, colour and finish you want, and a photo if you have one. Ask directly: what is the total, is hair included, how many packs, and is take-down extra.
A good braider will give you a clear number and tell you if the size you have asked for is wrong for your hair. Vague pricing usually means a surprise at the end.
Find a braider who does box braids near you
Prices here are UK averages. The real number depends on the braider you book, so the next step is to compare a few in your area.
Browse box braiders by city below, or start from the main box braids page.
- Box braids (all areas)
- Box braiders in London
- Box braiders in Birmingham
- Box braiders in Manchester
- Box braiders in Leeds
Frequently asked questions
- How much are box braids in the UK on average?
- Most sets cost £60 to £160, depending mainly on size and length. A short or jumbo set in synthetic hair can start around £35 to £50; small, long or human-hair braids run higher, into the £150 to £250 range.
- Why are small box braids so much more expensive?
- Smaller braids mean far more sections and several more hours in the chair, and box braids are priced mostly on time. A small set can cost two to three times a jumbo set at the same length, but it also lasts longer.
- Is the hair included in the price?
- Often not. Many braiders quote for their time and ask you to bring the hair or buy it on the day. Synthetic hair is only a few pounds a pack; human hair adds a lot. Always check before you book.
- Are box braids cheaper than knotless?
- Usually a little, because knotted braids are quicker to install than feeding the hair in gradually. Many braiders add a small charge for the knotless method, which is gentler on your edges. The look is similar, so choose on comfort, time and budget.
- Does take-down cost extra?
- Sometimes. Some braiders include it, others charge £15 to £40. It is worth paying for rather than rushing it yourself, since careless take-down is where breakage happens.
- Are box braids cheaper outside London?
- Usually, yes. London and the larger cities sit at the top of every range; smaller towns and home-based or mobile braiders tend to be lower for the same style.
