Hey girl, Let’s talk about a protective style that’s got everyone in a chokehold right now: boho braids. Whether you’re scrolling through Pinterest or TikTok, you’ve probably seen this breezy, textured braid style popping up everywhere. And listen, there’s a reason why this look is dominating the streets.
If you’ve been thinking about switching things up while still keeping your natural hair protected, boho braids might just be that girl. Today, we’re diving into everything you need to know; what they are, how to prep your hair, what hair to use, how to install them, how to maintain them, and yes, which products from Amazon are actually worth your coin.
Let’s get into it.
So What Exactly Are Boho Braids?
Think of boho braids as the lovechild of box braids and goddess locs. They’re usually knotless or box braids with textured, curly pieces left out randomly throughout the style. This gives them that dreamy, effortlessly undone look, like you just stepped off the beach in Bali, but make it protective.
They’re perfect if you want a style that feels a little more romantic, a little more lived-in, and a lot more you.
Why Boho Braids Are Worth the Hype
Let’s be honest: Not every trend is worth hopping on, but this one checks so many boxes.
- Protective without being boring
You still get all the protection benefits of traditional braids (like less manipulation and shielding your ends), but with way more personality and flair. - Low-maintenance luxury
Once installed, these braids don’t ask for much. A little scalp love here and there, moisturizing hair and you’re good. They’re perfect for travel, vacations, or just giving your natural hair a break. - Versatile AF
You can wear them long and flowy, in a bob, tied up in a messy bun, or accessorized with beads and cuffs. Whether you’re headed to a brunch or a boardroom, boho braids fit the vibe.
How to Prep Your Natural Hair (This Step Is Not Optional)
Before you get all braided up, it’s important to show your natural hair some TLC. Protective styles only protect if your hair is properly prepped underneath.
Step 1: Clarify and Cleanse
Start with a clean scalp. Use a sulfate-free shampoo that gently removes product buildup without stripping your hair. Using a sulphate or clarifying shampoo is important if you have hair and scalp with build up. Don’t forget to follow with a moisturizing deep conditioner to restore moisture, activate curls and makes your hair smooth and easy to manage.
Try this:
If you’re looking for a shampoo that’ll leave your scalp squeaky clean but still soft, the Design Essentials Honey Creme Moisture Retention Super Detangling Conditioning Shampoo will work perfectly for you and for those who need a clarifying shampoo, go for As I Am Curl Clarity Shampoo.
Step 2: Deep Condition Like Your Life Depends On It
Your hair needs to be moisturized before it gets tucked away. This helps prevent dryness and breakage while it’s in the braids. Deep conditioning is very essential for everyone with hair on their end. Always use a moisturizing deep conditioner after cleansing your hair and go for protein treatments if you have weak and damaged hair, colored hair.
The moisturizing TGIN Honey Miracle Hair Mask is thick, rich, and so good for type 4 hair. It melts tangles and leaves your strands buttery soft. Don’t skip this. For protein treatment, go for ApHogee Intensive 2 Minute Keratin Reconstructor to strengthen weak hair, minimize breakage and help repair hair damage.
Step 3: Moisturizing and Sealing
After rinsing off the deep conditioner, be sure to moisturize your hair and seal in the moisture. Moisturizing helps with minimizing breakage, keeping your hair soft, manageable and activating coils and curls in your hair. To moisturize, use a water based moisturizing leave-in conditioner, apply along your hair length focusing on the ends of your hair. Once the hair is moisturized, lock in the moisture with a sealant; either an oil or butter.
Step 4: Stretch and Detangle
After your hair is fully moisturized, it’s time to stretch because you ought to install protective styles on moisturized, stretched and tangle free hair. Blow dry your hair on low heat and use a heat protectant when using heat or use heatless stretching methods like banding or African threading. You want your hair to be detangled and stretched so it blends seamlessly with the braiding hair.
What Hair Should You Use for Boho Braids?
Now let’s talk extensions; the key to making or breaking your boho braid look.
1. Braiding Hair (The Foundation)
You’ll want pre-stretched braiding hair to make the process smoother and avoid extra tangling.
Top Amazon Pick:
The X-Pression Pre-Stretched Braiding Hair is perfect. It’s soft, easy to work with, and doesn’t tangle up mid-braid. Plus, it’s light on the scalp, no neck cramps here.
2. Curly or Wavy Hair (The Boho Flair)
This is what gives the style its signature romantic look. You can use deep wave or water wave synthetic hair to achieve that soft, curly finish.
Highly Recommended:
The FreeTress Water Wave Crochet Hair (22”) blends beautifully into braids without looking too shiny or fake. It has just the right amount of volume and bounce for a natural finish.
Here’s a tip: If you want a more natural look, separate the curls before adding them into the braid. It gives them a fluffier, less uniform finish.
Installation Tips (Whether DIY or Stylist-Installed)
Boho braids aren’t hard to install, but they do require patience. Here’s the typical process:
- Section your hair neatly – Clean parts are the key to a neat install.
- Braid as normal – Use your pre-stretched hair for the braid base.
- Feed in curly hair as you go – Add the curly pieces midway through the braid or crochet them in afterward. Either works.
- Seal the ends – Hot water dipping helps prevent unraveling.
- Trim frizz – Carefully snip away any out-of-place hairs after the install.
How to Maintain Your Boho Braids (So They Don’t Turn into a Mess)
Keep Your Scalp Clean
You don’t need to wash your entire head, but your scalp should stay fresh. Also, if you have an oily scalp, you will need to stay away from oils. Do regular scalp massages to stimulate hair growth, go for growth stimulating oils like wild growth hair oil.
Go-to product:
The African Pride Braid & Scalp Cleansing Rinse is a lifesaver. For some of these, no rinse needed, just apply to your scalp and gently wipe with a cloth or cotton pad.
Refresh the Curls
Over time, those curly pieces can get a little fuzzy. Lightly mist them with water and use a small amount of mousse or leave-in conditioner to revive them. You can also go for moisturizing spritz for protective styles to keep your hair moisturized, we all know dry hair is prone to breakage and you don’t want that.
Great for this:
The Maui Moisture Frizz-Free + Shea Butter Leave-in Conditioning Mist which is a frizz-free blend helps block out humidity and detangle and protect strands from heat for defined curls that shine. A little goes a long way.
Protect Your Style at Night
Satin or silk is your best friend here. Use a satin bonnet or sleep on a silk pillowcase to reduce frizz and extend the life of the style. Keep off cotton scarf or pillowcase since they absorb moisture from your hair leaving it dry and prone to breakage.
Add to cart:
The YANIBEST bonnets is both cute and functional. Perfect for protecting your braids without ruining your edges.
How Long Do Boho Braids Last?
With good prep and maintenance, boho braids can last 4 to 6 weeks. You’ll likely need to touch up the curly strands around week 3, but honestly, the slight frizz adds to the charm. They’re meant to look a little undone.
If you want to stretch the style further, consider re-curling the loose pieces with flexi rods and dipping them in hot water.
Final Thoughts: Are Boho Braids for You?
If you’re looking for a protective style that doesn’t feel boring or high maintenance, boho braids are it. They’re feminine, they’re trendy, and they let you protect your natural hair while looking effortlessly beautiful.
More than anything, this is a style that you can make your own, whether that’s super long and dramatic, shoulder length and playful, or adorned with beads and cuffs.
Try them once, and you might just become a boho braid girl for life.
