Braiding, as an art form, has been woven into the fabric of human history for millennia. From the ancient civilizations of Africa to the tribal communities of Native America, braids have been more than just a hairstyle; they’ve been a symbol of identity, status, and cultural pride. Among the myriad of braid styles that have emerged over the centuries, boho braids, with their free-spirited and eclectic vibe, have carved a unique niche for themselves.
What Are Boho Braids?
Boho braids, short for bohemian braids, are not just a hairstyle but a statement. They are characterized by their relaxed, free-flowing patterns, often interspersed with curly or wavy hair bits. Unlike the structured look of traditional braids, boho braids embrace imperfections, making each braid unique.
From Traditional to Bohemian Knotless
Traditional braids, with their tight, uniform patterns, have long been a staple in many cultures. However, as the world became a global village, there was a fusion of styles, leading to the birth of bohemian braids.
These braids, often characterized by their loose, carefree patterns, became synonymous with the bohemian lifestyle – one that values freedom, nature, and artistic expression. The latest innovation in this lineage is the bohemian knotless braid, which offers a more natural and seamless look, eliminating the small knot at the base of traditional braids.
Boho Braids, Bohemian Braids, and Goddess Braids
While the terms might seem distinct, they often overlap in the world of hairstyling. Bohemian braids, as mentioned, are the free-spirited cousins of traditional braids. Goddess braids, on the other hand, are essentially bohemian braids but with a touch of royalty.
They often feature curly hair bits added along the length of the braid, giving them a divine, ethereal look. Contrary to some misconceptions, goddess braids are not thick cornrows but are closer in style and spirit to bohemian braids.
Materials and Preparations for Boho Braids
The foundation of a great boho braid is the type of hair used. While synthetic hair is more affordable and offers a wide range of colors, it tends to tangle easily and requires more maintenance. Human hair, on the other hand, gives boho braids a natural, breezy look and feel. It’s easier to manage and offers longevity, especially if you’re aiming for a look that lasts up to six weeks.
Products needed to Make Boho Braids
- Shine n Jam: This product is essential for sleeking down hair in parted sections, taming flyaways, and ensuring a good grip during the braiding process.
- Mousse: A finishing touch, mousse helps in setting the braids, adding shine, and ensuring the curly bits retain their bounce.
- Rat Tail Comb: An indispensable tool, the rat tail comb helps in parting the hair accurately, ensuring uniformity in the braids.
With the right materials and preparations, boho braids can be a delightful expression of one’s personality, blending tradition with modern aesthetics.
Step-by-Step Guide to Bohemian Knotless Braids
Before diving into the braiding process, it’s essential to ensure your hair is in the best condition. Start by cleaning your hair thoroughly using a gentle shampoo, ensuring all residues are washed out. After cleaning, stretching the hair is crucial. This process involves gently pulling the hair to elongate its natural curl pattern, making it easier to braid. Lastly, ensure your hair is free from any products. This clean slate ensures the products you use during braiding adhere well and give the desired results.
Choosing Your Parting Style
The beauty of bohemian knotless braids lies in their versatility. Depending on your personal style and face shape, you can opt for various parting options:
- Box Braids Parts: This classic style involves parting the hair into neat squares, giving a symmetrical look.
- Triangle Parts: For a more edgy and modern look, triangle parts are an excellent choice.
- Freestyle Parting: For those who prefer a more natural and organic look, freestyle parting allows for random sections without a specific shape.
How to do Boho Braids
The journey from the base of your head to the tip of the braid is a meticulous process:
- Prep your hair by adding texture. You can achieve this by using a texturizing spray, dry shampoo, or sea salt spray to give your hair some grip and volume.
- Part your hair in the desired direction, whether it’s a middle part, a side part, or no part at all. This will determine the placement of your braids.
- Take a small section of hair near the front of your head, close to the part, and divide it into three equal strands.
- Begin braiding the strands by crossing the outer strands over the middle strand, one at a time, to create a regular three-strand braid.
- As you continue braiding, incorporate additional small sections of hair from the sides to create an accent braid.
- Continue braiding until you reach the desired length or until you’ve incorporated all the hair on that side.
- Secure the end of the braid with a hair elastic or a decorative hair accessory.
- Repeat the process on the other side of your head, creating a symmetrical or asymmetrical look, depending on your preference.
Finishing with Flair
Once all braids are in place, it’s time for the finishing touches:
- Mousse Application: A generous application of mousse helps set the braids, ensuring they retain their shape and shine.
- Laying Baby Hairs: For a polished look, use a fine-toothed comb or brush to lay the baby hairs along the hairline. This step gives a neat appearance and frames the face beautifully.
How can I enhance the Boho vibe of my braids?
Products Needed
- Texturizing spray, dry shampoo, or sea salt spray
- Hair elastic or hair tie
- Hair clips or bobby pins (optional, for sectioning)
- Boho-inspired hair accessories like feathers, beads, flowers, or ribbons (optional)
To enhance the boho vibe of your braids, consider these steps:
- Prep your hair by applying a texturizing spray, dry shampoo, or sea salt spray to add texture and grip.
- Create a middle part, a side part, or no part at all, depending on your preferred style.
- Take a small section of hair near the front of your head, close to the part, and divide it into three equal strands.
- Begin braiding the strands by crossing the outer strands over the middle strand, one at a time, to create a regular three-strand braid.
- As you continue braiding, incorporate additional small sections of hair from the sides to create an accent braid.
- Continue braiding until you reach the desired length or until you’ve incorporated all the hair on that side.
- Secure the end of the braid with a hair elastic or a decorative hair accessory.
- Repeat the process on the other side of your head, creating a symmetrical or asymmetrical look, depending on your preference.
- Gently pull on the sides of the braids to loosen them and create a soft, undone look.
- If desired, curl or wave the remaining loose hair using a curling iron or heatless curling method for added texture and dimension.
- Enhance the boho vibe by adding bohemian-inspired accessories like feathers, beads, flowers, or ribbons to the braids.
- Set your style with hairspray for extra hold and longevity.
How-To Remove Boho Braids
To remove boho braids, follow these steps:
- Carefully remove any hair accessories or elastics used to secure the braids.
- Starting from the ends, gently unravel the braids by undoing the braiding pattern.
- Use your fingers or a wide-tooth comb to gently detangle any knots or tangles.
- Wash and condition your hair as usual to nourish and hydrate your strands.
- Style your hair in a new desired look or repeat the boho braids if you wish.
Boho Braids on Natural Hair
Natural hair, with its unique texture and volume, offers a distinct charm when styled into boho braids. The interplay of natural curls with the added curly bits gives an authentic and organic look, making it a favorite for those who prefer a closer-to-nature appearance.
How to Make Boho Braids Without Extensions
For those blessed with voluminous hair, boho braids can be achieved without the need for extensions. The process remains largely the same, with the natural hair providing the volume and length. The key is to ensure the hair is well-moisturized and stretched to make the braiding process smooth.
Caring for Natural Boho Braids
Natural hair requires tender love and care, especially when styled:
- Moisturizing: Ensure the braids and scalp are regularly moisturized to prevent breakage and itching.
- Refreshing the Look: Over time, the natural curly bits might lose their bounce. A light spritz of water followed by mousse application can refresh the curls, making them spring back to life.
Bohemian Braids with a Twist: The Crochet Method
While the feed-in method has been the traditional way of achieving boho braids, the crochet method offers an alternative approach, especially for those who might find the feed-in technique challenging. The primary difference lies in the process:
- Feed-in Method: This involves starting with a small section of one’s natural hair and gradually feeding in extensions to achieve the desired thickness and length.
- Crochet Method: Here, the entire head is first braided into cornrows. Then, using a crochet needle, extensions are looped and secured onto the cornrows, giving the appearance of individual braids.
How to Make Boho Braids Using the Crochet Method
- Cornrow Preparation: Begin by parting the hair and braiding it into neat cornrows. This forms the base onto which the extensions will be attached.
- Looping in the Extensions: Using a crochet needle, loop the extensions through the cornrows. Ensure they are securely attached.
- Adding the Boho Touch: Once all extensions are in place, integrate the curly bits at intervals, just as you would with the feed-in method.
Human Hair in Boho Braids
Human hair, with its natural texture, shine, and movement, offers several advantages over synthetic alternatives:
- Natural Appearance: Human hair blends seamlessly with one’s natural hair, offering a more authentic look.
- Ease of Maintenance: Unlike synthetic hair, which can tangle easily, human hair is easier to manage and style.
- Versatility: Human hair can be dyed, curled, straightened, and styled in various ways without the risk of damage.
How to Make Boho Braids with Human Hair
- Preparation: Start by selecting high-quality human hair extensions. Ensure they match your hair’s texture and color for a seamless blend.
- Braiding Process: As you braid, feed in the human hair extensions just as you would with synthetic ones. The process remains largely the same.
- Adding Curly Bits: For the signature boho touch, integrate curly sections of human hair at intervals. This gives the braids their unique bohemian appearance.
Caring for Synthetic vs. Human Hair Boho Braids
While boho braids are a relatively low-maintenance hairstyle, the type of hair used dictates the care routine:
Synthetic Hair:
- Avoid Water: It’s best to avoid getting synthetic braids wet, especially in chlorinated pools.
- Prevent Tangling: Regularly separate the braids to prevent them from tangling. Using a light hair oil can also reduce friction.
Human Hair:
- Regular Moisturizing: Just like natural hair, human hair extensions need moisture. Use a light hair spray or oil to keep them hydrated.
- Gentle Styling: While human hair is versatile, it’s essential to be gentle. Avoid excessive heat and harsh styling products.
Ensuring Longevity and Avoiding Tangling
For boho braids to retain their beauty, a few simple steps can make a world of difference:
- Night Routine: Wear a silk or satin scarf or bonnet to bed. This reduces friction and prevents tangling.
- Regular Maintenance: Every few days, inspect the braids for any signs of tangling or frizz and address them promptly.
- Refreshing the Look: Over time, the curly bits might lose their bounce. A light spritz of water followed by mousse can rejuvenate them.
Boho Braids Hairstyles to Try
Goddess Bohemian Box Braids: The Royal Touch
Goddess bohemian box braids are the epitome of regality in the world of boho braids. With their intricate patterns interspersed with curly bits, they exude an aura of royalty. These braids are perfect for those looking to make a statement and stand out in a crowd.
A Splash of Color: From Subtle to Bold
- Honey Blonde: This shade is perfect for those looking to add warmth and brightness to their look. Honey blonde boho braids shimmer under the sun, offering a sun-kissed appearance.
- Ombré: The gradual transition from a darker shade at the roots to a lighter one at the tips is both trendy and captivating. Ombré boho braids are for the adventurous souls.
- Burgundy: A shade that’s both classy and bold. Burgundy boho braids are reminiscent of a fine wine, adding depth and richness to the hairstyle.
- Blue: For those looking to make a splash, blue boho braids are the way to go. From deep navy to bright turquoise, the options are endless.
Variations in Size: There’s One for Everyone
- Jumbo Boho Braids: Bold and beautiful, jumbo braids are a statement in themselves. They’re not only eye-catching but also quicker to install.
- Medium Boho Braids: The perfect balance between jumbo and small, medium-sized braids offer versatility and a classic look.
- Short Boho Braids: For those who prefer a chic, manageable length, short boho braids are the ideal choice.
Unique Styles to Turn Heads
- Side-swept Boho Braids: A romantic twist to the classic style, side-swept braids are perfect for special occasions.
- Skunk Boho Braids: With a streak of contrasting color, skunk braids are edgy and unique.
- Bohemian Braided Bob: A blend of tradition and modernity, the bohemian braided bob is both elegant and trendy.
FAQs
How long do boho braids last?
With proper care, boho braids can last up to 6 weeks.
Can anyone wear boho braids?
Yes, boho braids can be worn by anyone with medium to long hair lengths. They are versatile and work well on various hair types, including straight, wavy, and curly hair. Whether you’re attending a music festival, a beach wedding, or simply want to add a touch of bohemian flair to your everyday style, boho braids are a great choice.
Can I swim with boho braids?
Yes, but it’s essential to wash and maintain them afterward to prevent any damage.
How much do boho braids typically cost?
Depending on the length, size, and hair type used, boho braids can cost up to $250.
Boho braids are more than just a hairstyle; they’re a celebration of individuality, creativity, and cultural heritage. With their rich history and diverse styles, they offer something for everyone. From the regal goddess braids to the edgy skunk style, the possibilities are endless.
