The Ultimate Guide to Bohemian Braids

Bohemian braids have become one of black women's all-time favorite protective styles. Many have tuned in and hopped on the style, slaying gorgeous versions without holding back.

If you want to figure out what the style is about, know how to style, and what to do after styling, there is a guide. See everything you should know in this post.

What are Bohemian Braids?

TikTok has become the home to discovering all the latest hair trends. Popularized on the platform, Bohemian braids, also known as boho braids, have their roots in Africa. It is a type of braid with curly ends, volume, and much texture.

If you look closely, it is a lot messier and undone than traditional braids.

While it became popular recently, it has been around for some time.

Pros and Cons of Bohemian Braids

It's popular knowledge that Bohemian braids are beautiful. We all know that. But are there other benefits and even disadvantages to the style? Find out below.

Pros:

1. Bohemian braids are a protective style. This means they can keep it away from elements, heat, etc. You wouldn't need to style with heat while rocking such a hairstyle.
2. These braids are relatively easy to put together. Once you have all your tools, the steps are straightforward. Plus, it takes only a few hours.
3. Bohemian braids last for long. You can wear them for a month or more. It depends on your hair type, style, and what you want.
4. If you can't use human hair extensions for your bohemian braids, you can achieve bohemian box braids with synthetic hair extensions. There are synthetic options that work.
5. Bohemian braids are very versatile. You can style them in different ways. So, they are not limited to a particular style, from long to medium and short hairstyles. There are many options.
6. Last but not least, bohemian braids are a good way to promote the health of your hair. They protect, preserve, and grow your hair.

Cons:

1. It is costly to use human hair extensions for your bohemian braids. However, there are different types of human hair you can use.
2. While using the synthetic hair option is cheaper, it does not look as great as human hair extensions.
3. Hiring a stylist to braid for you plus the cost of all the supplies you need makes it expensive.

How to Achieve Bohemian Braids?

Styling your bohemian braids yourself can be a way to save costs. Find the steps you can follow to do your bohemian braids below.

Step 1: Get all Your Supplies

Gathering all that you need is the first step to styling bohemian braids. So, start with getting your products and tools. There's a list here. Follow it to have all you need at hand.

Tools and Products for Braiding

• Pre-stretched straight hair extensions
• Pre-stretched curly hair extensions
• Gel
• Rattail comb
• Clips and hair ties
• Wide-tooth comb

Tools and Products for Preparing Your Hair

• Sulfate-free shampoo
• Conditioner
• Moisturizer (hair oil, butter, leave-in conditioner)
• Hair dryer (optional)

Step 2: Prepare Your Natural Hair

We firmly believe in using sulfate-free shampoo to wash your hair and will always recommend it.

• So, with your shampoo, wash your hair properly. Rinse and go in with your conditioner.
• Also, you should rinse this properly, then apply your leave-in conditioner and detangle.
• You can use a microfiber to pat dry your hair. However, if it's closer to the period you want to braid and can't wait for your hair to air dry, use a blow dryer to speed up the drying process with low heat.
• Apply your shea butter or hair oil and massage it in.

Related Read: How To Blow Dry Curly Hair

Step 3: Arrange Your Hair Extensions

Whatever hair extensions you decide to use, get them ready by laying them. You can decide on how big you want to use to braid each.

Step 4: Divide Your Natural Hair

Now part your hair into different sections. You can create box sections by dividing your hair into straight, clean lines. This also helps you achieve a middle and side part. So, you will be able to style it in multiple ways.

Once you have your sections, use your clips to separate them. You don't want them to become messy. Hair ties also help. You can substitute with that if you do not have clips.  

Step 5: Start Braiding

Divide your straight braiding hair into three parts. Next, start braiding with the hair. If you feel it's hard to attach the hair extensions, braid your natural hair alone first, then add the extensions after. This makes it easy to incorporate without any issues.

Pro tips: Don't forget to apply gel to your natural hair before braiding, this is to make sure the braiding process is smooth.

After braiding three times, add your curly hair extensions and leave them out. Continue to braid, then add the curly hair extensions again. Keep repeating the process until you achieve your desired length.

That's the step. So, move to the next and braid.

Step 6: Finishing Touches

Some would like to dip their hair into hot water. Others prefer another way.

Use the method you prefer, then go in with your hairspray.

Helpful Tips When Styling Bohemian Braids

Achieving gorgeous bohemian braids is not easy if it's your first time. Here are some tips to help you during the process:

1. Do not try intricate partings. Go for box sections. They are easier to create.
2. Bohemian braids have waves. So, leave the ends of your braids. Then you can curl them. You can use hot water to do this. Just roll your ends and dip them into the water. Be careful not to roll the parts you want straight.
3. If you want your hair to be voluminous, use a texturizing spray before braid.
4. It's best to have clean and moisturized hair to make the process easy. So, don't skip that part.
5. Always divide all your hair before you start braiding. This makes the process simple. Since your crown area can be difficult to section, you can get someone to do this.

How to Maintain Bohemian Braids?

@elsadesiree 5 week boho braids maintenance! #bohobraidsrefresh ♬ original sound - wisdm.mari

1. Always Moisturize

If you have a dry scalp, moisturize daily. Adding hair oil will go a long way in keeping your style. While it does not have to be much, as it can make it greasy, using a moisturizer is important.

2. Protect the Curls

One problem you might face is tangled curls if you use synthetic hair extensions. To make sure it doesn't lead to serious issues, be sure to protect your curls. You can braid it at night, or put them in a bun. That way, they don't tangle up, especially when you go to bed. Other ways are to apply moisturizer, mousse, and hairspray.

3. Wash

Washing your bohemian braids might not be necessary if you clean your hair before braiding and don't want to wear them for long. However, if those are not the case, wash your braids.

Make sure you rinse off the products well and dry them properly afterward. You can apply your moisturizer while still damp, then sit under a dryer.

4. Bedtime Routine

Wearing a satin or silk bonnet whenever you want to sleep is compulsory. It can protect your hair from frizz and tangles while making the curls stay in shape.

5. Protect from Water

When swimming, wear a swim cap to prevent water from touching your hair and tangling it.

If it tangles, use a razor to remove the knots gently.

The way you care for your bohemian braids depends on the type of hair extension you use. If you use synthetic hair extensions, you might need to finger comb more often. However, if you use human hair extensions, focus on getting lightweight hair treatments that keep it moisturized and beautiful.

FAQS

1. How Long Do Bohemian Braids Last?

Bohemian braids can last between six to eight weeks. It's advisable to take them down afterward. This is because you want to avoid damaging your hair.

Leaving them for too long can cause excess product buildup.

2. What color of hair extensions can I use for my bohemian braids?

You can use whatever color you desire. If black is too basic and you prefer a bright shade, go for it. Red, brown, and other colors of bohemian braids are also very gorgeous.

3. Is it difficult to maintain bohemian braids?

Not at all. We don't think it's hard to maintain your bohemian braids. However, it is not very easy too. It depends on the hair extension type you use and other factors.

4. Are bohemian braids a protective style?

Of course. They are one of the protective styles to consider if you want a trendy, stunning look and protect your hair.

5. What bohemian braid styles can I try?

There are many bohemian braid styles. A few we would love you to try–jumbo bohemian braids, bohemian knotless braids, Fulani bohemian braids, and honey blonde bohemian braids. But there are more. So, whatever style you want, style it.

Conclusion

Bohemian braids are a gorgeous, trendy hairstyle. They are unlike the traditional braids, as they have a unique twist–curls.

If you want a refreshing style that is different from the regular braids and adds texture and volume to your hair, this is for you.

We hope you can try out some bohemian braid styles and rock them in different ways.e