Everything you need to know about boho braids and all the inspo
Boho braids are a carefree and relaxed member of the braid family, featuring single braids with the addition of curly or wavy hair in the lengths for an 'undone' finish. Similar to Goddess braids or pick-and-drop, boho braids differ as the wavy pieces are worked in from higher up, whereas those styles tend to have them braided in from towards the ends. But as anyone acquainted with braiding will tell you... names can get a little malleable! That's why inspo pics are so essential, and luckily for you we've rounded up a bumper stack to start with.
But before we get into those, we spoke to Deborah Johnson, co-owner of SIMPLY Gorgeous Afro Hair Salon in London, to find out everything you need to know about boho braids.
How do you create boho braids?
"They're achieved by braiding to your desired point (around the crown, ear or chin), and then feeding in curly or wavy hair at one point or more throughout that single braid. The finished result, depending on the amount of curly/wavy hair you use, is a fuller and more voluminous look."
The logistics of boho braids
Hair needed: "Human hair can be quite expensive so we suggest using synthetic hair for the main braid and then using human hair for the feed-in wavy sections. Human hair tends to be best as it looks more natural when it comes to the wavy finish."
Time: "It really varies depending on how full you want your overall look but for us they can take anywhere from 3-6 hours depending on the braid thickness."
Price: "Each salon is different but we tend to change around £110-£200 depending on the thickness and length wanted."
How long have boho braids been popular?
"It's hard to pinpoint exactly where this style originated as various sources state that it can be found as far and wide as the Fula Tribe in Western Africa, Ancient Egypt and amongst Native American Tribes. However we've definitely started seeing a rise of requests for it at the salon from around 2018.
How to care for boho braids and prevent tangling
"We always suggest not keeping any protective style in for no longer than 8 weeks maximum. In order to have your boho braids last as long as possible ensure that they are wrapped up or put into a large braid before you go to sleep to prevent friction that can lead to knotting. Once a week wet the braids and apply a leave-in moisturiser, oil and comb through the strands with a wide tooth comb to separate any and allow to air dry."
Boho braids are a carefree and relaxed member of the braid family, featuring single braids with the addition of curly or wavy hair through the lengths, for an 'undone' finish. Similar to goddess braids or pick-and-drop, boho braids differ as the wavy pieces are worked in from higher up, whereas the former styles tend to keep the waves towards the ends – though for some, the names boho and goddess braids are interchangeable. As anyone acquainted with braiding will tell you... names can get a little malleable! That's why inspo pics are so essential, and lucky for you, we've rounded up a bumper stack to start with.
But before we get into those, we spoke to Deborah Johnson, co-owner of SIMPLY Gorgeous Afro Hair Salon in London, to find out everything you need to know about boho braids.
How do you create boho braids?
Deborah: "They're achieved by braiding to your desired point (around the crown, ear or chin), and then feeding in curly or wavy hair at one point or more throughout that single braid. The finished result, depending on the amount of curly/wavy hair you use, is a fuller and more voluminous look."
The logistics of boho braids
Hair needed: "Human hair can be quite expensive so we suggest using synthetic hair for the main braid and then using human hair for the feed-in wavy sections. Human hair tends to be best as it looks more natural when it comes to the wavy finish."
Time: "It really varies depending on how full you want your overall look but for us, they can take anywhere from 3-6 hours depending on the braid thickness."
Price: "Each salon is different but we tend to change around £110-£200 depending on the thickness and length wanted."
How long have boho braids been popular?
Deborah: "It's hard to pinpoint exactly where this style originated as various sources state that it can be found as far and wide as the Fula Tribe in Western Africa, Ancient Egypt and amongst Native American Tribes. However, we've definitely started seeing a rise in requests for the style at the salon from around 2018."
How to care for boho braids and prevent tangling
Deborah: "We always suggest not keeping any protective style in for longer than 8 weeks maximum to care for your hair. In order to have your boho braids last as long as possible, ensure that they are wrapped up or put into a large braid before you go to sleep to prevent friction that can lead to knotting. Once a week wet the braids and apply a leave-in moisturiser, oil and comb through the strands with a wide tooth comb to separate any and allow to air dry."
Corkscrew curl boho braids
While looser curls or waves are commonly used, actress Marsai Martin has gone for these gorgeous corkscrew curl extensions which changes the result and also gives the illusion it could well be her hair. Like, we know it's not, but our brain is happier to go along with it.
Subtle Boho Braids
Ryan again. But she really kills it. Here very minimal strands of curly hair have been added in, and in small pieces. This gives a really naturally distressed impression (God do we wish this is how braids actually looked when dishevelled).
Half-head Cornrows & Boho Braids (Left)
A simple half-head of cornrows also looks gorgeous melting into boho braids at the back, as seen on Stella from Flo. We included the rest of the band too in the pick as Renée (centre) is sporting boho locs while Jorja (right) has some classic boho braids with wavy pieces.
Boho Braid Space Buns
There are so many fun ways to style your boho braids too. The loose strands really add to updos like Marsai's boho braid space buns.
Face Framing Boho Braid Up-Do
Or here, where she uses the loose strands as face-framing tendrils in this glamorous red carpet look.
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