Boho Braids
Thick Braid & Wrap Family
Also known as: Bohemian (Boho) braids, Bohemian braids
Illustration -- About our illustrations
Boho braids are individual braids, usually knotless, with loose curly or wavy strands left out along the length so they show between and around the braids. The result is a soft, slightly undone look that sits somewhere between neat braids and loose curls. The curls can be added while the braids are being made or attached afterwards with a crochet hook, and they may be human hair, synthetic hair or a blend. Those choices change how the style looks, how much care it needs and what it costs, so confirm them before you book.
Distinguishing characteristics
Boho braids are recognizable by loose curls scattered through the braids along their length, not only at the tips. Knotless or box braids with curly ends have curls at the ends only; boho braids let curls show all the way down. Salons don't always use the names consistently, and goddess braids can mean something similar, so show or describe the look you want, including roughly how many curls and where.
Advantages
A soft, romantic look that feels less uniform than classic braids. Very customizable in curl pattern, color, length and how many curls you want. Crocheted-in curls can be trimmed or replaced without redoing the whole style.
Considerations
The exposed curls tangle, frizz and can mat, so this is a higher-maintenance style than plain braids. Human-hair curls add noticeably to the price, and installation usually takes several hours. Frequent swimming or heavy sweating makes the curls harder to manage.
Warning signs
Loose curls don't make the braids underneath any gentler, and boho braids shouldn't hurt. Pain, stinging, tented skin at the base of a braid, bumps, crusting or a headache after installation mean they are too tight; have them loosened or redone. Check your hairline monthly for broken hairs or thinning. The 6–8 week limit the American Academy of Dermatology recommends for braids applies here too. If soreness or hair loss continues, see a board-certified dermatologist.
Preparation
Arrive with clean, conditioned hair that has been fully detangled. Choose the curl material in advance: human-hair curls usually cost more, and synthetic curls tend to tangle sooner. Ask whether the curl hair is included. Confirm the braid size, the length and how many curls you want, since more curls mean more time and more upkeep.
Daily Care
The loose curls need the most attention. Separate them with your fingers rather than a brush, and use only products suited to the curl material. Keep heavy products away from the braid bases, and trim or tuck in any curls that have knotted.
Night Care
Friction is what makes boho curls tangle, so protect them every night with a satin or silk bonnet big enough to hold all your hair, or gather the braids loosely on top of your head first. Gently separate any clumped curls in the morning.
Washing
Focus diluted shampoo on your scalp and let it rinse through rather than scrubbing the braids and curls together. Condition human-hair curls, and squeeze water out instead of rubbing. Boho braids take longer to dry than plain braids, so leave time for your scalp and the braid bases to dry completely.
Removal
Find where your own hair ends before cutting anything. If the curls were crocheted in, remove them first, then unravel each braid from the end up. Curls can knot around shed hair near the root, so detangle slowly with conditioner, and get professional help with any badly matted section.
At a glance
- Estimated price
- $150–$400
Planning estimate, not a validated market benchmark -- local salon pricing varies and this figure should not be treated as a typical or standard price. - Chair time
- 3–7 hrs
- Sizes
- Medium, Small, Large
- Lengths
- Mid-Back Length, Waist Length, Bob / Chin Length
- Looks
- 8 looks
Looks
- Crochet-Added Boho Braids -- Medium, Mid-Back Length, Natural Black, Natural / No Styled Edges, Loose Curly Strands
- Classic Medium Boho Knotless Braids -- Medium, Mid-Back Length, Natural Black, Soft Swoops, Loose Curly Strands
- Small Boho Knotless Braids -- Small, Waist Length, Natural Black, Soft Swoops, Loose Curly Strands
- Boho Bob Braids -- Medium, Bob / Chin Length, Natural Black, Soft Swoops, Curly Ends
- Waist-Length Boho Braids -- Medium, Waist Length, Natural Black, Soft Swoops, Loose Curly Strands
- Highlighted Boho Braids -- Medium, Mid-Back Length, Dark Brown, Soft Swoops, Loose Curly Strands
- Large Boho Knotless Braids -- Large, Mid-Back Length, Natural Black, Natural / No Styled Edges, Loose Curly Strands
- Curly-End Boho Braids -- Medium, Mid-Back Length, Natural Black, Soft Swoops, Curly Ends
Price & time
- Estimated price: $150–$400
- Estimated time: 3–7 hrs
- Confidence: Medium
Planning estimate, not a validated market benchmark -- local salon pricing varies and this figure should not be treated as a typical or standard price.
US national estimate.
FAQs
- What are boho braids?
Boho braids are individual braids, usually knotless, with loose curly or wavy strands left out along the length, so curls show between the braids and not only at the ends. Ask whether the base is knotless or box braids, because the name alone doesn't say.
- Are boho braids and goddess braids the same?
Not on Braidiful, though salons use the names loosely. Here, boho braids are individual braids with loose curls through the length, and goddess braids are large, raised cornrows. Names like 'goddess box braids' or 'goddess knotless' usually mean individual braids with curly pieces, which is close to boho. Ask the stylist to describe the base and where the curls go.
- Do boho braids require human hair?
No. Loose curls may be made with human hair, synthetic fiber, or a blend. The material affects appearance, tangling, product compatibility, heat tolerance, maintenance, longevity, and price, so it should be confirmed before booking.
- Do boho braids tangle more than fully braided styles?
They can. The intentionally exposed curls experience friction and can knot, frizz, or mat, especially when the material, curl density, length, water exposure, and nighttime protection are not well matched.
- Are boho braids tension-free?
No. Loose curls do not eliminate traction from the braid base. Pain, stinging, scalp tenting, bumps, headache, or worsening hairline stress requires immediate adjustment.
- Are boho braids practical for swimming?
Frequent swimming can increase tangling, drying time, product buildup, and maintenance, especially with exposed synthetic curls. Discuss the material and after-water routine before choosing the style for a swimming-heavy trip.
- How long should boho braids be worn?
Usually no longer than about 6–8 weeks, the limit the American Academy of Dermatology suggests for braids, and often less, because the loose curls tangle and mat before the braids look old. Take them out sooner if the curls are matting near the roots or your scalp is sore.
- Can the loose curls be refreshed or replaced?
Sometimes. A professional may detangle, trim, replace, or crochet in curls depending on the attachment method and condition of the braid base. Do not force apart matting near natural hair.
Related styles
- Knotless Braids -- Many modern boho braid installations use a knotless individual-braid foundation with loose curly strands added through the style. Compare
Sources
- Traction alopecia (DermNet New Zealand)
- Hairstyles that pull can lead to hair loss (American Academy of Dermatology Association)