Boho Braids 101- Your Australian Guide to the Viral Style

It’s hard to pinpoint where the viral Boho braid trend began, but there are markers along the way to it’s current popularity, helped along by social media and specifically Tiktok. Boho braids, also called Goddess braids and Gypsy braids, first started to gain traction on social media in late 2022 and through 2023.

The rise of South African star Tyla in 2023 sent massive waves through the braiding world, with her fans swooning over her ethereal boho braids. Each time a braider posts a Tiktok about having done her braids, comments are flooded with people wanting to know which colors of braiding hair she used to get her signature look.

Some braids have come to be called after celebrities, such as "Zoë Kravitz braids, with tutorials to teach you how to achieve her signature look.

 

So, What Are Boho Braids?

Boho braids are a style of box braids or knotless braids that incorporates curly pieces of hair throughout.  The box braids are synthetic kanekalon hair, usually pre-stretched braids like these. The curly pieces that are incorporated are human hair or human hair blend braids.

Classic ‘boho’ (short for Bohemian) style is all about creating an effortless, natural and imperfect aesthetic. When it comes to hair, it involves incorporating loose wisps of hair that gently frame the face. When the style is applied to braids it involves adding mixed textures and loose wavy strands.

This style is perfect for those who love the structure of box braids but want to add a bit of boho flair. The use of human hair allows for a more natural look, with the added benefit of being able to style the braids in multiple ways—whether worn long, in a bun, or adorned with accessories. The loose curls are incorporated throughout the braids at different lengths, which makes for an even blend of braids and tendrils. 

These braids are one of the most popular ways to get flowing hair extensions that look natural. And by using human hair, there is newfound versatility. 

 

So, What Is The Best Hair For Boho Braids?

The box braids are synthetic kanekalon hair, usually pre-stretched braids like these.

The curly pieces that are incorporated are human hair or human hair blend braids.

Most people swear by 100% Human hair braids like these.

100% human hair is best if you want your style to last you a long time, and you also wish to re-use them in future.

However, some synthetic options will last just as long.

Considering that a boho style usually uses about 2 packs of curly hair, human hair blend braids like these are a more affordable option.

There are many styles available depending on the look that you want to achieve.

 

What to Know Before You Get Boho Braids 

Although there are plenty of DIY girlies doing their own braids at home, it is important to note that you will need a moderate to high skill level of braiding to DIY this style yourself. To start with these braids are usually knotless, rather than the traditional technique of box braids.

Also, human hair has a softer texture and the ends can be hard to grip, so it may be wiser to find a good braider so that you will be satisfied with the finished look.

Instagram or Tiktok is a good place to start when sourcing a braider for your new look. A lot of braiders nowadays use these platforms to showcase their best work. We frequently feature braiders on our Instagram page as well, so you can drop by and see who is in your area.

 

How long do Boho braids last?

Boho braids typically last around 2 months with good maintenance. If you would like your braids to last longer, you can always contact your braider for a touch up every 4 weeks. This will keep your braids looking fresh.

 

Maintenance

Here’s a hot tip: no matter what kind of hair you use for your boho braids, you are likely to get tangling if you don’t maintain the braids. Think of 2A, 2B, 2C, 3A and even 3B hair. People with these hair textures need to brush their hair on a weekly, twice weekly or even daily basis to keep it from tangling and matting. Boho braids emulate these textures.

While boho braids look effortless, they actually require more effort to maintain, especially if you're using synthetic hair. Even though the style has been popularised as a holiday style, if you will be in and out of water it will increase the maintenance of the braids and make them last a shorter time.

 

Maintenance tips:

1. Always sleep with a scarf and a silk or satin bonnet on. This is a non-negotiable!
2. If you will be swimming, wear a swim cap to protect your braids.
3. If the curls are synthetic or human hair blend, do a gentle detangling routine every second day. Finger detangle, and use scissors to remove any tangled bits.
4. Do not use any heat styling tools on synthetic or human hair blend braids. You can use leave in conditioner, a curl refreshing spray or mousse.
5. For human hair braids, make up a spray bottle. Fill it with warm water, add a bit of conditioner and a bit of oil. Be aware that water alone isn’t enough to maintain your hair. Alternatively you can spray your hair and then moisturise with a leave in conditioner in small sections.
6. Brush gently, from ends to roots, so as to detangle and define your curls.
7. You can also heat style human hair braids.

 

Types of Boho Braids

It is worth noting that braid styles are always evolving but as current in 2024, these are the styles on boho braids that have emerged.

1. Classic boho braids
2. Bora Bora Braids
3. Mermaid Braids
4. Zoë Kravitz braids/ Tree braids
5. Boho Cornrows, Fulani braids & Bantu knots

 

 

1. Classic Boho Braids

(Image Credit: Pinterest) 

For classic boho braids, you can create various looks depending on the curls that you use. Standard boho braids will use about 2 packs of curly hair.

Styling options include Water Wave bulk and Deep bulk.   

 

2. Bora Bora Braids

Bora Bora braids use more curly hair than standard boho braids. This look uses about 4 packs of curly extensions, giving less of a braid and more of a crochet extension type of feel.  You can use Loose Deep, Super bulk or French Super bulk (wet and wavy) hair for this style. Some people also opt for a Straight bulk that they can curl at will. If you like a curlier option Water wave hair can also work, but will give a busier look.

 

3. Mermaid Braids

(Image credit: Michelle Black Braider, FB) 

Mermaid braids are a classic wet and wavy look boho braid. Super bulk or French Super bulk hair is great for this style. You can also us Loose Deep to give it less of a wavy and more of a curly look.  

 

4. Zoe Kravitz Braids/ Tree braids

These braids are usually micro or small box braids, with the curls starting a bit further from the root so as to give a flowy style to the ends. This style can work with Straight bulk or Super Bulk.

 

5. Boho cornrows, Fulani braids & Bantu knots

Many people also do a boho take on the classic cornrows, fulani braids and bantu knots.  This is a great option because it adds a bit of pizzazz to your style, and is also pocket friendly because one pack of boho braids is enough. Water wave braids work well for this style, with curls added to the front and the ends.

 

For now, the girls are loving the boho braids look in all it’s variations, and it doesn’t seem to be going anywhere for this year at least!