A comprehensive guide to bohemian braids: Step-by-step guides included

Bohemian braids are very much in vogue in 2024. Inspired by TikTokers and influencers on other social media channels, this style is taking the world by storm this year.

Some women opt for small bohemian knotless braids, while others go for large bohemian knotless braids for something a little more daring. But no matter which type you opt for, bohemian braids are a great look in 2024.

In this guide, we explain everything you need to know about bohemian braids to rock this style this year, and we provide some expert tips to help you style your boho braids at home.

What are bohemian braids?

Bohemian box braids - sometimes known as boho box braids or simply box braids - are a popular style among black women. The signature of boho braids is that they have undone, curly ends, which adds depth and volume to the style.

As such, only the first few inches of bohemian braids are actually braided, and the rest are left as curls. This style is hugely popular in 2024 and has received lots of interest and attention on TikTok and Instagram.

Though popular this year, bohemian braids are not new and have been around in one form or another since the 1990s. Look back at iconic images of celebrities like Lisa Bonet, Gabrielle Union, and Beyonce in their younger days to see how bohemian braids were initially worn.

Pros & cons of bohemian braids

You're probably wondering if bohemian braids are worth the hype they're attracting on social media. It's a good question, and to decide for yourself, it's worth weighing up the pros and cons of the style, which we lay out for you below:

Advantages:

✅ Bohemian braids are very much in style right now, as they have been popularised by influencers on TikToks and numerous celebrities.

✅ As far as braids go, boho braids are easy to put together and relatively easy to maintain, lasting around one month if you look after them well.

✅ There are lots of different ways to style bohemian braids. You can go for short, medium, or long braids, depending on the style you want.

✅ You can use natural or synthetic hair for your bohemian braids. There are numerous synthetic hair products available on the market, depending on your budget and preferences.

✅ Bohemian braids are a protective hairstyle for black women and are a good choice for looking after the long-term health of your hair.

Disadvantages:

❌ If you opt for bohemian braids with natural hair, it can be expensive, particularly if you hire a stylist to do the work for you, given that it can take several hours to put the braids in.

❌ While synthetic hair is cheaper, it doesn't look as good as natural hair, and some women even have a bad reaction to some brands of synthetic braids.

What hair to use for bohemian box braids?

The best hair for bohemian braids is natural hair. This is because bohemian braids on natural hair look great, but they also last longer. Note that natural hair is sometimes marketed as “human hair,” so bear this in mind when looking for the best hair for your style.

While some people use synthetic hair for bohemian braids, it's not the best option. While it's more affordable, it doesn't last as long as natural hair, and it is more difficult to maintain. Some people also experience sensitivity towards synthetic hair, which is something else to consider.

The most popular types of synthetic hair for bohemian braids are Kanekalon hair and Yaki hair, which you can order online. It's best to consult with your stylist if you're unsure about which type of hair is best for your desired style.

How to do bohemian box braids - step-by-step

If you want to style your hair with bohemian braids at home, here are the simple steps to follow to get the job done without issue:

Step 1. Clean your hair: Begin by cleaning your hair with a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner. It's really important to cleanse and detangle your hair as a starting point.

Step 2. Moisturize your scalp: After drying your hair with a Laifen blow dryer, our experts recommend adding a nourishing moisturizer to your scalp. Shea butter is great for this and a good option to consider.

Step 3. Prepare your hair extensions: Using either natural or synthetic hair, lay your extensions out and make sure you have enough braids for your hair.

Step 4. Work the braids into your hair: Following the instructions, work the braids into your hair. Remember, boho braids are only actually braided for the first few inches; the rest should be left curly.

Step 5. Use hairspray to hold your braids in place: Finally, apply some hairspray to the roots of your braids to hold them in place, and you're all set.

While it's not too difficult to style your own bohemian braids, if you're not confident, book an appointment with your stylist to get the job done by a pro.

Are goddess bohemian box braids a good choice in 2024?

We love bohemian braids and think they are the perfect style for black women in 2024. They are low maintenance, super stylish, and relatively easy to achieve.

However, to make the most out of your bohemian braids, we recommend opting for natural hair where possible, as it looks much better and is easier to maintain than synthetic alternatives.

For more inspiration, type the #bohobraids hashtag into Instagram or TikTok and explore different styles from influencers and icons!

FAQs

Q1: Are black and blonde bohemian box braids possible?

Yes, both are popular! Alternatively, you can combine the two, with lots of stylists adding different colors to their boho braids for something a little different.

Q2: Are bohemian braids a protective hairstyle?

Yes, bohemian braids are a protective hairstyle. It means that it is a suitable style for people with an afro texture of hair, most commonly associated with black women.

Q3: How long do bohemian braids usually last?

Bohemian braids can last between 3 and 6 weeks, depending on how well you look after them. If you get them professionally styled and maintain them well, you can reasonably expect them to stay in place for at least a month.