Transform Your Look with a Face-Framing Boho Braid Up-Do (Glamorous & Effortless)

Boho braids are part of the braid family. They give a carefree and relaxed look. This style uses single braids with curly hair or wavy hair added along the lengths. The result is an undone finish that feels light and natural. Some people call them goddess braids or pick-and-drop, but the names are often interchangeable. In boho braids, the wavy pieces are added higher up, while in former styles, the curls stay near the ends. The art of braiding is malleable, so it helps to look at inspo pics. A good bumper stack of ideas is essential when choosing your style.

I had my first boho braids done at SIMPLY Gorgeous, an Afro Hair Salon in London. The co-owner, Deborah Johnson, was very helpful. She explained the process clearly. I felt confident and excited about my new look.

What Are Boho Braids?

Boho braids are a style that blends box braids or knotless braids with curly pieces of hair. This hairstyle offers an effortless, natural aesthetic, often associated with Bohemian vibes. The technique involves creating three-stranded plaits, incorporating either synthetic, kanekalon, or human hair to add length and volume.

This modern adaptation of traditional braiding techniques reflects the bohemian style and aligns with contemporary hair trends. Professionals like Powell and other hairstylists enhance the look by adding loose strands, wavy strands, and mixed textures to the braids, embodying the bohemian lifestyle’s laid-back, artistic, and creative spirit.

The cost for boho braids varies based on the braider’s expertise and location, typically ranging from $250 to $500.

How do you create boho braids?

To create boho braids, start by choosing a desired point on your head, such as the crown, ear, or chin. Begin braiding your hair to this point. Then, start feeding in curly hair or wavy hair at one point or multiple points throughout each single braid. The finished result depends on the amount of curly or wavy hair you add. More hair creates a fuller and more voluminous look. This technique is recommended by Deborah, a professional in the field.

The logistics of boho braids

Creating boho braids involves selecting between human hair and synthetic hair for the main braid. While human hair offers a natural and wavy finish, it can be expensive. Therefore, many opt for synthetic hair for the main braid and use human hair for the feed-in wavy sections to achieve the best look.

The time required for boho braids varies based on the full overall look and braid thickness, typically ranging from 3-6 hours. At a salon, prices change depending on the thickness and length of the braids, usually between £110 and £200.

How to Maintain and Style Boho Braids

Synthetic Hair

Boho braids may look effortless, but they need effort to maintain, especially with synthetic hair. If you want fuss-free hair or plan a vacation with water activities, consider this advice from Powell. Synthetic hair tends to tangle. To reduce matting, sleep with a satin or silk scarf, bonnet, or pillowcase at night. Use a swim cap in water to prevent tangling. Daily, run your fingers through your braids to avoid detangling issues, as suggested by Annang. If you find tangled pieces, gently remove them with scissors or a razor.

For styling, refrain from using styling tools on the curly pieces of synthetic boho braids. Avoid heat to prevent damaging the synthetic fibers, as advised by Diaz-Santin. Instead, apply a curl refreshing spray or mousse to tame flyaways and frizz.

Human Hair

Boho braids with human hair feel like actual hair. You can use heat styling tools on the extensions. To keep the curly pieces nice, you should moisturize them. Use lightweight products to keep them defined and healthy-looking. This helps the hair stay moisturized and smooth.

Mix a small amount of Rebalance Pre-Conditioner Treatment with warm water in a spray bottle. Lightly mist the hair. Then use your fingers or a brush to gently detangle the curls. This keeps your boho braids looking fresh and neat.

How long have boho braids been popular?

Boho braids have roots in ancient cultures. Some sources say the style originated with the Fula Tribe in Western Africa, others point to Ancient Egypt and Native American Tribes. These braids have been part of history for a long time.

In recent years, Deborah noticed a rise in requests for boho braids at her salon. Since 2018, more people have been asking for this style. It has become more popular and is now a common choice for many.

How to Care for Boho Braids and Prevent Tangling

Boho braids are a popular protective style that can last up to 8 weeks with proper care. To ensure your boho braids last and remain neat, it’s important to follow a maintenance routine. Deborah, a hairstylist, recommends wrapping your braids in a large braid or covering them before you sleep to prevent friction and knotting. This helps maintain the style and reduces the chances of tangles forming overnight.

Once a week, wet your hair and apply a leave-in moisturiser and oil to keep your strands hydrated. Use a wide tooth comb to gently comb through the braids, which helps to separate any tangles. After combing, allow your hair to air dry completely. This routine not only keeps your boho braids looking fresh but also promotes healthy hair underneath.

Types of Boho Braids.

Ryan Destiny’s fluffy boho braids

Ryan Destiny’s classic boho braids are often used as reference pics by customers at Deborah’s salon. These waist-skimming braids are fluffy, understated, and exude a cool-girl vibe. The blend from the braids to the loose hair is almost imperceptible, creating the illusion of one flowing body of hair..

Extra Long Boho Braids – Large

Extra long boho braids with a smaller number of larger braids create a bold and striking look. The reduced number of braids means less time spent in the salon chair, while the size adds a playful touch to the overall style. These braids are perfect for those seeking a dramatic yet manageable hairstyle.

Dense Curl Boho Braids

Small boho braids and Medium boho braids offer a different look when worn long. By adding curly hair strands fed in throughout the lengths of the braids, it maximises the density, resulting in a full, thick, luxe-look. This style combines the neatness of traditional braids with the volume and texture of curls, creating a distinctive and elegant appearance..

Corkscrew curl boho braids

Marsai Martin’s corkscrew curl extensions in her boho braids offer a fresh take on the style. While looser curls or waves are commonly used, her choice of tight, springy curls changes the result. This gives the illusion that it could well be her hair, making our brain happier to go along with it.

Two-tone boho braids

Two-tone boho braids offer a stylish way to add depth and dimension to your hairstyle. There are no strict rules when it comes to colour choices. If you’re not aiming for something wild, but still want to switch it up, you can opt for a different colour for the curly pieces. This approach typically works better when going lighter, as it gives the curls a sunkissed effect.

Subtle Boho Braids

Ryan’s minimal strands of curly hair added in small pieces give braids a naturally distressed impression, making them appear effortlessly dishevelled..

Fulani Boho Braids

Fulani Boho Braids combine styles by blending boho braids with the Fulani braid style over classic single braids. This fusion not only looks great but also keeps the braids out of face, offering both aesthetic appeal and practical functionality.

Half-head Cornrows & Boho Braids (Left)

Half-head cornrows create a gorgeous transition, melting into boho braids at the back. This style, as seen on Stella from Flo, showcases a blend of traditional and bohemian elements. The rest of the band complements this look: Renée (centre) sports boho locs, while Jorja (right) wears classic boho braids with wavy pieces..

Boho Braid Bob

Boho braid bob styles are super cute and show that there are no rules about hair length. While long braids are popular, the boho braid bob offers a fresh, stylish alternative. This look features a full curly bottom half, reminiscent of pick-and-drop or goddess styles. However, what sets it apart is the curly strands peeking out from higher up in the hair, adding a unique and playful touch.

Natural hair Boho Braids

Natural hair can beautifully showcase boho braids without the need for braiding extensions. By using curly extensions that are woven in, the result is a set of delicate, soft, near-microbraids that exude a natural, mother-earth vibe.

This style emphasizes the beauty of natural hair, allowing the braids to blend seamlessly with the curly extensions. The woven in technique ensures that each braid maintains its delicate and soft texture, resulting in near-microbraids that feel and look natural. The overall vibe is reminiscent of a mother-earth aesthetic, celebrating the authenticity and elegance of natural hair.

Ombre Boho Braids

Ombre Boho Braids use multiple colours to create depth and dimension in the braids. This style makes the colours pop, especially when using biscuity tones and light blonde shades. The result is a beautiful ombre effect that adds a unique flair to the hairstyle.

Boho braid x Pick and Drop Ends

Boho braid x Pick and Drop Ends create a cute and stylish blonde look. This style features curly pieces that resemble the pick-and-drop technique, ending in loose hair. The voluminous effect is achieved through honey-blonde spirals, giving the style a soft and flowing appearance.

Boho Braid Space Buns

Boho Braid Space Buns are a fun way to style boho braids, combining loose strands into updos. Inspired by Marsai, the boho braid space buns offer a playful and chic look.

This hairstyle involves gathering the boho braids into two high buns, allowing some loose strands to frame the face, enhancing the overall style. The boho braid space buns are versatile, suitable for various occasions, and add a youthful flair to the traditional boho braids.

Face Framing Boho Braid Up-Do

Face Framing Boho Braid Up-Do is a glamorous red carpet look featuring loose strands and face-framing tendrils. This style combines elegance with a touch of bohemian flair, making it perfect for formal events.

To achieve this look, start by creating a boho braid and securing it into an up-do. Allow a few loose strands to fall naturally around the face, forming soft tendrils that frame the features beautifully. This face-framing technique adds depth and dimension, enhancing the overall glamorous appeal of the hairstyle.