Looking for something new this summer? Then you’ve got to try out these boho braids on black hairstyles! They’re this stylish new way to rock those classic box braids while leaving a casual yet goddess-like look!
Read through this article, and we’ll tell you exactly how to get those braids!
Best Products for Boho Box Braids
Introducing Boho Braids on Black Hair
Boho braid are a type of box braid, where only half of your hair is braided while the other half is left unplaited and curled. This gives the braid a gorgeously romantic look that is perfect for summertime.
Boho braids can be worn with any hair type and length, and they are a great way to add a touch of bohemian flair to your hairstyle. Boho braids on black is so popular today, you’ve probably seen this hairstyle worn by Zoe Kravitz, Beyonce, and other celebrities.
Types of Boho Braids on Black Hair
There are a lot of types and ways to achieve the perfect boho braid. The most common is using traditional box braids. But if you want to be more unique, you can ask your loctician to do tribal braids or heart braids.
Boho Box Braids
Box braids, in the most basic sense, are three-part hair strands weaved into each other in small box-shaped sections. This hairstyle originated in South Africa and has been used by women to indicate their tribe, wealth, and social class.
Apart from their distinctive nature, box braids are also used to protect hair from extreme heat, excess dirt, and other damage. Until now, the process of box braids remains the same–long and tedious, but produces beautiful, meticulously made plaits.
Triangle Boho Braids
Triangle box braids are created by dividing the hair into triangular sections rather than the usual square sections. This gives the braids a more geometric look that is both eye-catching and stylish.
Heart Boho Braids on Black Hair
Traditional box braids may be a little boring for you— everyone has seen them before. But what about triangle heart braids on black hair? This unique take on the classic style is sure to turn heads.
Tribal/Fulani Boho Braids
Boho braids are such a fun and easy way to change up your look, and there are so many different styles to choose from! If you’re looking for something a little bit different from the usual box braids, try it with Fulani braids.
Tribal braids are more elaborate than traditional box braids, but they can also be styled in lots of different ways. You can wear them loose and flowing, or you can pull them back into a ponytail or bun.
Goddess Boho Braids
Last but not least is the Goddess Boho Braids. Often used interchangeably with Boho Braids, this braid style is very popular today because of its imperial look and the volume it creates. With this type of braid, you can style your hair in endless ways.
You can do the regular Goddess braids, where you style some of your hair curly along with your braids, or in addition, leave the ends of your braids unplaited and curly too. You can also just braid the front of your hair and leave the back curly and voluminous.
Best Boho Braids Hairstyles
There are many different ways to style boho braids. Below, I’ll show you some inspirations. You can mix and match them to find the perfect look for you.
Boho Braids on Black Hair with Edges
Boho braids hairstyle can be regarded as a fine art. With looks so luxurious and gorgeous, you may not want to style it at first. If you want to flaunt your new hairstyle, just style your edges, and you’re good to go!
Half Up Half Down Boho Box Braids
One popular option is to wear your boho braids in tribal half up and half braids down. This is a great choice for days when you want to keep your hair out of your face but still want to look stylish.
Boho Braids in Low Ponytails
Another option is to wear your boho braids in a ponytail. This is a great choice for days when you want to show off your beautiful locks.
Braided Scalp with Long Curly Ends
If you’re looking for a boho braid for volume, this hairstyle that’s both unique and stylish! This look is best for ladies with fine hair, as it will give your curls some extra lift.
Whichever style you choose, boho braids are sure to add a touch of fun and flair to your look!
How to do a Boho Box Braids
Now you know more about the types of Boho braids and the best hairstyles. If you want to do this at home, you may want to start with traditional box or triangle braids, as the tribal or heart braids are more difficult to do on your own.
Wash your hair.
You won’t fully clean your hair for a few weeks, so make sure your hair and scalp are clean before braiding them. Apply a hair mask or get a scalp treatment if time and your budget permits.
Dry your hair completely.
As much as possible, avoid styling your hair while wet. This may cause damage and tension in your hair. If you plan on using a hair dryer, make sure to apply a heat protectant.
Part your hair into four big square sections.
tart from the center of your head then down to your forehead, neck, and ears. These sections will make creating smaller box sections easier later. Use clips to keep the other parts away as you work on one section.
Part your hair into small box-shaped sections.
Depending on how big or small you want your box braids to be, part your hair into box-shaped sections. If you have a rattail comb handy, use the end of the comb to make even parts.
Insert hair pieces.
Get about an inch or two of your Kanekalon hair pieces and use your fingers to break them into three parts. Leave aside one section (you can use it for later) and use the other two to braid your hair.
Braid.
Try not to braid your hair too tight. This will cause more damage than good. On the other hand, try to keep each braid as even and uniform as possible.
Stop braiding after a few inches.
The distinguishing factor of the boho box braids is the loose, unbraided hair at the end. Leave at least three to five inches of hair unbraided.
Curl the ends.
Once you secure your braids, you can start curling the ends of your hair to give it a voluminous curl.
Best Boho Box Braid Hair Products
Kanekalon Braiding Hair
Kanekalon hair is a type of synthetic hair that imitates the textures and patterns of African hair. Because they look and feel like real human hair, it is advisable to use these hair pieces when braiding. If you plan on using Kanekalon braiding hair for your boho box braids, you might want to purchase 8 to 10 packs.
Shampoo
When washing your braids, always opt for sulfate-free shampoos! Make sure to clean your scalp and braids every two to three weeks and more frequently if you hit the gym regularly. You can also opt to use dry shampoo to keep your hair clean and moisturized without having to put your entire scalp under water.
Hair Oil
Hair oil can prevent hair breakage and damage, which can occur when your braids are too tight. It can also stimulate hair growth, keep your hair moisturized, and keeps frizz away from your hair. If your hair is naturally oily, it is better to use it in small amounts.
Leave-In Conditioners
The key to long-lasting, hydrated, and fresh braids is a leave-in conditioner. Conditioners protect your hair from excess heat and prevent dryness, itchiness, and excess dirt, while also keeping your hair soft and moisturized!
Silk pillowcases/silk hair cap
We tend to move around a lot during sleep, which causes friction in the hair as they move against pillowcases and bed comforters. One of the sure-fire ways to make braids last longer is to sleep on silk pillowcases or wrap your hair with silk/satin hair bonnets to minimize frizziness.
What to do before and after braiding your hair?
Boho braids are supposed to be low maintenance, but here are a couple of things you should remember and do before you lock your hair in!
Condition your hair and get a scalp treatment.
If you plan to keep your braids as long as you possibly can, you probably won’t be able to condition your hair as much as you used to. Shampoo and condition your hair before braiding, and if possible, get a scalp treatment.
Clean those synthetic hair pieces.
After cleaning your hair, make sure that the synthetic pieces you’ll be weaving your hair with are clean as well! You can use mild shampoo and conditioner to clean and soften the hair pieces.
Prepare yourself for the long braiding process.
Let’s be honest.
The hardest part of braiding is sitting in a chair for almost 8 hours as you wait for your hair to be plaited. Make sure you’re physically (and mentally!) ready for the long, tedious process of braiding. But hey, it’ll all be worth it, though!
Boho Braids Maintenance Tip
Eight weeks have passed, and it’s time for your braids to come loose. Here are things you should do and remember before taking your braids out!
Ask for help.
Unbraiding your hair can get time-consuming! Cut the time you spend unbraiding your hair in half by asking someone to help you unplait your braids.
Use sulfate-free shampoo.
Although your hair has been tucked into a protective hairstyle for weeks, it can still be prone to breakage and damage. Use a sulfate-free shampoo to mildly cleanse your hair and scalp.
Give your hair a break.
Let your hair breathe! We know how much women love to style our manes, but if your hair has just gotten out of a long-term braiding style, it’s best to let your hair and scalp rest before trying anything again.
FAQs about Boho Braids on Black Hair
How long do boho braids last?
Boho braids and box braids, in general, could last up to 4 months, but most hair professionals recommend keeping your braids for only 8 weeks. Keeping your hair braided longer than you’re supposed may cause hair damage and breakage.
How often should you wash your hair?
Regardless of how long you’re keeping your braids in, you’re supposed to wash your braids every two to three weeks. While your hair may be protected from damage and excess dirt, your scalp isn’t! In fact, it’s very susceptible to excess oil, dry skin, and product build-up, and not cleaning your scalp (and braids) may cause more damage than good!
You can soak your hair and scalp in water and use shampoo and conditioner to thoroughly clean it. After rinsing and drying your hair, you may opt to use hair oils to moisturize your hair.
How to sleep with boho braids?
To protect your hair and your braids, it is advisable to sleep with silk hair bonnets or a silk pillowcase. Silk fabrics have a smooth surface, which prevents friction and frizziness in your hair, so you can move all night without worrying about your braids.
How long should your hair be before braiding?
There’s no hair too short or too long to not enjoy having boho braids! If you have long hair, you’re free to go au naturel! But if you’re lacking in the hair length department, don’t worry! You can still rock those box braids by weaving them in synthetic hair pieces.
What hairstyles can I do with my boho braids?
Two words. A lot! The most common way to flaunt your box braids would be to let them down, but if you’re looking for something more creative, you can always opt for something different! You can add small hair accessories to your braids, put your hair in a bun, pull it up in an updo, or wrap it with some colorful fabric.
How do you keep your hair from getting frizzy?
Frizz happens whether or not your hair is in a braid, but for some reason, it’s more annoying when your hair is weaved in a box braid. Hair experts say that your hair’s first aid to frizzy hair is to clean it! Shampooing your scalp and braids reduces frizz and other build-ups. You can also use hot water to re-freshen your braids and tame the frizz, sleep in satin and silk hair bonnets, or if you have the time, re-braid your hair completely.