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Children of the nineties will think back to Beyonce's iconic look and remember boho braids with fondness. Brandy is another 90s musician to rock the style, but it's a look that few imagined would make such a comeback.
Fast-forward to 2024 and thanks to TikTok, boho braids are back in vogue, with almost one billion views of related hashtags.
With that in mind, we introduce you to boho braids and reveal some expert tips that will help you achieve this style that Beyonce would be proud of!
What are boho braids?
Boho braids - also known as boho box braids - is a super popular hairstyle that is taking the social media world by storm. Many US influencers swear by boho knotless braids, and the hairstyle is becoming more and more popular as warmer weather is on the horizon.
Particularly popular are medium boho braids, which incorporate box braid extensions with wavy strands coming out of them. This look has been rocked by people like Beyonce, Zazie Beetz, and Brandy in the past.
Though boho braids are certainly not a new style (they have been around since the 90s), the style has enjoyed a TikTok-inspired renaissance in recent times, with many people looking to rock the style in public and in front of their followers.
The best hair for boho braids
Black women have been showing off boho braids since the 1990s, with this bohemian style once again becoming extremely popular in the past year or so.
Referred to by Glamour Magazine as "TikTok's favourite protective hairstyle", we've seen lots of women influencers in recent times model their look on icons like Brandy and Beyonce.
Though synthetic hair can be used for this look, boho braids on natural hair are a much better option. You can easily combine human hair with your own hair when putting together your braids, which is the best way to maintain a natural, easy flow and look.
Due to the style, long, wavy hair is ideal for anyone looking to show off with boho braids. Other options are Yaki hair and Kanekalon hair (both synthetic hairs), which can be used for boho braids if human hair isn't an option for you.
How long do boho braids last?
This depends on various factors, but you can expect boho braids to last for between three and six weeks. If you leave your braids in for much longer than this, your hair might get locked up with dirt and dust.
Key to making your braids last as long as possible is maintaining them correctly, which you can achieve by following our tips listed below.
Tips for looking after your boho braids
Ensuring that your boho braids last for 3-6 weeks is the goal. But how do you keep them fresh? Here are some expert styling tips to bear in mind if you're keen on this hairstyle:
☑️ Wash and dry your hair: Before adding braids to your hair, you need to thoroughly wash your hair with a high-quality shampoo. Make sure you blow dry your hair to about 80% and let it air dry the rest of the way. This helps to add volume to your hair before adding the braids.
☑️ Use natural hair: Natural, human hair is a better option for boho braids. Though synthetic hair is cheaper, it tangles more and gets matted quickly. Synthetic hair also doesn't respond well to water, so you need to keep it dry. Human hair is natural, so it will last for much longer.
☑️ Wear a scarf at night: Wrap your braids in a silk scarf at night to protect them. This keeps them moist, and it also prevents them from tangling when you move around in your sleep.
☑️ Moisturize your braids: A leave-in conditioner can work wonders for boho braids, so make sure you keep them moisturized with regular applications. You can also spray your braids with warm water a few times each week. Look for products with jojoba or argan oil.
Boho vs goddess braids - what's the difference?
If you spend a lot of time on TikTok, you will probably see the tags boho braids and goddess braids used interchangeably. In fact, between them, they have racked up just short of one billion views, highlighting just how popular this style is right now*.
While they are very similar, there is an important distinction to be aware of. Boho braids are usually achieved with human hair, as mentioned above, and they achieve a much more natural finish. On the other hand, goddess braids are often made with synthetic hair and offer curls that are concentrated at one or two points.
As boho braids are made with human hair, they tend to be more expensive than goddess braids. Both looks are in vogue right now - be sure to use the hashtags on TikTok to explore the styles further and to see if boho or goddess braids are the better options for you.
Conclusion
Boho braids are one of 2024's hottest styles, and influencers on TikTok are responsible for the trend, which is almost as popular as it was back in the 1990s.
Natural, human hair works best for boho braids, helping you to achieve your desired style. It also lasts longer than synthetic hair, which is another reason why it's popular.
If you're keen to rock this popular look in 2024, make sure you read our FAQs below to find out more about how to look after box braids properly.
FAQ
Q1: What hair to use for boho braids?
Human hair is the best hair to use for boho braids. It is easier to style and maintain, and it keeps your hair from matting. The only downside is that human hair is more expensive than synthetic hair.
Q2: How to keep boho braids from tangling?
As boho braids tend to tangle at night, wearing a silk scarf or a bonnet is one of the best ways to prevent this from happening.
Q3: What are boho box braids?
Boho box braids and boho braids are the same thing!
Q4: Do boho braids with curly hair work?
Yes! Boho braids with curly or wavy hair look great, and are a popular style right now in 2024.
