Dos and Don’ts of boho braids

Boho braids are one of the most beautiful braided hairstyles. If you want to switch it up from your usual knotless braids, the effortlessly messy yet glamorous look of bohemian braids may be what you’re looking for. However, these braids are as high maintenance as they are stunning

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Before getting boho braids, it’s important to take into consideration the upkeep and the expense involved with the style. Unlike standard box braids, boho braids require more work and — if you want a long lasting style that doesn’t damage your natural hair underneath — more expense. Unless you are one of God’s favorites who can braid your hair yourself (I envy you), getting braids installed is expensive. You want to avoid dropping hundreds of dollars on a style, only to have it looking like a rats nest in a week.

Here are some dos and don’ts of boho braids:

Don’t use synthetic hair.

If you get synthetic hair for your boho braids, go directly to jail. Do not pass go and do not collect $200. Boho braids require curly or wavy hair that is then added into the braids, which creates the loose, mermaid look. Synthetic curly hair will tangle, knot, and shed, especially if you get it wet. Who wants to go on vacation with braids and worry about getting them wet? Not me.

Don’t be fooled by “higher quality” synthetic hair. Plastic is plastic and if you get synthetic hair for your boho braids, you will regret it!

Do get human hair.

This will undoubtedly be more expensive, but there’s no way around it. Human hair will allow you get the beautiful look you are wanting and ensure the longevity of your boho braids. You don’t need to do human hair for the whole style. The first time I got boho braids, I got synthetic hair for the braids and Starlet Human Bulk Hair Wet and Wavy for the curly pieces. The second time, I went for a more Zoe Kravitz look, and did knotless braids with all human hair, using the Starlet Braiding Human Bulk Hair Straight.

For the braids, I really recommend Sensationnel pre-stretched braiding hair because it’s water repellent, which is great if you’re going to be getting your hair wet often.

It’s definitely an investment, but getting braids done with human hair has a lot of benefits, such as being gentler on your natural hair and lasting longer.

Don’t get them wet without preparation.

When you’re on vacation, it may be tempting to jump into the pool or ocean without much thought, but boho braids require a little more planning.

During my honeymoon in Dominica, I was doing a lot of water activities. Before I would hop into the pool or ocean, I would coat my braids with conditioner. The conditioner acts as a shield, so your hair doesn’t absorb as much salt water or chlorine.

After, I would rinse and shampoo my hair, using Olaplex Bond Maintenance Shampoo or Moroccanoil Curl Enhancing Shampoo. A little goes a long way. When washing box braids, I lather my scalp, and use a cup of water to slowly and gently rinse it out, letting the shampoo glide down my strands. Washing braids like you would wash your hair will cause a lot of tangling.

Do keep your boho braids moisturized.

The human hair of boho braids requires TLC, just like your natural hair inside. Regularly moisturize your braids using a lightweight moisturizer, especially after washing. This will keep your braids smooth and help avoid breakage of your natural hair. I use a mix of Kinky Curly Knot Today and water in a misting spray bottle.

Your scalp needs love, too! I like to use the SheaMoisture Scalp Moisture Cream and the Curly Proverbz Fenugreek Elixir.

Don’t be afraid of frizz.

The beauty of boho braids is the undone, easy, breezy look. Your hair is going to get frizzy and that’s OK! I love when braids have a more lived in look. Hair is to be enjoyed, life isn’t a red carpet.

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