Why I prefer goddess braids over boho braids

Boho braids, goddess braids, gypsy braids, Zoe Kravitz braids. These are some of the trendiest styles of box braids right now and often, the names are all used interchangeably. Boho braids, characterized by effortlessly cool loose pieces throughout, are arguably the most popular right now. I’ve written several stories on boho braids from how to maintain them and what hair to use. And after getting several different variations of this style, I can confidently say I prefer goddess braids.

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Difference between boho braids and goddess braids

Before anyone comes for me, let me preface this by saying I’m not a hair historian. To me, the biggest difference between boho braids and goddess braids is that with goddess braids, the end of each braid is loose with wavy, curly hair, even straight hair, as opposed to boho braids which are fully braided, but have loose pieces woven into each braid at different points. Zoe Kravitz is the poster woman for enviable goddess braids.

Goddess braids are easier to maintain

This is the number one reason why I prefer goddess braids over boho braids. Boho braids are extremely high maintenance. Though the name boho betrays an easy, breezy style, they are definitely not easy or breezy. If you plan on getting your braids wet while on vacation, there is definitely some prep you should do so you don’t end up with matted braids. Also, you must use human hair for boho braids — no exception — making them more expensive. For my boho braids, I used Starlet Human Hair Wet and Wavy Super Bulk in P4/27.

Read more: How to maintain boho braids

Goddess braids last longer

Related to the maintenance, goddess braids simply last longer. Goddess braids are loose towards the end of the braid, giving you that flowing, goddess-like look without the tangling of boho braids, which has loose hair all throughout. No matter how well you care for your braids, boho braids will start to look very messy after about four weeks if you’re lucky, compared to goddess braids which will look nice for at least two months, especially if you use human hair for the ends, like I did. For my goddess braids, I used Ruwa Pre-Stretched Braiding Hair in color 1B/27 for the braids then for the wavy ends, I used Y Wigs Deep Wave Bulk Human Hair in #4/#27 Piano Color. I really love the Ruwa braiding hair; it’s super light and soft and water repellent.

Both bohemian braids and goddess braids are beautiful styles. It comes down to what you want: if you want something a bit more glam and can commit to the maintenance and the cost, give boho braids a try. But if you want something easy going, chic, with little upkeep, goddess braids are a great choice.