Boho braids, also known as bohemian braids or hippie braids, have become increasingly popular in recent years. These unique and versatile hairstyles are loved for their effortlessly chic and carefree look. However, like any other hairstyle, proper care is essential to maintain the health and longevity of your boho braids. In this guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know about how to care for boho braids. If you’re ready to embrace this trendy hairstyle, keep reading!
Understanding Boho Braids
Before we dive into the care tips, it’s important to understand what boho braids are and how they differ from other braided hairstyles. Boho braids are often characterized by their loose, messy appearance and incorporation of various textures and accessories. They can range from simple two-strand braids to more elaborate styles like fishtail or Dutch braids.
Boho braids are also known for their versatility. They can be worn for casual everyday looks or dressed up for formal occasions, making them a popular choice among women of all ages and styles.
11 Best Ways on How to Care for Boho Braids
1. Start with Clean Hair:
The key to long-lasting and healthy boho braids is starting with clean hair. Washing your hair before braiding is essential, as this will help remove any product buildup or natural oils that can make the braiding process more difficult. This will also prevent your braids from becoming greasy and weighed down, ensuring they stay fresh and bouncy for longer.
2. Moisturize Your Hair:
Before getting your boho braids done, it’s essential to moisturize your hair thoroughly. This will help keep your hair hydrated throughout braiding and prevent breakage or damage. You can use a leave-in conditioner, hair oil, or hair mask to add moisture and nourishment to your strands. Moisturizing before braiding is especially important if you have dry or damaged hair.
3. Avoid Tight Braids:
One of the biggest mistakes people make with boho braids is braiding too tightly. While tight braids may look neat and sleek initially, they can cause tension on your scalp and lead to breakage or hair loss over time. Instead, opt for a looser braid that still holds its shape but is more gentle on your hair and scalp. If you’re getting your braids done at a salon, communicate with your stylist about how tight you want your braids to be.
4. Don’t Leave Your Braids in for Too Long:
As tempting as it may be to leave your boho braids in for weeks on end, it’s essential to give your hair a break and take them out after a maximum of 6-8 weeks. Leaving your braids in for too long can cause matting, tangling, and even hair loss. Plus, giving your scalp a chance to breathe and your natural hair time to rest is important. If you want to wear braids long-term, consider taking them out and re-braiding every 6-8 weeks instead of leaving them in continuously.
5. Protect Your Hair at Night:
To maintain the integrity of your boho braids while you sleep, it’s crucial to protect them at night. You can either wrap your hair in a silk or satin scarf or invest in a silk or satin pillowcase. These materials are gentle on your hair, preventing friction and breakage while you sleep. This is especially important if you toss and turn in your sleep.
6. Keep Your Scalp Clean:
While boho braids can protect your natural hair, keeping your scalp clean and healthy is still essential. Use a dry shampoo or scalp treatment to remove any buildup or excess oils from your scalp between washes. This will also prevent dandruff and other scalp issues that can arise from not washing your hair for an extended period.
7. Avoid Using Heat:
To keep your boho braids looking their best, it’s best to avoid using heat on them as much as possible. This includes blow-drying, flat ironing, and curling. The heat can cause frizz and damage to the braid itself and your natural hair. If you want to change up the look of your braids, try using heatless methods like braiding or twisting while damp.
8. Use a Lightweight Oil:
If you notice your boho braids looking dull or dry, use a lightweight oil to add shine and moisture. Avoid heavy oils that can weigh down the braids and make them look greasy. Instead, opt for lightweight oils like argan or jojoba that will absorb easily into your hair without leaving a residue. Using a lightweight oil can also help reduce frizziness and keep your braids looking smooth.
9. Be Gentle When Removing Braids:
When it’s time to remove your boho braids, be gentle and patient. You can damage your natural hair and scalp if you rush or pull too hard. Use a detangling spray or conditioner to help loosen the braids before carefully unraveling them. You can also use a pair of scissors to cut out any knots or stubborn braids.
10. Deep Condition Your Hair:
After removing your boho braids, giving your natural hair some TLC with a deep conditioning treatment is crucial. The braiding process can be harsh on your strands, stripping them of essential oils and moisture. Deep conditioning will help restore hydration, nourishment, and strength to your hair, reducing breakage and promoting healthy growth.
11. Limit the Use of Hair Accessories:
While boho braids often incorporate accessories like beads, feathers, or ribbons, it’s important to leave your braids with only a few heavy or tight accessories. These can cause tension on your hair and scalp, leading to damage or breakage. Instead, opt for lightweight, loose accessories that won’t pull or weigh down your braids. If your hairstylist is adding accessories to your braids, ensure they are tight and light enough.
Following these tips will help keep your boho braids looking and feeling their best, ensuring they last longer and protect your natural hair. By taking proper care of your braids, you can enjoy this stylish and versatile hairstyle without worrying about the health of your hair. Experiment with different braid styles, accessories, and maintenance routines to find what works best for you and your unique hair type. Have fun and embrace your inner boho with healthy and long-lasting braids!
Additional Tips and Tricks to Care for Boho Braids
1. Consider using a leave-in conditioner or oil treatment before braiding if you have a sensitive scalp. This will help reduce irritation and potential breakage. This is especially important if you have thick or coarse hair.
2. Avoid using rubber bands or tight elastics to secure your braids. These can cause damage and breakage, leading to thinning hair and split ends. Instead, opt for cloth-wrapped elastic bands or small hair ties that won’t pull on your hair too tightly.
3. Pay attention to the ends of your braids. Make sure to seal them with a small amount of oil or hair serum to prevent fraying and add moisture.
4. Consider using a light hairspray after braiding your hair for extra hold and longevity. This will help keep the style in place without making it stiff or crunchy.
5. If you want to switch up your boho braids, try adding in some fun accessories like hair clips, beads, or scarves. These can add a unique flair to your braids and make them stand out.
6. When it’s time to remove your braids, unravel them from the bottom up gently. This will help prevent tangles and damage to your hair.
7. To maintain your boho braids, sleep with a satin or silk pillowcase to reduce friction and keep your style looking fresh.
8. For a boho look, experiment with different types of braids. Consider trying Dutch braids, fishtail braids, or even adding some twists for added texture.
9. Keep your scalp clean and moisturized by using a scalp scrub or massage with your fingertips. This will help remove buildup and stimulate hair growth.
10. Most importantly, have fun with your boho braids! Don’t worry about achieving the perfect style—embrace imperfections and create your unique look.
Following these additional tips and tricks will help maintain your boho braids and keep your hair healthy and strong. Remember to take breaks between braiding sessions to allow your hair to rest and recover, and always listen to your scalp’s needs. With proper care and creativity, you can rock beautiful boho braids all year round! So go ahead, play around with different styles, and have fun expressing your unique personality through your hair. Happy braiding!
Maintaining Tips for Boho Braids
1. Start With Clean Hair:
Before you start braiding, make sure your hair is clean. This will ensure that the braids come out neat and tidy. You can wash your hair with a gentle shampoo and conditioner to get rid of any excess oils or dirt. This will also make your hair easier to work with. If you have naturally oily hair, you can use dry shampoo to absorb any excess oils before starting.
2. Use The Right Products:
When it comes to maintaining your boho braids, using the right products is crucial. Look for products that are specifically designed for braided hairstyles. These can include leave-in conditioners, serums, and oils that will keep your hair moisturized. Avoid using heavy products that can weigh down your hair and make it look greasy. Using lightweight products will help keep your braids looking fresh and defined.
3. Protect Your Braids When Sleeping:
One of the best ways to maintain your boho braids is to protect them while you sleep. Use a silk or satin scarf or pillowcase to prevent friction between your hair and the pillow, which can cause frizz and breakage. Alternatively, you can also use a hair bonnet or wrap your braids in a loose braid or bun to keep them in place.
4. Avoid Excessive Manipulation:
While it may be tempting to constantly touch and play with your boho braids, excessive manipulation can cause damage and frizz. Try to limit the amount of touching or styling you do throughout the day. If you need to adjust your braids, do so gently and avoid using too much force or pulling on them. The less you manipulate your braids, the longer they will last.
5. Moisturize Regularly:
Braided hairstyles can strip moisture from your hair, so keeping your hair hydrated and nourished is important. Use a lightweight, water-based moisturizer to keep your hair from drying out. You can also use a spray bottle with water and a small amount of leave-in conditioner to refresh your braids throughout the day. This will help prevent frizz and maintain the sleek look of your boho braids.
6. Don’t Keep Braids In For Too Long:
While boho braids can last for a few weeks, it’s important not to keep them in for too long. Leaving braids in for extended periods of time can lead to hair breakage and damage. Aim to take out your braids after 6-8 weeks, depending on your hair type and how well you have maintained them. If you start to notice any discomfort or excessive shedding, it’s time to take them out.
Following these tips will help you maintain your boho braids and keep them looking fresh and stylish for as long as possible. With proper care and maintenance, you can confidently rock this beautiful hairstyle! Remember to also listen to your hair and give it a break from time to time. Happy braiding!
Removing Tips for Boho Braids
1. Start From the Bottom:
When removing boho braids, starting from the bottom and working your way up is important. This prevents tangles or knots from forming. Gently detangle each section of hair before moving on to the next one. If you encounter a particularly stubborn knot, try using a detangling spray or conditioner to make the process easier.
2. Use Your Fingers:
Instead of reaching for a comb right away, try using your fingers to remove the braids. This allows for more control and prevents excessive pulling or tugging on your hair. Gently separate each braid with your fingers until they are all loose, and then use a comb to detangle any remaining knots.
3. Apply Oil or Conditioner:
To make the removal process smoother, you can apply a small amount of oil or conditioner to your hair before starting. This will help loosen the braids and make it easier to detangle any knots. Be sure to choose a lightweight oil or conditioner that won’t leave your hair feeling greasy. This step is especially helpful if you have dry or tangled hair.
4. Be Gentle:
When removing braids, it is important to be gentle with your hair. Avoid forcefully pulling or yanking on the braids, as this can cause breakage and damage to your hair. Take your time and work through each braid carefully to minimize any potential damage. Remember, your hair is delicate and needs to be treated with care.
5. Wash and Deep Condition:
Once all the braids have been removed, washing your hair thoroughly and following up with a deep conditioning treatment is important. This will help replenish moisture and nutrients that may have been stripped from your hair during braiding. It will also help to detangle any remaining knots and leave your hair feeling soft and hydrated.
6. Trim Split Ends:
While removing braids, you may notice split ends or damaged hair. Take this opportunity to trim off any unhealthy ends to keep your hair looking healthy and vibrant. This will also prevent the split ends from traveling up the hair shaft and causing further damage. Regular trims are essential for maintaining healthy hair, so take advantage of this step.
7. Give Your Hair a Break:
After removing braids, it is important to break your hair from tight hairstyles or excessive manipulation. This will allow your hair to rest and recover from being styled in braids for an extended period of time. Consider wearing your hair down or in loose styles for a few days to give it a break before trying another protective style.
8. Nourish Your Scalp:
During braiding, your scalp may have accumulated buildup or become dry and irritated. To nourish your scalp, massage a small amount of oil into your roots and scalp after removing the braids. This will help to soothe any irritation and promote healthy hair growth. You can also use a clarifying shampoo to remove any buildup and restore balance to your scalp.
Following these tips will help ensure a smooth and damage-free removal of your boho braids. Remember to always be gentle with your hair and give it the proper care it deserves. With these tips, you can enjoy beautiful braided hairstyles without any negative effects on your hair. Happy braiding!
Conclusion
Knowing how to care for boho braids is a great way to ensure that your braids look amazing and last as long as possible. Remember to always use high-quality products, protect your hair at night, and maintain proper hydration to keep your boho braids looking their best. With these tips, you can confidently rock your boho braids and enjoy the carefree and stylish look they provide.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different styles and accessories to make your boho braids truly unique! Keep in mind that regular maintenance is key to keeping your braids looking fresh, so don’t neglect them. Above all, embrace the beauty of your natural hair and have fun with your boho braids! Happy braiding!