Before you get boho braids this summer, read this.
The style of the summer requires some extra maintenance.
After so many gray, rainy days in New York City, summer is finally here. Summers in the city mean rooftop happy hours, picnics, and all the girlies rocking boho braids.
Bohemian braids, or boho braids, are not new. In the 90s and early 2000s, they were called pick-and-drop braids and you could find It Girls like Brandy rocking the style. Today’s style is different as they’re done just like regular box braids, but then have the wavy or curly hair added into the braid, giving you a breezy Bohemian vibe, hence the name.
While these braids are perfect for summer, they are higher maintenance than standard box braids because of the added curly hair. When I booked my appointment with braider Shanna of TropixBraids, her instructions were very clear: You need human hair for the curly tendrils.
This is the mistake I see a lot of women making when it comes to this style. In order for the style to last and not be a complete tangled mess, good quality human hair is needed. The braids can be done with synthetic hair but you can’t skimp on curly part if you want your boho braids to stay looking chic. If you opt for synthetic hair for the curls, your hair will be ratty in no time, especially if you get it wet with salt water on vacation. Don’t risk it. Invest in the 100% human hair so your style can be long lasting. Braids are too expensive to be taken out after two weeks. Not in this economy!
For my braids, I got two packs of the Starlet Human Hair Wet and Wavy Super Bulk in P4/27. For the braiding hair, I bought Abellee Pre Stretched Braiding Hair in 1B/30/27 from Amazon.
Here are some practical tips for keeping your boho braids fresh this summer:
Wear a silk scarf or bonnet at night
Even though your hair is tucked away in bohemian braids, don’t slack off on protecting your hair at night. Wearing a silk scarf or bonnet at night will keep your braids moisturized and prevent them from tangling up while you sleep. Also, sleeping with long braids can be hard — keeping them tied up and tucked away will allow you to get a good night’s sleep!
I swear by Grace Eleyae’s Satin Lined Caps.
Keep your braids moisturized
Moisturizing your braids regularly will keep the human hair pieces smooth and frizz free. It’ll also ensure your natural hair inside the braids stays moisturized and healthy. And moisturizing braids is easy. I put a little of my favorite leave-in condition (Kinky Curly Knot Today) in a spray bottle with warm water and gently mist my hair. I also follow up with a lightweight oil. Do this a few times a week!
Use conditioner before going swimming
When I got boho braids for my honeymoon, I knew I would be doing a lot of water activities. But before jumping into the pool or beach, I would thoroughly smooth some moisturizing conditioner down the length of my braids. Coating my hair with conditioner created a barrier between my braids and the salt water or chlorine.
After getting out, I rinsed my hair thoroughly with cold water and a little shampoo, and followed up some leave-in conditioner and oil. I then blow dried my hair until it was completely dry, concentrating on the roots. Never leave your braids wet — it can lead to mildew which you absolutely do not want!
Building a routine for your protective style like you would for your natural hair is key in making it last. Boho braids are a little high maintenance, but this insanely beautiful style is worth the upkeep.