Though braids have long been a popular protective style, new variations continue to emerge. One of the trendiest takes is boho braids, a style worn by everyone from Jordyn Woods to Zoe Kravitz. The look, which features curly pieces throughout the braids, is incredibly chic and can last several weeks with the proper maintenance routine. Ahead, we asked expert hairstylists about how to care for boho braids, whether you use human or synthetic hair.

What Are Boho Braids?

Boho (short for Bohemian) braids are box or knotless braids that incorporate strands of curly and wavy hair throughout the look. Depending on the wearer’s preference, the curls or waves can be added to each braid or a selection of braids. Annang says the more curls or waves added to the look, the fuller the hair will be. “Incorporating boho curls or waves into any hairstyle can alter its look, adding a more glam element to its appearance,” she adds.

You can choose between synthetic or human hair extensions when it comes to the type of hair used to achieve the style. “Synthetic hair is a popular choice for the style due to its affordability, but it has limited heat styling capabilities,” Diaz-Santin says. Contrastingly, human hair looks more natural, is easier to maintain, and provides more styling flexibility, but it is more expensive than synthetic options.

How To Maintain Boho Braids With Synthetic Hair 

If you decide to use synthetic hair, it’s important to be diligent in caring for it, as this type of hair is prone to tangling. The most important maintenance tip is to protect your braids while you sleep, using a satin or silk scarf, bonnet, or pillowcase.

“Synthetic boho braids will need to be styled without heat to avoid damaging the synthetic fibers,” Diaz-Santin says. When your curls need to be refreshed, she recommends misting the textured hair with a curl-refreshing spray before smoothing a mousse over the hair to tame flyaways.

Annang says you should also “spend some time running your fingers through your braids to prevent detangling and matting.” If tangling does occur, use scissors or a razor to remove the tangled hair. This will help you keep the synthetic hair looking neater longer.

How To Maintain Boho Braids With Human Hair 

Using human hair for your boho braids provides you with more flexibility. Since the hair is natural, you can treat it like your own. If you plan to wash your hair while it’s in a boho braid style, Bames says to handle the human hair pieces with care. “Comb the loose hair before washing so it doesn’t become knotted or matted,” she says. “Wash the boho braids with a pea-sized amount of shampoo and lots of water. After washing, moisturize the scalp while the hair is damp and sit under a dryer for fast drying to prevent the hair from unraveling.”

Moisturizing and hydrating human hair extensions is a vital part of day-to-day styling. According to Annang, a quick and easy way to refresh your curls is to “create a mixture containing water, leave-in conditioner, a bit of hair oil.” Alternatively, you can use a mousse to refresh the style.

Even though human hair boho braids are slightly easier to maintain than synthetic braids, always use a minimal amount of product to avoid causing build-up or weighing down the curls.

The Final Takeaway

Boho braids are a great choice for anyone who wants to add a fun, beachy twist to their traditional knotless or box braid style. The curly and wavy pieces add volume and texture to the protective style, and the look can easily be achieved with synthetic or human hair. The former is the most cost-effective, widely-used option. However, while the result is stunning, synthetic hair is prone to tangling and may not hold up as long as you want it to. Human hair, on the other hand, is more expensive but is easier to style and less prone to matting.

But, regardless of whichever type of extension you choose, adhering to a thorough maintenance routine can help you extend the wear time of your boho braids. Our experts recommend refreshing your curly pieces with your favorite curl spray or mousse to tame flyaways and reduce tangles quickly.