Everything You Need to Know About Boho Knotless Box Braids

Boho knotless braids are said to be you protective hairstyle for summer. The look combines the knotless braid (a feed-in braided extension that starts at your hair) with extra pieces of wavy (or curly) hair in each braid.

I can think of at least five beauty editor friends who have rocked the look this season, and that’s just scratching the surface of its popularity. A quick search for the style on TikTok loads thousands by posts, including style inspiration and maintenance tips. Celebrities like Tyla, Gabrielle Union and Marsai Martin have also recently worn boho knotless braids. To learn more about the popular braided hairstyle, we spoke to experts about the best ways to wear and care for them, and what to expect if you’re considering getting them braided.

What are boho knotless braids?

According to experts, boho knotless braids are a hybrid of knotless feed-in braids with wavy sections braided throughout. “It’s a great style that’s a little more versatile than traditional box braids,” says Redway. While this hairstyle is basically similar to traditional knotless braids, boho knotless braids have four or more strands of loose synthetic or human hair per braid, creating a voluminous mix of braids and curls.

According to Davis, the bunless boho braids are reminiscent of the pick-and-drop hairstyle (box braids with curly ends instead of curls running the length of the braid), which was popular in the early 2000s and 2010s (and remains just as popular today).

Related Stories

What hair is necessary for boho knotless braids?

To create the boho knotless braid, you’ll need bulk braiding hair and curly (or wavy) braiding hair extensions. The amount of bulk braiding hair you’ll need depends on the size of the braids you want and the overall look you’re going for. “Depending on the size of the client’s head, you’ll need about four to five packs of braiding hair for boho knotless braids,” Davis says.

The amount of The amount of curly hair you should feed into your braids also depends on how voluminous you want your curls to be. The more curly hair you distribute through each braid, the more voluminous your final look will be. If you’re unsure about how much curly hair to buy before installing boho knotless box braids, we recommend saving inspiration photos of the style you like and sharing them with your braider, who can advise you on how much curly hair you’ll need for your look.

Davis also says that a rat tail comb (preferably with a metal ponytail) is preferred to achieve precise sections. She also recommends reaching for a styling mousse, such as The Doux Mousse Def Texture Foam ($15), which W+G’s senior beauty editor, Aimee Simeon, loves to braid, minimize flyaways and define curls.

How to prepare your hair for boho knotless braids

Before you try boho knotless braids (or each (in the braided style, by the way), you want to make sure your hair and scalp are thoroughly washed with shampoo and free of product residue (some people like to use a purifying shampoo and a moisturizing conditioner (in this step). Your hair must be completely dry and stretched slightly before you put your braids in, with some experts recommending that you detangle your hair in sections or large braids and let it air dry. You can also use a hair dryer to remove moisture before braiding.

Warrell says you should be prepared to spend a fair amount of time in the chair (if your hair is long). to be braided by someone else, if you Do it yourself (You also need to factor in a large block of time). “The installation time for boho knotless braids varies depending on size, length, and density, but can range from two to eight hours,” she says.

How long do boho braids stay tangle-free?

Boho knotless braids are a time investment, and you probably want to wear them to the max. However, it is important to keep proper care in mind to keep your hair and scalp healthy. “Aftercare is important for maintaining any braid style because it will significantly extend the life of your braids,” says Valcin. “With proper aftercare, your braids can last up to six weeks.”

However, experts generally advise against continuing for longer than six weeks. Braids, especially if they are tight, can cause tension on the scalp, which in some cases can lead to sensitivity, scalp acne, or even traction alopecia. So make sure you take good care of your braids, cleanse your scalp thoroughly to prevent product buildup and relieve scalp tension, and remove your braids at an appropriate time frame.

How to care for boho knotless braids

Every braided protective style requires some maintenance, and boho knotless braids are no different. Because this style features loose curly or wavy pieces, you’ll need to do more to keep the loose pieces from tangling. “To maintain boho knotless braids, wear a silk or satin hood “At night to minimize frizz and use your fingers to detangle curls as needed,” says Worrell.

If your curls feel dry or tangled, lightly mist them with water or a leave-in conditioner spray to separate and define them. However, if you are using a water-based product to define your curls, you will want to make sure that your hair is completely dry afterwards. You can either let it air dry or use a hair dryer to absorb moisture without disturbing your curls.

Davis recommends that a scalp serum daily or a few times a week to moisturize your scalp while wearing a braided style like boho knotless braids. Redway says you can also how to wash your box braids like you wash your hair to keep your scalp clean. “You want to pay attention to how well you rinse the product out of your braids,” says Redway. “You can moisturize your braids after washing with a leave-in conditioner sprayAfter you wash your boho knotless box braids, you’ll want to make sure they are fully dried (air dry, blow dry, or run under a hair dryer). hood dryer would work). Davis also recommends using a satin pillowcase Once your braids are dry, to reduce friction.

How much do boho knotless braids cost?

The cost of boho knotless braids depends on your location, the stylist, the length and size of the braids you want, and the supplies you need for the service (e.g. curly human braided hair will cost you more than synthetic curly braiding hairAccording to Warrell, boho knotless braids generally cost between $200 and $850, depending on the size and length of your braids.

Last takeaway

Boho knotless braids are a versatile twist on a classic style, and it’s easy to see why they’re so popular. Like most braided styles, you should expect boho knotless braids to take at least two hours to install, and, Naturallywhat maintenance is required. You should prioritize regularly moisturizing and cleansing your scalp when wearing boho knotless braids, and if the curls in your style start to feel dry or tangled, treat them as you would your hair: moisturize, detangle, define, and seal with a leave-in conditioner or a mousse.