Get Started with DIY Boho Braids: Easy Techniques and Tips
Beginner’s human hair boho braids are all the rage right now, and rightfully so, considering that synthetic hair boho braids are not the easiest to maintain.
In this guide, we’ll cover the best hair to purchase for this type of installation, give you a step-by-step guide on installing it, and review some maintenance tips.
What Hair Should I Choose?
Great Bohemian Braids start with selecting the right hair. Your choice will largely depend on your budget, but investing in quality hair can make a massive difference in your style’s longevity and final look.
For top-tier results, look for pre-braided options that combine deep-wave human hair with human braiding hair.
These pre-twisted options offer the best of both worlds: the natural look and feel of human hair with the structure and ease of installation provided by human hair.
This combination makes the installation process smoother and maintenance easier.
Remember, while high quality human hair might be more expensive upfront, it often lasts longer and looks more natural, saving you time and money in the long run.
Getting Ready
Before you start braiding, follow these steps to prepare your natural hair:
- Wash your hair thoroughly with a clarifying shampoo to remove any buildup.
- Deep condition your hair to ensure it’s well-moisturized before braiding.
- Blow-dry your hair, ensuring it’s scorched to prevent mold or mildew in your braids.
- Get all the tools you’ll need, including a rat-tail comb, hair clips, gel, edge control product-, hair mousse or water/conditioner mix, hair spray, and scissors.
The Installation Starts
Now that you’re prepared let’s dive into the installation process:
Parting and Sectioning:
- Let’s start by dividing your hair into sections.
- First, make two horizontal rows at the bottom of your head, going from ear to ear.
- Then, keep making these horizontal rows up to the front of your head.
- You should end up with at least six rows on each side of your head and two at the bottom.
To ensure each section is neat, put some hair gel on the top and bottom of each part and on the sides, and use a brush to smooth the gel in — this will make your hair look sleek and tidy.
This careful parting process might take a little time, but it’s worth it.
Beginning the Braid:
Let’s start at the bottom of your head:
- Take a section of your hair there and split it into three equal parts.
- Now, use your natural hair to start a regular braid. Braid it like you usually would, counting as you go.
- When you’ve you’ve braided four times, stop.
- This is when you’ll add your first piece of extra braiding hair.
- Start small, braid a little bit, then add the additional hair.
Adding Hair:
- Start with a small piece when you’re ready to add braiding hair.
- Weave this piece into your braid, counting to four as you plait.
- Once you’ve plaited four times, it’s time to add another small piece of braiding hair.
- Do this same thing - add a small piece and plait four times - two more times.
- So, you’ll add three small pieces of braiding hair, plaiting four times after each addition.
- This method helps to secure the braiding hair while blending boho braids smoothly with your natural hair.
Incorporating Curly Human Hair:
- Once you’ve added braiding hair, it’s time to start mixing in some Kinky Curly Human Hair.
- This is what gives your boho braids their unique look.
- Wait until you’ve braided enough regular hair so that both the left side and middle parts of your braid have one piece of braiding hair each.
- Then, add a small piece of the curly human hair to your braid. Braid it tightly at least four times to ensure it stays in place.
- This will secure the curly hair and start creating that beautiful boho texture.
Continuing the Braid:
As you’re braiding, you’ll want to keep track of where you’ve added the curly hair.
- After you add a curly piece, find it in the braid and clip it.
- This helps you keep things organized as you continue braiding down.
- You can add 3 or 4 curly hair pieces and the same amount of regular braiding hair to each braid.
- How much you add depends on how thick you want your braids to be.
- Just keep in mind that adding more hair will make your braids thicker but also make them heavier.
- So think about what feels comfortable for you.
Securing the Braid:
- When you get to the end of your braid, take the braiding hair and wrap it around itself to make a little loop.
- Then, pull the end through this loop to secure it. This creates a neat finish.
- Next, use some lace frontal glue or adhesive to keep everything in place.
- Look for any stray hairs sticking out and carefully trim them with scissors.
- Finally, cut away any extra braiding hair at the bottom, but be sure to leave the curly human hair piece.
- This curly end gives your braid that soft, boho look we aim for.
Finishing Touches:
Once you’ve finished braiding your whole head, it’s time for some final touches.
- First, use a hair mousse or spray water and conditioner over your braids.
- This helps to set them and add shine or use or Glow Shine Spray!
- Then, spray some hairspray on your head to keep everything in place.
- Consider leaving a tiny bit of hair out along your hairline for your baby hairs and style them using some edge control and a thin comb.
- Smooth the baby hairs and create cute little swoops or swirls to give your hair a polished look.
Maintenance Tips
To keep your boho braids looking fresh and beautiful:
- Sleep with a satin or silk bonnet to prevent frizz and tangles.
- If braids get tangled, use mousse to detangle them gently.
- Spray leave-in conditioner liberally for stubborn tangles and work through with your fingers.
- To revive flat-looking braids, dampen them slightly with water and scrunch to reactivate the curl pattern.
Happy Braiding!
Creating your boho braids at home can be a rewarding experience. While it may take some practice to perfect your technique, the result is a beautiful, low-maintenance style that can last for weeks.
Remember to be patient with yourself as you learn, and don’t be afraid to take breaks if needed. And pick yourself Deep Wave Boho Braids Extensions!