Boho Braids: Exploring the Rich Cultural History and Influences

Boho braids have made such a massive comeback in recent times, and if we’re being honest, this hairstyle has been making waves in the fashion world.

From social media to being rocked by your favorite celebrities, these braids can be described as the season’s hairstyle.

However, what makes Boho Braids Extensions truly special is its unique blend of history and various cultures to produce what is now a timeless and elegant hairdo for all women.

Are you eager to know about the story behind these braids?👀

This blog post takes you into the world of boho braids, their rich roots, and how they have become the modern hairstyle we all love and adore! 

The Birth of Boho Braids

Before we discuss the cultural history and influences of boho braids, we must go on a time travel to when and how it all began - with the bohemian movement.

In case you didn’t know, boho braids are short for bohemian braids with  Bohemianism is a social and cultural movement that represents a way of life that is different from society’s traditional norms and expectations.

Originating in France, the Bohemian lifestyle wasn’t just for the literary and art world. Instead, it became a standard of living where people began to worry less about society’s rules and embraced individuality and uniqueness. 

So, when you think of boho braids, what comes to mind is relaxed, free-spirited, and unconventional.

Often having purposely wild and messy loose curls, this hairstyle adorned with accessories and flowers is a way to show your creative and unique side, a hairstyle mainly designed for the artistic and non-conformist!

Cultural History and Influences Behind Boho Braids

Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of why you are reading this - to know the cultural history and influences behind boho braids.

Boho braids have roots and influences from several cultures; below, we will explain each one. Let’s get started:

Africa

Boho braids, like every type of braid, have deep roots and influences from Africa. In fact, Africans have been braiding their hair for thousands of years, not just to keep it in place but also as a sign of social status, age, and even ethnicity. 

Depictions of women with what appears to be cornrows have even been found in Stone Age paintings in the Tassili Plateau of the Sahara, dating back as far back as 3000 B.C. A similar style has also been seen in depictions of the ancient Cushitic people of the Horn of Africa, who appear to have worn this style of braids as far back as 2000 B.C. 

Aside from these, braids were adorned with beads and shells; even now, each intricate pattern has been passed down from generation to generation.

Ancient Egypt

Believe it or not, the Pharaohs and Egyptians of old loved their braids!

For history buffs, it’s no news that from 3500 BCE to 3100 BCE, ancient Egyptians were famous for their fancy braids adorned with the finest jewels and accessories to show their social status, religion, kinship, and even marital status.

Fun fact: They also believed braids could ward off evil spirits and bring good luck! 

Native America

Like other cultures, braiding was and is still very important in Native American culture. In fact, for most Native Americans, their hair tells a story and has been proven to be one of the ways they bonded.

To them, braiding hair was far beyond aesthetics. Most Native American tribes believe the three strands of braids represent the body, mind, and spirit and connect them to Mother Earth.

Aside from protecting their hair during hunting or ahead of battle, most tribespeople also braided their hair to signal their marital status, while others braided their hair to show their power and wealth.  Braiding to this day for Native Americans represents strength, masculinity, and Indigenous pride.

Europe

Surprised? I bet you were.

Very few people know that braids have also been integral to European culture. For instance, Vikings were known for their elaborate braids, often adorned with metals and leather.

Many Celtic cultures were included, as many were known to sport unique and adorned braids.

The Bohemian movement of the 19th century in Europe, inspired by creatives and even gypsies, also played an essential role in lending its influence to what we now know as boho braids. 

Boho Braids in Contemporary Fashion

You’d think the Bohemian movement ended in its era but clearly didn’t.

In fact, hippies during the 1960s and 1970s adopted this movement, and as a way of showing their allegiance, many of them braided their hair to show a rejection of set rules and a love for self-expression. 

Celebrity and Social Media Influence

From there on, boho braids have remained a favorite among many, and if you thought boho braids had just come into the scene last year, you should check your facts.

Artists like Beyonce and Brandy have been rocking boho braids since the early 2000s.

Recently, actresses Vanessa Hudgens, Yara Shahidi, Blake Lively, and Gabrielle Union have stunned the red carpets with their intricate boho braids, inspiring millions of others to embrace the boho trend.

Social media influencers have also played an important role in advancing and encouraging the adoption of boho braids, and quite frankly, who wouldn’t? Known for its large strands with cute, whimsy curls, this hairstyle has greatly evolved into a versatile hairdo that can be rocked on any occasion, letting women slay all day of the year.

We provide all possible Boho Braids Styles for Every Occasion!

Let’s not forget that Instagram, YouTube, and even Pinterest have also played a role in making boho braids popular.

There are countless inspirations and boho braids tutorials on how to get the perfect braid available to users at any time.

Modern Variations of Boho Braids

Again, Boho braids types are so versatile that they exist in different forms and styles, and these include:

• The fishtail braids give off a mermaid-like appearance, making it perfect for the beach.
• A crown braid wraps around the ear to give off the appearance of a braided crown, which works well for formal events.
• Box braids are more fun, incorporating large braids intertwined with curls that are perfect for concerts and festivals.
• Boho braids can also be made into half-up/half-down updos, side parts, and messy buns for a more fun, relaxed, and casual vibe.

The Boho Braids Era!

As we’ve seen, boho braids aren’t just a trendy hairstyle—they embody years of rich cultural histories from Africa, ancient Egypt, Native America, and Europe,  evolving into what we’ve come to know and love. 

Are you eager to embrace this culture-rich hairstyle?✨

We recommend getting the Private Label Deep Wave Boho Braids specially crafted to help you embrace and showcase your unique yet extremely fashionable self to the world.

Made with pre-twisted premium human hair and deep wave hair to give it that undone look that we all love, the Private Label Boho Braids is also available in 16, 20, and 24 inches in natural black 1B. 

With these pre-twisted braids, say hello to more fun times and goodbye to hours on your hair stylist’s chair!

Remember, you can visit the nearest Private Label Store for additional advice!