Do you agonized over every perfect boho box braid during installation? Do you want this investment in your hairstyling to last? The key is learning how to wash boho braids and gently cleanse and care for your braided locs while keeping frizz, breakage, and unraveling at bay. Follow these tips to wash and condition boho box braids properly so they stay fresh, healthy, and beautiful for weeks on end.
Assess Hair's Cleaning Needs
Not all boho box braids need washing on the same schedule. How often you should cleanse depends on your hair type, styling products used, and lifestyle factors. Those with dry hair or braids done using waxes/creams may only need to wash every 3-4 weeks. Oily hair, leave-in styler use or an active lifestyle means braids need cleaning more often, like every 1-2 weeks. Gauge by feel - when hair seems weighed down by dirt, oils or product buildup, it's time to wash.
Gather the Right Supplies
Washing braided hair requires specific ingredients and tools. Stock up on a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner for braids, preferably sulfate-free formulas. Have leave-in conditioner ready to replenish moisture after cleansing. You'll also need large hair pins, a wide tooth comb or paddle brush, microfiber towel, and satin bonnet for drying. Optional but helpful extras include pre-wash scalp oil, braid spray bottle, and hair masque or oil for deep conditioning.
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Protect Cornrows Beneath
It’s crucial to keep the cornrow base underneath your boho box braids from getting wet and frizzy during washing. Start by pinning all boho braids up and away from the hairline perimeter. Next, apply a waterproofing scalp oil or gel just around hairline edges to act as barrier. Dab petroleum jelly onto parts of cornrows that peek through. Finally, cover the entire hairline perimeter with a water-resistant headband or scarf.
Work in Sections
Wash boho braids in organized sections for thorough cleansing without huge tangles. Part clean, dry hair into four quadrants - left side, right side, back left and back right. Further divide each quadrant into thirds. Always fully wash, rinse and condition one section at a time before moving to the next. This keeps hair detangling manageable. Have a wide-tooth comb ready to gently work through sections and distribute cleansing products evenly as you wash.
Shampoo Strategically
Apply an oil-removing shampoo only to the scalp and braid roots using a tint brush. Don’t scrub braid lengths to prevent loosening. Gently massage shampoo into scalp and roots of one section at a time. Let it soak for 2-3 minutes before rinsing – this lifts dirt without over-manipulating braids. Repeat shampooing on each section, then coil braids atop your head and cover with a shower cap while cleansing other areas of body. This keeps bohemian braids from unraveling as you wash. Rinse scalp thoroughly before conditioning.
Pick Products Wisely
The products used when washing boho braids are as important as the techniques. Always use a moisturizing, sulfate-free shampoo to avoid dryness. Look for formulas containing oils or butters that gently lift dirt. When it comes to conditioner or masques, seek out nourishing ingredients like shea butter, aloe vera, coconut oil and honey to soften hair. And choose a leave-in conditioner that reduces friction, static and frizz. Avoid harsh clarifying or volumizing shampoos as these will cause tangles.
Condition & Detangle with Care
Thoroughly soak braids with conditioner, stopping midway down the length - avoid coating the ends to minimize frizz. Let conditioner penetrate for 5 minutes before gently finger detangling each section. Then, use a wide-tooth comb to fully detangle braids from root to tip, working in small sections. Take your time and be very gentle! Rinse conditioner out well and immediately apply a leave-in conditioner or braid spray to restore moisture. Comb through again and twist braids to wring out excess water.
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Air Dry Properly
Allow boho box braids to air dry naturally, untouched. Don't rub braids with towel - gently squeeze out moisture then immediately wrap hair in a microfiber towel or soft cotton t-shirt. Remove after 20 minutes, then unravel towel without disturbing braids. Let braids hang freely or loosely twist them into buns on top of your head - this allows for even drying. Finally, sleep with a satin bonnet to prevent friction overnight. Avoid using any heat tools, rough handling or restraints until braids are 100% dry.
Deep Condition & Maintain
The week after washing boho braids, do a deep conditioning treatment to fortify hair. Apply a thick, nourishing hair mask from root to tip of each braid. Cover with a shower cap and let the mask soak in 15-30 minutes with low heat from a hood dryer. Rinse out thoroughly - hair will feel renewed. Follow up your wash routine by regularly moisturizing braids, sealing ends and re-braiding unraveling sections between appointments. This keeps hair strong, supple and neat.
Refresh Styling Between Washes
To freshen boho knotless braids in between washes, focus on the roots. Spritz braid roots lightly with water, then smooth a small amount of styling gel over new growth and flyaways around the hairline. Twist front edges and perimeter braids away from face for a polished look. Or, enhance your boho knotless braids with accessories like cuffs, jeweled pins or headwraps. A little styling goes a long way when braids start looking dull.
Know When to Re-Do
No matter how careful your cleansing ritual, boho box braids do eventually show wear. If braids are looking really ratty and frayed mid-way through your style duration, see your stylist about a take down and re-do. Trying to revive extremely damaged braids often causes more breakage. Let professionals assess if a full removal and re-install is needed or if some sections can be salvaged. Then you can start fresh!
By learning specialized techniques for caring for boho box braids, you can keep your artistic locs clean, flawless and frizz-free longer. Establish a regular gentle cleansing routine. Use the right products. Detangle and air dry braids with care. Deep condition and moisturize frequently. And know when damaged braids need a true refresh. Follow these tips to maintain your beautiful boho braided style.
For those seeking high-quality boho box braids without the commitment of installing on natural hair, uBraids provides a solution. Emerging as a specialized brand under JALIZA's fashion platform, uBraids offers premium synthetic braided wigs celebrating the diversity of Black hairstyles. With meticulous construction mirroring human hair, boho knotless braids allow you to experiment with versatile protective styles while giving your natural hair a break.
So unleash your inner flower child, and let your boho box braids make a bold, beautiful statement!
