Bohemian or "boho" box braids are a free-spirited, effortless twist on the classic box braid look. This trendy style has taken the natural hair world by storm with its undone, carefree vibe. If you're looking to switch up your protective styling game, bohemian braids could be your new go-to.
What Are Bohemian Box Braids?
Bohemian box braids merge uniformity with whimsy. The style begins with standard, precise box braids for women parted in even rows close to the scalp. However, after braiding a few inches down, the remaining loose hair is left un-braided, creating voluminous, wispy tendrils. This unbridled, curly texture gives the style its signature boho flair.
The great thing about boho braids is you can customize the look. The size can range from mini, face-framing braids to thick, chunky ones. You can also switch up the length from short and sassy to luscious mermaid lengths. Braiders often incorporate pops of color or varied braid patterns for an eclectic finish.
Installing Bohemian Box Braids
To get this carefree style, quality hair is key. Opt for 100% human hair for both the braiding hair and the curly ends. Human hair blends seamlessly and has superior longevity compared to synthetic fiber.
Another important consideration is size and length. Smaller boho braids put less tension on your edges but require more hair. Longer lengths past shoulder-level will use up more packs. Generally, plan for 5-10 packs of braiding hair and 2-3 packs of curly hair for longer looks.
Before installation, hair should be thoroughly cleansed with a sulfate-free shampoo. This ensures your braids start on a fresh foundation. Your braider may also recommend a light protein treatment to strengthen strands.
30 Ways to Style Bohemian Box Braids
One of the biggest draws of bohemian braids is the styling versatility. Those free-flowing curly ends can be worn down for an effortless, laid-back appearance or dressed up in chic updos. Here are over 30 inspiring ways to style your boho box braids:
1. Bob Bohemian Box Braids
Shoulder-length box braids are artfully trimmed so the ends delicately graze the collarbone area, creating a chic, breezy bohemian bob hairstyle that exudes laid-back style with minimal upkeep. The short length makes this ideal for those wanting a low-maintenance yet trendy boho look.
2. Long Bohemian Box Braids
These show-stopping braids cascade all the way down the back, often reaching towards the waistline, with voluminous curly ends that perfectly capture the free-spirited, flowing essence of boho chic hair. The dramatic length turns heads and allows for stunning styling versatility.
3. Blonde Bohemian Box Braids
Sunkissed blonde hues covering box braids from root to tip emanate an ethereal, angelic vibe that pairs beautifully with the romantic, whimsical bohemian aesthetic. The light blonde shade gives off a gorgeous sun-kissed quality.
4. Brown Bohemian Box Braids
Rich, warm brown tones give these box braids an earthy, natural feel that allows them to be simultaneously laid-back and stylish in true bohemian fashion. The brown hues provide an elegant, neutral backdrop for bohemian accents like cuffs or wraps.
5. Medium-Length Bohemian Box Braids
The ends of these versatile braids float around the shoulder area, striking the perfect balance between a long, dramatic look and a shorter, lower-maintenance style for effortless boho flair. This mid-length is extremely adaptable for updos, half-updos, or flowing curly styles.
6. Short Bohemian Box Braids
Closely cropped box braids, often with curly ends right at the nape or ear level, create a fun, edgy interpretation of bohemian style that feels youthful, fresh and low-key. The short length emphasizes the shape and texture of the braids themselves.
7. Black Bohemian Box Braids
These inky black box braids have a striking, high-contrast look that makes them appear sleek and polished, while the textured curly ends maintain that coveted boho vibe. The deep black color allows the intricate braiding patterns to really pop.
8. Ombre Bohemian Box Braids
A seamless gradient effect, often fading from dark roots to lighter ends, gives ombre box braids an effortlessly sun-kissed look with beautiful, multidimensional color. The ombre effect creates the illusion of radiant, glowing strands.
9. Small Bohemian Micro Box Braids
Hundreds of pencil-thin, miniature braids create an intricate, textured canvas with gorgeous movement that epitomizes the bohemian aesthetic when paired with flowy layers. The small box braids lends an extra dose of free-spirited texture.
10. Medium Bohemian Jumbo Box Braids
Slightly thicker than average box braids with exaggerated, full curly ends produce major volume and drama for a beautifully amplified boho hairstyle. The jumbo size gives off an eye-catching, statement-making look.
11. Large Bohemian Chunky Box Braids
Dramatically oversized, chunky box braids in a long, flowing length are absolutely showstopping and lend an undeniable "wow" factor to any bohemian updo or free-flowing style. These maxed-out braids are perfect for those craving major hair envy.
12. Half-Up Bohemian Box Braid Updo
The upper halves of long box braids are pulled up into a pretty half-updo, with the remaining lengths left cascading down freely in effortless waves ideal for boho flair. This half-up style balances a polished top with free-flowing bohemian lengths.
13. Bohemian Box Braid Crown Updo
An intricately woven crown or halo shape is created on top using braided box braids, leaving luscious, flowy curled ends hanging below for a breathtaking bohemian upstyle. The crown shape beautifully frames the face while showing off gorgeous braid work.
14. Bohemian Box Braid High Bun Updo
For an eye-catching boho updo, long box braids are twisted and coiled into a striking top knot bun, allowing lush curly ends to spill out artfully. This updo elongates the face while maintaining bohemian texture.
15. Headband Bohemian Box Braids
These styles incorporate a continuous braid along the hairline using box braids as an accessory-like headband, giving off major bohemian hair accent vibes. The headband detail perfectly complements boho fashion and accessories.
16. Halo Bohemian Box Braids
A halo-shaped braid circles the crown using delicate box braids integrated with wispy curls to create an ethereal, angelic bohemian hairstyle. The soft halo shape lends an ultra-romantic, whimsical finish.
17. Beaded Bohemian Box Braids
Strands of beads, charms, cuffs or other embellishments are artfully woven into these braids for a playful, personalized bohemian look with radiant accents. The beaded details allow for endless customization suited to any bohemian style.
18. Wrapped Bohemian Box Braids
A segment of longer box braid is wrapped around the base of a ponytail or bun to add texture and design while leaving flowy curled ends for boho flair. The wrapped detail enhances the shape while maintaining maximum bohemian flow.
19. Burgundy Bohemian Box Braids
A rich burgundy or deep red shade lends warmth and sophistication to bohemian box braids, especially beautiful on deeper skin tones. The burgundy tone gives off an earthy, romantic boho vibe.
20. Bohemian Box Braid Fringe
Short, shaggy sections of unbraided curls around the face create the look of fashionable, face-framing fringe for a whimsical boho vibe. The fringe adds an extra free-spirited touch to any bohemian braid style.
21. Side-Swept Bohemian Box Braids
By brushing all the luscious braids over one shoulder, these boho styles take on a glamorous, cascading waterfall effect. The side-swept shape highlights beautiful movement while framing the face.
22. Mohawk Bohemian Box Braids
An edgy, spiked mohawk design is created on top using raised braids, contrasted with flowing curly ends on the sides for a cool boho-punk fusion. The mohawk silhouette makes a major bold statement.
23. Bohemian Box Braid Pigtails
With hair split into two lopsided pigtails, these ultra-fun, carefree bohemian box braid styles scream youthful adventure and free-spirited beauty. Pigtail braids always give off a playful, laid back boho energy.
24. Mixed Blonde/Brown Bohemian Box Braids
Combining buttery blonde and rich brown tones creates a gorgeous, multi-dimensional look with sun-kissed highlights for the ultimate boho braids. The mixed tones provide depth and dimension.
25. Shaved Side Bohemian Box Braids
Adding an undercut or shaved design along the part or one side builds edgy, high-contrast flair into a flowing bohemian braid style. The shaved sections add an ultra-modern, fierce twist to the style.
26. Feathered Bohemian Box Braids
These styles involve leaving out ultra-thin, wispy strands and ends around the face to replicate airy, feathered bangs and layers for a whimsical look. The feathery tendrils enhance the bohemian feel.
27. Rainbow Bohemian Box Braids
A true celebration of color and self-expression, these styles incorporate a vibrant array of shades into flowing bohemian braids. Rainbow colors embody the free-spirited, artistic essence of boho.
28. Thick Dreadlock Bohemian Box Braids
Extra-thick, roped dreadlock-inspired bohemian braid styles create sculptural volume and dimensional texture with elongated curling ends. The dreadlock-like texture adds an edgy, urban boho vibe.
29. Butterfly Loc Bohemian Box Braids
Butterfly locs or patterned locs installed with longer curling ends take on a distinctly bohemian, free-flowing look.
30. Fishtail Bohemian Box Braids
Adding intricately woven fishtail braiding patterns to long, cascading bohemian box braids produces an enchanting, elaborately detailed finish. The fishtail braids add an intricate, dimensional texture that perfectly captures the bohemian spirit.
Caring for Bohemian Box Braids
To keep your gorgeous boho box braids looking their best, proper care is essential. Always protect your braids at night by tying them up gently with a satin or silk scarf or bonnet. In the morning, revive the curly ends by lightly misting with a hydrating leave-in conditioner or curl refresher spray.
It's important to cleanse your scalp and braids every 7-10 days using a sulfate-free shampoo, followed by a rich, ultra-moisturizing conditioner applied from roots to ends. An occasional hot oil treatment with coconut or argan oil will help keep the braids moisturized and vibrant.
Box braids installed with high-quality human hair can last 6-8 weeks with proper care. However, it's best to remove them after around 8 weeks maximum to prevent excessive tension and potential hair breakage from leaving them in too long.
The beauty of bohemian box braids lies in their ability to give you both a polished, uniform braided look on top while allowing gorgeous, free-flowing curls at the ends for that coveted boho flair. With endless styling possibilities, this ultra-chic yet low-maintenance hairstyle is perfect for free-spirited naturalistas everywhere!
JALIZA Bohemian Box Braids
At JALIZA Braids, we offer an exceptional range of bohemian braided wigs that capture effortless style and natural beauty. Crafted with premium synthetic fibers and integrated with virgin human hair elements like baby hairs and boho-textured curl ends, our boho braid wigs prevent matting, tangling and frizz. Our line features styles like box braids, locs, twists in various lengths, colors, curl patterns and braid sizes, with lace fronts and hand-tied construction for a seamless, comfortable fit.
If you want to get some inspirations about bohemian box braid ponytails, please take a look at this ponytail article.
What truly sets our bohemian wigs apart is their ability to perfectly embody that romantic, wanderlust-inspired spirit. From flowing goddess locs to intricate cornrow styles to classic box braids with human hair curls, these high-quality wigs allow you to effortlessly channel boho chic vibes. With the right care, you can enjoy endless styling versatility while keeping your gorgeous boho braids fresh for weeks!
