Boho braids, also called bohemian or goddess braids, are box or knotless braids with curly or wavy pieces left out along the length and at the ends. The loose curls soften the braids and give them a romantic, slightly undone look. This gallery covers the full spectrum, from short styles like a long braided bob, a half-up bohemian bob and an asymmetric barrel bob to waist-length sun-kissed blonde braids and extra-long colourful plaits.
Colour is a big theme: burgundy with lighter curls, butterscotch, jet black, electric blue, purple, black with scarlet, two-tone blondes and flame-inspired underlights with stacked beads. Partings vary too, with triangle sections, cornrow-and-box-braid combinations and feed-in braids worn to the side. Accessory ideas include bows, cuffs, charms and beads.
When choosing, consider the curly hair type. Human hair curls look the most natural and last longer but cost more, while synthetic curls are affordable but tangle sooner. Knotless installation is gentler on the scalp, and smaller braids take longer to install but last longer. Because the loose curls need care, boho braids usually look their best for four to six weeks.
1. Medium Burgundy Plaits
Mixing several deep burgundy tones for the braids and a lighter shade for the curls gives this style a custom colour nobody else will have. The medium length keeps it manageable, and the contrast between the braids and the loose curls adds depth.
Inspiration: @jadeandjala
2. Waist-Length Sun-Kissed Braids
Waist-length knotless braids in a sunny blonde feel made for a tropical getaway. The lighter extensions add a warm glow, as if the hair has been lightened by days in the sun and sea. Loose curls along the length keep the look soft and relaxed.
Inspiration: @felipe_lima_preto
3. Long Braided Bob
A long braided bob sits sleek at the roots and becomes fuller toward the bottom, where curly ends rest on the shoulders. The shorter length is chic, lightweight and easy to care for, making it a great everyday protective style.
Inspiration: @prettifiershair
4. Beads and Underlights Style
Brick red underlights and stacked beads in yellows, oranges and reds create the effect of flickering flames. This fiery style is a real head-turner. Choose lightweight beads so they do not drag on the braid ends.
Inspiration: @leboncoin_afro
5. Hairstyle with Scarlet Streaks
Black and scarlet is a classic pairing that works as well in hair as it does in fashion and makeup. The dark base provides a striking backdrop for vivid red braids, making the colour stand out dramatically.
Inspiration: @braids_bymelanis_
6. Fluffy Gypsy Braids
Volume lovers should choose medium-sized braids generously mixed with curls. The soft curls and flowing braids give this style a romantic, airy feel. It is a fuller, fluffier alternative to sleek, defined braids. Finger-separate the curls now and then to keep them bouncy.
Inspiration: @laviniatrancista
7. Center-Parted Bohemian Braids
A clean centre part creates a versatile base for styling. Wear these knotless braids down, pull them into a ponytail or twist them into an updo with ease. The symmetry keeps the look polished whatever you do.
Inspiration: @criouloshair
8. Multitone Boho Bob
Using bulk hair in different tones adds depth and dimension. The mix of shades looks like a mosaic of tiny tiles, and the lighter strands catch the light to brighten the complexion. The medium length makes it easy to wear daily.
Inspiration: @_belovedjuju
9. Butterscotch Boho Braids
A rich butterscotch shade complements melanin-rich skin, highlighting its warmth and glow. These goddess box braids have loose curls throughout, adding to the radiant, sunlit effect of the colour. Gold cuffs or beads would echo the warm tone nicely, and the shade grows out softly against darker roots.
Inspiration: @_studiotrancesa
10. Thin Jet-Black Braids
Small partings produce sleek, slender braids with a refined look. The deep jet-black shade gives both braids and curls a silky shine. Small braids take longer to install but tend to last longer too. They are also light enough for high ponytails.
Inspiration: @melsxbeautyhair
11. Braids with Creative Partings
This style combines straight-back cornrows, snake-like partings and tiny triangles. Each part is placed to flatter the shape of the head, and the burgundy colour shows off the intricate pattern beautifully. Expect a longer install time for detailed partings like these.
Inspiration: @hair_by_favy__
12. Two-Tone Braids with Curls
To make the curls in a bohemian look stand out, choose a lighter shade for them, such as medium brown, light auburn or honey blonde. These tones blend harmoniously with darker braids and suit many skin tones.
Inspiration: @prettifiershair
13. Knotless Boho Plaits
Knotless braids skip the knot at the base, which reduces tension on the scalp. That makes them one of the most comfortable options to install and wear, especially for long styles like these. They also lie flatter at the root and move more naturally.
Inspiration: @isalobo.trancista
14. Plaits with Color Pop
Bright orange and raspberry pink make a bold fashion statement, reminiscent of Jil Sander’s vivid collections from the late noughties. These extra-long braids are perfect for anyone who loves daring colour. Keep accessories simple so the shades stay the focus.
Inspiration: @niyahairtrap
15. Electric Blue Hairstyle
Electric blue braids and soft waves evoke a mermaid in the surf. Boho braids look great wet, too; just rinse them with clean water after swimming to remove salt or chlorine and let them dry fully.
Inspiration: @style_cupid
16. Jumbo Knotless Braids
Jumbo braids save time, since larger braids are quicker to install. Ask your braider to stop braiding at mid-length and leave out longer curly ends for a soft, free-flowing finish. Fewer, bigger braids also mean less to wash and dry.
Inspiration: @hairby._.sally
17. Blonde Plaits
Mixing two blonde tones creates great results. Combining warm and cool shades adds depth, texture and contrast, so the braids look more natural and dimensional than with a single blonde. It flatters a wide range of skin tones.
Inspiration: @braidssbyj
18. Feed-In Cornrows
Feed-in braids start with your natural hair and gradually add extensions, so there are no bulky knots at the roots. The seamless finish looks natural, and sweeping them to one side adds a stylish twist.
Inspiration: @cocohairsignature
19. Half-Up Bohemian Bob
This half-up bohemian bob shows how easy braided styling can be. Gathering the top section creates a quick, simple look that is full of movement and lightness, perfect for busy days. A cuff or two on the gathered section adds a little shine.
Inspiration: @sass_e_stylz
20. Braids with Triangular Partings
A dramatic blonde shade, extra-long braids and elaborate triangular parts make this style seriously eye-catching. It is a bold statement look for anyone who loves to stand out. Tie the braids up often to relieve the weight on your scalp.
Inspiration: @_gurlsncurls_
21. Boho Barrel Bob
Swept to one side, this asymmetrical barrel bob has a distinctive charm. The chunkier ends help the short braids hold their chic shape, and the curls soften the overall outline. It is light and quick to install.
Inspiration: @bymariamkamara
22. Long Braids with Bows
Longer braided styles give more room to play with accessories. Here four white bows dot the small knotless braids for a sweet, playful finish. Bows, clips and cuffs are easy to swap to match an outfit.
Inspiration: @baddiebraidzbybri
23. Waist-Length Purple Braids
Purple has long been associated with creativity and magic, and waist-length purple braids with curls make the most of that mood. The result is imaginative, whimsical and impossible to ignore. Lighter lilac curls would soften the effect.
Inspiration: @raissabraids
24. Messy Top Knot
Boho braids can be styled in endless ways. A messy top knot with curls escaping here and there is quick to create and looks adorable. It is also a great way to take the weight off your neck on warm days.
Inspiration: @queensbeauty_lounge_
25. Boho Tribal Plaits
Diagonal cornrows combined with box braids and small triangular partings create a mesmerising pattern. The braids frame the face nicely and form a flattering silhouette, while loose curls keep it soft. Ask for a smaller size along the hairline.
Inspiration: @thomees.beauty.world
26. Two-Tone Comb-Over Braids
Raven-black braids are hidden underneath light brown ones in this two-tone style. The contrast is subtle when worn down but becomes striking in ponytails or high updos, revealing the darker layer. It is a clever way to get two looks in one.
Inspiration: @prettifiershair
27. Braids with Hair Accessories
Beads, cuffs and charms are perfect additions to a bohemian style. They emphasise its free-spirited, creative nature and make the look completely personal. Mix metals and colours for a truly unique finish. Choose light pieces to avoid weighing the ends down.
Inspiration: @ths.haiir
Keeping the curls in boho braids soft
The loose curly pieces are what make this style, and they are also what gets messy first. To protect them:
- Spritz curls daily with a water-and-leave-in mix and smooth a few drops of light oil over them to prevent matting.
- Finger-detangle only; brushes pull curly strands out of the braids.
- Sleep in a large satin bonnet or loosely tie the braids up so the curls are not crushed.
- If curls tangle beyond saving, ask your braider to trim or replace a few pieces rather than redoing the whole set.
Choosing your size and length
Jumbo braids are quickest to install and give a bold, chunky look; small braids take longer but appear denser and allow intricate parting patterns. Bob and shoulder lengths are lighter and gentler on the edges, while waist-length styles look dramatic but carry more weight. Ask your braider whether they recommend human hair or synthetic curls for your budget and the time you plan to keep the style.