Bohemian hair is less about a single technique and more about a mood: undone texture, braids that are pulled loose rather than kept tight, and accessories borrowed from nature or music festivals. This gallery shows how wide that mood can stretch. On the romantic side there are waterfall braids finished with swirled florettes, a fishtail crown studded with white flowers and a crimped half updo topped with a fresh-flower band. Edgier options include a braided faux hawk with a bubble ponytail, a Dutch-braid mohawk with side cornrows and a rocker-style messy fishtail pony.
Most of these looks are easiest on long or medium hair with some grit, so second-day hair or a sea-salt spray is your friend. Fine hair can still achieve the full, airy effect by tugging braid edges outward after plaiting. Short hair is not left out: a twisted updo with a nape undercut shows how a cropped cut can join in.
Colour plays a big part here too. Pastel highlights, peach ombré and two-toned blondes make braids look more dimensional, while yarn, chains and headbands add colour without any dye.
1. Romantic Florettes
A waterfall braid starts this romantic side style, picking up strands from the hairline for an airy, elegant flow. Sections taken from beneath it are braided, loosened and twisted into small circles called florettes, which sit like flowers along the side of the head.
Inspiration: @Instagram
2. Voluminous Fishtail Updo
Boho can lean towards Old Hollywood glamour, as this full fishtail chignon proves. Prep with salt spray or a braiding spray, tease for volume, plait a loose fishtail and pull it apart for maximum fullness before pinning the end underneath.
Inspiration: @Instagram
3. Half Updo with a Crown
Half updos are among the most romantic bohemian styles. Crimped texture gives the hair lightness and body, and a headband made from real flowers adds a delicate, fairy-tale finish that suits weddings and summer parties.
Inspiration: @Instagram
4. Boho Rocker Glam
For boho with a rock edge, clip up the top section between two side parts, then make a very sleek low ponytail. Tease the upper section into a chunky fishtail towards the nape, wrap a strand from the pony around the join and fishtail the top of the ponytail too.
Inspiration: @Instagram
5. Mystical Fishtail Crown
A fishtail braid worn like a headband gives this bohemian look its distinctive shape. Flowers in braids are usually colourful, but white blooms feel fresh and unexpected against the hair, adding a soft, ethereal touch.
Inspiration: @Instagram
6. Braid on Braid Downdo
Layered fishtail braids worn down create a creative, princess-like style. Vary the tightness of each plait for contrast, working in sections so the layers stay organised, and finish with a decorative headband for extra flair.
Inspiration: @Instagram
7. Two-Toned Bohemian Updo
An easy way into boho is a messy, low twisted updo with a few bohemian accessories. The two-toned colour looks harmonious with the imperfect finish, and salt spray applied beforehand helps hold the loose twists and braids in place.
Inspiration: @liz.colors
8. Amazing Braids and Bun
Mixing braids and a bun shows how boho hair can sit between polished and messy. Contrasting tight and loose plaits creates a cool juxtaposition and shows off multidimensional colour beautifully. Leave a few soft pieces out around the hairline so the finished bun stays relaxed.
Inspiration: @Instagram
9. Soft and Feminine Boho Updo
A fishtail headband and loops running from crown to nape give this updo elegance, while face-framing wisps keep it relaxed. A ’70s-inspired maxi dress would complete the bohemian outfit. Natural tones and textures complete the look.
Inspiration: @braids_in_action
10. Yarn Wrapped Braid
Yarn is an unexpected but brilliant hair accessory, adding bright colour with zero commitment. Wrapped around braids in this mohawk updo with a low fishtail, it creates a standout style ideal for festivals and concerts.
Inspiration: @Instagram
11. Retro Glam Meets Boho
Boho hair can be as formal as you like. A Gibson tuck suits medium hair perfectly, since there is enough length to roll but not so much that it becomes bulky. Style the wrap around a headband or hide a flipped ponytail inside it.
Inspiration: @Instagram
12. Curly Braided Downdo
A chunky downdo braid built from a series of loops creates an intricate, eye-catching plait on long hair. Loose curls at the ends blend with the twists above, so curl straight hair first to get the same effect.
Inspiration: @Instagram
13. Waterfall Crown Braid with Messy Bun
A waterfall braid runs across one side of the head, dropping strands sideways rather than down, and they are then woven into a braid on the opposite side before finishing in a messy bun. Lowlights and dark roots make the blonde braids stand out.
Inspiration: @Instagram
14. Bubble Braids
Rainbow highlights and bubble braids give a fun nod to ’70s style. The colour acts almost like an accessory, and mixing braid styles, such as crown, wrapped and banded sections, adds to the free-spirited feel.
Inspiration: @Instagram
15. Faux Hawk Braided Hairstyle
Suited to long hair, this braided faux hawk keeps the sides sleek with clean parts and slicked-back sections. The top is teased so it stands tall with the right tension, and a bubble ponytail at the back ties everything together.
Inspiration: @braids_in_action
16. Cropped Boho Updo
Short hair can still go boho. Twist the hair from front to back to create a base for a small decorative twig accessory. A nape undercut gives the look a modern contrast to its vintage feel.
Inspiration: @Instagram
17. Colorful Milkmaid Braids
Natural texture is key for a boho milkmaid braid, so keep it a little messy. Make a centre part as you would for pigtails, leave out a few strands at the front, then braid each side, wrap the plaits over the head and pin in place. Bright colour adds playfulness.
Inspiration: @Instagram
18. Dutch Braided Bohemian Hawk
Feminine and edgy at once, this braided mohawk flanked by cornrows gets extra impact from a peachy ombré. The brighter ends stand out against a dark blonde or brown base, and a messy Dutch braid is a great variation to try.
Inspiration: @Instagram
19. Long Boho Pigtail Braids
Accessories are central to boho style, and hair chains are a favourite. Plan the braids around the chain: if it should run down the centre of the head, make a precise middle part. These long colourful pigtails show how well chains and braids pair.
Inspiration: @kersti.pitre
20. Cascading Waterfall Side Braid
Boho does not have to be complicated; it is more about a relaxed, creative attitude than hours of work. A side waterfall braid on medium hair delivers that feel easily and keeps hair out of your face.
Inspiration: @Instagram
Building texture that makes boho braids work
Silky, freshly washed hair is the enemy of a relaxed braid because it slips and looks thin. Mist sea-salt or texturising spray through dry hair, or crimp or loosely wave it first. After plaiting, hold the end of the braid and gently pull out the outer loops, working from the top down, to create that full, slightly undone shape. Leave a few wisps loose around the face and nape so the style looks lived-in.
Choosing boho accessories that stay put
- Weave thin chains or ribbons through the braid as you plait, rather than laying them on top afterwards.
- For yarn wraps, knot the yarn at the base of a section, wind it down tightly and tie it off at the end; it slides out easily later.
- Fresh-flower crowns last longer if you mist them with water and keep them chilled until the last moment.
- Headbands and headchains sit better on a slightly teased crown, which gives them grip.