Boho braids are an extremely popular protective style loved for their flowy curls, but if you’ve ever gotten them done, then you know they are a little bit more high-maintenance than regular box braids. If left unattended, boho braids can easily develop frizz and become knotted, so if you want them to last long and remain in perfect shape, there are a few key maintenance tips you need to know. In this article, we’ll be discussing all you need to know about maintaining your boho and goddess braids.
How Long Do Boho Braids Last?
Boho braids are a long-term protective style that can last around 4-6 weeks. However, try to avoid wearing them for longer than 6-8 weeks, as it can leave your natural hair dry and brittle.
Do Boho Braids Get Tangled Easily?
Boho braids do not get tangled easily. However, if they are not properly maintained and moisturised, the curls attached to the braids will start to develop frizz and eventually become matted and tangled.
Can You Wash Goddess Braids?
You can wash your goddess braids to keep your scalp clean. However, you would have to be extremely gentle when washing your braids to avoid getting them matted. Use a gentle shampoo like our Hydration Shampoo and apply it only on your scalp, then gently use your fingers to rub the parting lines between your scalp before rinsing and gently squeezing any excess liquid from your braids.
How To Stop Goddess Braids From Tangling?
The key to keeping your goddess braids from getting tangled is to make sure you refresh and hydrate them with a lightweight leave-in spray like our Everyday Curl Refresher. Additionally, keeping them protected before going to bed by wearing a satin/silk scarf will help prevent tangles.
How To Maintain Goddess and Boho Braids
Protect Your Hair Before Bed
Your nighttime routine is one of the most important steps for maintaining goddess braids. If you go to bed with your hair unprotected, it increases the chance of your braids getting frizzy, rough, and matted as a result of friction. So, before going to bed, divide your braids into two sections and wrap both sides around your head. Then, use bobby pins to keep them in place and wear a satin bonnet or scarf.
Moisturise Your Braids Often
The loose curly extensions attached to boho braids can make them look frizzy, rough, and matted if they are not properly moisturised. So while you may be used to getting away with not moisturising frequently on other braids styles, with boho braids, that is an absolute no-no. If you make that mistake, your braids will end up frizzy and likely tangled. Keep your braids hydrated with our Everyday Curl Refresh or a dollop of our Manuka Honey Leave-in Conditioner 1-2 times a week and follow up with our Hair & Scalp Oil to seal in the moisture.
Keep Your Scalp Clean And Nourished
Since boho braids are often worn for several weeks, your scalp can easily become dry and itchy if you do not give it adequate nourishment. To nourish your scalp properly, apply our Strengthening Oil and use your finger to gently massage it at least once a week. Additionally, if you are wearing the braids for over a month and have a very sensitive scalp, you may want to consider washing only your scalp with our Hydration Shampoo.
Refresh Your Goddess Braids To Prevent Frizz
If your braids start to look a little rough or frizzy, refresh them with our Everyday Curl Refresh Spray and use your fingers to separate and lightly detangle the loose curly hair pieces. To further define the curls on the braids, apply a little bit of Sofnfree's Curling Mousse and scrunch the curls for more definition.
Keep Your Edges Smooth With Gel
One of the most underrated secrets to keeping your goddess braids looking fresh is sleek edges. Apply a little bit of our Twist & Braid Gel or our Curl Elongating Gel and smooth down your edges with a hair brush, and your braids will look refreshed, no matter how old they are.
Handle The Curls Gently
When wearing boho braids, think of the curly hair pieces as an extension of your curly hair. As we all know, curly will is more prone to frizz and tangles when it is handled without care. The same thing applies to your curly boho braids pieces; if you want them to remain defined and shiny, handle them with care whenever you are styling or generally just touching your braids.
Use A Shower Cap
Exposing your braids to moisture and steam every time you take a shower can cause them to develop frizz much faster. So, it is best to cover them with a shower cap before hopping in the shower.
Don’t Wear Them For Too Long
If you want your natural hair to remain healthy after rocking your goddess braids, it is extremely important to know when to take them down. Boho braids can last several weeks, but wearing them for longer than 8 weeks can weaken your natural curls. Plus, after wearing them for too long, they just start to look like a frizzy mess, so it is best not to overdo it and take them down if you notice your scalp starts to feel itchy.
Goddess braids are undoubtedly a cute and chic hairstyle, but if you don’t take care of them properly, they may not last as long as you want them to. Sticking to the maintenance routine we’ve covered in this article will ensure your braids remain frizz-free and tangle-free.