Are you searching for a cute, budget-friendly, and effortlessly cool hairstyle? Boho knotless braids are a must-try. This look combines the neatness of knotless box braids with a bohemian flair, think loose curls peeking out, soft texture, and an undone vibe that’s still very put together. This has always been my go-to hairstyle for any occasion.
Whether you’re preparing for a vacation, protective styling your natural hair, or simply switching things up, you’re in the right place. In this article, we will talk about how to recreate boho knotless braids on yourself, even if you have never done it before.
What Are Boho Knotless Braids?
Boho knotless braids, also called bohemian knotless braids, are a modern twist on regular knotless braids. They’re styled with small, curly strands of hair left out throughout the braid, giving a soft feel.
We are all used to the traditional box braids that use a knot at the root to hold extensions. For knotless braids, you start with your natural hair, which makes them lighter, less painful, and most importantly, protects your edges and scalp.
What You’ll Need
Before beginning the braiding process, make sure you have the needed tools and supplies. Here’s a list of the needed tools
- Pre-stretched braiding hair (usually 2-3 packs)
- Curly human or synthetic hair for the boho effect (like deep wave or water wave)
- Rat-tail comb (for parting)
- Hair clips or rubber bands
- Edge control
- A spray bottle with water
- Scissors
- Hair mousse (to finish the style)
- Hot water (to seal the ends)
- A towel for hot water dips
Step-by-Step Tutorial: How to Do Boho Knotless Braids
1. Prep Your Hair
You should start by washing your hair, moisturizing, and stretching your natural hair. After washing, blow-dry your hair lightly, which helps reduce tangles and gives a smoother base for parting. If you skip this part, it will be painful to part
Use a rat-tail comb to neatly part your hair into four or six large sections and clip them out of the way. Then, begin creating smaller square or triangle parts within each section to prep for individual braids. This ensures a clean, organized foundation for your boho braids.
Use edge control to make parting neater.
2. Begin Braiding
- Take one small parted section and apply the product to the roots.
- Start braiding with your natural hair first.
- Slowly begin to feed in small pieces of the pre-stretched braiding hair as you go. This is what makes it knotless, it blends in smoothly rather than tying it in at the beginning.
- As you braid further down, grab a curly strand of boho hair and feed it into the braid, leaving some pieces out.
- You can mix short and long curly strands.
Repeat until your whole head is braided.
photo by Khumalo Karabo on Facebook
3. Finish & Style
- Once all your braids are complete, dip the ends into hot water to seal them.
- Apply a generous amount of mousse to reduce frizz and lock in the look.
- Lay your edges with your favorite edge control for that final touch.
You can use accessories like beads or cuffs to level up your boho vibe.
Tips for First-Timers
If it’s your first time, you should start by trying a few braids in the back before doing your whole head.
When preparing for boho braids, it’s important to choose the right type of curly hair. Synthetic boho hair tends to tangle more easily than human hair, so pick the option you feel most comfortable working with, especially if you’re doing the braids yourself.
Also, keep in mind that the process can take anywhere from 4 to 8 hours, depending on how fast you work and the size of the braids, so be sure to take breaks, stay hydrated, and stretch your fingers throughout to avoid fatigue.
Why You’ll Love Boho Knotless Braids
Lightweight and gentle on your scalp
Can last 3–6 weeks with proper care
Perfect for casual days or dressed-up nights
Easy to style in buns, ponytails, or half-up looks
Let your creativity shine with colors and curls,
Final Thoughts
Boho knotless braids are more than just a hairstyle, they’re a vibe. If you’re going for that laid-back dinner date look, a music festival mood, or just something protective and cute for everyday wear, this is the best style.
Need ideas for what to do with your fresh braids? Check out these solo date ideas to treat yourself!
With a bit of patience and the right tools, you can master this look at home, even as a beginner.
Get the Essentials for Your Boho Knotless Braids
Everything you need to slay this look at home, beginner-friendly and budget-conscious:
- Pre-stretched braiding hair (3 packs) – Lightweight and tangle-free, perfect for feeding in smoothly.
- Boho curly hair (deep wave or water wave) – Add that soft, undone texture with either human or synthetic curls.
- Edge control gel – Keeps your parts clean and edges laid all day.
- Rat-tail comb – A must-have for perfect parting.
- Hair mousse – Reduces frizz and locks in your style with a salon finish.
- Hair clips or sectioning clamps – Make it easier to work through sections.
- Towel for hot water dip – For sealing the ends and cleaning up your final look.
These are my go-to essentials every time I do this style. Some of the links above are affiliate links, if you shop through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for the support!
