Always ask your braider what hair they’d like you to buy before confirming your appointment. If in doubt, book in with a professional braiding salon, which will give you the option of having high-quality hair included within the fee.
Patience is key
To keep your tresses neat and intact, set aside time in your daily routine for aftercare. “Be gentle when brushing your hair and ensure that you focus on each braid—rushing can cause the hair to knot and tangle further,” Dawes says. A little extra effort is more than worth it for the results, though. “The styling options are endless, and boho braids are so easy to manage, once you have the hang of it.”
Don’t skimp on the sleep prep
“A stringent night routine is crucially important,” Mensah says. “Grab some of the Manketti Oil Pomade, emulsify the product in your hand and apply it to your boho braids. Next, gently brush it through each of the strands.” As a final step, part your hair into two to four sections and braid or twist each one, before wrapping it all up into a silk scarf or bonnet.
Bigger isn’t always better
Opting for boho braids that have fewer curls might be the ticket to tangle-free hair. “As a rule of thumb, the more curly hair that you use, the more difficult the aftercare will be,” Baiden points out. “You may find that you have to treat full boho braids with water and a leave-in conditioner twice a day, for example.” This is obviously incompatible with a busy lifestyle. Baiden explains that braids without loose ends last much longer than pick-and-drop styles, so minimising the amount of free-hanging hair is important.
Be wary of bright colors
“Color is much harder to maintain,” explains Dawes. “Hair that has been bleached and treated with dye is more susceptible to damage caused by the elements.” This includes breakage caused by hot and cold temperatures, as well as a lack of moisture.
Be picky with your products
The boho braid tool kit is pretty set in stone. All three experts agree that you need a comb and a bristle brush in your arsenal as a starting point, as well as a hydrating shampoo and conditioner, and a leave-in conditioning spray.
A special pro tip is to mix a little leave-in conditioner with lukewarm water and a few drops of oil. You can apply this during the day for a refreshing top-up, and it will also leave your hair looking glossy and shiny, but not greasy.
An SOS detangling guide
If you’ve stumbled across this guide and your hair is already looking tangled beyond repair, the experts have a few tips.
- Start by gently finger detangling each braid, which will help to curb any shedding and prevent the hair from knotting further.
- Comb out each strand, starting from the bottom and snipping out any knots that cannot be saved.
- Brush through the hair to ensure that it hangs freely and is no longer matted.
- Wash and condition the hair (you can also spray it down with a hydration mist and leave it to air dry if your hair is already freshly washed).
- Add in your leave-in conditioners and nourishing oils.
