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What are boho knotless braids?

Boho knotless braids are all over TikTok, but you may still be wondering what this style actually means.

"Boho knotless braids are a trendy, versatile hairstyle that combines classic knotless braids with curly or wavy hair extensions that give the braids a relaxed, free-spirited appearance. The style is named for its full and flowy bohemian aesthetic," Marquita Lynch explains.

Maya smith adds, "Unlike traditional box braids, knotless braids start with your natural hair and gradually incorporate additional hair."

How long does it take to install boho knotless braids?

I've gotten styles that only take two hours, but I always advise people to be prepared to sit for several hours. Every stylist has their own technique, and there are plenty of other factors that can determine how long it'll take to install your braids.

"The installation time for boho knotless braids can vary depending on the desired length and thickness, as well as the skill level of the braider. Generally, it is not a quick style and can take anywhere between 5 to 10 hours – combining the braided hair with the wavy/curly pieces can be a meticulous process," says Lynch.

I decided to get knotless braids for the first time last winter and immediately fell in love with them! It was a process getting them installed, but I decided to trust it. Needless to say, knotless braids have been one of my go-to styles when I'm too busy to style my natural hair daily!

And since I loved the style so much, I wanted to figure out how to achieve the look at home! I watched a few YouTube videos so I could install my own braids and realized just how tedious this hairstyle is. My respect for hairstylists has tripled because it took me 2.5 days to add in the synthetic and wavy hair.

While I don't mind doing this hairstyle again, I think I'll go to a skilled professional to give my neck and shoulders a break!

What type of hair is used to install the braids and boho appearance?

Whether you're going to install your own braids or go to a salon, it's important to know what kind of hair is used for boho knotless braids.

Lynch says, "Stylists typically use synthetic braiding hair for the main braids and add curly or wavy human hair or high-quality synthetic hair for the boho effect."

She and Smith agree that using human hair can make this style look more natural and it'll also last a little longer.

How long can this hairstyle be worn?

As cute as this style is, it's not meant to be worn indefinitely. Lynch says, "Boho knotless braids can be worn for 4 to 6 weeks with proper care and are a go-to when you need a style that will last. Her example of how long this style can last is Serena from Love Island. "She's kept her's [boho knotless braids] for nearly 2 months on screen," she said.

That being said, Smith wants you to be aware that the style won't maintain it's freshness by itself. "Keep in mind that as your natural hair grows, the braids may start to loosen, so timely maintenance is essential to keep them looking fresh."

Is this a high-maintenance hairstyle?

This question depends on who you ask. It could be considered high-maintenance because it takes a while to get them installed, but some people may think it's easy to care for because you don't have to style your real hair for a couple of months. But like Smith said, you still have to maintain the braids.

"Boho knotless braids can be high-maintenance, depending on how much of the human hair you add in for the wispy boho look. The more loose wavy/curly pieces you add into the braids, the higher the upkeep," Lynch comments.

She also advises that you'll have to keep your natural hair healthy and hydrated by "regularly keeping your scalp clean and moisturized." Also, don't forget to keep the braids protected with a satin or silk scarf!

How can one maintain their boho knotless braids at home?

I've been wearing braids in general off and on for years, so caring for them is something that feels second nature. But it doesn't hurt to have a reminder, especially if you're getting this style for the first time.

Below, Smith outlines how to properly care for boho knotless braids at home:

• Cleansing: Wash your scalp every 1-2 weeks with a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo. Dilute the shampoo with water and use a spray bottle to apply it directly to your scalp for easy rinsing.
• Moisturizing: To prevent dryness, apply a leave-in conditioner or lightweight hair oil to your scalp and braids. Focus on your natural hair and the ends to keep them hydrated.
• Scalp Care: Use a nourishing scalp oil or serum to maintain scalp health and alleviate itching. A gentle massage will promote circulation and moisture retention.
• Night Care: Protect your braids while you sleep by wrapping them in a satin or silk scarf, or using a satin or silk pillowcase. This helps reduce friction and maintain the style.
• Frizz Control: Use a styling mousse or gel to tame frizz and flyaways. For a sleek finish around the hairline, a touch of edge control will do the trick.

Do you have product recommendations for washing, styling, and maintaining this style?

Both Smith and Lynch have a few product recommendations that you should consider when caring for boho knotless braids! Plus, I'm sharing some of the things I use to maintain my braids at home!

4U by Tia Clarifying Shampoo

Lynch suggests, "Wash your hair with a gentle product that provides a deep cleanse, like the 4U by Tia Clarifying Shampoo. It's made with apple cider vinegar to remove buildup while preserving moisture."

The Doux SUCKA FREE Moisturizing Shampoo and FRESH RINSE Moisturizing Conditioner Bundle

Smith says, "This gentle cleanser refreshes your braids and scalp without stripping moisture."

TPH BY Taraji Honey Fresh Clarifying Shampoo With Moisture

I started using this clarifying shampoo the first time I had my knotless braids installed and loved how clean my braids as well as my scalp felt.

It removes hard buildup while keeping your braids and hair hydrated. It also has aloe vera, honey, and willow bark extract in it!

4U by Tia Curl Refresher Mist

"Maintain your style with 4U by Tia Curl Refresher Mist, perfect for revitalizing and hydrating your braids between washes. It helps to reduce frizz and can maintain the bounce and shape of the curly/wavy human hair pieces," Lynch says.

Sienna Naturals Dream Curl Mousse

I've been using the Sienna Naturals Dream Curl Mousse to keep my boho knotless braids fresh and it works like a charm! It refreshes my braids without weighing them down and keeps my scalp looking healthy too! It's geared towards enhancing one's curls, but it also helps combat frizz and will hold your style in place!

The ingredients in this mousse are aloe vera juice, Baobab protein, and a nice curl shield complex that protects your hair from damage.

The Doux PUSH IT! Edge Control

Smith says this edge control "provides a polished finish around the hairline."

Top-Rated Shampoos At Sephora

Shaz & Kiks Back To Your Roots Scalp + Hair Prewash

Some hair textures — like curly hair — require a little more love before shampooing and conditioning occurs. A good prewash not only helps minimize damage, but it can also tackle dryness.

You'll find over 35 nutrients in this prewash that helps nourish your curls while giving your scalp extra TLC.

K18 Biomimetic Hairscience Damage Shield PH Protective Shampoo

There's a reason why this protective shampoo has over 30,000 likes on Sephora. It's a certified clean product that's good for controlling frizz, treating hair that's been dyed, and it helps bring back your hairs beautiful luster. It's also optimized to restore your hair's natural pH balance — nice!

Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Advanced Clean Dry Shampoo

Busy schedules don't always make room for elaborate wash day routines, but there are a ton of dry shampoos that'll fill in the gaps until you have more time on your hands.

One of the best products you can keep in your bag is Living Proof's Advanced Clean Dry Shampoo! It helps combat your oily scalp, and it's made without silicones and sulfates SLS & SLES.

BREAD Beauty Supply Clear-Wash Clarifying Detox Shampoo

We've all experienced oil, sweat, and product buildup on our scalps which have probably made for some irritating itchiness... That's why BREAD Beauty Supply's Clear-Wash Clarifying Detox Shampoo will become your new line of defense against them! One of the things we love is that it's fragrance-free for anyone who doesn't want to smell roses or coconut when washing their hair.

P.S. It's made for all hair types!

OUAI Fine Hair Shampoo

If you have fine hair, it's easy to feel like there aren't many products you can use. But, things are way different now!

Ouai is already know for having some of the top-rated Sephora hair products out there so we just had to include this shampoo. It's great for volumizing your hair while combatting damage. It's also cruelty-free, so you can trust that you're using a product that was made specifically for humans.

Top-Rated Conditioners At Sephora

dae Mirage Mist Leave-In Conditioner

Depending on your hair's needs, you may not need a heavy conditioner. Thankfully, dae's Mirage Mist Leave-In Conditioner is weightless and protects against heat. Also, we're pretty sure it can be used as a mild detangler while you're at it!

CROWN The Ritual Conditioner

What's vegan and made without sulfates? CROWN's The Ritual Conditioner! It's going to give your hair all the moisture it needs, creating soft hair that's super hydrated and a lot healthier looking.

Briogeo Don't Despair, Repair Super Moisture Conditioner

Do like this conditioner suggests and don't despair if your hair is a little dry or damaged. It happens to the best of us!

There's no harsh sulfates, silicones, or parabens in it — just beneficial ingredients that'll gently coax your hair back to life.

Top-Rated Hair Masks At Sephora

Amika Soulfood Nourishing Mask

No one's hair routine is complete without a hydrating hair mask. This nourishing mask will not only deep condition your hair, but it'll repair any damaged hair because of ingredients like jojoba seed oil and sea buckthorn.

Gisou Honey Infused Hair Mask

Split ends and breakage can't compete with this honey infused hair mask. With ingredients like Mirasalehi Honey, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, and Provitamin B, this is one of the Sephora hair products that's oh-so-hydrating, strengthening and restoring.

More Top-Rated Sephora Hair Products

Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Hair Oil

Hair oils don't have to weigh your hair down, and Olaplex's No. 7 Bonding Hair Oil knows that. It gives you optimal shine while minimizing the breakage you're experiencing, and even keeps those pesky, frizzy flyaways in place.

PATTERN Palo Santo Curl Mousse for Curls & Coils

Want pillow soft hair that's full of volume and defines your gorgeous curls? Get your hands on PATTERN'S Palo Santo Curl Mousse! It's full of Marshmallow Root and Castor Oil that adds all the softness as well as shine back into your hair, making it easy to style.

CurlSmith Flawless Finish Curl-Enhancing Hairspray

We never knew a top-rated curl-enhancing hairspray exists until we came across CurlSmith's Flawless Finish spray. It does everything that finishing hairsprays normally do, but it provides a hold like no other and makes curls POP (hi, Polymer Blend).

You won't have to worry about your curls getting stiff or sticky either.

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