5-Minute Hairstyle: How to DIY a Half-Up Braid in Just 3 Steps

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."

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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."

Goddess Knotless Braids

Braided hairstyles are by far one of the go-to styles for summer. They help keep hair protected from the heat and other elements that may cause dryness or frizz while creating a cute style that lasts anywhere from 4-6 weeks.

While knotless braids have become a lot more popular, more people are opting to wear 'Goddess' knotless braids which includes an unfinished look or an addition of wavy or curly human hair extensions in between the braids. It's the perfect style for a summer vacation that includes a ton of beach or water park days.

Short and Sweet Bob

Admit it — you've lowkey always envied Edna's luscious bob in The Incredibles. It makes sense because she is a succinct fashion designer that knows how to create looks. Even if your inspiration isn't Edna, chin-length bobs scream sophistication and can make any casual outfit look like a 90s off-duty model look.

Classic Updo

Women can't get enough of classic updos, and I don't blame them. I have very fond memories of seeing older Black women wear them to special events so I have a soft spot for them.

If you're trying to figure out what what kind of updo you want to wear, take a cue from Keke Palmer! Her sleek updo manages to look soft as well as voluminous and it also frames her face.

Cute Pixie Haircut

Short haircuts are here to stay, especially when we know it's going to be hot during summer! Since I've cut my hair on three separate occasions, I know a few tricks that make sure my hair was razor sharp and shiny every time I stepped out. One of them is making sure I used a moisturizing shampoo and conditionerduring each wash day. This help me set the tone for styling.

Next, I recommend using a heat protectant spray that won't dry your hair out if you plan to use a blow dryer and curling iron. If you plan to let your hair air dry, you could also mold and set your hair using a good foaming mousse!

No matter how you choose to wear your pixie haircut, it's sure to look glorious when you properly prep your hair.

Middle Part Sew-In

It wouldn't be right if I didn't refer to this look the way the TikTok and Instagram girlies do. Known as one of the most popular Black women's hairstyles, this is actually referred to as a 'bussdown' middle part — and it looks fabulous on Ciara. Truthfully, anyone can wear this style because it's universal (love it) and isn't specific to one group of women. I mean, even Law Roach has been know to wear a good bussdown middle part, and we love him even more for it!

Curls Out

Not everyone will reach for braids, short hairstyles, or extensions though. Some women will be rocking their natural curls, allowing them to be on full display this summer. If you plan to be one of them, make sure you try Beyonce's Cécredline to give your curls the volume and shine they deserve!

So let’s start from the beginning. Paris Geller (played by Liza Weil) joined the GG crew in Season 1, right as Rory Gilmore (the show’s sort-of protagonist) walked into Chilton Academy, a private school where Paris was attending, for her first day. A far cry from Rory’s relatively timid and soft-spoken personality, Paris tore up the screen with her high-strung personality and immediate rivalry with Rory (Rory did not feel the same), who Paris viewed as the only candidate who could possibly challenge her spot at the top of the class standing. As the year progresses, the two become friends, which of course Paris still highly questioned.

The rest of their high school experience is plagued with repeated ups and downs, from Paris’s parents’ highly publicized divorce to their joint student government campaign and, most notably, Paris’s C-SPAN meltdown, courtesy of a Harvard rejection fueled by what she can only assume to be wide-spread knowledge that she lost her virginity. Despite losing the Valedictorian slot to Rory (which Paris comes to terms with after finding out Salutatorians tend to be more successful), Paris walks across the graduation stage and accepts her diploma from the school’s headmaster, to which she iconically quips, “no hard feelings.”

Fast forward to Paris’s first year at Yale, a school she knew Rory was attending but had no intention of ever seeing again. Not to the surprise of Paris’s life coach, the two frenemies were placed together as suitemates, a pairing that ultimately served as a catalyst for lifelong friendship. Throughout college, Paris pursues pre-med and pre-law degrees, joins the Yale Daily News alongside Rory, dates an elderly professor (he passes away, leaving Paris to grieve), moves on with the editor of the Yale Daily News, Doyle McMaster, and potentially saves Rory from abandoning Yale forever by admitting to Lorelai that Rory is the only person who ever listened to her, challenged her and motivated her.

Paris then proceeds to become the editor of the Yale Daily News, a position in which her power-hungry tendencies took full-force, resulting in a forcible resignation, kick Rory out of their shared apartment, let Rory move back into their shared apartment (now with Doyle), be accepted to a slew of prestigious medical and law schools. She ultimately chose to attend med school and break up with Doyle, to which he refused, and tells Rory that they’re on their own but she can still do great things (Of course this doesn’t last, the two are meant to be best friends.)

Somehow this doesn't even scratch the surface of the character of Paris. As you can tell, Paris is a fiercely loyal, protective woman who fights for herself to no end. She (literally) doesn’t care what other people think (so long as they’re not within her immediate circle) and never stops pursuing her dreams, no matter how many times she probably should have. She is the epitome of feminism in modern television — perhaps taken to an extreme — and serves as a necessary counterweight to Rory’s floundering sense of self.

So long as she keeps her need for perfectionism in check, Paris has one of those few personality types whose wild ambition and outspokenness is directly beneficial to her success, a success that she, and only she, can define. Sure, she has an exaggerated sense of self-importance, but when balanced by Rory’s soft-but-straightforward approach, Paris can quickly reset, reevaluate and move forward.

That's the thing with Paris — she’s always moving forward. She doesn't get into Harvard? Tough. She takes a few days to wallow before considering her other options: Yale, Columbia and Princeton. She doesn’t know whether to choose med school or law school, so she takes stock of her bearings, reflects on her past dreams, and makes a clear, concise decision that she moves forward with.

Her brutally honest nature (both internally and externally) is exactly why Paris works. She’s generous when needed, comfortable with giving tough (and oftentimes tougher) love, is able to express vulnerability with the people she loves, doesn’t allow outside influences to affect her path and never let’s someone (especially a man) tell her she’s less than (*cough, cough*—Rory). For an early 2000s show, she showed women that there is power in education. There’s power in stepping away from a caretaker role. There’s power in expressing your opinion, no matter your age.

There’s no doubt in my mind that she’s inspired countless women over the years — after all, she’s inspired me! Even though she’s had her controversial moments, she’s always been a cheering voice for women, even if it’s behind her resting grimace. For these reasons, and so many more, I am hereby deeming Paris Geller the best of Gilmore Girls — the heroine, perhaps, and a feminist icon to all.