(Picture by her.stylesbym on Instagram)
Curious about how to style boho braids? With their blend of laid-back elegance and a touch of bohemian flair, these braids offer a versatile look perfect for any occasion - whether you’re headed to a music festival or just want to add some charm to your everyday style.
Whether you have short boho braids or long boho braids, these braids bring a carefree vibe that works for everyone. In this post, we’ll guide you through some simple yet stunning ways on how to style short boho braids and how to style long boho braids. If you are new to boho braids and want to learn more, check out our post on "What are boho braids?". If you're looking for a professional braider to do your braids, you can find the top Afro hairdressers for boho braids here.
How To Style Short Boho Braids
Side Part
(Picture: hair_bytavi on TikTok)
By simply parting your braids to one side, you can add volume and dimension to your hairstyle.
Great for: brunch, everyday activities, work
How to do it:
- Sweep your braids to one side, creating a deep or subtle part depending on preference
Space Buns
(Picture: maariam.oo on TikTok)
If you're looking for a fun, playful style, space buns are the way to go.
Great for: festivals and concerts, picnics, playful summer holiday looks
How to do it:
- Take a middle part
- Gather each section into a high ponytail
- Twist each ponytail into a bun and secure with a hairband or pins
Style tip: Leave two strands at the front to frame your face
High Bun
(Picture: cowgirllamy on TikTok)
Go for a high bun if you want a sleek and sophisticated vibe.
Great for: work and professional events, dinner dates, formal occasions
How to do it:
- Gather all your braids to the top of your head
- Twist them together and wrap into a bun
- Secure with a strong hairband and pins to keep it in place
Half Up Half Down
(Picture: hair_bytavi on TikTok)
Do a half up half down look to add volume to the top while keeping the rest loose and carefree.
Great for: casual weekends, lunch with friends
How to do it:
- Section off the top half of your braids and gather them into a ponytail
- Secure with a hair tie
- Let the remaining braids flow down
Low Ponytail
(Picture: maariam.oo on TikTok)
This simple style is sleek and fuss-free, making it perfect for everyday wear or more professional settings.
Great for: office or work meetings, travel days, minimalist, low-maintenance days
How to do it:
- Smooth all your braids down towards the nape of your neck
- Gather them into a ponytail and secure with a hairband
Style Tip: Wrap one braid around the base to conceal the hair tie for a neat finish
Half Up Half Down Space Buns
(Picture: cowgirllamy on TikTok)
This playful hairstyle is perfect if you want a youthful vibe.
Great for: picnics and outdoor events, festivals, casual evenings out
How to do it:
- Take a middle part
- Separate the top half of your braids
- Tie each section into a high ponytail
- Twist the ponytails into buns and secure with hairbands or pins
- Let the lower half of the braids flow down
How To Style Long Boho Braids
Half Up Half Down
(Picture: xobridenise on TikTok)
This is a go-to style for long boho braids, combining the elegance of flowing braids with the practicality of keeping some hair pulled back.
Great for: casual outings, everyday activities, weddings or parties
How to do it:
- Take the top half of your braids and secure them with a hair tie
- Leave the rest to flow freely down your back
Low Ponytail
(Picture: elsadesiree on TikTok)
For a sleek and polished look, a low ponytail is a go-to option.
Great for: work or professional events, elegant dinners, travel
How to do it:
- Gather all your braids down towards the nape
- Secure with a strong hairband
Style Tip: Switch up your hairband for a coloured scrunchies or scarf to add a statement to your look
Head Wrap
(Picture: iamkallure on TikTok)
Accessorise your braids with a head wrap to add a pop of colour or pattern to your look.
How to do it:
- Style your braids down
- Fold your head wrap into a long strip or triangle
- Place it at the top of your head and bring the ends back, under your hair or place it at the back of your head and bring the ends forward
- Tie a knot or bow and tuck in the loose ends
Style Tip: Leave a few braids out at the front or sides to frame your face
Half Up Half Down Bun
(Picture: xobridenise on TikTok)
For a more polished take on the half-up half-down style, add a bun to the top.
Great for: dinner with friends, evening outings
How to do it:
- Section off the top half of your braids
- Tie it into a ponytail
- Twist the ponytail round till it forms a bun and secure with pins or a hairband
- Let the bottom half flow freely
Two Braids
(Picture: elsadesiree on TikTok)
Two braids are a style that has a free-spirited and carefree vibe.
Great for: festivals and outdoor activities, gym or active days, picnics
How to do it:
- Part your hair evenly down the middle
- Braid each side down to the ends and secure with hairbands
Style Tip: Leave a few curls or loose braid strands at the front for softness
Side Part
(Picture: iamkallure on TikTok)
A side part is great when you want to create an asymmetrical look that’s full of volume and texture.
Great for: everyday activities, brunch
How to do it:
-
Sweep your braids to one side
Style Tip: Take a deeper part for a more dramatic look
Best Accessories for Boho Braids
Accessories instantly elevate your boho braids for any occasion. Swapping accessories can take you from work-ready to festival chic in seconds: Here are some of our favourites:
- Beads, cuffs and rings add a playful, boho touch
- Head wraps and scarves inject colour and personality
- Scrunchies and soft ties are gentle on braids and great for low ponytails or buns.
For more Black hairstyle inspiration, and how to's on Afro hair care, explore our Afro hair tutorials.