As winter sets in, many of us are swapping daily styling for protective hairstyles that can withstand winter's drying effects. And when it comes to protective styles that strike the perfect balance between practicality and glamour, boho braids remain a firm favourite. The hairstyle's signature curls add softness and dimension, but they can also be prone to frizzing, tangling and losing their definition over time. The good news? With a little maintenance, your boho braids can look salon-fresh for weeks.
Here are three simple ways to refresh and maintain your goddess braids.
What are boho braids?
Boho braids, also known as goddess or mermaid braids, are a braided hairstyle characterised by loose, curly strands woven throughout the braids or left cascading from the mid-lengths and ends. Depending on your desired look, the curls can be added to every braid for maximum volume and texture or strategically placed throughout the style for a more subtle effect. The combination of sleek braids and soft curls creates the effortless, bohemian aesthetic that has made goddess braids a favourite protective style.
How to keep those curls looking bouncy and fresh
Add moisture to the curls
The curls are what give boho braids their signature finish, but they're also the first part of the hairstyle to show signs of wear. Over time, they can become dry, frizzy and lose their shape. Refresh them with a lightweight curl cream or mousse to add moisture, redefine the curl pattern and bring your braids back to life without leaving them feeling heavy or sticky.
@loza_zelealem How I refresh my 17 days old boho braids. I’ve also seen people adding a curling cream and then wrapping their head to really set everything. I’ll try that next time, but for now I am keeping it simple. @SheaMoisture #refreshbohobraids #howtomaintaingoddessbraids #curlingmousse #bohoknotlessbraids ♬ original sound - @cr4vepity
Refresh with water and product
One of the easiest ways to revive boho braids is by lightly misting the curls with water before applying a small amount of curl cream or mousse. The water helps rehydrate the hair, while the product restores definition and reduces frizz, leaving the curls looking softer and more refreshed.
Pro tip: Fill a spray bottle with a mixture of water and leave-in conditioner for an extra boost of moisture. Lightly spritz the curls as needed to keep them hydrated and manageable between washes.
@est_hea MAINTENANCE IS KEY 🔐 These are few steps I found helpful in the maintenance of this goddess braids, save to say, my hair still ate after 3weeks. You really don’t have to do too much, just know what to do…. I still love my hair ♥️ 1) Leave-in-conditioner is your best friend 🥹 2) You can use a spray bottle 3) Start from the tip of your hair down to the root, treat that hair nicely 😩 3) ADD HAIR OIL IT’S THE MAGIC🤗 4) Slay like always #goddessbraids #braidsinspo #bohobraids #braidstyles #color30braids ♬ Isaka (6am) - Ciza & JazzWrld & Thukuthela
Protect your braids at night
A good nighttime routine can make all the difference when it comes to extending the lifespan of your boho braids. Before bed, loosely twist or braid the curly sections and cover your hair with a silk or satin bonnet, scarf or pillowcase. This helps minimise friction while you sleep, reducing frizz, tangles and unnecessary shedding so you can wake up with your style looking fresh and intact.
For a visual guide, TikTok creator @__sheabutterbaby shares her go-to routine for protecting boho braids overnight.
@__sheabutterbaby How i maintain these goddess braids #goddessbraids #hairtutorial ♬ Never Lose Me - Flo Milli
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