Best Human Hair for Braids and Boho Braids

Boho braids, knotless braids and other braided styles can be customized with human hair to create soft curls, waves and loose pieces throughout the finished look. But choosing the right hair matters if you want those pieces to remain soft and manageable.

Before buying hair for your next braid appointment, consider the style, texture, length and amount of maintenance you're comfortable doing.

Why Use Human Hair With Braids?

Traditional braiding hair works well for many styles, but human hair can give loose pieces a softer, more natural appearance and movement.

This is especially noticeable with Boho braids, where loose curls or waves are intentionally left outside the braids.

Depending on the style, a braider may use traditional braiding hair for the structure of the braid and human hair for the loose pieces.

What Are Boho Braids?

Boho braids—often called bohemian braids—combine traditional braided sections with loose pieces of hair throughout the style.

Those loose pieces create the soft, flowing look that separates Boho braids from a more traditional braid style.

The amount of loose hair can also be customized. A lighter Boho look may use fewer loose pieces, while a fuller Boho style can include significantly more loose hair.

What Is the Best Human Hair for Boho Braids?

The best hair depends on the curl or wave pattern you want.

If you want soft movement, you may prefer a looser wave. If you want more defined curls throughout the braids, a curlier texture may make more sense.

Instead of shopping only by the name printed on the package, look at the actual pattern and decide whether it matches the finished style you're trying to create.

Popular Human Hair Textures for Braided Styles

Need help understanding the differences? Read our How to Choose the Right Hair Texture guide.

Human Hair vs Synthetic Hair for Boho Braids

Both can be used in braided hairstyles, but they don't behave exactly the same way.

Human hair generally provides natural movement and can offer more styling flexibility. Synthetic hair can be an affordable option and is widely used for the braided portion of many styles.

Some Boho installations combine the two: braiding hair for the braids and human hair for the loose curls.

If you're comparing the two hair types, see our Human Hair vs Synthetic Hair guide.

Can You Use Human Hair Bundles for Boho Braids?

Human hair from bundles can sometimes be incorporated into Boho braid styles, depending on the braider's technique and the construction of the hair.

However, don't assume every bundle should automatically be cut apart for braiding.

If you have quality bundles that you hope to reuse later, talk with your braider before cutting or altering the wefts.

What Hair Length Is Best for Boho Braids?

Choose the human hair length based on where you want the loose pieces to fall and the overall length of your braids.

Remember that curly and wavy textures can appear shorter than Straight hair with the same listed measurement.

For more help understanding inches and texture, read: How to Choose the Right Hair Bundle Length .

Should the Human Hair Match the Length of the Braids?

Not necessarily.

Some styles use different lengths of loose hair to create a layered effect throughout the braids.

Your braider can help determine the combination that works best for the finished look you want.

How Much Human Hair Do You Need for Boho Braids?

There isn't one universal amount.

The amount depends on several factors:

• The size of the braids.
• The length of the finished style.
• How many loose pieces you want.
• Whether you want light or full Boho.
• The density and texture of the human hair.
• Your braider's technique.

A light Boho look and a very full Boho look may require noticeably different amounts of human hair.

Can You Use Human Hair With Knotless Braids?

Yes, human hair can be incorporated into knotless braid styles, especially when creating a Boho or curly finish.

The human hair is typically used strategically for loose pieces rather than necessarily replacing all of the braiding hair used to build the braid.

What About Human Hair for Lemonade Braids?

Lemonade braids can also be customized.

The classic style focuses on side-swept cornrows, but loose human hair or curly pieces can be incorporated when you're creating a more customized Boho-inspired version.

Bring inspiration photos to your appointment so your stylist knows whether you want a traditional Lemonade braid look or a version with additional loose hair.

Can You Add Human Hair to Stitch Braids?

Stitch braids can be customized with length, design and additional hair. Loose human hair may also be incorporated when the desired style calls for it.

Again, the amount and placement depend on the finished look and your braider's technique.

How Do You Keep Human Hair in Boho Braids From Tangling?

This is one of the most important things to understand before getting Boho braids.

The loose human hair isn't protected inside the braid, so it can rub against clothing, bedding and other strands.

Gently separate tangles before they become severe. Pay particular attention to the nape and ends.

For additional tips, read our How to Keep Human Hair From Tangling guide.

How Should You Sleep With Boho Braids?

Nighttime protection can help keep the loose hair from becoming tangled.

Depending on the length and texture, gently gather or secure the loose hair before covering your style with a satin or silk bonnet or scarf.

A satin or silk pillowcase can provide additional protection against friction.

Can You Wash Boho Braids With Human Hair?

Your scalp still needs care while you're wearing braids.

When cleansing, remember that you are caring for several things at once: your scalp, your natural hair, the braids and the loose human hair.

Avoid aggressively rubbing the loose pieces together, and make sure the style has enough time to dry properly.

Can You Put Oil on the Loose Human Hair?

A small amount of an appropriate lightweight product may help when the hair feels dry, but avoid constantly layering heavy oil onto the loose pieces.

Too much product can make the hair feel coated and encourage buildup.

Can You Curl Human Hair in Boho Braids?

One benefit of human hair is styling flexibility.

Depending on the hair, loose pieces may be restyled, but repeated high-temperature heat can contribute to dryness and damage.

Use heat protectant and avoid using more heat than necessary.

How Do You Keep Boho Braids Looking Fresh?

Focus on both the braids and the loose hair.

• Protect the style while sleeping.
• Gently detangle loose human hair.
• Avoid excessive product buildup.
• Keep your scalp clean.
• Dry the style thoroughly after cleansing.
• Limit unnecessary heat.
• Don't constantly pull or manipulate the braids.

What Is the Difference Between Light Boho and Full Boho?

The biggest difference is generally the amount of loose hair used throughout the style.

Light Boho uses fewer loose pieces, giving you a hint of curls or waves throughout the braids.

Full Boho uses significantly more loose hair for a fuller, more dramatic bohemian appearance.

More loose human hair can also mean more hair to maintain, so consider that when choosing between the two.

Which Braided Style Is Right for You?

Your decision should be based on the look you want and the maintenance you're willing to do.

You may prefer:

• Knotless braids for a versatile individual braid style.
• Boho knotless braids for braids with loose curls or waves.
• Lemonade braids for a side-swept cornrow style.
• Stitch braids for clean, defined braid patterns.
• Full Boho when you want more loose human hair throughout the style.

Human Hair and Braiding Services in Pflugerville, Texas

Big Boss Bundles is a hair supply store and salon in downtown Pflugerville, Texas, serving Pflugerville, Austin and surrounding Central Texas communities.

In addition to human hair, Big Boss Bundles offers professional braiding services including Stitch Braids, Knotless Braids, Lemonade Braids and Boho options.

Having hair and salon services available in one place can make planning your next braided style easier.

The Bottom Line

The best human hair for braids depends on the style you're creating. For Boho braids, focus on the loose-hair texture, length and fullness you want rather than simply choosing the longest or curliest option.

Human hair can create beautiful movement in knotless, Boho, Lemonade and other braided styles, but those loose pieces still require care.

Choose hair that fits your look, protect it at night and maintain it throughout the life of your braids.