Finding the perfect balance between structure and soft texture is the ultimate goal of bohemian styling. These looks provide a timeless aesthetic for any occasion.
Braids offer incredible durability while curls add a romantic, airy feel to your silhouette. Combining them creates a multidimensional look that stands out in any crowd.
Whether you are preparing for a special event or refreshing your daily routine, these styles offer versatility. Discover how to elevate your aesthetic with these stunning combinations.
1. Loose Dutch Braid into Messy Low Bun
This style combines structural braids with the effortless texture of curls. It is perfect for formal events or casual outings where you want a relaxed yet sophisticated look.
Start by creating two loose Dutch braids that meet at the nape of the neck. Ensure the braids are pulled slightly apart for that signature bohemian volume and softness.
Finish by securing the ends into a low, messy bun. Let curly tendrils fall naturally from the bun and around the face to frame your features beautifully.
2. Fishtail Crown with Curly Tendrils
Fishtail braids offer an intricate texture that complements soft curls perfectly. This crown style wraps around the head, creating a regal and ethereal appearance for any setting.
Begin by braiding two sections from the temples and pinning them across the back. Leave the ends of the hair curly to blend into the rest of the updo.
This look works best when you pull a few curly strands loose near the ears. It softens the transition from the braided crown to the gathered bun at the back.
3. Fulani-Inspired Braided Bun with Ringlets
Drawing inspiration from traditional patterns, this style uses precise parting and delicate braids. It creates a striking geometric contrast against a soft, voluminous curly bun.
The braids are typically styled toward the center of the head to form a high base. This provides a secure foundation for a large, curly top knot or bun.
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4. High Top Knot with Face-Framing Curls
The high top knot is a classic choice for keeping hair off the neck while maintaining elegance. Adding small accent braids into the base elevates it into a bohemian masterpiece.
Gather the hair into a high ponytail, leaving out a few strategic sections for braiding. Wrap the braids around the base of the bun to hide the hair tie.
The key to this look is allowing the curls within the bun to remain defined. Use a light-hold spray to ensure the face-framing curls stay bouncy throughout the day.
5. French Braid Side Bun with Spiral Ends
Asymmetrical styles offer a modern twist on bohemian classics. A French braid that travels diagonally across the head provides a beautiful lead-in to a textured side bun.
The braid should be kept slightly loose to maintain the soft, romantic feel of the “boho” aesthetic. Pin the curly ends into a clustered bun just behind one ear.
This style is particularly effective for showcasing different tones in the hair. The spiral ends of the curls add a playful yet polished finish to the side-swept design.
6. Double Dutch Braid Space Buns with Curls
Space buns are a youthful and fun way to experiment with braided textures. By using Dutch braids on the underside or top, you add complexity to the look.
Divide the hair into two equal sections and braid from the nape upward or forehead backward. Secure the remaining curly hair into two fluffy buns on the crown.
To maximize the bohemian vibe, avoid making the buns too neat or symmetrical. Let the curls spill over the edges of the braids for a voluminous, textured finish.
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This style features a surprising detail that is visible from the back. An upside-down French or Dutch braid starts at the nape and travels up to a high bun.
It is an excellent choice for keeping shorter hairs at the neck secure while showcasing long curls. The contrast between the tight braid and the loose bun is visually striking.
Once the braid reaches the crown, gather all hair into a messy, curly knot. This keeps the look functional for active days without sacrificing a high-fashion bohemian edge.
8. Halo Braid with Cascading Curly Strands
The halo braid is the quintessential bohemian updo, encircling the head like a crown. Integrating curls into the braid itself creates a softer, more romantic texture than traditional versions.
Weave small curly sections into the braid as you go to create “pockets” of volume. This prevents the halo from looking too flat or severe against the scalp.
Allow a few curls to escape the bun at the back to create a cascading effect. This adds length to the updo and enhances the whimsical nature of the hairstyle.
9. Triple Braided Low Chignon with Texture
For those who love intricate details, the triple braided chignon is a perfect choice. Three individual braids are woven and then tucked into a textured low bun.
The mix of different braid types, such as a standard three-strand and a rope twist, adds depth. When combined with curly ends, the chignon appears much fuller and more complex.
This style is ideal for weddings or formal gatherings where a sophisticated updo is required. The texture of the curls ensures the look remains soft and approachable.
10. Pull-Through Braid Updo with Voluminous Curls
Pull-through braids are famous for their immense volume and “bubble” appearance. Transitioning this technique into a bun creates a massive, textured updo that commands attention.
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Because this style uses elastics for each section, it is incredibly secure. It is the perfect bohemian option for a long day of movement or celebration.
11. Waterfall Braid into a Soft Curly Bun
The waterfall braid is usually worn with hair down, but tucking it into a bun offers a new perspective. It creates a beautiful “dripping” effect of curls along the side of the head.
As you create the waterfall braid, ensure the dropped curly strands are long enough to be pinned. These strands are eventually gathered into a soft, low-hanging bun.
This look creates a sense of fluid motion even when the hair is fully pinned up. It is a graceful choice that highlights the natural pattern of your curls.
12. Box Braided High Bun with Curly Tips
Combining protective box braids with curly ends offers the best of both worlds. The structured braids provide a neat base, while the curly tips add a bohemian flare.
When gathered into a high bun, the curly ends create a floral effect at the top. This adds significant volume and a soft texture to the overall silhouette.
You can leave two braids hanging at the front to frame the face. This simple addition enhances the bohemian aesthetic and adds a touch of casual elegance.
13. Diagonal Lace Braid with Curly Pin-up
A lace braid only adds hair from one side, creating a delicate “fringe” effect. When styled diagonally across the back of the head, it leads the eye toward a cluster of curls.
The curly ends should be pinned up individually rather than tucked into a single bun. This creates a “pinned-up” look that is airy, light, and full of bohemian charm.
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14. Micro Braid Wrapped Low Bun with Ringlets
Micro braids can be used as decorative elements to wrap around a standard curly bun. This adds a level of detail that is both subtle and impressive upon closer look.
Create a large, curly bun at the nape of the neck as your focal point. Take several pre-braided micro sections and wrap them around the base of the bun.
The contrast between the tiny, tight braids and the large, bouncy ringlets is stunning. It is a refined way to incorporate braided elements into a classic curly updo.
15. Multi-Strand Braid and Curly Rose Bun
The rose bun is a creative technique where hair is braided and coiled to look like a flower. Using a curly braid for this process adds “petals” with organic, soft edges.
Begin with a loose three-strand braid and pancaking the edges to widen it. As you coil the braid into a bun, the curls will naturally flare out like a blooming rose.
This style serves as a beautiful centerpiece for a bohemian look. It works exceptionally well with highlighted hair, as the coils show off different color dimensions.
16. Bohemian Goddess Braid Bun
Goddess braids are larger, thicker versions of cornrows that offer a bold look. Bringing these braids into a large, coiled bun at the back creates a powerful silhouette.
The secret to the bohemian version of this look is leaving the ends of the goddess braids curly. These curls should spill out from the center of the bun for a soft finish.
This style is both practical and regal, making it suitable for any high-profile event. It keeps the hair secure while celebrating the natural beauty of curly textures.
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Rope twists offer a different texture than traditional braids, looking more like a spiraled cord. They are easy to create and provide a heavy, bohemian feel to any updo.
Twist two large sections of hair and bring them together at the back of the head. Secure them into a bun while allowing curly ends to peek through the twists.
This style is very effective for hair with a lot of natural volume. The rope twists help manage the bulk while the curls provide a soft, romantic perimeter.
18. Twisted Crown Braid with a Curly Nape Bun
A twisted crown is a variation of the halo braid that uses two-strand twists instead of three. This creates a smoother, more rope-like appearance around the forehead.
The twists lead back to a low nape bun where the curls are the star of the show. Keep the bun loose and use pins sparingly to maintain the “effortless” bohemian look.
This is a fantastic “day-to-night” hairstyle. It is sophisticated enough for the office but romantic enough for an evening out under the stars.
How long do these braided curly updos usually last?
These styles typically last between one to three days depending on the tightness of the braids. Styles using protective braids like box braids or goddess braids can last significantly longer if the bun is refreshed daily. Using a light-hold hairspray and a silk scarf at night will help maintain the crispness of the braids and the definition of the curls.
What hair types work best for these bohemian styles?
Bohemian braided styles are incredibly versatile and work on almost all hair textures. Those with natural curls or waves will find it easier to achieve the “messy” volume characteristic of the boho look. However, people with straight hair can easily recreate these styles by using a curling iron or wand before beginning the braiding process to add necessary grip and texture.
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Many of these styles can be adapted for shorter hair lengths, specifically the crown braids and side-swept looks. If your hair is too short to reach a full bun, you can use “half-up, half-down” braided techniques or incorporate hair extensions for added volume. Using bobby pins to “tuck and pin” smaller curly sections can also create the illusion of a full updo.
What products are essential for maintaining the “boho” look?
To achieve a premium bohemian finish, you should have a texturizing spray, a light-hold pomade for the braids, and a curl-defining cream. The texturizing spray adds the “airy” feel to the curls, while the pomade ensures the braids look polished without being overly stiff. A high-quality shine spray can also be used as a final touch to make the intricate braid patterns pop.
Can I wear these styles to formal events like weddings?
Absolutely, these hairstyles are among the most popular choices for brides, bridesmaids, and wedding guests. The combination of structured braids and romantic curls strikes a perfect balance between formal and relaxed. They pair beautifully with floral hair accessories, decorative pins, or even a simple veil, making them a staple for any formal bohemian-themed occasion.
How do I prevent the curls from frizzing in a bun?
The best way to prevent frizz is to ensure the hair is well-hydrated before styling with a leave-in conditioner. When pinning the curls into the bun, try to handle them as little as possible to keep the curl pattern intact. If frizz does occur, a tiny amount of hair oil smoothed over the surface can tame flyaways without weighing down the voluminous bohemian silhouette.
