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Everyone has a hairstyle that they loved back in the day and never thought would come back in style. Mine is pick-and-drop braids, a style that involves micro base braids at the crown of the end that hang three inches and then cascade into loose waves or bouncy curls. It-Girls at the time, like Beyoncé and Brandy, popularized the style, while stars such as Chase Infiniti and Jordyn Woods keep the style in the spotlight—with a modern twist, of course.
Much like pick-and-drop braids of the past, the 2026 version starts with a base of braids. The length, however, is even longer and the braids blended more seamlessly into the loose hair at the ends. They're also more frequently created using human hair, which can be "more versatile and less harsh for this style," says Los Angeles-based hairstylist Larry Sims. In the '90s, braiders primarily used synthetic hair, mainly because that’s what was widely available, but which came with its fair share of knotting and matting.
Those aren't the only updates that make boho braids feel fresh and more covetable than ever. Some hairstylists place traditional sew-in or tape-in extensions at the back of the head to create a fuller look, and add knotless micro braids along the hairline using braiding hair, which is what hairstylist Coree Moreno did to create Chase Infiniti's gorgeous boho braid style for the 2026 Oscars.
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There's also a popular new method for creating boho braids, called miracle knots, that makes achieving the style easier than before. The technique involves swapping the traditional knotless feed-in technique for a crochet method. TikTok video after TikTok video of this hack show people effortlessly transforming mini braids into soft, cascading curls without stepping foot into the salon.
It's often hard to pinpoint when we all started obsessing over boho braids again, but many stylists point to Zoë Kravitz as inspiration—some even refer to the effortless-looking style “Zoe Kravitz braids.”
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Bicoastal travel braider Shanna St. Cyr says boho braids are her most requested style lately, in both New York and Los Angeles. The reason she thinks it's so popular among her clients: "You can get a weave look without an actual weave install." That cuts down on cost and allows you to experiment with various hairstyles that would be otherwise difficult to wear with a weave. Below, discover more on how the style has evolved and what to know if you plan on trying boho braids for yourself.
Meet the Experts:
- Larry Sims is a Los Angeles-based hairstylist and the co-founder of Flawless by Gabrielle Union
- Jacinta Rutana is London-based hairstylist and braider
- Shanna St. Cyr of Tropix Braids is a travel braider who works in Los Angeles and New York City
How Boho Braids Are Different From Pick-and-Drop Braids
Boho braids take the foundation of pick-and-drop braids and elevate the style. The biggest change: the length of the base braids. Pick-and-drop braids were usually about three inches long, with loose waves or curls at the ends of the braids. The idea was to have the braids hidden at the crown of the head, creating the illusion that the hair was growing out of the scalp. Boho braids, on the other hand, put more emphasis on the braids rather than trying to hide them. The loose curls are incorporated throughout the braids at different lengths, which makes for an even blend of braids and tendrils.
Boho braids also mainly use human hair whereas pick-and-drop featured synthetic hair (that's that was primarily available in the '90s). These braids are one of the most popular ways to get flowing hair extensions that look natural.
Human hair extensions help create a more natural look and make boho braids more versatile, letting you use heat—there is also less matting, says Sims. If you're partial to synthetic hair, Jacinta Rutana, a London-based hairstylist and braider says you can still use it, but it works best in just the braids, and not the loose hair.
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What to Know Before You Get Boho Braids
Rutana explains that the look requires a high skill level: "I use a knotless technique, so it's easy on your natural hair to ensure there’s not as much breakage," she explains, which isn't easy to do on yourself. Working with human hair (which is recommended for this style) "can be challenging due to the softer texture of the hair which makes it hard to grip," says Rutana. TikTok hacks, like miracle knots (which use the more user-friendly crochet method), make this look more accessible and easier to achieve at home—though if you're a novice when it comes to braiding, the salon is still your best bet.
It's best to consult with your stylist to establish if they will provide the hair or if you need to source it ahead of your appointment. Many salons don't provide hair extensions, so oftentimes, you'll need to visit your local beauty supply store ahead of time. Stylists can usually advise on what hair to buy. Moreno used Bellami Clip-Ins on Chase Infiniti's boho braids for the Oscars, while St. Cyr recommends YWigs Loose Human Braiding Hair.
Plan to arrive at your appointment with washed and blow-dried hair. Some stylists offer this service but if it's unavailable, a simple shampoo to cleanse your hair and scalp, followed by a conditioning treatment to moisturize, and a thorough blow dry is all you need.
How to Maintain Boho Braids
The loose strands in boho braids are prone to get tangled so properly maintaining the hair will prolong it's wear. First, spray the braids with a mixture of water and leave-in conditioner in a spray bottle at least once a week and brush the hair to refresh the curls.
“The secret to flawless boho braids is the right brush,” says Moreno, a hairstylist in Los Angeles who created elegant boho braids on actor Chase Infiniti for the 2026 Oscars. Moreno used the Arachne Smooth Boost brush to “add volume and smooth out imperfections without snagging the braid base,” he shared on Instagram.
You can also brush the hair daily without misting it, instead using a lightweight oil or serum to keep frizz at bay. I love using the Sheamoisture Coconut Hibiscus Smooth and Shine Oil when I have boho braids. The silk texture tames any flyaways without weighing the hair down. Plus, it adds a slight sheen that make the braids look good as new.
Additionally, it’s important to wrap your hair with a scarf and sleep in a bonnet to preserve the style. To keep the style looking its best, Runata recommends a touch-up after four weeks.
The Average Cost of Boho Braids
The overall cost ranges from $300 to $600, on average. There are three main factors: the location of your salon, the price of the hair extensions, and how long and thick you want the braids. To give you an idea, St. Cyr charges $695 for small boho braids with hair included and $485 for the same style in medium width. Most salons and braiders have a standard length (usually falling right above the tailbone), so if you want braids any longer than that, chances are you’ll be paying extra.
The price is steep, but the braids do last when they are done well. Runtata says her clients keep the style in for about six to eight weeks depending on their hair type and if the extensions are reusable.
