Everything to Know About Bora Bora Braids

Tropical, carefree, and effortlessly stunning—Bora Bora braids are the latest braid trend turning heads across beaches, social feeds, and salons. With their boho-chic charm and protective benefits, these braids give you the best of both worlds: style and function. Whether you’re planning a vacation or just craving a relaxed vibe, this style has you covered.

What Are Bora Bora Braids?

Bora Bora braids are a tropical take on bohemian braids, often blending traditional box braids or knotless braids with loose, wavy strands throughout for a breezy, lived-in look. Think of them as a vacation-ready hairstyle with a luxe twist. They’re typically medium to long and incorporate curly pieces for movement and softness.
Inspired by beachside beauty and island culture, these braids give major vacation energy while still working perfectly for daily wear.

Why Try Bora Bora Braids? Key Benefits You’ll Love

There’s more to Bora Bora braids than just aesthetic appeal. Here’s why they’re quickly becoming a favorite:

• Protective yet breathable: Shields natural hair while allowing airflow to your scalp
• Lightweight and comfy: Usually created with knotless braids, reducing scalp tension
• Tropical-chic look: Ideal for beach trips, summer parties, or carefree everyday styling
• Low maintenance: Minimal daily styling needed, lasts up to 4 weeks with proper care
• Versatile in styling: Wear them down, in buns, half-up styles, or accessorized

Ready to Try Bora Bora Braids? Here’s How to DIY or Prep for the Salon

If you’re braiding at home or heading to a stylist, knowing what’s involved makes the process smoother.

What You’ll Need

• Rat-tail comb (for parting) (Buy Here)
• Edge control or braid gel (Buy Here)
• Hair clips (Buy Here)
• Pre-stretched braiding hair (usually synthetic) (Buy Here)
• Pre-curled or wavy human/synthetic hair bundles (for the loose pieces) (Buy Here)
• Mousse or braid foam (Buy Here)
• Shine spray or braid sheen (Buy Here)

Pro Tip: For the “Bora Bora” softness, choose curly extensions like deep wave or water wave textures.

Step-by-Step: Bora Bora Braid Tutorial

Want that sun-kissed, beachy braid look with soft curls and tropical flow? Here’s how to create Bora Bora braids like a pro—whether you’re doing them at home or prepping for your stylist.

Step 1: Prep and Cleanse Your Hair

Start with a clean canvas to avoid buildup and protect your natural hair underneath the braids.

• Shampoo and condition your hair thoroughly. Use a clarifying shampoo to remove oils, followed by a deep conditioner for moisture.
• Detangle gently with a wide-tooth comb while hair is damp.
• Blow-dry or stretch your hair using the tension method, especially if your texture is tightly coiled. This makes parting and braiding easier.

Expert Tip: Apply a leave-in conditioner and seal with a lightweight oil to keep your hair hydrated underneath the extensions.

Step 2: Section and Part Your Hair

Neat parts make or break this style. Use a rat-tail comb for clean lines.

• Divide your hair into 4 quadrants first to make the process manageable.
• Within each section, part your hair into medium-sized square or triangle parts, depending on your desired braid pattern.
• Use clips to hold the parted sections in place.

Optional: Apply braid gel or edge control along part lines to keep things sharp and clean.

Step 3: Begin Knotless Braiding

Knotless braids are preferred for Bora Bora braids because they’re gentler on the scalp and create a seamless look.

• Start each braid with your natural hair, braiding a few passes before feeding in the pre-stretched braiding hair.
• Continue to feed in hair gradually as you move down the braid to build thickness without causing tension.
• Keep the braids smooth and firm, but not too tight, especially near the edges.

Pro Tip: Use about 3–4 feed-in pieces per braid for a medium-length style.

Step 4: Add the Curly “Bora Bora” Strands

This is what sets the style apart. You can either feed the curly hair in while braiding or crochet it in afterward.

Method 1: Add While Braiding

• Insert a piece of curly hair and let it hang loosely every 2–3 inches while braiding down.
• You can also alternate by leaving curly pieces out in front-facing braids for framing the face.

Method 2: Crochet After Braiding

• Once all braids are done, use a crochet needle to pull curly strands through the braids gently.
• Space them evenly throughout the head or just in the lower half for a soft, cascading look.

Choose curly bundles like deep wave, water wave, or even pre-curled human hair for a realistic, fluffy finish.

Step 5: Secure and Set the Braids

This step locks in your style and gives that polished, tropical finish.

• Dip the ends of your braids in hot water (only if using synthetic braiding hair) to seal them.
• Apply braid mousse generously over the entire head to tame frizz and define the curls.
• Lay your edges using edge control and a brush if you like a sleek hairline.
• Tie down your hair with a satin scarf for at least 10–15 minutes to set the style.

Finish with a shine mist or tropical-scented braid spray for hydration and scent that matches the vibe.

Optional Styling Ideas Post-Installation

• Pull the braids into a half-up ponytail for a playful, beachy look
• Wear them down with a side part for a soft, romantic flow
• Add accessories like wooden beads, shells, or metallic cuffs for an island vibe
• Create a low bun or two-braid crown for a more polished finish

Boho vs. Bora Bora Braids: What’s the Real Difference?

While both styles embrace that effortlessly tousled, beachy vibe, here’s how they differ:

Feature	Boho Braids	Bora Bora Braids
Style Base	Box or knotless braids	Knotless or box braids
Loose Strands	Often wavy or straight	Curly, wet-n-wavy textures
Volume & Flow	Less full, more spaced	Voluminous, tropical bounce
Ideal For	Every day, Boho looks	Vacation, tropical, or beach-ready

Think of Bora Bora braids as the more “vacation-glam” cousin of boho braids.

How to Keep Bora Bora Braids Looking Fresh

To make your braids last and maintain their softness:

• Sleep with a satin scarf or bonnet every night
• Moisturize your scalp with a light oil or braid spray every few days
• Use mousse to refresh curls and control frizz
• Avoid heavy water contact if using synthetic curls (unless they’re water-friendly)

Refresh curly strands weekly with a leave-in spray or curl-defining mist to maintain the wave pattern.

Bora Bora Braids Are the Ultimate Tropical Hairstyle

Whether you’re booking a flight or just want your hair to channel tropical energy, Bora Bora braids are a stunning, protective style worth trying. With the perfect blend of carefree curls and structured braids, they’re low-maintenance yet high-impact. From beach pics to brunch days, this style brings vacation vibes every time you wear it.