The quick answer
For boho braids, most people need 2 to 4 packs of deep wave braiding hair for the curly pieces, plus their usual braiding hair for the braids. If you braid with deep wave hair all the way through, plan on 6 to 10 packs of NC4’s 100 g hair instead.
Deep wave braiding hair has a soft, defined S-shaped wave that looks like freshly washed curly hair. That’s why it’s the go-to texture for boho braids, where loose curly pieces are left out along each braid for a romantic, lived-in look. But it’s also gorgeous on its own, braided or twisted all the way through for deep wave braids and deep wave twists.
In this guide, we’ll compare deep wave with other textures, show you exactly how many packs you need, and share how to install and care for your deep wave boho braids so they stay soft and tangle-free.
Deep wave vs other braiding hair textures
Texture | Curl pattern | Look | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
Deep wave | Loose, defined S-shaped waves | Full, romantic and voluminous | Boho braids, goddess braids, curly ends |
French curls | Bouncy spiral curls at the ends | Polished and glamorous | Knotless braids with curly ends |
Passion Twist | Tighter, softer waves | Light and airy | Passion twists |
Bone straight | Completely straight | Sleek and silky | Small and micro knotless braids |
Synthetic or human hair deep wave?
Many boho braid guides recommend human hair, and it does have real advantages: it can be heat-styled and reused. However, it often costs several times more per pack and comes in only a few natural colours.
Silky synthetic deep wave, like NC4’s, is a lighter, budget-friendly choice that comes in far more colours, from natural shades to bold brights. The trade-off is that synthetic curls need a little more care to prevent tangling, which we cover below.
In short: choose human hair if you want to reuse the hair or style it with heat. Choose synthetic if you want more colour options and a lower cost per install.
How many packs of deep wave hair do I need for boho braids?
The answer depends on how you use the hair. There are two common methods, and both charts below are based on NC4’s 100 g packs.
Option 1: Deep wave for the curly pieces only
This is the classic boho method. Your braider makes the braids with regular braiding hair, then adds deep wave pieces for the loose curls.
Braid size | 18–22 in | 24–26 in | 28–30 in |
|---|---|---|---|
Large / jumbo | 2 packs | 2–3 packs | 3 packs |
Medium | 2–3 packs | 3–4 packs | 4 packs |
Small | 3–4 packs | 4 packs | 4–5 packs |
Option 2: Deep wave all the way through
For the fullest, most textured look, the braids are made with deep wave hair too, leaving wavy ends and curly pieces throughout.
Braid size | 18–22 in | 24–26 in | 28–30 in |
|---|---|---|---|
Large / jumbo | 4–6 packs | 5–7 packs | 6–8 packs |
Medium | 6–8 packs | 7–9 packs | 8–10 packs |
Small | 7–9 packs | 8–10 packs | 9–12 packs |
Why other guides give lower numbers. Some brands count “bundles” that weigh 100 to 120 g each, while others sell much lighter packs. Always compare the total grams, not just the number of packs.
Not sure between two numbers? Buy the higher one. After all, running short on curly pieces is the most common boho braid mistake.
What changes how many packs you need
How many curls you leave out. This matters most for boho braids. A few curly pieces per braid give a subtle look, while lots of curls throughout create that full goddess effect. As a result, a fuller look can need 1 to 2 extra packs.
Braid size. Smaller braids mean more parts, and every part needs hair. In fact, small braids can use nearly twice as much hair as jumbo ones.
Length. Longer braids use more hair each. That’s why NC4 deep wave comes in lengths from 18 to 30 inches, so you can buy the length you want instead of cutting down.
Your hair density. Thick natural hair or a larger head means more parts to cover. However, fine or thin hair may need fewer packs.
Mixing colours. Planning highlights, like honey blonde curls through dark braids? First, work out your total, then split it between shades. Also, buy one extra pack of your main colour.
10 deep wave boho braid styles to try
- Boho knotless braids. Knotless braids with deep wave curls left out along each braid. The most popular boho look.
- Goddess braids. Braids with wavy ends and curly pieces throughout, for a fuller, more dramatic finish.
- Boho box braids. Classic box parts with deep wave curls added in.
- Short boho braids or a bob. Shoulder-length braids with curly ends. Lighter and quicker to install.
- Mermaid-length boho braids. 28 to 30 inches of flowing waves for a show-stopping look.
- Boho Fulani braids. Fulani-style cornrows at the front, with curly boho braids at the back.
- Highlighted boho braids. Honey blonde or copper curls through dark braids for natural-looking dimension.
- Colourful boho braids. Bold shades like burgundy, pink or blue for a statement look.
- Half-up, half-down boho braids. A top bun with curls flowing at the back.
- Boho braided wig. The same look, ready to wear, with no hours in the chair.
Tip: Save a photo of the look you want and bring it to your appointment. That way, your braider can tell you exactly how many packs and which method to use.
Beyond boho: deep wave braids and deep wave twists
Deep wave hair isn’t just for curly add-ins. You can braid or twist it all the way through to create styles that are full of texture from root to tip.
Deep wave braids
Deep wave braids are knotless or box braids made entirely with deep wave hair, so the waves show along the braid and fall loose at the ends. As a result, they look softer and fuller than braids made with regular straight braiding hair.
- Best for: a full, textured look without loose curls along every braid
- Packs needed: usually 6 to 10 packs of NC4’s 100 g hair for medium braids at mid-back to waist length (see Option 2 above)
- How to do them: braid as you would knotless braids, feeding in deep wave hair gradually, then stop where you want the wavy ends to begin
Deep wave twists
Deep wave twists are two-strand twists made with deep wave hair. Because the waves are fuller and more defined than water wave hair, they give a bolder, more voluminous look than classic passion twists.
- Best for: a big, wavy twist style that’s faster to install than braids
- Packs needed: usually 5 to 8 packs for medium twists at mid-back length, and more for small twists or longer lengths
- How to do them: anchor the hair with 2 to 3 braided stitches, split it into two strands, then twist down and leave the wavy ends loose
More ways to wear deep wave hair
- Deep wave crochet braids. Loop deep wave hair through cornrows for a full wavy look in a few hours.
- Deep wave Fulani braids. Cornrows at the front with wavy braids at the back.
- Deep wave braided ponytail or bun. Gather your finished deep wave braids or twists for an easy updo.
Tip: Deep wave braids and twists use more hair than boho braids, since the wave texture runs through every braid. Order a spare pack in case you need to replace a frizzy piece later.
How to install boho knotless braids with deep wave hair
What you’ll need
NC4 deep wave braiding hair, braiding hair for the braids (for Option 1), a rat-tail comb, braiding gel or edge control, hair clips, mousse, sharp scissors, a spray bottle with water and leave-in conditioner, and a satin scarf.
Prep
- Prep your natural hair. Wash, condition, detangle and stretch your hair so it’s smooth and easy to part.
- Prep the deep wave hair. Lightly mist it with water and leave-in conditioner, then gently separate it into small pieces. Don’t brush it, since that turns waves into frizz.
- Section and part. Divide your hair into 4 to 6 sections, then start at the nape.
Step-by-step: braiding
- Start knotless. Braid 2 to 3 stitches of your natural hair, then gradually feed in braiding hair.
- Add the curls. Every few stitches, lay a small piece of deep wave hair into the braid, leaving one end out as a loose curl. Space them evenly so the curls look natural.
- Finish the end. For Option 1, seal the braid end and leave a curly piece hanging past it. For Option 2, braid down and leave the wavy ends loose.
- Set the curls. Apply mousse, scrunch the curls gently with your fingers, and tie a satin scarf down for 10 to 15 minutes.
Tip: Boho knotless braids usually take 5 to 8 hours. Don’t braid too tightly at the root, since dermatologists warn that tight hairstyles can cause traction alopecia.
How long do deep wave boho braids last?
The braids usually last 4 to 8 weeks, but the loose curls need the most care. Because the curly pieces hang free, they can tangle and frizz long before the braids themselves look old. In general, synthetic curls look their best for the first 2 to 4 weeks. After that, many people trim or replace the frizziest pieces to stretch the style.
Try not to keep your braids in past 8 weeks. Leaving them in too long can cause buildup, matting at the roots and breakage, so take a real break between installs to let your edges recover.
How to stop deep wave curls tangling
- Keep the curls damp. Mist them daily with water and a little leave-in conditioner. Dry curls tangle faster.
- Detangle with your fingers only. Never brush or comb the curls.
- Separate curls gently from the ends upward when they start to clump.
- Protect them at night. Sleep in a satin bonnet, or loosely pineapple long braids on top of your head.
- Avoid heavy oils on the curls, since they attract lint and make tangles worse.
- Trim matted ends with sharp scissors rather than pulling them apart.
How to wash deep wave boho braids
In general, wash every 2 to 3 weeks, or sooner if your scalp feels itchy.
- Dilute your shampoo. Mix a sulfate-free shampoo with water in a spray or applicator bottle.
- Focus on your scalp. Apply it to your parts and massage gently. However, don’t scrub the braids or curls.
- Rinse downward. Let the water run from roots to ends so the curls don’t tangle.
- Condition the curls. Smooth a lightweight conditioner or leave-in through the curly pieces, then rinse lightly.
- Squeeze, don’t rub. Blot with a microfibre towel or cotton T-shirt.
- Dry completely. Air-dry or use a hooded dryer on low. Otherwise, damp braids can develop mildew.
- Redefine the curls. Once dry, apply mousse and scrunch the curls back into shape.
Daily and weekly care
- Daily: mist the curls with water and leave-in, and finger-detangle any clumps.
- Every few days: refresh with mousse to define the waves and calm frizz.
- Weekly: moisturize your scalp along the parts with a light oil, like NC4’s hair growth oil from our Hair and Wig Care Collection.
- Every night: cover your braids with a satin bonnet or scarf.
- After swimming: rinse with clean water as soon as possible, since chlorine and salt water dry out the curls.
Why choose NC4 deep wave braiding hair
NC4 deep wave braiding hair is soft, silky and lightweight, with defined waves that give boho braids their signature movement. Here’s what sets it apart:
- Over 40 colours, from natural blacks, browns and blondes to bold brights. Most human hair deep wave comes in only a handful of shades.
- Lengths from 18 to 30 inches, so you can go from shoulder-length boho braids to mermaid length without cutting.
- Generous 100 g packs, so you know exactly how much hair you’re getting.
- Fast shipping. In-stock packs ship in 2 to 3 business days, with delivery in 4 to 12 business days to Canada, the US, the UK, Europe and Australia.
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