The quick answer
For body wave boho braids, most people need 2 to 3 packs of body wave hair for the wavy pieces, plus their usual braiding hair for the braids. For braids with body wave all the way through, plan on 4 to 6 packs for mid-back length, and more for longer or smaller braids.
Body wave braiding hair has soft, loose, S-shaped waves, like freshly blow-dried hair with a natural bend. Because the wave is gentler than deep wave or Italian curls, it looks smooth and flowing, and it’s less prone to tangling. That makes it a great choice for boho braids, knotless braids with wavy ends, and crochet styles.
In this guide, we’ll compare body wave with other textures, show you how many packs you need, and share how to install and care for your body wave braids.
Body wave vs other braiding hair textures
Texture | Wave or curl pattern | Look | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
Body wave | Loose, soft S-shaped waves | Smooth, flowing and natural | Boho braids, wavy ends, crochet |
Deep wave | Tighter, more defined waves | Full and romantic | Boho and goddess braids |
Italian curls | Bouncy spiral curls | Springy and voluminous | Curly boho braids and bobs |
French curls | Spiral curls mainly at the ends | Polished and glamorous | Knotless braids with curly ends |
Bone straight | Completely straight | Sleek and silky | Small and micro braids |
Body wave or deep wave for boho braids? Choose body wave for a softer, more relaxed wave that’s easier to keep tangle-free. On the other hand, choose deep wave if you want more definition and volume.
Synthetic or human hair body wave?
Most body wave guides recommend human hair, which can be heat-styled and reused. However, it often costs much more and usually comes only in natural black or a few blends. NC4’s body wave comes in natural, mixed, ombré and bold colours, at a much lower price per pack. The trade-off is that synthetic waves need a little care to stay smooth, which we cover below.
How many packs of body wave hair do I need?
The answer depends on how you use the hair. Both charts below are for a full head, based on [100 g] packs.
Option 1: Body wave for the wavy pieces only
Your braider makes the braids with regular braiding hair, then adds body wave pieces for the loose waves. This is the classic boho method.
Braid size | 14–16 in | 18–22 in | 24–28 in |
|---|---|---|---|
Large / jumbo | 1–2 packs | 2 packs | 2–3 packs |
Medium | 2 packs | 2–3 packs | 3 packs |
Small | 2–3 packs | 3–4 packs | 4 packs |
Option 2: Body wave all the way through
For the softest, fullest look, the braids are made with body wave hair too, so the waves flow along the braid and at the ends.
Braid size | 14–16 in | 18–22 in | 24–28 in |
|---|---|---|---|
Large / jumbo | 3 packs | 4–5 packs | 5–6 packs |
Medium | 3–4 packs | 4–6 packs | 6–8 packs |
Small | 4–5 packs | 6–7 packs | 7–9 packs |
Choose your length
Body wave relaxes as you wear it, but it shrinks less than curly textures, so the finished length is close to the pack length.
Pack length | Approx. cm | Finished look |
|---|---|---|
14–16 inch | 36–41 cm | Shoulder to bra strap |
18–22 inch | 46–56 cm | Mid-back |
24–26 inch | 61–66 cm | Waist |
28 inch | 71 cm | Hip to butt length |
Why other brands give different numbers. Body wave packs range from about 50 g to 150 g, depending on the brand. Always compare the total grams, not just the number of packs.
What changes how many packs you need
How many waves you leave out. A few wavy pieces per braid give a light boho look, while waves from high up the braid create maximum volume. 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. For example, small braids can use nearly twice as much hair as jumbo ones.
Length. Longer braids use more hair each. That’s why NC4 body wave comes in lengths from 14 to 28 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 waves through dark braids? First, work out your total, then split it between shades. Alternatively, choose a ready-made mixed or ombré colour, so the blend is already done for you.,
How to install body wave boho knotless braids
What you’ll need
NC4 body 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 body wave hair. Mist the hair with conditioning spray. Gently separate it into small pieces with your fingers. Don’t brush it, since that loosens the wave.
- Section and part. Divide your hair into 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 waves. Every few stitches, lay a small piece of body wave hair into the braid, leaving one end out as a loose wave. Space them evenly so the waves look natural.
- Finish the end. For Option 1, seal the braid end and leave a wavy piece hanging past it. For Option 2, braid down and leave the wavy ends loose.
- Set the waves. Apply mousse, smooth the waves gently with your fingers, and tie a satin scarf down for 10 to 15 minutes.
Faster option: crochet
Cornrow your hair, then loop body wave pieces through the cornrows with a latch hook. You’ll get a full, flowing look in about 2 to 4 hours instead of 5 to 8.
Tip: Don’t braid too tightly at the root, since dermatologists warn that tight hairstyles can cause traction alopecia. If it hurts, it’s too tight.
How long do body wave braids last?
The braids usually last 4 to 8 weeks. Because body wave is a gentler pattern than deep wave or Italian curls, the loose pieces tend to tangle less. However, they can still frizz or loosen over time, so many people trim or refresh the wavy ends after a few weeks.
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 keep body waves smooth
- Mist lightly. Spray the waves with water and a little leave-in every day or two, to keep them soft.
- Detangle with your fingers only. Never brush or comb the waves.
- Smooth, don’t scrunch. Run mousse down the waves to keep them sleek and defined.
- Protect them at night. Sleep in a satin bonnet, or loosely pineapple long braids on top of your head.
- Avoid heavy oils on the waves, since they weigh them down and attract lint.
- Trim frizzy ends with sharp scissors.
How to wash body wave 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 waves.
- Rinse downward. Let the water run from roots to ends so the waves stay smooth.
- Condition the waves. Smooth a lightweight conditioner or leave-in through the wavy pieces, then rinse lightly.
- Squeeze, don’t rub. Blot with a microfibre towel or cotton T-shirt.
- Dry completely. Otherwise, damp braids can develop mildew and a musty smell.
- Reshape the waves. Once dry, run a little mousse down the waves to bring back their shape.
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Daily and weekly care
- Daily: mist the waves lightly, and finger-detangle any clumps.
- Every few days: smooth mousse down the waves to calm frizz.
- Weekly: moisturize your scalp along the parts with a light oil, like the hair growth oil in 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.
Why choose NC4 body wave braiding hair
NC4 body wave braiding hair is soft, lightweight and silky, with smooth, flowing waves that give braids a natural, effortless look. Here’s what sets it apart:
- Four colour ranges: natural shades, ready-made mixed blends, ombré fades and bold colours. Most body wave brands offer only natural black.
- Lengths from 14 to 28 inches, from shoulder-length boho braids to mermaid length.
- 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.
Love waves and curls? See our guides to deep wave boho braids and Italian curl braids too.