The quick answer
For Italian curl boho braids, most people need 2 to 3 packs of Italian loose curls for the curly pieces, plus their usual braiding hair for the braids. For braids with Italian curls all the way through, plan on 4 to 7 packs, depending on braid size and length.
Italian loose curls have soft, bouncy spiral curls that run the whole length of the hair, with a silky shine. They’re springier than deep wave and looser than French curls, which is why they’ve become a favourite for boho knotless braids, curly bobs and full, voluminous curly styles.
In this guide, we’ll compare Italian curls with other textures, show you how many packs you need, and share how to install and care for your Italian curl braids so the curls stay defined.
Italian curls vs other braiding hair textures
Texture | Curl pattern | Look | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
Italian loose curls | Bouncy spiral curls along the whole strand | Full, springy and voluminous | Boho braids, curly bobs, full curly styles |
French curls | Spiral curls mainly at the ends | Polished and glamorous | Knotless braids with curly ends |
Deep wave | Looser, deeper S-shaped waves | Soft and romantic | Boho and goddess braids |
Bone straight | Completely straight | Sleek and silky | Small and micro knotless braids |
Italian curls or deep wave for boho braids? Choose Italian curls if you want springy, defined curls with more bounce. On the other hand, choose deep wave if you want softer, looser waves.
Silky synthetic or human hair?
Many Italian curl brands sell human hair, which can be dyed, heat-styled and reused. However, it often costs much more and comes mainly in natural black. NC4’s silky Italian loose curls are lighter on your budget and come in a full range of natural, vibrant and ombré colours. The trade-off is that synthetic curls need regular misting and finger-detangling to stay defined.
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How many packs of Italian curls do I need?
The answer depends on how you use the curls. NC4 pack weights grow with length, so longer packs hold more hair:
Pack length | Pack weight |
|---|---|
12 inch | 75 g |
18 inch | 100 g |
24 inch | 150 g |
Because of this, you need a similar number of packs at every length. Both charts below are for a full head.
Option 1: Italian curls for the curly pieces only
Your braider makes the braids with regular braiding hair, then adds Italian curls for the loose curly pieces. This is the classic boho method.
Braid size | 12 in (75 g packs) | 18 in (100 g packs) | 24 in (150 g packs) |
|---|---|---|---|
Large / jumbo | 1–2 packs | 2 packs | 2 packs |
Medium | 2–3 packs | 2–3 packs | 2–3 packs |
Small | 3–4 packs | 3–4 packs | 3 packs |
Option 2: Italian curls all the way through
For the fullest curly look, the braids are made with Italian curls too, so curls show along the braid and at the ends.
Braid size | 12 in (75 g packs) | 18 in (100 g packs) | 24 in (150 g packs) |
|---|---|---|---|
Large / jumbo | 3–4 packs | 4–5 packs | 4–5 packs |
Medium | 4–5 packs | 5–6 packs | 5–6 packs |
Small | 5–6 packs | 6–7 packs | 6–7 packs |
Choose your length
Curly hair shrinks, so the finished curls sit shorter than the pack length.
Pack length | Approx. cm | Pack weight | Finished look |
|---|---|---|---|
12 inch | 30 cm | 75 g | Curly bob, chin to shoulder |
18 inch | 46 cm | 100 g | Mid-back |
24 inch | 61 cm | 150 g | Hip to butt length |
Not sure between two numbers? Buy the higher one. After all, running short on curls is the most common boho braid mistake.
What changes how many packs you need
How many curls you leave out. A few curly pieces per braid give a light boho look, while curls 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. In fact, small braids can use nearly twice as much hair as jumbo ones.
Length. Longer curls use more hair. Also, because curls shrink, choose a pack length that’s a little longer than where you want your curls to sit.
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 copper curls through dark braids? First, work out your total, then split it between shades. Also, buy one extra pack of your main colour.
10 Italian curl braid styles to try
Tip: Save a photo of the style you want and bring it to your appointment. That way, your braider can tell you exactly how many packs and which method to use.
- Italian curl boho knotless braids. Knotless braids with springy curls left out along each braid. The most popular look.
- Knotless braids with Italian curl ends. Flat, tension-free roots flowing into defined curly ends.
- Full curly boho braids. Curls left out from high up the braid for maximum volume.
- Italian curl bob. 12-inch curls for a short, bouncy, lightweight style.
- Mid-back Italian curl braids. The easiest length to wear and style every day.
- Hip-length Italian curl braids. 24 inches of flowing curls for a dramatic look.
- Ombré Italian curl braids. Dark roots fading into copper, honey blonde or burgundy curls.
- Colourful Italian curl braids. Bold shades like pink, purple or blue for a statement look.
- Italian curl twists. Two-strand twists with curls along the length and at the ends.
- Half-up, half-down Italian curl braids. A top bun with curls flowing at the back.
How to install Italian curl boho knotless braids
What you’ll need
NC4 Italian loose curls, 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 curls. Lightly mist them with water and leave-in, then gently separate them into small pieces. Don’t brush them, since that turns curls 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 Italian curl hair into the braid and leave 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 curly ends loose.
- Set the curls. Apply mousse, scrunch the curls gently, and tie a satin scarf down for 10 to 15 minutes.
Faster option: crochet
Cornrow your hair, then loop Italian curl pieces through the cornrows with a latch hook. You’ll get a full curly 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 Italian curl 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 before the braids themselves look old. So, many people trim or replace the frizziest pieces after a few weeks to keep the style fresh.
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 Italian curls defined and tangle-free
- Keep the curls damp. Mist them daily with water and a little leave-in. Dry curls tangle faster.
- Detangle with your fingers only. Never brush or comb the curls.
- Separate clumps gently from the ends upward.
- 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 weigh them down and attract lint.
- Trim matted ends with sharp scissors rather than pulling them apart.
How to wash Italian curl 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. Otherwise, damp braids can develop mildew and a musty smell.
- 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 bring back definition and shine.
- 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 Italian loose curls
NC4 Italian loose curls are soft, silky and lightweight, with bouncy spiral curls and a natural shine. Here’s what sets them apart:
- The full colour range of our Italian Curls hair, from natural shades like 1B, 27 and 613 to bold vibrant colours and ombré blends. Most Italian curl brands offer only natural black.
- Lengths from 12 to 24 inches, from a bouncy curly bob to hip-length curls.
- Packs from 75 g (12 inch) to 150 g (24 inch), so longer lengths come with more hair in every pack.
- 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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