30 Trending Gypsy Braids in 2024: Installation Manual & Care

If you are looking for a more free-flowing braided look that still has the benefits of a box braid, then gypsy braids are perfect for you. Gypsy braids have become a very sought-after protective hairstyle because of their functionality and versatility.

With proper care, this attractive protective hairstyle can last up to six to eight weeks. Gypsy braids are also incredibly easy to install if you have already mastered box braids.

What are Gypsy Braids?

Gypsy braids are a type of bohemian style of braided hair typically associated with gypsy or Romani culture. These braids have a loose and undone appearance, giving off a laid-back and carefree vibe.

Difference Between Gypsy Braids vs Goddess Braids

It is very easy to confuse goddess braids with gypsy bohemian braids as both use synthetic and curly human hair. However, the end results are very different. For instance, goddess braids are a protective hairstyle where curly human hair extensions are added sparsely throughout the braids or at the ends.

On the other hand, multiple wavy and curly human hair extensions are added to each braid in a variety of patterns. While the gypsy braids have a softer and more romantic look, goddess braids have a neater and more defined appearance. Both of these protective hairstyles are incredibly popular around the world.

Also Read:

Boho Braids Hairstyles: Ultimate Bohemian Knotless Braids Guide
Breathtaking Butterfly Locs Hairstyles for a Mesmerizing Look
Faux Locs & Goddess Locs Hairstyles: Protective Style Ideas

How to Install Gypsy Braids?

There are several techniques to install gypsy boho braids. One of the easiest ways is to feed synthetic hair to the natural hair as you braid your hair into box braids.

1) Start by parting your hair into sections or your required pattern.

2) Comb your natural hair to ensure that there are no knots.

3) Apply hair gel to the roots of your hair.

4) Start braiding your natural hair. Braid your natural hair three times before feeding a strand of synthetic hair.

5) Keep on feeding synthetic hair to your natural hair until the required density is achieved.

6) Till this point, the gypsy hair tutorial is very much similar to a box braid tutorial. This is where differentiates the box braids from the gypsy braid – as you braid the synthetic hair and your natural hair, add a strand of curly hair extension towards the middle of the braid.

Do not use this curly strand to braid the remaining hair, instead leave it as is. You can also add these curly strands right towards the end of your braid.

Once you have finished braiding, seal the ends by employing your preferred sealing method.

How Long Do Gypsy Braids Last?

Like most protective braids, with proper care and maintenance gypsy braids can last between 6 to 8 weeks.

Most professional hair stylists recommend their customers to not wear their protective hairstyles for longer than 8 weeks because it can lead to matting of hair at the roots and excessive buildup, which can cause your scalp to irritate and even lead to hair breakage.

To ensure the longevity of gypsy braids, it is important to visit the salon at least once every 2 weeks and follow a braid and scalp maintenance routine to nourish your scalp and hydrate your natural hair. But even with this level of care, you must remove your gypsy braids.

What Hair to Use for Gypsy Braids?

Hair stylists and braiding experts recommend using wet and wavy human braiding hair to achieve the gypsy box braids look. However, for the box braids, you can use pre-stretched synthetic hair in the color of your choice.

How to Maintain Gypsy Braids?

Proper gypsy braids maintenance not only improves the appearance of your braids but also nourishes and hydrates your scalp and natural hair. Follow these tips to maintain your gypsy braids-

1) Separate your hair into four to six sections.

2) Spray water on your hair properly and run your fingers through your hair to detangle.

3) Now, use a spray like Hawaiian Silky Miracle Worker that moisturizes your hair, soothes your scalp, strengthens and defines your hair, and revives hair from dryness. Use the spray generously on the ends of your hair to detangle the hair.

4) If you notice any knots at the ends then cut them with scissors.

5) Once again separate your braids and apply.

6) Now, apply a generous layer of a curl-defining, smoothening, and shine-enhancing cream on the bottom half of your braids and curls.

7) Before going to sleep, twist 2 strands from each section of your hair into loose braids.

8) Apply a scalp soothing tonic that targets dirt and excess oil build-up on your scalp to sloth irritation.

9) To take care of flyaways, lather your scalp in your favorite mouse and then wrap your hair in a scarf.

Products to Use to Maintain Gypsy Braids

The right products and how often you use them affect the longevity of your gypsy braids, along with proper installation.

Here are some products that you’ll need to ensure that your scalp and natural hair are healthy, along with products that will help you maintain your curls-

1) Oil your scalp regularly with your favorite oil that soothes your scalp and promotes natural hair growth.

2) For daily scalp care use a scalp cream that tackles issues like itching, along with moisturizing your natural hair.

3) Apply curl-defining and detangling hair oil to the lengths of your hair to ensure that your hair is not tangling.

Carefully apply this hair oil to the wavy or curly human hair extensions regularly. Pro tip- Trim the ends of the human hair extension when they start becoming too straggly.

4) To tackle new growth (which can sometimes be frizzy) apply braiding foam and wrap your hair in a bonnet or scarf before going to sleep

5) It is very common for human hair extensions to lose their wave or curl after a few weeks. To bring back the curls you can wrap the human hair extensions in flexi rods overnight or use a curler.