Chase Infiniti turned heads on the 2026 Oscars red carpet on 15th March with her debut appearance at the ceremony. The star of One Battle After Another, which won Best Picture, wore a custom lavender Louis Vuitton gown paired with striking diamond jewellery totaling 57 carats from De Beers London. While the cascading ruffled gown and high-carat jewels drew praise, her boho braids also captured attention.
The protective hairstyle, often described as goddess or boho braids, has seen renewed interest among fans seeking similar looks for holidays and everyday wear. Beauty experts at Fresha highlight the style’s popularity among celebrities such as Zoe Kravitz, Tyla, and Beyoncé, noting that “they’re not as effortless as they might seem. They need the right care to avoid tangling, shedding, and scalp damage.”
Holiday haircare tips for boho braids
Experts emphasise that protective styles like boho braids can reduce daily styling stress and improve scalp health when properly maintained. Geillo recommends the following steps for sleeping in and maintaining braids: separate hair into two sections, apply a small amount of curl custard or leave-in conditioner mixed with water using a fine mist bottle, twist or plait the sections, and protect the roots with a silk scarf while covering ends with a bonnet.
A holiday braid care kit should include a fine mist water bottle with leave-in conditioner, mousse such as Lottabody Wrap Me Foaming Mousse, Aunt Jackie’s Curl Custard, and a detangling brush or Denman curly brush. Experts note that mousse can dry hair if too thick, but the recommended products work well for curly hair.
For itchy scalps, apple cider vinegar in a spray bottle or clarifying shampoo applied to the scalp, followed by mousse and a hair wrap, can provide relief. Swimming is possible with 100% human hair braids if hair is tied up, rinsed, detangled, and treated immediately afterward. Synthetic hair should generally be kept dry.
Managing shedding, tension, and maintenance
Boho braids can shed when using human hair, which is normal, while synthetic hair sheds less but may tangle if neglected. Braids should not feel heavy; using less braiding hair and more curls achieves the boho effect. Lower-maintenance alternatives include butterfly locs, knotless braids with curled ends, stitch braids, or looser curl patterns. To keep edges smooth in humidity, use extra-hold gel, hairspray, and a silk scarf, setting with a blow dryer if needed.
Boho or goddess braids typically last 4–6 weeks, with minor front refreshes to maintain a polished appearance. Experts stress gentle handling and quality products, such as Cantu leave-in conditioner, Lottabody mousse, and Aunt Jackie’s Curl Custard, to support curl definition and overall hair health.
The trend’s broader impact
The surge in searches for “boho braids” and “goddess braids care” reflects high-profile celebrity appearances, including Chase Infiniti and Zoe Kravitz. Protective styles remain popular for holidays and travel, offering both aesthetic and practical benefits. Chase Infiniti’s Oscars look demonstrates how elegant red carpet hairstyles can also provide versatility and convenience, inspiring fans to replicate the style with proper care.