You’ve seen them everywhere. On your Instagram feed, at the gym, and definitely in that one TikTok that stayed in your head for three days. We’re talking about 4 braids with curls. It’s that specific sweet spot between "I tried really hard" and "I just woke up like this." But honestly? Most people overcomplicate it. They think they need three different types of edge control and a professional degree in hair mapping just to get the parts straight. You don't.
The beauty of this style—often referred to in shops as "boho braids" or "goddess braids" depending on how much hair is left out—is the intentional messiness. It’s a hybrid. You get the structure of a protective style with the soft, romantic movement of loose hair. It’s perfect for those awkward weeks when your hair is growing out or when you just can't be bothered with a full head of small knotless braids that take eight hours to install.
The Anatomy of the Perfect 4 Braids with Curls Setup
Let’s get real about the layout. When we say 4 braids, we usually mean four thick feed-in braids or stitch braids running from the hairline to the nape. But if you just braid them all the way down, you're missing the point. The "curls" part of the equation is what actually adds the volume.
Texture matters more than you think. If you use cheap synthetic hair for the curls, it’s going to matted within forty-eight hours. I’ve seen it happen. You spend three hours in the chair, look great for a Saturday night, and by Monday morning, you’re hacking at a bird's nest with a pair of kitchen shears. Not ideal.
Instead, seasoned stylists like Nafy White and the folks over at The Braid Bar often suggest using human hair bulk or a high-quality "master mix" for the curly pieces. Why? Because synthetic fiber and natural oils don't play nice. Human hair allows you to refresh the curls with a bit of water and mousse without it turning into a loofah.
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Why Texture Choice Ruins (or Saves) the Look
Think about the environment. If you live somewhere humid, like Houston or Miami, a 4 braids with curls style using heavy synthetic curls is a death sentence for your edges. The weight of the water trapped in those fibers pulls. It hurts. It can even lead to traction alopecia if you’re not careful.
Use the "pinch test." When you’re buying your braiding hair (like X-pression or Outre), grab a small section of the curly hair you plan to weave in. If it feels "crunchy" or overly shiny, keep walking. You want something that mimics a 3C or 4A curl pattern to blend seamlessly with your natural leave-out or the braid itself.
Stop Making These 3 Common Braiding Mistakes
Most people think more is better. It isn't.
First, the parting. With only four braids, your parts are going to be visible. This isn't the time to freestyle with a dull comb. You need a rat-tail comb and a heavy-duty braiding gel—something like Let’s Jam or Shine ‘n Jam (the extra hold in the orange jar is the industry standard for a reason). If your parts are wonky, the whole look feels sloppy rather than "effortlessly chic."
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Second, the curl placement. Don't just stick curls at the ends. That looks like a 90s prom disaster. You want to feed the curly strands into the braid as you go down. This creates a cascading effect. It makes the hair look like it has layers.
Third—and this is the big one—tension. Because there are only four braids, each braid is carrying a lot of "real estate" from your scalp. If the braider pulls too tight, you’ll see those tiny white bumps. That’s your hair screaming. If you feel a headache starting before you even leave the chair, tell them to loosen up. Beauty shouldn't feel like a migraine.
The Maintenance Routine That Actually Works
Maintenance is where the "4 braids with curls" dream goes to die for most people. You can't just sleep on a cotton pillowcase and hope for the best. You'll wake up looking like you fought a dryer sheet and lost.
- The Pineapple Method is your friend. Since you only have four braids, they are thick. Pull them loosely to the top of your head and secure them with a silk scrunchie.
- Satin, always. Wrap the base of the braids with a silk scarf to keep the frizz down, but let the curls hang out in a satin bonnet.
- Mousse is the secret sauce. A lightweight foaming mousse (like Lotta Body or The Doux Mousse Def) is essential. Every two days, run a bit of mousse through the curly sections to redefine the pattern.
Don't over-oil your scalp. People love to drench their parts in peppermint oil. While it feels good, too much oil attracts dust and lint. You’ll end up with "braid gunk" at the roots that is a nightmare to wash out later. A light touch once or twice a week is plenty.
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When to Retire the Style
Look, 4 braids with curls isn't a "six-week style." It’s a "two-to-three-week style." Because the sections are so large, your new growth will show much faster than it would with tiny micro-braids.
Once the braids start to slide back more than half an inch, or the curls start to look more like frizz than ringlets, it’s time. Taking them out is easy, though. Just be careful not to snip your own hair when you're cutting out the extensions. Since the curls are interspersed, it’s easy to get confused about where your hair ends and the "boho" part begins.
Real-World Versatility
The best part about this look? It goes from a business casual blazer to a bikini effortlessly. I've seen women wear this to weddings with a few gold cuffs slid onto the braids, and I've seen it at the gym tied back into a massive bun. It’s the ultimate "I have a life" hairstyle.
If you're worried about it looking too "young," keep the curls minimal. Just a few strands at the very ends and maybe one or two peeking out from the middle of the braid. It keeps the silhouette sleek but adds enough texture to stop it from looking flat.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Next Install
If you’re ready to try 4 braids with curls, don't just walk into a shop and hope for the best.
- Buy your hair ahead of time. Don't rely on the shop's "house hair." Grab two packs of pre-stretched braiding hair and one pack of human hair deep wave bulk.
- Prep your natural hair. Wash, deep condition, and blow-dry your hair straight. Braiding on tangled or damp hair is a recipe for breakage and mold (yes, hair can get moldy if it stays damp inside a braid).
- Map your face shape. If you have a rounder face, ask for the two center braids to be slightly closer together to create an elongating effect. If your face is long, wider spacing can help balance things out.
- Edge care. Grab a soft-bristle toothbrush and a non-flaky edge control. Swoop them, but don't glue them. Let your scalp breathe.
This style is a vibe. It's easy, it's relatively fast, and it looks incredible on everyone when it’s done with a bit of intention. Stop overthinking the "perfection" of it and embrace the texture.