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I’ve gotten boho braids enough times to know the commitment behind them: the lengthy install, the tension on your scalp, the hundreds of dollars spent on both hair and the braiding appointment. They’re cute, don’t get me wrong, but a lot goes into the look. So when miracle knots—a method so easy that anyone with even minimal braiding skills can create boho braids—started popping up on my For You Page, I was intrigued but skeptical.
Instead of the traditional knotless feed-in method, miracle knots rely on a crochet technique to create the boho effect. It sounded too good to be true, but after watching video after video of women effortlessly transforming mini braids into soft, cascading curls, it became clear—this hack actually works!
Olubolade Alexis is the content creator credited for discovering the method. Her TikTok video demonstrating how to do miracle knots has amassed more than 12 million views and a slew of comments praising the technique.
Courtesy of Olubolade Alexis
“I initially planned to use the traditional crochet method, which involves threading hair extensions into cornrows with a crochet hook,” says Alexis. However, as she experimented, she found that the miracle knot method gave her the freedom to style her hair as she desired. “I wanted the final look to be more versatile, expressive, and functional,” she adds. That vision led to the creation of what is now known as miracle knots.
What are miracle knots?
In short, it’s a technique for achieving boho braids that utilizes the crochet method on single braids. While traditional boho braids require braiding hair extensions into your natural hair, miracle knots uses a crochet hook to attach the extensions—making it ideal for those who don’t know how to attach extensions using the traditional braiding method.
The process starts with creating single braids with your natural hair all over the head (for a faster install, some opt for cornrows in the back and individual braids in the front), then threading pieces of curly or wavy hair into the braids.
Ariana Greene, a hairstylist who works in New York City, notes that the crochet method has always been a popular way to do protective styles, especially among those who like to do their hair at home. “Miracle knots feel like the evolution of traditional crochet, which would always come out looking bulky and unnatural,” says Greene. With miracle knots, the blend between extensions and natural hair is more seamless because the base is single plaits instead of cornrows.
According to Greene, the size of your braid should be determined by your desired end result and your hair density. Those with thicker hair should opt for medium, pencil-width braids to avoid a crowded appearance, while those with finer hair and less density may want smaller, half-pencil-width braids for a fuller result.
How to do miracle knots
Start by sectioning out clean, even parts and braiding them into single plaits. Some women opt to visit a salon solely to have their hair braided into individual plaits, then complete the crochet portion of the style at home. The approach ensures a neat foundation while still cutting costs, as single plaits typically cost less than $100 at many salons.
Once the hair is parted and braided into single plaits, use a crochet hook to thread two to three pieces of loose, wavy, or curly human hair into each braid, spacing them about an inch apart and starting at the midpoint, explains Alexis. “When crocheting in human hair, don’t just focus on the ends,” Greene adds. “Make sure to attach the hair starting at the mid-length, so the style isn’t overly full at the bottom but sparse at the top.”
The look can also be customized for even more ease by combining techniques. Some opt for a traditional sew-in at the back of the head, while using miracle knots with single braids in the front for a lighter, face-framing effect. If you go this route, the bundles used for both the sew-in and the crochet sections must match closely in texture and color for a seamless finish. The result is an effortlessly undone vibe reminiscent of styles worn by Zoë Kravitz and Ryan Destiny.
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Since this style relies almost entirely on human hair, investing in quality bundles is key. Expect to spend anywhere from $60 to $160 per bundle, depending on the brand and texture. For my own boho braid installs, I gravitate toward human hair extensions from LuvMe Hair and Go Naked Hair, both of which offer soft textures that blend beautifully and hold up well over time.
Stylists I’ve worked with, including Greene, also recommend Janet Human Braiding Hair, HeatFree Human Braiding Hair, Shake-N-Go Ibiza Human Hair, and YWigs Human Hair—brands known for minimal shedding, ease of use, and a natural look and feel.
Courtesy of Olubolade Alexis
When done well, miracle knots deliver a soft, boho-inspired style with impressive versatility. Alexis has worn the look at least five different times, styling it in everything from a side part and half-up, half-down look to a messy bun and a high ponytail—proof that the technique isn’t just trendy, it’s genuinely wearable.
How to maintain miracle knot braids
Miracle knots require a bit more maintenance than traditional box braids. Since the bulk of the style is human hair, weekly hydrating and moisturizing are important to ensure that the hair doesn’t become dry and tangled, which can lead to matting and shedding. “Mix water with a leave-in conditioner in a spray bottle and mist your hair and scalp about two to three times a week,” says Greene. You can also use a leave-in conditioner spray; Greene recommends Carol’s Daughter Black Vanilla Leave-In Conditioner, which instantly moisturizes curls and smells deliciously sweet. Before bed, Greene recommends putting your boho miracle knot braids into two jumbo braids or twists, then tucking them into a silk bonnet or scarf for the night to reduce frizz and shedding. When well-maintained, this style can last between three and six weeks.
While miracle knots aren’t reinventing the wheel when it comes to braids, this hack is expanding the possibilities and accessibility of at-home braiding, which is exactly the kind of flexibility Black women want now.
Miracle knots inspiration:
Curly honey blonde miracle knot braids
Courtesy of Olubolade AlexisWavy black and blonde miracle knot braids
Courtesy of @lovexjai
Curly miracle knot braids in a high ponytail
Courtesy of Olubolade Alexis
Miracle knot French curl braids
Courtesy of Olubolade Alexis
Wavy warm brown miracle knot braids
Courtesy of @rahelbrhane_