Boho Dreads vs Fake Dreads: What’s the Real Difference?

If you’ve been searching for fake dreads, you’ve probably also seen the term boho dreads.

Are they the same thing? Not exactly.

If you’re new to this texture category, start with the boho dreads guide.

The confusion happens because boho dreads are technically a type of fake dread extensions. But not all fake dreads are boho dreads.

Think of it this way: fake dreads is the wider category. It simply means temporary synthetic dreadlock extensions that are not made from your own natural hair. Boho dreads are a more specific style inside that category — usually softer, more textured, more layered, and often mixed with curls, braids, loose ends, or decorative details.

So yes, boho dreads are fake dreads. But calling every fake dread set “boho” would be like calling every black outfit gothic. Sometimes it is. Sometimes it is just black pants. Details matter. 😅

If you are still deciding which style is right for you, you can browse the Synthetic Dreadlocks collection, compare cleaner structured styles in the Straight Dreadlock Extensions collection, or explore textured handmade styles in the Boho Dreadlock Extensions collection.

Quick Answer: Boho Dreads vs Fake Dreads

Fake dreads are temporary synthetic dreadlock extensions. They can be classic, straight, structured, colorful, natural-looking, chunky, thin, single-ended, double-ended, curly, plain, or decorative.

Boho dreads are a specific style of fake dread extensions with a more textured, organic, romantic, and layered look. They may include loose curls, braids, loose ends, accent strands, natural color blends, or handmade decorative details.

The simplest difference:

• Fake dreads = the general category.
• Boho dreads = a textured bohemian-style version of fake dreads.

If you want the easiest low-maintenance look, classic fake dreads are usually simpler. If you want more softness, movement, texture, and visual detail, boho dreads usually give a richer result.

What Are Fake Dreads?

Fake dreads, also called synthetic dread extensions, are artificial dreadlocks installed into natural hair using braiding techniques.

• Made from synthetic fiber
• Temporary and removable
• No glue or chemicals required
• Can be single-ended or double-ended
• Can be reused with proper care
• Can create a full transformation without permanent dreadlocks

“Fake” simply means they’re not permanent dreadlocks formed from your natural hair.

That does not mean they look cheap or unnatural. High-quality handmade synthetic dreads can look very realistic, soft, clean, dimensional, or dramatic depending on the design. The word “fake” only describes the fact that they are extensions — not permanent natural locs.

Classic fake dreads are usually more uniform and structured. They often have a consistent cylindrical shape and are easier to wash, dry, store, and reuse than highly decorative sets.

If you want a clean, classic synthetic dreadlock look, browse the Straight Dreadlock Extensions collection.

What Are Boho Dreads?

Boho dreads are a stylistic category inside the fake dreads world.

• Mixed textures
• Loose curls combined with dreadlocks
• More dimension and softness
• Less rigid structure
• Often include braids, loose ends, or decorative strands
• Usually feel more organic, romantic, festival-inspired, or forest-inspired

If classic fake dreads are clean and uniform, boho dread extensions feel more organic and layered.

Think minimalism vs textured romance. Yes, I categorize hair like interior design. I’ve accepted this.

Boho dreads can look soft, wild, natural, witchy, romantic, beachy, foresty, gothic, festival-ready, or fairy-chaos-coded depending on the color and structure. They are usually less “perfectly identical” than classic dreads, and that is exactly the point.

You can explore this style in the Boho Dreadlock Extensions collection. For softer curl-heavy styles, browse the Loose Curls Dread Extensions collection.

Main Differences at a Glance

The biggest practical difference is not only how they look, but how much care they need. A simple fake dread set with plain sealed ends is usually easier. A boho set with loose curls and decorative braids looks richer, but it needs more gentle maintenance.

Are Boho Dreads More High Maintenance?

Sometimes.

If your boho set includes loose curls or decorative braids, maintenance is higher than with plain synthetic dreads.

For a full breakdown of routines and washing instructions, read How to Care for Boho Dreads.

Plain boho dreads without curls can be just as low maintenance as classic fake dreads.

If you want the clearer daily-life comparison, also read Boho Dreads with Curls vs Without Curls.

The maintenance level depends on what exactly is inside the set:

• Plain dreads: easiest to maintain.
• Dreads with braids: still manageable, but decorative braids may need light correction.
• Dreads with loose curls: higher maintenance because curls need separation and friction control.
• Brushable ends: softer look, but they need gentle detangling and reshaping.
• Highly decorative boho sets: beautiful, but not for people who want zero daily care.

If you want a style that you can mostly ignore, choose simpler fake dreads or low-maintenance boho dreads. If you want romantic curls, decorative texture, and maximum “forest goddess walked through a portal” effect, accept that the hair will require more devotion.

Are Both Reusable?

In most cases, yes.

Plain fake dreads are usually easier to reuse. Boho dreads with curls require more careful washing and correction.

If you're planning to wear your set multiple times, read this guide first: Can You Reuse Boho Dreads?

Reusability depends on:

• fiber quality
• construction tightness
• curl type
• how carefully the set is removed
• washing method
• drying method
• storage between wears

Classic structured fake dreads usually survive more reinstallations with less effort. Boho dreads are also reusable, but curls, loose decorative braids, and airy textures may need extra care before the next install.

If your main goal is long-term durability, choose a simpler structure. If your main goal is visual softness and texture, boho dreads are worth it — just don’t treat them like gym socks. Handmade texture deserves better, damn it.

Which One Looks More Natural?

This depends on what you mean by “natural.”

If you mean a clean dreadlock shape, classic fake dreads may look more structured and intentional. If you mean a softer hairstyle with movement, imperfect texture, and color dimension, boho dreads may look more natural and lived-in.

Boho dreads often create a more organic effect because they mix different textures instead of repeating the same shape over and over. That can make the hairstyle feel softer, more wearable, and less rigid.

For example, natural blonde and brown blends often look beautiful in boho styles because the mixed textures make the color feel more dimensional. A good example is the Boho-Chic Dirty Blond & Dark Blond dreadlock set. For an earthy green accent style, see the Forest Brown Blond & Green Set.

Which One Is Better for Beginners?

If you are completely new to synthetic dread extensions, classic fake dreads are usually easier to start with. They are more predictable, easier to wash, easier to dry, and easier to reuse.

Boho dreads can also be beginner-friendly if the set is not too curl-heavy or overly decorative. A lightweight boho set with mostly dreads and a few braids can be a great first style.

Beginners should be careful with:

• very long sets
• very heavy full-head installs
• lots of loose curls
• highly decorative fragile textures
• too much tension at the roots

If this is your first time installing synthetic dread extensions, read First Time Installing Synthetic Dread Extensions before ordering or installing.

If you want to understand length comfort before choosing, read How to Choose Dreadlock Length.

Which One Should You Choose?

Choose classic fake dreads if:

• You prefer clean lines
• You want minimal maintenance
• You’re new to synthetic dreads
• You want easier washing and drying
• You want a reusable set with fewer delicate elements
• You prefer a more structured dreadlock look

Choose boho dreads if:

• You love texture and movement
• You want curls and layered detail
• You don’t mind a bit more care for more visual impact
• You want a softer, romantic, or festival-inspired look
• You like mixed textures, braids, accent strands, and color dimension
• You want the hairstyle to feel more organic and expressive

There is no “better” option. There’s only “which vibe fits you.”

If you want a clean, practical, beginner-friendly style, classic fake dreads may be best. If you want more magic, movement, and layered texture, boho dreads are probably calling your name like a little forest goblin with good taste.

How Many Fake or Boho Dreads Do You Need?

The right quantity depends less on whether the set is called “fake dreads” or “boho dreads,” and more on your natural hair density, coverage area, and how full you want the final look to be.

If you want a quick estimate before choosing a set, use the Dread Calculator to compare full head, half head / undercut, and nape installs.

As a general idea:

• Nape install: a small amount for subtle accents.
• Half-head / undercut: often around 20–30 DE depending on head size and desired volume.
• Full head: often around 45–60 DE depending on hair density and dread thickness.
• Extra full look: may need more pieces, but comfort should still matter.

Double-ended dreads create more visible volume because one DE piece is folded during installation and creates two visible ends. For example, 20 DE dreads create around 40 visible ends, while 50 DE dreads create around 100 visible ends.

Boho dreads may look visually fuller because curls, braids, and loose ends add texture. But that does not always mean you need fewer pieces. The final quantity still depends on your head size, natural hair density, and desired coverage.

Are Fake Dreads Safe for Natural Hair?

When installed properly and not too tightly, fake dread extensions are considered a protective style. The biggest problem is usually not the fiber itself, but excessive tension, poor installation, or rough removal.

If you want the deeper explanation, read Are Boho Dreads Safe for Natural Hair?.

Fake dreads and boho dreads can both be safe when:

• the sections are not too small for the weight
• the install is secure but not painful
• the hair is not pulled too tightly at the roots
• the set is not too heavy for your natural hair
• the extensions are removed gently
• the scalp is washed and dried properly during wear

If your scalp hurts sharply, if the roots feel painfully tight, or if the install creates headaches, something is wrong. Pain is not “normal beauty.” Pain is your scalp filing a formal complaint.

Do Fake Dreads or Boho Dreads Smell?

Neither fake dreads nor boho dreads smell by default.

Odor usually comes from trapped moisture, product buildup, poor drying, or neglected scalp care — not from the dreadlock style itself.

If smell or hygiene is one of your concerns, read these guides:

• Are Dreadlocks Dirty?
• Why Do People Think Dreadlocks Are Dirty?
• Do Dreadlocks Smell?

The hygiene rule is simple: wash your scalp, rinse properly, dry completely, avoid heavy product buildup, and do not sleep with damp hair.

Examples of Classic Fake Dreads and Boho Dreads

If you want clean structured synthetic dreadlocks, start with the Straight Dreadlock Extensions collection.

If you want textured, layered, romantic styles, browse the Boho Dreadlock Extensions collection.

For softer curl-based looks, explore the Loose Curls Dread Extensions collection.

For a quick removable option without a full install, browse the Clip-In Dreadlocks collection or read How to Easily Install Clip-In Dreadlocks.

Some useful product examples:

• Boho-Chic Dirty Blond & Dark Blond Dreadlock Set — natural blonde boho look.
• Forest Brown Blond & Green Set — earthy boho color palette.
• Black to Green Ombre Crocheted Dreads — darker statement color.
• Black to Red Ombre Crochet Dreads — dramatic alternative style.
• Blue Orange Ombre Fake Dreads — bright festival energy.
• Blended Blonde Clip-In Fake Dreads — quick removable styling.

If you want to see how handmade dreadlock sets are created, visit the Behind the Scenes page.

Best Choice by Lifestyle

Choose classic fake dreads if you want easy care

Classic synthetic dreadlocks are usually the best choice if you want a style that is easier to wash, dry, store, and reuse. They are also better if this is your first full-head install and you want the least complicated option.

Choose boho dreads if you want texture and personality

Boho dreads are better if you want softness, movement, layered detail, curls, braids, or a more artistic look. They are especially good for festivals, photoshoots, alternative styling, and anyone who wants the hairstyle to feel more expressive.

Choose loose curl styles if you want a softer full-hair effect

If classic dreads feel too structured and boho curls feel more like your dream hair, explore Loose Curls Dread Extensions. Just remember: curls are gorgeous, but they need care.

Choose clip-ins if you want no commitment

If you only want the look for one day, a festival, a photo shoot, or a quick test, Clip-In Dreadlocks are the easiest option. They are removable and do not require full braid-in installation.

Final Verdict: Are Boho Dreads and Fake Dreads the Same?

Boho dreads are a type of fake dreads, but they are not the same as every fake dread style.

Fake dreads is the broad term for temporary synthetic dreadlock extensions.

Boho dreads are a textured, layered, bohemian version of fake dreads, often including curls, braids, loose ends, or decorative details.

Choose classic fake dreads if you want simplicity, structure, and easier care.

Choose boho dreads if you want texture, softness, movement, and a more expressive handmade look.

If you want help choosing the quantity before you shop, use the Dread Calculator.

If you are ready to browse, start with the Boho Dread Extensions collection, the Synthetic Dreadlocks collection, or the Straight Dreadlock Extensions collection.

Frequently Asked Questions