How to Style a Bela Band for a Braided Crown: Step-by-Step Tutorial for Bohemian Looks

The braided crown is one of the most romantic and effortless bohemian hairstyles you can master. Whether you are heading to a music festival, a garden wedding, or just want to add a touch of whimsy to your everyday look, this style channels free-spirited elegance with minimal effort. The secret to making it stay put without pins slipping or strands unraveling? A Bela Band. These soft, no-slip hair ties provide a secure foundation that keeps your braids in place while being gentle on your hair.

In this tutorial, we will walk you through how to style a Bela Band for a braided crown that looks intricate but is surprisingly simple to achieve. You will learn how to prep your hair, section and braid with ease, and finish with accessories that elevate the whole look. By the end, you will have a go-to bohemian hairstyle that works for both casual days and special occasions.

Why a Bela Band Is the Perfect Foundation for a Braided Crown

Traditional hair ties often leave dents, cause breakage, or slip out during the day. A Bela Band, on the other hand, is designed to hold firmly without pulling or snagging. Its soft, fabric-covered elastic grips your hair gently, making it ideal for securing the base of a braided crown. The band is thin enough to hide under braids but strong enough to keep everything in place for hours.

For this style, you will want a Bela Band that blends with your hair color or adds a subtle pop of contrast. The Essential Solid Bela Band Singles come in a range of neutral and pastel shades that work beautifully for bohemian looks. If you prefer a bit of pattern, the Prints + Patterns Bela Band Singles offer delicate designs that peek out from the braids for an extra touch of charm.

• Choose a Bela Band that matches your hair color for a seamless look, or go for a contrasting shade to make the band a deliberate accessory.

Step 1: Prep Your Hair for Maximum Hold and Texture

Start with clean, dry hair. If your hair is freshly washed and slippery, add some texture by spritzing a sea salt spray or dry shampoo at the roots. This gives the braids grip and prevents them from sliding apart. Brush your hair thoroughly to remove tangles, then part it down the middle from your forehead to the nape of your neck.

Next, gather one side of your hair and secure it with a small clip or hair tie while you work on the other. This keeps sections tidy and makes the braiding process much easier. For extra volume, you can lightly tease the crown area before braiding.

• Use a texturizing spray or dry shampoo to add grip and volume before braiding.

Step 2: Braid Each Side and Position the Bela Band

Starting on one side, divide the hair into three equal sections and braid a classic three-strand braid all the way down to the ends. Secure the tip with a small, clear elastic. Repeat on the other side. Now you have two braids that will form the crown.

Place your Bela Band over your head like a headband, positioning it just behind your ears and across the top of your head. The band should sit snugly but not too tight. This will act as the anchor for your braids. Take the right braid and wrap it over the top of your head, tucking the end under the Bela Band on the left side. Use a few bobby pins to secure it if needed. Repeat with the left braid, crossing it over the right and tucking it under the band on the right side.

• If your braids are long, you can wrap them around the crown twice for a fuller look.

Step 3: Secure and Blend the Braids

Once both braids are tucked under the Bela Band, gently pull on the edges of each braid to loosen them slightly. This creates a softer, more romantic bohemian silhouette. Use bobby pins to secure any loose ends or sections that feel unstable. The Bela Band will do most of the heavy lifting, so you may only need two or three pins.

For a more polished finish, you can tuck the ends of the braids completely under the band so they disappear. Alternatively, leave a few inches of the braid ends hanging for a relaxed, undone look. Mist the entire style with a light-hold hairspray to tame flyaways and add shine.

• Gently tug at the braids after securing to create volume and a lived-in texture.

Step 4: Add Accessories for Extra Bohemian Flair

A braided crown is beautiful on its own, but adding a few accessories can take it to the next level. Consider weaving small flowers, ribbons, or delicate hair clips into the braids. Dona Bela offers a range of hair clips that complement the bohemian aesthetic perfectly. For example, the Margot - Prints + Patterns clips add a vintage-inspired touch with their floral and geometric designs.

Another option is to use a second Bela Band in a contrasting color as a headband over the braids, or wrap a thin scarf around the crown. The key is to keep it light and airy—too many accessories can overwhelm the style. Stick to one or two focal points that draw the eye without competing with the braids.

• Choose accessories that complement your outfit and the occasion, from subtle metallics to bright floral prints.

The braided crown is a timeless bohemian hairstyle that works for nearly every hair length and texture. With a Bela Band as your base, you can create a secure, comfortable style that lasts from morning to night without constant adjustments. Whether you keep it simple or dress it up with clips and flowers, this look is sure to turn heads. Ready to try it yourself? Explore the Essential Solid Bela Band Singles to find the perfect shade for your next braided crown creation.