(Picture by @sarahsbraidph on Instagram)

Goddess braids are the ultimate blend of elegance, protection and versatility. Whether you are heading to brunch with the girls, going on a dreamy vacation, or simply looking for a low-maintenance yet fabulous hairstyle for your day-to-day life, goddess braids always deliver. But if you are wondering how to style goddess braids in ways that suit different occasions and moods, you are in the right place. In this post we've put together a go-to guide for styling goddess braids that will have you turning heads and serving looks all year round.

Before we dive into different styling tips, if you're new to goddess braids and would like to learn more check out our post on What are goddess braids?, and if you're looking for goddess braids near me, check out our post on top goddess braids hairdressers in London, to find the best braider for your next look.

Easy Ways To Style Goddess Braids

1. Half Up Half Down

(Picture: Pinterest)

This classic style is perfect for showing off the length and flow of your goddess braids while keeping hair out of your face. Just gather the top half of your braids into a ponytail, leaving the rest to flow down your back.

Great for: Brunches, dates, casual outings, and days when you want to look cute with minimal effort

How to do it:

1. Separate the top half of your braids from the bottom section
2. Gather the top section into a ponytail
3. Secure it with a hairband
4. For a sleeker finish, wrap one or two braids around the base to conceal the hairband

Style tip: Leave one or two braids loose at the front to softly frame your face. You can also accessorise with beads or gold cuffs to elevate the look.

2. High Bun

(Picture: Pinterest)

A high bun is both regal and practical. It lifts the braids off your shoulders, making it perfect for hot weather or when you want to highlight your neckline. It also adds height, which can be super flattering.

Great for: Summer days, weddings, formal events, or when you want to give off boss energy

How to do it:

1. Pull all your goddess braids into a high ponytail at the crown of your head
2. Twist the ponytail around itself to form a bun
3. Use hairpins to secure the bun in place
4. Smooth your edges with edge control or gel for a polished finish

3. Side Part

(Picture: Pinterest)

Let your goddess braids fall on one side for a romantic and soft look. This style is effortless but still gives that wow factor.

Great for: Date nights, evening dinners, or when you’re going for an elegant and romantic vibe

How to do it:

1. Create a deep parting on either the left or right side of your head
2. Allow your braids to fall naturally in the direction of the part
3. Add a touch of glamour with statement clips, metallic cuffs or hair rings

4. Claw Clip Half Up Half Down

(Picture: Pinterest)

The claw clip trend isn’t going anywhere, and it works beautifully with goddess braids. It adds a chic, effortless vibe.

Great for: Work, everyday activities, or low-effort chic days

How to do it:

1. Section off the top part of your braids
2. Tie it into a loose ponytail using a hairband
3. Lift the ponytail upwards and secure it with a large claw clip
4. Let the ends cascade over the clip for a laid-back yet stylish look

5. High Ponytail

(Picture: Pinterest)

This is a go-to style for when you want your braids out of your face but still want full movement and flow.

Great for: Night outs, formal events, or when you want a sleek and snatched look

How to do it:

1. Gather all your braids at the top of your head
2. Tie securely with a sturdy hairband

Style tip: Switch your hairband with scrunchies for a trendy touch or wrap one of the braids around the base to hide the hairband, for a sleeker finish.

6. Half Up Half Down Pigtails

(Picture by @jadesimmone on TikTok)

Add a playful twist to the classic half-up style by creating pigtails. This youthful look is great for casual outings or festival vibes.

Great for: Festivals, picnics, summer parties or fun photo days

How to do it:

1. Part the top half of your braids down the middle
2. Gather each section into a small ponytail on either side of your head
3. Secure with hairbands or colourful scrunchies
4. Leave the rest of the braids to hang freely down your back

7. Low Bun

(Picture by @pearl_lesssa_ on TikTok)

Low buns are effortlessly chic and ideal for more formal settings or minimalist styling.

Great for: Weddings, formal events, work meetings or elegant evenings

How to do it:

1. Gather all your braids at the nape of your neck
2. Twist into a bun
3. Secure with a strong hairband and pins

8. Braided Pigtails

(Picture by @nicollacussaia on TikTok)

A nostalgic style with a grown-up edge, braided pigtails are both cute and functional.

Great for: Picnics, casual days out, or when you’re feeling cute and playful

How to do it:

1. Part your braids down the middle from front to back
2. Braid one section and tie it off
3. Repeat on the other side

Style tip: Tie some ribbon into a bow at the end of each pigtail to add a cute and youthful touch.

9. Hair Down with Head Wrap

(Picture by @angiegonzpr on TikTok)

Head wraps are a great way of adding a pop of colour. Let your braids flow freely while adding colour with a head wrap for a bold but comfortable look.

Great for: Lazy days when you want to add a pop of colour to your hair or spice up your look easily

How to do it:

1. Style your braids down as usual
2. Wrap a head wrap around your head
3. Tie it at the back of your head, behind your braids

Style tip: Let a few front braids peek out to frame your face for a soft and beautiful finish

10. Halo Braid

(Picture by @pah_nah_she on TikTok)

The halo braid is a timeless and regal look, giving princess vibes.

Great for: Weddings, birthdays, special events or any day you want to feel like royalty

How to do it:

1. Take a small section of braids by your ear and braid it
2. Wrap the braid around the crown of your head
3. Secure it with pins

Keep Your Braids Looking Fresh

Styling goddess braids is only half the journey, maintaining them is key to keeping your look flawless. Here are a few quick tips:

• Wrap your hair at night with a silk or satin scarf or bonnet
• Moisturise your scalp regularly with light oil or a scalp spray
• Avoid heavy build-up by using lightweight products and not over-using products
• Keep your braids clean - learn how in our How to Wash Goddess Braids post
• Refresh your curls easily - find step-by-step tips in our guide on How to Refresh Your Goddess Braids Curls