What Are Goddess Braids?

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You may be wondering, what are goddess braids? Braids have evolved greatly over time with many styles out there that we can choose from now. From simple and classic knotless braids to timeless cornrows, elegant French curl braids, and more, the list is endless. A braid style you have probably heard about and seen on social media is the popular goddess braids. If you don’t know much about goddess braids but want to try them out, don’t fear because I am here to give you the ins and outs about them. Trust me when I say you don’t want to miss out on this stunning style. If you are looking to get your hair done by a professional you can find the top Afro hairdresser in London for goddess braids here.

MEET THE EXPERTS:

• Sariette, founder of Crown Royale, is a professional hairdresser with over 20 years of experience who specialises in a range of protective styles.
• Chantee, founder of Braiding Meraki, is a professional mobile hairdresser and a braid specialist.

What Are Goddess Braids?

Just as the name suggests goddess braids look angelic and heavenly. Evolved from traditional box braids, goddess braids involve box braids with curly strands added in the mids or ends of the braids. This results in an undone and effortless look. The flowy look of this style makes it a perfect style for summer which is right around the corner! It’s officially braid season, y’all!

How Long Does Goddess Braids Take To Install?

We all love getting our hair done but there’s always the dreaded question of ‘How long do I need to be sitting in the salon chair for?’. Sariette answers this question explaining “Unfortunately, there’s no straightforward answer. Installation time can vary widely depending on the desired size, length, and how many curls are being added to the braids. Additionally, the condition of your natural hair plays a role – if your hair needs detangling, stretching, or blow-drying before braiding, expect to add another 30 to 60 minutes to the total time. With that being said, the process can take anywhere from four to eight hours.”

What Hair Do I Use For Goddess Braids?

Choosing the right hair extensions is key to achieving a flawless long lasting goddess braid style. Goddess braids can be done using loose curls or wavy hair extensions. You can go for either synthetic or human hair extensions for this style however many prefer human hair extensions. Synthetic curls can get tangled easier and get matted quicker over time, therefore high maintenance is required, so human hair extensions are the favoured option by many.

Nevertheless, you can absolutely get the best of both worlds. Sariette suggests “Synthetic hair can be used particularly for the main braided sections as it holds structure well, is cost-effective, and comes pre-textured for easy blending.” Kanekalon hair, in particular, is her favourite because it’s smooth, durable, and mimics natural hair without excessive shine. “Then, for the curly pieces, you can use human hair to achieve soft, natural-looking curls.” This gives the overall style a richer and softer finish.

Goddess Braids vs. Boho Braids

Goddess braids are often confused with boho braids as they look very similar but there’s a difference in the placement of the curls. Unlike goddess braids, boho braids have curly strands at various points of the braid. To learn more about boho braids check out our post on “What Are Boho Braids“.

How To Maintain Goddess Braids?

Night Care

Chantee emphasises “whichever type of hair you go for – human hair or synthetic – your night-time routine is absolutely key” when it come to maintenance. Protecting your braids while you sleep is essential for keeping the curls defined, preventing tangles and protecting your hairline. Her top tips include: “always sleep with a silk bonnet or on a silk pillowcase – or even both. Tie the hair back in a loose, low ponytail, or plait the hair into two to four loose braids. Then in the morning, undo them and gently shake everything out.”

Refreshing Curls

Chantee explains that how often you refresh your curls depends on the type of hair you’ve chosen. “Human curls love moisture, so they are slightly more high-maintenance than synthetic curls,” she says.

Human hair curls:

For human hair, she recommends following this daily routine: “Mix water with a leave-in conditioner in a spray bottle, give the curls a light mist every morning, and gently separate the curls with your fingers.” She also advises to “avoid heavy mousses and gels, as they can dry the hair out.”

Synthetic hair curls:

Synthetic curls, on the other hand, “don’t need as much moisture, but they do need frequent separating,” Chantée explains. She recommends “separating the curls daily with your fingers and smoothing a bit of edge control or curl cream along individual strands to bring the definition back.” She also advises “avoiding too much water, as synthetic curls can frizz or matt if they get oversaturated.”

Goddess Braids Inspo

Goddess braids are versatile and can be styled in numerous fashionable ways. We’ve curated a list of our 7 favourite styles to inspire your next look.

Black Coloured

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Goddess Braids with Highlights

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Short Goddess Braids

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Ginger Coloured

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Blonde Coloured

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Brown Coloured 

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Peekaboo Goddess Braids

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Goddess braids are very versatile and gorgeous for any time of the year. If you’re looking for a professional braider to do your braids, you can find the best London braiders here. For more Black hairstyle inspiration, and how to’s on Afro hair care, explore our Afro hair tutorials.