When it comes to natural haircare and styling, there are dozens of looks to indulge in. From striking natural styles to luxe protective styles, you’re bound to find a look that suits your mood and taste. One of the most popular options? Goddess braids, which celebrity hairstylist Ursula Stephen calls “the best of both worlds" because of its incorporation of both braids and loose hair.
While this look seems intricate, Stephen says that it's easy to master. She explains, "Goddess braids are braids with strands of curly hair added throughout the entire length of the braid or solely at the ends." Professional hairstylist and celebrity braider Kendra Garvey adds that this is a "quick hairstyle," traditionally comprised of thick braids, that can be incorporated into either braids or cornrows. The result is a long, voluminous look that, according to ancient African tradition, is meant to evoke feelings of inspiration and creativity.
"It's a look that's been around for a really long time," says Garvey, noting that the style has been around since 4500 B.C. During Garvey's 30-year braiding tenure, she says that the goddess braid of the moment has changed, oscillating from cornrows to box braids, thick to thin braids, and crowns to loose styles. Even locs have been incorporated into goddess braids, especially after Lisa Bonet popularized the bohemian style during the 90s. However, the general idea—a whimsical mix of protective styles and loose hair—has remained the same.
Ahead, Stephen and Garvey unpack everything there is to know about the protective style, including the best products for maintaining the show-stopping look.
Creating Goddess Braids
When crafting goddess braids, Stephen says you must have a few items at the ready. The first is synthetic or human hair—"preferably pre-stretched kanekalon hair." According to Garvey, hair pieces made from human hair are increasingly popular these days because of their realistic look and feel. This hair can be of any texture. Stephen explains, "Some like a kinky texture and some like a loose wave," but it's completely up to your personal preference. For a fun touch, Garvey suggests picking hair that's a different color than your natural hair.
When you're ready to braid in a cornrow or box braid style, Garvey says to begin parting and braiding as you normally would, incorporating extensions as you go. While you braid, be sure to let some strands hang loose—either fully or in part. Finally, Stephen advises sealing the style with edge control or braid gel, which is important for both maintaining your look and promoting moisture.
This pre-stretched kanekalon hair from The Sassy Collection is a hit among reviewers, who say it’s easy to take care of, style, and detangle. It’s made to be soft and manageable so that braiding is quicker and gentler on tired fingers, and it’s flame-resistant to boot. A robust package, it comes with 48 inches of length but remains comfortable and lightweight. And at only $4, it's the perfect go-to option for anyone on any budget.
Pros: lightweight; long; easy to braid; soft; doesn't tangle easily; affordable
Cons: some customers say it's difficult to set
Stephen says she loves this styler from Eco Style, explaining, “This styler contains shea butter and is perfect for protective styles because it penetrates and locks the moisture in.” There are benefits of using olive oil on hair, and this product is designed to do so without making hair greasy. It’s also perfect for enhancing curl definition, creating knotless braids, and laying edges. And, of course, it’s safe for both natural and synthetic hair.
Pros: expert-approved; affordable; moisturizing
Cons: small container
Costs
Goddess braids can cost anywhere between $150 to $300, depending on length, style, hair type (kanekalon or human), and your braider's rate. The longer and more intricate the look, the more you can expect to pay.
Aftercare
Goddess braids are intended to be a temporary style. Stephen explains, "I usually recommend wearing braids or any type of protective style for no more than six weeks. Keeping them past this time can be damaging to the hair because it can become dry and brittle or lock at the root." Garvey adds that your hair will revert to its natural state if you swim or sleep on it, which may alter the look of your goddess braids. Plus, she says, hair growth can make the braids look like they're pulling from your roots.
Still, there are ways of keeping your braids looking chic for as long as possible. Stephen says, "It’s okay to lightly shampoo your braids. Just focus on the scalp." Then, when you're done, she advises users to dry the hair and scalp completely. Garvey also recommends sleeping on a silk pillowcase or using a silk hair wrap to maintain a cleaner look.
Above all, caring for goddess braids also means keeping them conditioned—as with any natural hairstyle. "We cannot allow the hair to become dry and brittle," says Stephen. To prevent that dryness, it's important to choose nourishing products that keep strands healthy from root to tip.
Stephen loves this shampoo for braid care, explaining, “It will remove the sweat, oil and build up without stripping the hair.” The formula is also 100 percent clean, meaning that it’s free of aluminum salts, mercury compounds, synthetic fragrance, and other nasty, potentially harmful ingredients. It’s also free of sulfates and silicones, and is instead filled with moisturizing elements like phytantiol, which ameliorates heat damage and even helps maintain hair color.
Pros: clean; free of sulfates, SLS, SLES, and silicones; vegan; expert-approved
Cons: none found
For styling goddess braids and locking in indispensable moisture, Stephen recommends the Eco Style Strand Restore Gel Booster. “This conditioning blend was created to condition and repair damaged hair,” she describes. “Add a few drops in hand, emulsify, and apply to the scalp. Don’t forget to pull some product down the strands of braids as well, feeding the scalp and hair. This can be used on wet hair and reapplied to dry hair.” It’s also great for mixing in with your favorite gel for an added boost of hydration.
Pros: expert-approved; affordable; a little goes a long way; versatile; hydrating
Cons: full ingredients not divulged online
While Garvey admits that some people love the lived-in goddess braid look, she recommends a silk pillow case to minimize fizz. "I use a lot of Kim Kimble's silk pillowcases and bonnets," she says. She adds that silk is also better for your skin, so you can rest assured that your investment is working double time.
Pros: expert-approved; great for hair and skin; easy to incorporate into your routine
Cons: expensive
Garvey uses this cap to maintain her braided styles. It's available in black and pink, and she says that she notices a marked difference when she uses it consistently. Made from 100 percent mulberry silk, it's perfect for extending the life of your style. Garvey admits that it's more expensive than satin options, but recommends opting for 100 percent silk, explaining that it's higher quality.
Pros: expert-approved; can be used for protective styles and natural styles; comes in two colors
Cons: expensive
How to Remove
To undo this style, cut each braid just below your natural ends with hair-cutting scissors. As the hair unravels, carefully separate the extensions from your natural hair.
If you're uncomfortable taking the braids out yourself, visit a professional braider who can perform the removal with ease.
Meet the Experts
Ursula Stephen is a celebrity hairstylist known for crafting looks for celebrities like Rihanna, Laverne Cox, and Mary J. Blige. She has worked with legendary fashion photographers like Annie Leibovitz, Norman Jean Roy, and more for a number of fashion magazines; has collaborated with brands; and owns Ursula Stephen The Salon in Brooklyn, New York. She is currently based in New York and Los Angeles.
Kendra Garvey is a celebrity hairstylist and braider with over 30 years of experience. She is a two-time Emmy nominee and is known for her work on the sets of A Wrinkle in Time, Euphoria, and Tia Mowry's Quick Fix.
