What Are Goddess Braids?

Goddess braids are thicker cornrows where the hair is braided closely to the scalp. The braids are typically more defined than regular cornrows but are very full. Their fullness and length contribute to them giving a goddess effect. Goddess braids have become a widely popular protective style in recent years.

How to – goddess box braids

How to do Goddess Braids?

When it comes to a goddess-themed look, parting your hair into a shapely design brings a whole new dimension to the style.

Achieving Goddess braids is very similar to installing a box braid and then transitioning into your normal cornrow. Unlike many braided styles that resemble Goddess braids, such as Ghana braids, you are not doing the traditional feed-in braid method.

Goddess braids can be created using natural hair or hair extensions. Many people will choose to use a pack of hair per braid to create a very thick braid, but it is up to your preference.

You can switch the style’s design as you can have one Goddess braid, two, three, etc. However, the style usually includes at least two braids in various designs.

1. Make sure your hair is thoroughly prepped. You want your hair cleansed, detangled, moisturized, and stretched.
2. Prep your braiding hair by making sure you stretch out the ends. Thinning the ends of the braiding hair will help your braids thin out naturally at the ends when your braid is done. You can do this by flipping to one end of your braiding hair and pulling at the hair until the hair is stretched and thinned out at the ends.
3. Part your hair into the sections and patterns you would like for your hair to be in for your Goddess braid style.
4. You can place an edge control or gel at the beginning of your braids to make them look neater. The Ebin 24 Hour Edge Tamer Extreme Firm Hold is a good choice for this. Then, part a thin section in the front of your parted section for your braid.
5. Take two pieces of braiding hair and cross them as you would if you were making a box braid. Place it behind the thin section of hair.
6. Begin attaching it to your hair like you would for a box braid, but instead of continuing in a plaiting fashion, you will attach the braid going down your scalp as you would do a cornrow. You don’t need to add in more hair unless you’d like to extend your braids longer. Now you’ve mastered the Goddess braiding technique.

How to jumbo goddess braid

Are Goddess Braids Versatile?

These braids are versatile in the braid patterns that can be created. The ends of the Goddess braids can either be worn down or made into an up-do. Goddess braids done into buns and ponytails are common forms of the style.

Accessories, such as hair clips can be added to the braids. Some women choose to mix Goddess braids and regular cornrows into one hairstyle for a trendier design.

How Long Do Goddess Braids Last?

Goddess braids are not a long-lasting hairstyle as they only last for up to 2 weeks. Maintaining the style is like maintaining regular cornrows. Making sure you cover your hair at night with either a silk bonnet or scarf is essential to keeping the style fresh.

Avoid getting the braids wet as much as possible. This can cause excessive frizz and ruin the style. Although the style doesn’t last long, it is inexpensive as it only costs $40 on average. It is also an easy style for beginners.

Who Are Goddess Braids Suitable For?

Goddess braids are a great option for coarser hair textures from 3A to 4C. Also, it’s great for all hair types, such as natural, relaxed, and transitioning hair. However, if you tend to have a more sensitive scalp, just remember that Goddess braids will require some tension, just like any other braids.

This can cause discomfort during installation. Make sure that your stylist isn’t braiding too tightly, as this can lead to hair loss and breakage.

When to Wear Goddess Braids?

These braids can be worn year-round, but they are a common summer style. Many Black women gravitate towards braids for the summer as they give their scalp air in the warmer temperatures.

How to do goddess braids

Pros and Cons of Goddess Braids

Pros

• The braids are an inexpensive style. Goddess braids are a good inexpensive braided style. They only cost $40 on average. That means you don’t have to break the bank for a cute protective style. Most protective styles can run you far into the hundreds. If you want a braided style, but you don’t want to spend too much, consider Goddess braids.
• The braids don’t take long to install. Unlike many braided styles, Goddess braids, on average, only take an hour to complete depending on how intricate the pattern is that you want. If you want to be in and out of the salon, this is a good style for you.
• The braids are a low-maintenance protective style. Much of the appeal for protective styles is that you don’t have to do much to your hair. This braided style is no different. The only step you may have to take is sleeping with a satin scarf or bonnet. You may also want to oil your scalp, but other than that, no other styling or upkeep is necessary.

Cons

• The braids can cause breakage. Goddess braids are just like any other braids in the damage they can cause. They are a great protective style, but if they are causing too much tension on your scalp, they can have the opposite effect. Ensuring your braids are done at a comfortable tightness is important. Tight braids will result in breakage and hair loss.
• The braids aren’t long-lasting. Many other braided styles may last you months; however, Goddess braids are not like those braids. Goddess braids will only last you two weeks at the most with proper care.
• The braids can’t get wet. Some people like having braids for pool activities to protect their hair. Goddess braids are not a good braid for this as they can easily become frizzy and be ruined. That also means that this is not the best option if you need a style that allows you to wash your scalp.