:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-1489327055-b4616757dfbb416b89f45e314365e82e.jpg "Goddess Braids: Everything You Need to Know (1)")
Cornrows. Box braids. Faux locs. Dutch braids ... there are so many braiding styles to choose from. And while you can't really go wrong with any type of braid, believe us: Goddess braids are one look you absolutely won't regret.
The boho chic braid style has been everywhere — from Janelle Monáe to Gabrielle Union — and it's not hard to see why. "Goddess braids are a great protective style because they are super cute, versatile, and they last for about four to eight weeks, so they're a great low-maintenance option," says hairstylist Geneva Fowler. To find out more, we spoke with Fowler to get all of her tips and tricks to pulling off this plaited style.
Meet the expert
Geneva Fowler is the lead braid stylist at Beautbeez.
Keep reading for our expert-approved guide to goddess braids.
What Are Goddess Braids?
Goddess braids (a.k.a. boho braids) are box braids with curly strands added to hair's mids or ends, resulting in an undone, bohemian style.
How to Install Goddess Braids
If you've had box braids before, you'll know that they take a while to install, but the results are totally worth it. Depending on the size and length of your goddess braids, they can take anywhere from four to eight hours to finish, so make sure you have a good book or a long playlist with you.
How to Prep Your Hair for Goddess Braids
The number-one rule before getting any protective style is to make sure your hair is clean. Shampooing your hair before installing goddess braids is important and can help prevent an itchy scalp.
Next, Fowler suggests a deep conditioning treatment. "Conditioning the hair and scalp helps to ensure they are healthy and ready for the installation," she says. "Following your conditioning treatment, I recommend blow-drying your hair straight to make installing the goddess braids easier for your braider."
VIDEO: 8 Mistakes You Didn't Know You Were Making with Your Protective Style
Goddess Braid Aftercare
If you want your braids to last at least four weeks, you need to give them a little TLC. Fowler likes to apply Shine N' Jam Foam once a week to help refresh the braids. You also want to make sure you are taking care of your scalp. "I recommend using a gentle cleanser to keep your scalp clean and healthy," the hairstylist says.
How to Wash Goddess Braids
Washing goddess braids is not as hard as it might seem, just make sure you take your time. "Start by applying shampoo to your hair and gently scrub your scalp with your fingertips," instructs Fowler. "Let the shampoo run through your braids naturally, then rinse your hair with cold water. After washing, wrap your braids in a scarf to make sure your natural hair lays flat and as neat as possible."
How to Remove Goddess Braids
"You'll know that it's time to take out your goddess braids when they begin to look too worn in," says Fowler. I personally take them out when the curly goddess hair starts to get ratty or my scalp gets too itchy and uncomfortable."
To remove the goddess braids, cut the plait about an inch below where your natural hair ends. "The blunt cut will make the braids unravel faster and you will end up with less hair to unbraid especially if you had super long braids installed," explains Fowler.
The Cost of Goddess Braids
The price for getting goddess braids depends on the length you get and your location. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere between $150 to $300.
