Goddess Braids Make Protective Styling Fun Again

Whether you're expressly a braids-on-vacation kind of person or they're more of a lifestyle for you, you can't go wrong with trying what is arguably the most popular protective hairstyles of all time. Braids are lauded for their versatility as well as their functionality, but if we take it back to the basics, they're simply a cute and easy-to-achieve hairstyle. So when a new variation of the tried-and-true look hit the scene, you can understand why they became an immediate hit. Enter: goddess braids.

Like their predecessor the goddess locs, goddess braids typically combine traditional box braids with loose, curly pieces of hair at the ends or throughout the length of the braid for an effortless, boho-chic feel to the normally very structured look. The style rose to popularity in 2018 hot on the heels of the locs version, and it has quickly earned hall-of-fame status as a go-to hairstyle that looks good with any outfit or makeup look.

Still, as with any protective style, you need to be proactive about your hair health when wearing goddess braids. "To ensure that box braids are not damaging to the hair, be sure not to have them installed too tightly," founder of Iman Yvonne Beauty, Alicia Bailey, previously told POPSUGAR. "If this happens, it could cause follicular damage and hair loss. This could result in traction alopecia, and depending on the severity of the situation, the hair may not grow back."

To make sure that your goddess braids are helping — not harming — you, make sure that you are only wearing them up to the recommended eight weeks and not longer, wearing a bonnet when going to bed, and keeping your scalp clean with regular washes.

Now that you know everything you need to know about goddess braids, take a closer look at some pictures to inspire your own version of the style ahead. Whether you like the style short and cut into a bob or with extra length, there's something here for everyone.