Goddess braids are thick, raised cornrows that sit boldly on the scalp, often swept back, curved into shapes or wrapped into a crown. Today the name is also used for boho goddess braids, where curly or wavy pieces are left out along the braids for a softer, textured finish.
This guide shows you how to do classic goddess braids with braiding hair, plus how to add the boho finish. For inspiration, see our goddess braid hairstyles.
What You Need
- Braiding hair: pre-stretched braiding hair is the easiest. A full head of goddess braids usually takes a few packs, depending on how many braids you want.
- Curly or wavy hair if you want boho goddess braids.
- Rat-tail comb, clips and braiding gel or edge control.
- Leave-in conditioner, a light oil and mousse.
How to Do Goddess Braids
1. Wash, Condition and Stretch
Start with clean, conditioned and detangled hair. Blow-dry on low to medium heat with a heat protectant, or band your hair, so it’s stretched and easy to part. Apply a little leave-in conditioner.
2. Part Your Rows
Use the tail of your comb to part rows from the hairline to the nape. Goddess braids are big, so most people choose a small number of rows, often four to eight. Clip each row and apply gel along the parts.
3. Prepare the Braiding Hair
Divide the braiding hair into pieces before you start. If your hair isn’t pre-stretched, gently pull the ends to taper them so the braids finish naturally. Lay out small pieces for the start of each braid and bigger pieces to add as you go.
4. Start the Braid at the Hairline
Take a small section at the front of the first row and split it into three strands. Fold a small piece of braiding hair around your natural hair so you have three strands, then begin a cornrow by crossing the outer strands under the middle one.
5. Feed In More Hair as You Go
With each stitch, pick up a little hair from the row and add it to the outer strands. Every few stitches, feed in another piece of braiding hair. This builds the thick, raised look that defines goddess braids while keeping the start of the braid flat and natural.
6. Braid to the Nape and Down the Length
Keep cornrowing until you reach the end of the row, then continue with a regular three-strand braid to the ends of the extensions.
7. Repeat for Each Row
Braid the remaining rows the same way, keeping the size and tension consistent. A full head can take several hours, so take breaks or ask a friend to help.
8. Add the Boho Finish (Optional)
For boho goddess braids, add small pieces of curly or wavy hair as you braid and leave the ends loose so curls fall along the length of each braid. You can also leave the ends of the braids out and curly instead of braiding to the tip.
9. Finish the Ends Safely
Trim stray hairs along the braids. To seal synthetic ends, pour hot water from a kettle into a heat-safe bowl or mug and dip the ends in for a few seconds. Never put your hair inside a kettle or a pan on the heat, and don’t use boiling water near your skin. Protect your neck and shoulders with a towel, then pat the ends dry.
10. Set and Smooth
Apply mousse over the braids, tie them down with a scarf for 20 to 30 minutes, and smooth your edges with a little edge control.
How Long Do Goddess Braids Last?
Goddess cornrows usually last about two to four weeks. Boho styles with loose curls may need more upkeep, since the curly pieces can tangle over time.
Care Tips
- Sleep in a satin scarf or bonnet.
- Moisturize your scalp with a light oil or leave-in spray every few days.
- Refresh loose curls with a little water and leave-in conditioner, and detangle them gently with your fingers.
- Remove the braids if they feel painfully tight or you notice bumps along your hairline.
Final Thoughts
Goddess braids are a striking protective style that’s easier than it looks once you’re comfortable with feed-in cornrows. Start with a few large braids, keep your parts clean and your tension gentle, and add curls if you want a softer look. For a related style, see our guide to butterfly braids.
