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You might have seen a few gorgeous braid styles that resemble chunky cornrows on Instagram, but did you know that this look has a particular name? They're called goddess braids, and they're one of the hottest hairstyles for natural and transitioning hair, thanks to their protective properties and pleasing visuals. However, it's important to note that this style isn't anything new. Goddess braids date back to ancient Africa as a symbol of art and creativity.

The most notable difference between goddess braids and regular cornrows is that the former is thicker in size and raised higher, which ultimately creates the goddess effect. Even better, they can be worn in a variety of ways. Up, down, sideways, and any other designs you can think of. The length of time it takes to get your goddess braids done ultimately depends on the skill of your braider and how elaborate you want to go. The install process can be as little as 30 minutes or take as long as two to three hours. The time trade-off is so worth it, though, since you can keep goddess braids in for up to six weeks.

If you need some inspiration before trying the style for yourself, check out these 48 goddess braid hairstyles that are wowing the Instagram crowd—plus expert insight from Luvme Hair's Ayana Johnson and SHYNE's Alvin Mills on how to maintain your new 'do.

Meet the Experts

• Ayana Johnson is a hairstylist at Luvme Hair.

• Alvin Mills is the founder of London-based haircare brand SHYNE.

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Full-On Goddess

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Goddess braids are also often defined as braids that feature some sections of hair left out and curled, lending an ethereal look to the 'do. To keep your goddess braids fresh, Johnson suggests using gentle, sulfate-free cleansers to cleanse the scalp without stripping the natural oils from your own hair or the added hair. After that, she says to use a moisturizing and antibacterial oil blend to prevent itching. Top it off with a lightweight conditioner, hair oil, or hair mist to moisturize your braids.

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Goddess Updo

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Sometimes, goddess braids look their most regal when sticking close to your head, leaving everyone to closely admire their intricacy. The loose curls spilling out from Willow Smith's bun make the look all the more divine.

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Put a Twist On It

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Put a literal twist on your goddess braids. Instead of the typical three-section braid, ask for tight-nip twirls. Add curly strands to elaborate the goddess aesthetic.

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Simple Ponytail

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Ponytails are a style that might be old, but they're also gold. Cornrow your entire head and follow through until you can't braid anymore. Once your goddess braids are established, you can wrap a few around the rest to create this queenly look.

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Dutch Braids

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Embrace all-chunky everything, not just with fashion but with hair as well. If you don't have time to sit at the chair for hours, go simple with two symmetrical Dutch braids. Take out bits of curly strands to really illuminate the goddess effect.

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Goddess Bun

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Next up on the list: a regal top knot bun. Secure the braids with bobby pins or a color-matched elastic. For added dimension, alternate between braid sizes throughout.

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Double Buns

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What's better than one bun? Two buns, of course! This style is perfect for the goddess braids enthusiast obsessed with symmetry.

Johnson says most wearers will keep their braids in for 4-8 weeks, but it depends on how fast your hair grows, the material you use, and how well you care for your scalp and hair.

"I recommend using human hair for braids and keeping them for no more than eight weeks (You need to loosen your hair for deep scalp conditioning and scalp cleansing to avoid hair loss)," she explains. As for synthetic hair, Johnson recommends a four-week maximum since synthetic hair "gets rougher easily and becomes matted over time, even with regular maintenance."

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Straight-Back Braids

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For the lover of simplicity, straight-back braids are the answer. Sure, you can try to dress them up with fancy accessories, but you can also just wake up and go whenever you please. What's better than that? 

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Boho Braids

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Most goddess braids are tight and neat, but it doesn't have to be that way if it's not your style. Looser braids tend to be better for your scalp and edges anyway, so kudos to you. Alicia Keys sported a carefree bohemian style that we're still not over.

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Braided Ribbon

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When you feel like a goddess, there's no harm in adding a few accents to your braids. Metallic colors are a classic option, or if you're looking to make a bold statement, try white ribbon tied around dark locks (or vice versa if you're rocking a lighter shade).

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Half-Up, Half-Down

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Don't know whether you like your hair in a bun or down? Don't worry—You can have the best of both worlds. Just ask your braider to create a pattern that will let you pull part of your hair up when needed.

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Symmetrical Part

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They say beauty is found in symmetry, and you might as well apply that theory to goddess braids, too. For a touch of uniqueness, add an accent box braid on each side.

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Curly Ends

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Braiding your hair could mean saying goodbye to your regular hair for a few weeks. If you feel like you'll miss your locks, you don't need to braid all the way down. Curly strands look extra stunning with this look.

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Partial Pigtails

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Pigtails are always a fun hairstyle, but you can give them a modern twist if you don't commit all the way. We love this half-pigtail, half-down style with tendrils left out in the front.

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Asymmetrical Blonde

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Channel your inner Beyoncé with an asymmetrical braid style that screams Lemonade vibes. Make sure you get your braids done on your favorite selfie side, and bonus points if you opt for goddess braids in a light brown or blonde hue. 

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Skinny Goddess Braids

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Chunky braids might be having a moment right now, but that doesn't mean you can’t don a few thin ones if that's the look you love. The other plus side? You can sport your hair sans extensions or save a few bucks by not needing so many.

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Whimsy Goddess

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Take a break from tying your hair back and let your braids fall naturally. If you like a romantic look, curl your free ends. The texture is extra visible on blonde and other light shades.

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Double Braids

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If you want to keep things simple, stick to two long braids. The sheer length and accompanying hoop earrings provide all the clean drama you need, though feel free to dress it up with thread or charms if you'd like.

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Regal Ponytail

@worldofbraiding/Instagram

Getting a goddess braid ponytail doesn't mean you have to keep your plaits the same size. You can easily alternate between sizes and create a unique pattern. Make your actual ponytail voluminous If you like a dramatic, regal touch.

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Two-Tone Tribe

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Love blonde and brunette? You can opt for both hues and create a dimensional style that resembles highlights and lowlights. Don't forget to add your beads, of course!

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Short Embellishments

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Long goddess braids are popular, but short and medium-length styles need love, too. Here's what you can expect if you ask a braider for a shoulder-length ponytail with charms.

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Snowflake Part

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Don't forget, you can braid in a pattern with your goddess style. We love this eight-pointed snowflake (or star, if that's what you prefer to call it) pattern. The design serves as a fun peekaboo crown without having to shave.

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Loose Half-Up

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To make the style a bit more loose, leave the ends of some of the goddess braids undone, and pile hair into a messy half-up style, with a few loose braids framing the face for good measure.

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Slicked-Back Look

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A slicked-back look is always beautiful, and it looks even better at extreme lengths with a few beads at the end. The result is nothing short of majestic.

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Red Curly Updo

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A short goddess braid hairstyle with curly ends will create a gorgeous updo, and pairing it with a vibrant red will make you look like a flame.

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Threaded Ponytail

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If braid charms aren't your style, you can always wrap a few braids with decorative thread. This goddess braid ponytail looks stunning, especially when paired with a few alternating cornrows.

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Braided Halo

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Do you want to feel like an angel? Then try this halo goddess braid for a sent-from-heaven vibe. You can keep it simple or add a few accent braids for a modern twist.

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Rainbow Goddess

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Sometimes, you need a pop of color. Why not go for all of them while you're at it? 

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Red Romance

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Add a little romance to your everyday look with a crimson red hue that's sure to stand out no matter how you style your braids that day.

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Chunky Braids

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What can we say? Chunky braids are just less fuss, and they look phenomenal. We recommend you give them a try when regular goddess braids just aren't doing it for you.

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XL Goddess Braid

@foreverflawlyss/Instagram

There's beauty in simplicity, and this glamorous, extra-long goddess braid proves it. Don't you agree?

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White Ombré

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Going for goddess braids that are let down like box braids will give you the best of both worlds. Try enhancing the look with gray-to-white ombré highlights.

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Red Space Buns

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Goddess braids don't have to be "serious." You can still dabble in fun, festival-ready styles like space buns.

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Goddess Braid Headband

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Treat your goddess halo like an actual headband. Keep it simple with hoops, or you can even add in your favorite flowers as a natural accessory.

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Accent Beads

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We're in love with this shoulder-length goddess braid style. The multicolored beads take it up a notch, as well.

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Blue Goddess

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You might want to embrace a nice cobalt blue if you dig fashion colors. Try an updo for some extra drama.

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Curly Pigtails

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Add some texture to your braided goddess pigtails by leaving your hair in voluminous waterfall curls. If your curls could use a boost to be this bouncy, don't be afraid to whip out a curling wand, iron, or roller.

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Goddess Box Braids

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We've shown you a lot of goddess braid styles that resemble box braids, but here’s another one to capture your heart. 

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Purple-Gray Pony

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Are you experimental with your colors? You'll love this purple and gray goddess braid ponytail.

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Braided Fauxhawk

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Fauxhawks always provide an edge, and this one is no different. Check out this intricate set of braids—we're sure you'll save this look for a future appointment. There are some must-have products to keep your goddess braids—whether loose or tight—in good shape. Mills suggests a silky durag or scarf to "keep the friction at bay," along with a wide-tooth comb to "deal with matted hair and tangles."

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Goddess Pigtails

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Instead of just sticking to individual pigtail braids, go for an elaborate set with numerous plaits. For a more fun look, position them up high and smooth over your baby hairs.

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Really Red Braids

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Whether you go burgundy or copper red, the vibrant colorway symbolizes wealth, power, and ambition. That's why it pairs so well with goddess braids—it's literally in its name!

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The Fewer, The Better

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Not every goddess braid hairstyle needs to be in rows—sometimes, the fun lies in the scalp. At your next appointment, ask your hairstylist for an intricate design of your choice (or freestyle, if you're feeling bold). The chunkier the braids, the more the scalp will stand out.

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Coiled Ends

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Level up your curly ends with thick, chunky coils at the end. This gives the goddess braids a fun yet precise finish (and, when worn in a high ponytail, makes for an overall sleek 'do).

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Heart Braids

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Put your hearts up literally, and we're not talking about the Ariana Grande song. If you're searching for some scalp designs, look no further than the trending conrow heart braids. Incorporate a heart (or two! or three!) with your goddess braids to add a playful vibe to your hairstyle.

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Curls and Pearls

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We're all in for hair accessories, whether they're tiny charms or metallic cuffs. Another fun idea is to spruce up your goddess braids at the hairline. May we suggest, gluing on a few gems or pearls on your baby hairs? To add some dazzle to baby hairs, use tweezers and precisely lay on cosmetic rhinestones (like Half Magic's Self-Adhesive Gems), or use a brush-on glue to safely apply your bling.

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Micro-Swoops

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Another fun way to utilize your baby hairs: add some swoops or loops a la Betty Boop. Jessica Williams is a prime example, showing that the addition can be as subtle as you want it to be.

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Criss-Cross It Out

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There are endless design patterns for the scalp to keep your braids looking and feeling fresh. Right now, we're a fan of the criss-cross braids as they give a subtle trompe l'oeil effect at first glance.