Braided protective styles rise in popularity over the summer months for two major reasons: they are generally low maintenance and require little manipulation throughout the duration of the style. “In addition to being a low maintenance and low manipulation hairstyle, some other benefits to braids are length retention and style versatility,” begins Swivel Beauty stylist Kamary Mingo, a New York-based braider with over 20 years of experience. “Due to your strands being tucked away in a protective style, the probability of breakage and split ends are significantly lowered, which aids in length retention.” According to Mingo, there are two ways to achieve the goddess braid look.
When working with traditional box or knotless braids (typically achieved with synthetic hair), an additional mixture of synthetic or human hair can be simultaneously added in and left out over the braids for the loose tendril effect. Human hair can also be added at the ends of the braid for a curly or wavy finish; “allowing for more mobility within the style while keeping tension levels low.” Some stylists opt to use crochet synthetic hair to keeps costs low (as human hair is more expensive than synthetic) but may me more challenging to maintain in the long run.
Your goddess braids can be maintained with just four simple products: water, moisturizing oil, mousse and/or a lightweight, water-based conditioning spray. “Be patient with your goddess/bohemian braids and keep in mind loose hair, like your natural hair, tangles, and is subject to frizz when left out and subject to natural elements i.e. humidity, rain, friction etc. To keep frizz and tangles at bay, when applying products such as water, mousse, or conditioning spray, gently comb, brush or finger detangle any knots as you see them,” Mingo encourages.
