How goddess braids are installed

As with any braiding service, your “natural hair gets cleansed, deep-conditioned, and stretched or blow-dried first,” says Oludele. Then, your braider will feed in the braiding hair and loose curls; again, the amount really depends on your desired finish. ”The curly pieces go in while you are braiding, worked into the braid as you go,” says Oludele. “Depending on the braider and the desired finish, synthetic hair, human hair, or a combination of both may be used,” says Rutana.

How much do goddess braids cost?

To ballpark it, “goddess braids run $300 to $500,” says Oludele. It depends on the market rate where you live and the type of hair your braider uses. If you use only synthetic hair, says braider Ariana Greene, you can expect to pay less. To avoid surprises at the register, Oludele suggests asking your braider if hair is included in the initial quote before you even sit in the chair: “That’s where people get caught.”

How to maintain goddess braids

Oludele says to oil your scalp two to three times a week and to wash your hair every two to three weeks with diluted shampoo in an applicator bottle (focused on the scalp, not the hair). “A dirty scalp breaks hair,” she cautions. Camille Rose’s Rosemary Oil Strengthening Hair + Scalp Drops include soothing rosemary and peppermint oils; for shampoo, try Aunt Jackie's Grapeseed Style and Shine Recipes Power Wash Intense Moisture Clarifying Hair Shampoo, which contains apple cider vinegar and aloe, both of which have antibacterial and antimicrobial properties.

If you opted for human hair, you can expect a slightly more involved maintenance routine. “The loose human hair strands require regular care because they [are more likely to] tangle if neglected,” says Rutana. “I recommend gently separating the loose strands and using a soft-bristled detangling brush. Start at the ends and work upward, holding the hair close to the braided section to avoid pulling on the braid or natural hair.”