50 Goddess Braids Hairstyles You’ll Want to Wear This Summer

If you’re on the hunt for a go-to hairstyle this summer, look no further. Goddess braids are a summertime favorite protective style for a reason—the glam and versatile braids date back to ancient Africa, where they were a symbol of creativity and artwork. Honestly, this still rings true in 2023, given the inventive ways you can wear natural hair in goddess braids.

What are goddess braids?

Goddess braids are essentially thicker cornrows. They’re a great choice for natural hair because the low-maintenance style protects the hair from getting dry or tangled. Goddess braid hairstyles are bigger, raised higher, and braided closer to the scalp. They are unique in that they can be styled for every occasion; you can go from the gym straight to work, then out to drinks, all while protecting your hair and looking fresh. Another plus? Because they’re larger in size, they usually take much less time to install than traditional box braids or cornrows. Plan on anywhere from 30 minutes to a couple of hours, depending on your braider and the intricacy of the pattern.

From braided bun hairstyles to quick braided hairstyles for Black hair, goddess braids present a world of possibilities. Almost any style can be adapted for goddess braids, whether you’re looking for half-braided, half-curly, or one of the shorter Black braided hairstyles. Even box braids can be done in a goddess-braid style. You choose the look, and you can also play with different hair color ideas. No matter what you pick, you’ll be protecting your hair and looking cute while doing it.

With so many options, it can feel overwhelming to decide which is right for you. That’s what we’re here for. You get the braided hair; we’ve got the inspiration. Here’s a look at some of our favorite variations on goddess braids to try. Get ready to screenshot.