When it comes to protective hairstyles, there’s endless room for experimentation, from knotless braids and butterfly locs to intricate heart designs in cornrows. Goddess braids are another protective style that belong on your radar. Not only does the beachy, boho style put less tension on your scalp than traditional cornrows, they also tend to be quicker to install and fairly easy to maintain. Below, Sharie Wilson and Tonya Thompson, hairstylists and co-owners of DreamGirls hair-care brand and salon, share everything you need to know about goddess braids before your next install. Plus, we’re sharing seven goddess braid hairstyles on Instagram to add to your growing collection of hair inspo. 
