Goddess Locs Are a Staple Protective Style For a Reason

The versatility of protective styles is exactly why they're so loved. From braids to twists and even sew-ins, they're a great way to get your natural hair up and out of your face without having to sacrifice your favorite looks. As if you didn't have enough decision paralysis about what hairstyle to do next, allow us to throw another option into the ring: goddess locs.

Though similar to faux locs, the difference between the two lies primarily in the hair used. "Faux locs tend to have more of a coarse texture while the goddess version tends to be a little more loose," hairstylist Martika Cogdell tells PS. "The look was created by trichologist Kari Williams." If you've yet to give goddess locs a try, ahead Cogdell explains everything you need to know about the hairstyle, including more about the technique and tips for protecting your natural hair underneath.

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Martika Cogdell is an editorial hairstylist whose work has been seen in Vogue, Forbes, and more.

What Are Goddess Locs?

As the name suggests, goddess locs are a version of the typically rope-like hairstyle that is created by knotting together sections of hair. It usually features wavy pieces of hair throughout the length of the loc, as well as toward the ends, creating a dual-texture hairstyle that is perfect for year-round wear. It was first popularized in 2015 after Dr. Williams created the style for actor Meagan Good. "Whereas traditional faux locs use a heavier Kanekalon texture (in turn, making that style feel heavier on the head), goddess locs usually use human hair," Cogdell says. "This allows for more versatility while styling as well as better maintenance results since you can treat them like your own hair."

How to Get Goddess Locs

The technique to get goddess locs is two-fold. "You'll first need a knotless or traditional box braiding pattern to start," Cogdell says. "Then you'll want to start incorporating the human hair."

Once you have your box braids in, you'll take the human hair and use a crochet hook like the 1st Choice Latch Hook Crochet Needle ($4) to pull it through the top of the braid near the root. Measure out one side of the human hair extension to be shorter than the other, then start wrapping the longer piece along the entire length of the loc. Some people add the wavy ends to the braid before wrapping the loc and others glue them onto the end of the already loc'd piece. That part of the process is personal preference and entirely up to you. Once you've reached the end of the loc, rub your hands together to fuse the ends. (You can also use a pinch or hair glue like the Ghost Bond Hair Replacement Adhesive ($19) to make sure that it doesn't unravel.)

How to Protect Your Natural Hair While Wearing Goddess Locs

Though protective styles are great at keeping heat away from your hair, you still must practice your normal wash-and-care routine when wearing goddess locs. We'd recommend the Pattern Hydration Shampoo ($21) and the Pattern Intensive Conditioner ($28). "Although the convenience of protective styles makes us procrastinate [when] taking them out, goddess locs (or any type of faux locs for that matter) shouldn't be in for more than three months," Cogdell says. The hairstylist also cautions against trying to take your locs out by yourself at home. "Please go to a professional to have your goddess locs removed because this is a very intricate style," she says. The removal process may be difficult to navigate on your own, and it's unlike that of traditional braids." If you do decide to give it a go at home, be sure to have a mirror handy and lots of patience. Rushing the process may lead to you cutting your hair if you're not careful. Once you have them out, we'd suggest using a product like the Bread Beauty Supply Pre Wash Clay Treatment ($34), which is a detoxifying pre-wash treatment, as a first step during wash day.

If you're now on the hunt for your goddess locs hairstyle, we went ahead and rounded up some of our favorite versions of the look ahead.