When it comes to maintaining goddess braids, you’ll want to wear a silk or satin headscarf bonnet and use a silk pillowcase while sleeping. “Goddess braids must be properly maintained throughout the duration of the style,” says Nayla Chalas, master braider and educator at NVYLV Salon. “As you may know, you are not only managing braids, but human hair as well.”
Another important part of maintaining your braids is keeping your scalp moisturized. “Using a lightweight moisturizer two to three times a week will help keep your scalp and roots healthy,” says Ocando. She recommends avoiding oils that are thick or heavy to minimize buildup and if you don’t want to use oils at all, a hydrating serum is a great alternative. She points to rosemary, shea, and jojoba as nourishing ingredients to look for in products as well.
“If your scalp starts to feel itchy or dirty, cleanse it gently using diluted shampoo along the scalp,” she says. “Washing frequency varies; some clients wash weekly, others can go three weeks. It really depends on your environment, activity level, and overall lifestyle.”
