What are goddess lemonade braids?
Goddess lemonade braids are long cornrows that flow to one side of the shoulder. Most people prefer to wear them around the chest, although it is possible to wear them to the waist.
Goddess lemonade braids can sometimes be installed on one side of the scalp while box braids occupy the other. The braids can be made thin, medium, or large, and can be done on natural hair or with braid extensions.
The stylish protection is suitable for wearing all year long and for any occasion. You can rock them super long, in jumbo sizes, in bold colors like blonde, black, brown, lemonade, or any other color of your choice.
Additionally, you can add beads, colored yarns and strings, cuffs, and rings to them. The best part is that they require little maintenance.
Should you decide to rock goddess lemonade braids, I share the step-by-step guide to DIY or find a hairstylist who can walk you through it.
Also Read: 21 Must-Know Hair Trends for Black Women That Will Be Big in 2023
Why are they called lemonade braids?
People are unaware that lemonade braids have been around for decades, originating in Africa.
Until Beyonce’s 2016 Lemonade album made them a trend, they were called side braids.
In the smash hit, Beyonce wore golden lemonade braids, and that is where the name lemonade braids originated. This style is sometimes called “Beyonce braids.”
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How to Make Goddess Braids with Curls?
To get started, you would have to assemble all the materials you need, including;
1. Braiding synthetic hair
Depending on how big you want your goddess braids or how much natural hair you have, you’ll need about five to nine synthetic braids. Synthetic hair now has rough ends, which aren’t easy to use in that state. So you have to feather the hair first.
You might have seen a hairstylist feathering synthetic hair for braids. The process is easy; here is a step-by-step guide below:
- Remove the hair from the package, taking off the rubber bands holding the bottom and center of the hair together.
- Hold the bottom of the hair in one of your hands facing upwards.
- With your other hand, pull up small sections of hair continually.
- When done, hold the hair at the center and use your other hand to figure comb the hair.
- You might also use a big wide comb to make it even.
- Additionally, you can rub a small amount of moisturizer in your palm and apply it to synthetic hair. This would hold the hair together.
- Once the ends are feathered and combed, it’s ready for installation!
2. Wavy hair
Secondly, you’ll need wavy hair for the curls. Using a human hair braiding tool for your curls is highly recommended as it is softer and more relaxing. However, some people choose to use the same synthetic braiding hair but a different color for their curls.
3. Scissors
You’ll need scissors to trim the rough edges of the braids.
4. Styling gel
To hold and style your edges.
5. Butterfly clips
To hold your hair and braids together.
6. Sulfate-free shampoo
For washing your natural hair.
7. Conditioner
To moisturize your hair. You can opt for a deep conditioner if you have super dry hair.
8. Wide toothed comb
To comb your hair and the braids:
9. Rat tailed comb
To even out your hair for braiding.
10. Edge control
11. Hot water
12. Towels
Getting your hair ready
Getting goddess braids takes time to make. You would also want to keep it for a few weeks to two months too, for the beauty and glamour. As such, it requires that you keep your natural hair clean and moisturized before you braid. To do this please;
- Wash
- Shampoo
- Condition
- Dry
- Moisturize your hair.
When your hair is ready, divide it into individual cornrow sections with your rat tail comb.
Secure sections with the butterfly clip or rubber band, depending on what you have.
Do take your time while parting your natural hair into smaller sections for the braids. The smaller size you choose depends on how big or small you want your goddess lemonade braids.
Installing your goddess lemonade braids with curls- step by step guide
Now that your natural hair has been divided and you’ve parted out your first section, it’s time to get to braiding. Your stylist should follow the guidance below to install your braids:
- Rub some edge control on your first individual cornrow section.
- Divide the hair section into three parts for braiding.
- Grab smaller braiding hair and hold it at the scalp of your natural hair.
- Using your natural hair as one of the three braiding sections, begin to three-strand braid, closely on the scalp, and then continue weaving.
- Add Hair as You Braid
- As you continue to braid the hair, add hair from the section you’re braiding into the cornrow. This is where a braid turns into a cornrow, and this is what attaches the braid to the scalp. Each time you pick up one of the three pieces of hair to braid, gently pull the hair from the parted off section and add it in as you braid. For a uniform look, add an even amount of hair each time.
- Continue Braiding and Adding Hair to the Cornrow.
- Since you’re braiding to flow on one side, make sure you follow the pattern correctly, braiding from one side of the hair (right) to the other side (left), where it’s left to flow.
- After you’ve braided down the cornrow on the scalp, grab a small amount of the wavy hair and join it with two of your braiding sections. Repeat this within an inch or two.
- Braid to your desired length, adding more synthetic hair.
- When you get to where the extension hair meets the wavy hair, apply one drop of styling gel there and allow it to dry. The gel will keep the braid in place while the wavy hair remains loose.
- Cut off any scraggly ends with scissors for a clean look.
- Repeat for all the individual sections.
- Secure the Ends
Making goddess lemonade braids curls with hot water setting
Another way to make curls in your goddess lemonade braids is through a hot water setting. Unlike the curls, the hot water setting makes the goddess lemonade braids relax and become softer, making your new braids relaxed and painless.
To curl your goddess braids, use hot water;
- Twist two or more goddess braids from the center to the bottom into one braid.
- Repeat the process until all the braids are joined to each other.
- Put water to a boil using a boiling kettle.
- That should take about 5-7 kettle minutes.
- When the hot water is ready, pour it into a cylinder-shaped container, about 10 to 12 inches long.
- Wrap a large cotton towel or washcloth around your neck from behind, as you do in the salon.
- Sit back and relax backward on a chair, with your face facing slightly upward.
- Your stylist will dip the goddess lemonade braids in the hot water from behind, leaving it to settle within a minute or two.
- Dry hair with towel another towel
- Unplait join braids.
- style as desired.
- You can use styling gel to style the edges.
- There you have your relaxed, curly goddess braids!
How long does it take to make goddess lemonade braids?
Installation can take anywhere from three hours to five hours or more, depending on how small or big you want it. The actual installation time for you will depend on:
- How quickly your stylist can braid
- Your desired braid length is
- The size of your head
- How large do you make your parts
- How much hair do you have
It’s advisable to take the day off for this hairstyle to avoid any surprises.
How to maintain goddess lemonade braids?
After going through all the trouble of installing goddess lemonade braids, you would definitely want to make the style last. Use the tips below to help you properly maintain your braids for weeks or a few months:
1. Wrap them up at night with a silk/satin bonnet or scarf.
For maximum protection, use a hairnet on it after scarfing. This helps to minimize frizz and extend the life of the style. Going to bed without scarfing your goddess braids makes it dull after a few weeks.
2. Moisturize your scalp with oil.
If you plan on wearing the style for longer than a month or so, you may notice that your scalp gets dry or itchy. Use a light oil to hydrate your scalp whenever necessary. Olive oil, sweet almond oil, or lavender oil are excellent for braids.
3. Avoid Swimming pool
If you cannot stay away from swimming for the time being while having goddess lemonade braids, make sure to dry your hair after with a hand dryer. Leaving it to dry takes longer and may smell.
Dos and don’ts of goddess lemonade braids
- Do find ways to maintain the braids.
- Be patient with the braiding process.
- Don’t touch or try scratching your scalp.
Pros and Cons
Pros
1. long-term protective style.
Goddess lemonade braids are a long-term protective style that can last up to a couple of months. Once you reach the two-month mark, it’s time to take the style down, otherwise, your scalp begins to inch and smell.
2. Easy maintenance.
All you need to do to maintain the style is to oil it from time to time and cover it up at night.
Cons
1. Stressful to install.
Some may find goddess lemonade braids very difficult to install on their head as it takes time. To install it on yourself is even more stressful.
2. Long installation time
Just like other braided styles, the installation time for goddess lemonade braids is relatively long. It can take six hours to braid.
3. Heaviness.
The synthetic hair used for the style has the potential to feel heavy and cause neck pain. It can also be damaging to your baby’s hairs and edges.
4. Styling Gel
Some styling gels cause your edges to break. Do limit its use as much as you can.
Facts about Goddess Lemonade Braids
1. Protects your natural hair
Goddess lemonade braids are a great way to protect your hair from the wear and tear that is associated with constantly visiting the salon, perming, and styling your hair.
2. Encourages hair growth
They offer the added benefit of encouraging length retention because the braided hair will not be bothered by repeated manipulation.
3. Protects your natural hair against harsh conditions
Additionally, it will not come into contact with surfaces such as cotton pillowcases or cloth car seats. Goddess lemonade braids also protect your hair against harsh weather conditions like harmattan or dry season.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What curls are used for goddess braids?
Goddess braids require two types of extension hair: braiding hair and wavy hair; braiding hair or
Wavy hair The wavy hair could be;
Freetress Deep Twist Synthetic Hair.
Freetress Loose Deep Wave Synthetic Hair.
Freetress Water Wave Synthetic Hair.
How long do Goddess braids with curls last?
The installation process can be as little as 30 minutes or take as long as two to three hours. The time trade-off is so worth it, though, since you can keep goddess braids in for up to six weeks.
Do you dip Goddess braids in hot water?
For this protective style, we don’t recommend dipping the hair in hot water because the hair will lose its wavy pattern and curly texture. You will end up with flat, messy hair. Dip it in hot water only if you are using 100% human hair.
How many bags of hair do you need for lemonade braids?
This style features a lot of hair, so you must provide your stylist with enough for maximum impact. For lemonade braids, you will need five to six packs of hair to complete this look.
What kind of hair do you use for lemonade braids?
The most common type of extension hair to use for lemonade braids is Kanekalon braiding hair. Kanekalon braiding hair has an easy-to-braid texture, and you can dip it in hot water to seal the ends.
How long can you keep lemonade braids?
Lemonade braids are long, side-swept cornrows, typically ending past your chest or waist. They’re low maintenance, long-lasting, usually up to 4 weeks, and can be done with just your natural mane or with extensions. It’s a perfect choice for a glamorous, show-stopping look at any time of year.
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