In the world of hairstyling, change is constant, but few styles have caused as much excitement as the goddess braid bob. Having recently cut my hair into a short afro, I promised myself to keep it that way for at least three months. Yet, as someone who’s always ready to experiment with new looks, I couldn’t help but feel restless. That is, until the goddess braid bob caught my attention on TikTok.
This style, which blends the chic bob with knotless goddess braids, quickly won me over. I had fallen in love with knotless goddess braids during the summer, where the added curls in the braids were lightweight and easy to manage. But in 2025, my goal was to stay true to my short hair commitment, at least in the form of my natural hair or extensions. The goddess braid bob, however, promised to give me the best of both worlds: the familiarity of a beloved style with the brevity of a short cut. Excited by the prospect, I booked my first-ever goddess braid bob appointment.
What Is the Goddess Braid Bob and Why Is It So Popular?
The goddess braid bob is creating waves across social media, with over 30 million posts on TikTok. This trendy look fuses the classic bob hairstyle with the knotless goddess braids, creating a chin or shoulder-length version of the iconic braid. The key feature of this style is the addition of soft curls incorporated into the braids, lending the style a boho, feminine touch.
Hair expert Antoinette Ale, founder of Haircrush, explains that the goddess braid bob’s relaxed curls provide a sophisticated yet effortless vibe. As Nneka Allison, founder of HoochTeeStyles, notes, the bob has been one of the hottest trends in recent months, making the goddess braid bob a perfect marriage of two major beauty trends. This style is versatile, lightweight, and low-maintenance, ideal for those with busy lives who still want a polished look. It’s the ultimate style for those ready to embrace both the fun of braids and the ease of a shorter cut.
Shorter braided styles are gaining traction, and the goddess braid bob is leading the charge. It offers the creativity and flair of longer braids but is faster to install, feels lighter, and costs less. These benefits make it an ideal choice for the warmer months when comfort and manageability are top priorities.
Installing the Goddess Braid Bob
Celebrity hairstylist Dionne Smith, known for styling stars like Leigh-Anne Pinnock, explains that the goddess braid bob combines box braids with curls at a bob length. To create this look, curly hair strands are carefully integrated into the braids, adding a playful, boho element to the traditional braided style.
My stylist, Nadia Dedier of Divine Salon in North London, used Xpressions hair to adjust the length to achieve the bob effect. She then added synthetic curly hair, which was incorporated into each braid. While I opted for synthetic hair to save costs, Smith advises using human hair instead, as it’s more durable and less prone to tangling, ensuring the style lasts longer. Although I love the results, I might consider human hair for future installations.
Maintaining the Goddess Braid Bob
Once the goddess braid bob is installed, maintenance is key to keeping the style fresh and neat. To define the curls and avoid frizz, Smith recommends using a foaming mousse. A regular bedtime routine also plays a role in extending the life of the style. Wrapping the braids in a satin or silk scarf and putting the braids in two plaits before bed will keep the curls defined and prevent tangling.
I’ve been using Got2b Twisted Curling Mousse to maintain my curls, and Allison recommends the ORS Olive Oil Wrap Setting Mousse for its moisturizing properties and ability to keep the loose curls defined. Regular scalp care is essential, so I use a mix of argan and olive oils to keep my scalp nourished and healthy.
My Experience with the Goddess Braid Bob
Caring for my goddess braid bob has been surprisingly simple. The shorter length makes the style lightweight and manageable, and I’ve noticed no discomfort or tightness, suggesting my natural hair is thriving beneath the braids. I’ve incorporated a few extra products into my routine, such as Kérastase Elixir Hair Oil to keep my scalp and ends moisturized and the Bread Hair Oil to keep my hair smelling fresh.
While the goddess braid bob is undoubtedly a glamorous style, it also offers a celebration of Black culture and hair traditions. Its versatility means it can be worn in a variety of ways: down, in an updo, or even styled half-up, half-down.
Ultimately, I’m thrilled to have embraced the goddess braid bob trend. It’s the perfect protective style for 2025 and has quickly become my signature look.
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