Braids like a goddess. It's a giant cornrow (opens in new tab) that is a thicker, bolder, jumbo version of the classic braid. Basically, if you want a style that makes a statement, get goddess braids. This protective style can be worn in a myriad of ways. The endless options call for minimal upkeep (opens in new tab) and, depending on the design, can last for weeks.

The hardest part is choosing a style. To make your life easier, I've taken the guesswork out of things: welcome to the world of my braid spot. (What would we be without Instagram?) Whether you like spunky styles or are more of a less is more person, there's a look you'll love that's suitable for any occasion. Make it a summer of goddess braids. Have fun with goddess braids this summer.

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Ah, one of the photos I took at Magic Fingers Studio (opens in new tab) when I was a beauty assistant at Cosmopolitan. The simplest and most stylish way to wear a topknot up is with a goddess braid. Vary the size of the braid to add glamour, and then curl the ends up high.

A sleek, straight back spiked with a fiery color like burgundy is the perfect combination.

A sleek, straight back spiked with a fiery color like burgundy is the perfect combination, especially if you add hair jewelry like beads or cufflinks.

Celebrity stylist Lacey Redway gave Yara Shahidi a baby hair blueprint style. Save this image for when you need inspiration on how to style and swirl edges to perfection.

Another work of art by Redway, as seen on actress Kiki Layne. Start with a goddess-like braid stopped at the top of the head. Let the curls do the rest.

The goddess braid has endless versatility. Gather your hair together like a crown. This simple style showcases the power of one simple braid and knows no limits.

All flames emoji as Normani serves in this super long goddess braid. Length limits do not exist.

Elevate this playful style to picturesque with gold thread woven throughout both braids.

Braids and beads go hand in hand. Color-coordinated beads add dynamism to the ends of the hair.

Paris Fashion Week calls for head-to-toe couture, as actress Nathalie Emmanuel brilliantly demonstrated last year. For the most glamorous goddess-like braids, accessorize with crystals, like celebrity stylist Naivasha Johnson.

Who says you can't create finger wave illusions with braids? One of the most inventive stylists in the game, stylist to the stars Vernon Francois gave Amandla Stenberg's goddess braids an element of old Hollywood glamour and surprise.

Issa Ray's dream braided ponytail by natural hair genius Felicia Leatherwood. If you look closely, you can see that it is in four braids.

Just because it's a goddess-like braid doesn't mean you have to keep your bangs tucked away. Curl the bangs for a more dimensional style.

This regal updo, created by Leatherwood at the Natural Hair Academy show in Paris, is a breathtaking combination that shows the beautiful synergy between twists and braids.

Traveling tastemaker Skylar Marshai is one of my favorites to follow on Instagram. Not only because her gorgeous feed is full of amazing international scenes, but also because of these braids. They are pure perfection.

A surefire way to make your braids stand out from the crowd is with a hair color you can never go without: fiery red. Model and activist Ebony Davis proves just how fierce this look can be.

If you're going to be in Black Panther, your hairstyle has to play the part. Celebrity stylist Larry Sims styled Danai Gurira's goddess-like braids with dazzling gold hair accessories to make her look fit for a queen.

Be mesmerized by Shaunie O'Neal's mermaid braids. Save this video for your next trip to the salon.

Beauty influencer Arnelle Armon wows with a straight back that proves there is beauty in simplicity, especially when the edges are laid back.

Shapely braids like these spice up your bun a bit. Alternating goddess-like braids with small cornrows creates a cool structure to the style.

Does this bubble ponytail need an explanation?

This stacked crown-like braid embodies beauty. A stylist who specializes in structured hair masterpieces, Crowzilla's artistry and creativity are unmatched.

In a mood of indecision, choose one color: ...... Taste the rainbow and choose all. South African rapper Sho Madjoz's kaleidoscopic braids set her apart from the rest. Her Instagram page alone could be full of braid spots.

If you want to show off your better side, try supermodel Jordan Dunn's side-swept goddess braid. Then highlight the other side with a single braid.

If you want blue hair without the commitment, braids are the way to go. Color, please.

Since we're on the subject of color, this bright red braided bob was cut asymmetrically by celebrity braider Susie Ordelet. We're also obsessed with the chunky size of this braid.

Sanaa Lathan looks so fierce in this half-up, half-down style tricked out with a sky-high ponytail and curvy cornrows created by Sims.

Beauty influencer Jade Kendall-Godbolt shows a tried-and-true way to take the braided ponytail up a notch. Pick a few braids, wrap a wire around them, and see how quickly your style transforms.

The answer is no, the braids don't have to be neat. Try normalizing a crooked braid, as celebrity stylist Nikki Nelms did for Janelle Monaei.

Frayed and curled ends are a fun way to finish off a goddess braid. Plus, they make excellent content, as beauty and style influencer Aysha Sow shows in this video.

Naeemah Lafond is known as the queen of statement hair for a reason. She topped off this "Party in the Back" aka "Hoop Braids" with a floof.

It's impossible to pick a favorite Rihanna hairstyle of mine, but this burgundy goddess-like braid is way, way up there.

Another stunning creation by none other than Shani Crowe. This one shell completes the look.

The bigger the braid, the better. Lafond created a simple yet striking look for the fashion show.

It's hard not to be distracted by model Frida Kashflow's glowing skin, but these braids are so effortless and gorgeous. It just goes to show that if patience is not a virtue, you only need a few goddess-like braids to complete a look.

Goddess braids are one of Jhené Aiko's signature styles. In this case, she braids a strand of hair in a braid while the other strands are cooled in the back.

The small side braids are twisted into a larger braid, making two braids into four. Winnie Harlow completed this look with gold wires and styled baby hair.

Nelms added white rope to Monay's braids to match her outfit. Also, and this is about her hair, those earrings.

Jordyn Woods shows that you don't have to choose between curls and braids, you can do both.

Alicia Keys, the queen of baby hair, has six simple goddess braids in a low bun. All you need is really good edge control (opens in new tab) or a pomade to style the edges.

The technique of corset braids may seem complicated, but you can do it. Just gather the materials and watch the YouTube tutorial (opens in new tab).

Kelly Rowland proves that four angled goddess braids are all you need for a serious slay.

As seen on Redway's Kiki Layne, a braid that doubles as a headband and crown works on the red carpet.