For so long women of color have gone the extra mile to protect our natural hair. From wigs and weaves, to big chops and braids, our brilliance and ingeniousness can be exemplified in our hair and the latest hair trend, Goddess Locs, is an extension of that. The style is nothing new, you’ve seen the look on icons like Lisa Bonet, Jade Novah, and Ciara, but hairstylists are getting creative and evolving the look. One stylist, Yolanda Flynn, the owner of Dezign Ayuan Naturals, is bringing it to a whole new level. Flynn chatted with ELLE.com about how she crafts her goddess locs and the beauty of the style below.

What are Goddess Locs?

Goddess locs are a form of faux locs with a more bohemian styling. The hairstyle can vary depending on the type of hair chosen. It’s common for the style to have a bit of a curl throughout the loc or at the ends.

Flynn decided to create her own spin on the trend. “Being a stylist I never wanted to follow so much of a trend and I wanted to create my own,” explains Flynn. “Seeing Lisa Bonet and how she embraces it reminded me how much I loved the style, but to me they looked a little too perfect and I wanted something that gave more texture.”

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“Each of my locs is handmade and uses 100% human hair or a synthetic blend,” says Flynn. “I also offer them with or without hair jewels.”

What’s the difference between goddess locs and faux locs?

Faux locs have sealed ends, meaning the ends are burned or heated to seal, whereas goddess locs usually have open and wavy ends.

How are Goddess Locs installed?

Unlike box braids or twists that have easy installs, Goddess locs can be a bit more difficult. Flynn installs locs by first creating the loc extension and leaving a loose end which is used to attach the loc to the client’s natural hair.

What are the benefits of Goddess locs?

These locs give you the look of a bohemian without the growing pains and what Flynn likes to call “the ugly stage.” Flynn believes that the locs give women a sense of freedom to live life outside of the traditional lines of beauty.

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How long does this style take?

Flynn’s first set took 13 hours but now she has picked up the speed and is down to five hours. The styling will depend on your stylist’s expertise or if you chose to DIY.

Can Goddess locs get wet?

The short answer is, yes. Goddess locs are safe to get wet however, the synthetic blend should be washed with caution and less often than the human hair equivalent. “The blend is more porous and holds the weight of the water, whereas the human hair tends to dry faster,” she says. “You can wash it everyday if you want.”

Anything else our readers should know?

Flynn, in particular, wants those trying locs to use it as a form of self-expression. “I watch them [her customers] to change with these locs,” adds Flynn. “I see my clients do things and try things and they come back to me and say that the locs empowered them. That’s why I do this!”

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