Ghana weaving styles are a thing now, have you been wishing for a Ghana braids style? If you've been thinking about trying Ghana braids for a while, or they're a top contender for your next hairstyle, you can take a look at this absolutely gorgeous list of Ghana braids.
See also:
- Flawless corporate hairstyles for the office
- 30 Beautiful Cornrow Hairstyles to Try in 2024
- 50 Gorgeous Cornrow Braids from Africa, Caribbean Islands
Not only are there so many style ideas in the Ghana braids category alone (lookin' at you, chunky braids and zig-zag parts), but unlike, say, micro braids and box braids that can have you in the chair all day, Ghana braids can be installed in just two hours, depending on the intricacy of the style you choose.
Ghana braids are obviously very similar to cornrows, but thanks to the added braiding hair, you can really play up and customize the shape, thickness, and colours (!) to match your vibes.
If you need a little more info before DMing your braider, we chatted with haircare and texture expert, Jasmine “Jazzee” Green and La'Khouri Francis, a D.C.-based Yeluchi hairstylist, to answer all your questions about Ghana braids, starting with:
What are Ghana braids?
“There's such a great, rich, beautiful cultural history of braiding that has been so diluted,” Santiago says, explaining how Western culture has developed its own simplified take on Ghana braids.
“By the time we get to where we are today to talk about Ghana braids, it's pretty basic,” she says. In the simplest terms, Santiago defines Ghana braids as a braiding technique that takes a basic cornrow hairstyle and adds hair to it. If that sounds a lot like feed-in braids, that's because it is.
Although both feed-in braids and Ghana braids are very similar in technique, Francis says that Ghana braids should end up looking thicker and fuller than feed-in braids. “What makes Ghana braids different is the substantial amount of hair added through the braid for volume,” Francis explains.
“Feed-in braids have hair added through the braid as well, but a stylist is able to manipulate it in a way to where the braid stays the same size.” Another difference? “Hair is usually added for length with feed-in braids as opposed to volume with Ghana braids,” she says.
How long do Ghana braids last?
Although Ghana braids can last up to a month if properly maintained with products and hair coverings while you sleep, both experts recommend wearing Ghana braids for two weeks only (three weeks max, says Francis) so that the hair doesn't dry out and take your style from protective to damaging.
Do Ghana braids break your hair?
Ghana braids, like any protective style, can damage your hair or scalp if done too tightly—but you can avoid it. Francis explains that although tension is needed for most cornrow styles, too much tension can do the opposite of a protective style, which is why it's important to see a knowledgeable stylist and try to speak up if you feel pain during your braiding (easier said than done, right?).
Ghana Braids: 25 Lovely Ghana Weaving styles
Got all that? Good. Now, to help you narrow down your look, I gathered up all the best Ghana braids inspiration from Instagram. Ahead, are the 25 prettiest Ghana braid styles of all dang time.
A high bun is a staple hairstyle for a reason: It's a great and quick hairstyle which, with laid edges like these (and the right edge control products ofc), becomes a definitive lewk.
Combine that with these spiral Ghana braids, and I guarantee you'll have your new favourite braided hairstyle.