Not long ago, most brides in Accra and Lagos straightened their hair or wore wigs and weaves for the wedding. Today, more brides are walking down the aisle with their natural hair.
The natural hair movement, which grew in the 2000s and 2010s, encouraged women of African descent to stop chemically straightening their hair. Many brides now want their wedding look to reflect their natural texture.
Popular styles
Updos and buns. A sleek or textured bun is elegant and works well with veils and headpieces. It keeps hair off the neck in the heat.
Afro puffs and full afros. A shaped afro, decorated with flowers, pins or a tiara, makes a bold statement.
Braids and cornrows. Braided updos, crowns and patterns can be detailed and last through a long day of dancing. Many brides add beads, gold cuffs or flowers.
Twist-outs and braid-outs. These give defined curls and volume without heat.
Traditional styles. For traditional ceremonies, some brides choose styles inspired by their heritage, such as Yoruba threading or Akan hairstyles.
Prepare early
Start caring for your hair at least six months before the wedding: regular trims, deep conditioning, protective styles and a healthy diet. Avoid new chemical treatments close to the date.
Find the right stylist
Look for a stylist experienced with natural hair, and check photos of their bridal work. Book a trial several weeks before the wedding, and bring photos of the dress and veil.
Timing on the day
Braided styles may need to be done a day or two before. Updos and puffs usually need two to three hours on the morning. Build this into the wedding day timeline.
Weather
Humidity affects natural hair. Choose styles that hold up in heat and moisture, and ask your stylist about products that control frizz.
Veils and accessories
Veils can be attached to buns, braids or headbands. Test the veil during the hair trial to make sure it stays secure, and walk around the room in it to check it does not pull.
Changing looks
Many brides change hairstyles between the traditional ceremony and the white wedding. Plan both looks with your stylist.
A bride’s hair is part of how she sees herself on the most photographed day of her life. More and more brides want that picture to show the hair they were born with.
