A bride’s hair has to survive a long day. It must look right under a veil in church, hold up through a sweaty reception entrance and still look good in the final photos at midnight. For African brides, who often wear two or three outfits across a traditional engagement and a white wedding, the hairstyle also has to work with a headtie, a veil and everything in between.
Here are the main wedding hairstyles African brides choose, and how to make each one last.
Natural hair updos
More brides are getting married in their natural hair. A sculpted updo, a high puff, a twist-out pinned into a bun or a defined afro can look striking, especially with a simple veil or hair jewellery. Natural styles suit brides who want to look like themselves on the day.
Natural hair needs preparation. Start a regular care routine months before the wedding, book a stylist who specialises in natural hair, and do a trial run. Humidity can change the shape of a style, so ask your stylist which products will hold in Ghana’s weather.
Braids and cornrows
Braids are practical and beautiful. A braided crown, a low bun made from knotless braids, or cornrows that flow into a bun or ponytail all hold well through dancing and outfit changes. Brides can add gold cuffs, beads or pearls for the wedding day.
Braids also work well under a gele or head wrap at the engagement and can be pinned up for the white wedding. Have them done a few days before the wedding, rather than the night before, so the scalp has time to settle and any tightness eases.
Wigs and frontals
Wigs are popular with African brides because they allow dramatic styles without damaging natural hair. A lace frontal or closure wig can be styled into long waves, a sleek middle part, a voluminous curly look or an elegant updo. Many brides wear one wig for the engagement and another for the white wedding.
The key is the install. A wig that is badly fitted or poorly blended can show in close-up photos. Book a stylist with a good portfolio, have the wig styled in advance, and ask the stylist to secure it firmly for dancing.
Sleek ponytails and buns
A sleek high ponytail or a low chignon is simple and modern. Ponytails show off the neckline of a gown and look clean in photographs, and buns sit well under a cathedral veil. Both are good for brides who want an easy style that lasts all day.
A long ponytail can also be swapped for something different at the reception. Many brides pin it up into a bun when they change outfits, giving a new look with little effort.
Hair under a gele or headwrap
At many West African engagements, brides wear a gele or a head wrap. The hair underneath should be flat and secure, so cornrows, a low bun or a short wig work best. The gele should sit firmly without pulling on the hairline.
If you plan to remove the headtie later, choose a style that still looks finished when it comes off. Pinned braids or a bun are reliable choices.
Planning your bridal hair
Book your stylist early. Good bridal hairstylists in Accra and other cities are often fully booked in December and around Easter.
Do a trial at least a month before the wedding, wearing a veil or headtie if you will have one, and take photographs in daylight and with a flash. Plan the timing on the day: braids and wig installs can take hours, so they should be done in advance, with only finishing touches on the morning.
Finally, pack a small kit for the day: pins, edge control, a comb, a small mirror and hairspray. Give it to your chief bridesmaid. By the end of a Ghanaian reception, you will be glad someone has it.
