Ghana braids, also known as banana braids or straight-back braids, are a timeless and versatile protective hairstyle that has been celebrated for generations. With their sleek, structured appearance and endless styling possibilities, these braids are not only functional but also a bold fashion statement. Whether you’re looking to protect your natural hair, experiment with intricate designs, or simply embrace a chic and polished look, Ghana braids offer something for everyone.
From classic straight-back styles to creative patterns and accessorized designs, the beauty of Ghana braids lies in their adaptability. They can be customized to suit any occasion, whether it’s a casual day out, a formal event, or a cultural celebration. In this curated list of 14 gorgeous Ghana braid styles, we’ll explore everything from simple and elegant to bold and intricate designs, ensuring there’s inspiration for every taste and preference. Get ready to elevate your look and discover why Ghana braids remain a favorite among those who value both style and practicality.
1. Basic Ghana Braids
Let’s start off easy, shall we? A great way to start off your preservative hairstyle journey is to go for a basic style that is easy to maintain. These simple straight-back Ghana braids keep your whole look light and easy without being too frilly and fancy. And the best part is you can easily pair this Ghanian lines hairstyle with any casual or formal outfit.
2. Side Ghana Braids
If you want to level up your Ghana braids, try weaving them from one side of your head. The flat braiding stops right above the opposite temple, and the thick, blonde-brown braids fall over your shoulders, creating a stunning visual contrast.
3. High Ponytail
This is Ghana braids with a twist! The thick, green cornrows are weaved from all sides in a spiral pattern toward the top of the head and wrapped in a high ponytail. While it deviates from the traditional front-to-back Ghana braid pattern, it looks uber cool!
4. Horizontal Blonde Ghana Braids
If your sense of style sways more towards unconventional and unique, here’s a Ghana braided style that will go with it perfectly. These horizontal Ghana braids are made from crochet braids that follow a curved pattern and are all swept to one side to create a totally badass hair look. And if that wasn’t enough, the blonde coloring makes this style look even cooler.
5. Twisted Ghana Braids
Here’s what happens when you decide to break the trend and follow the beat of your own drummer – you start infusing your own sense of style into classic hair looks. These thick twisted Ghana braids are the perfect example of that. Add to them the golden blonde highlights and you’ve got something special on your hands.
6. Ghana Braids In A Ponytail
Sport this style and you’ll surely give off some serious Lara Croft vibes. Just go for some alternating thick and thin Ghana braids all around your head and tie them up in a high ponytail. And to kick the cool factor up a notch, you may accent the braids with some gold beads.
7. Halfway Ghana Braids
If you’re someone who likes the flowy, open hair look, then here’s a Ghana braids style that you’ll definitely love. These thin straightback Ghana braids end halfway down her head and transition into long flowy braids that look oh-so-feminine. You could also pull a couple of braids to the front on either side of your face to give yourself the perfect elven look.
8. Ghana Braids Low Bun
Style meets sophistication in this Ghana braids bun that no one will be able to take their eyes off of. This look involves thick Ghana braids neatly tied up in a low bun at the nape of your neck. This simple Ghana braids updo looks uber classy and is perfect for anyone who has to wear formals to work every day.
9. Angled Ghana Braids Top Bun
Now here’s what I call a futuristic hair look. The beauty of Ghana braids in this style has been accentuated with the help of thin cornrows running perpendicular to them. Finish off the look by twisting the loose ends of the braids and wrapping them up in a super high top knot.
10. Chevron Ghana Braids
A great way to experiment with your Ghana braids is to play around with quirky patterns. If you know how to do box braids, this hairstyle should be relatively easy for you. This chevron patterned look resembles box braids and is edgy and yet has a feminine vibe to it. Tie up the loose ghana braids to the back in a simple low bun to finish off this stunning hair look.
11. Understated Ghana Braids
Keep things subtle and simple with this Ghana braids look which is as understated as it gets. With all the braids done up in a straightback style and accented with a couple of zigzag braids, this Ghana braids look is exactly the hairstyle you need if you have a million places to be in a single day.
12. Neat Fishbone Braids
Give your Ghana braids an elegant and classy twist with this neat fishbone braided look. The meticulously woven braids converge into a chic and understated low bun, giving the hairstyle a touch of timeless elegance and sophistication. Whether you are attending a special event, heading to the office, or simply enjoying a day out, these neat fishbone braids will undoubtedly turn heads.
13. Side-Swept Ghana Braids
Elevate your look to a whole new level with these side-swept Ghana braids, just like the style icon Serayah McNeill. They beautifully frame her face, drawing attention to her stunning eyes and high cheekbones. The look offers a sleek and neat appearance and is the epitome of chic. It is a versatile choice for a variety of occasions, from big events to everyday wear.
14. Spider Web Ghana Braids
And to finish this list off on a high note, here’s a look that’s one for the ages! These Ghana braids have been done up in an awesome spider web pattern to create a truly mind-blowing hair look. You can tie up the braids in a top knot to finish off this amazing hair look.
Now that you’ve picked out the Ghana braids of your dreams, let’s look at how you can maintain them.
How To Maintain Ghana Braids
The best way to make your Ghana braids look gorgeous and make them last as long as possible is to add some simple steps into your hair care routine. Here are a few ways that you can maintain them properly:
- Tender-loving care at night: Sleep on a satin pillowcase or wear a silk hair bonnet around your braids at night to prevent the synthetic hair extensions from getting damaged and to maintain the neatness of your braids.
- Moisturize: Pat some almond oil into your scalp and rub some light onto your braids to gently moisturize them.
- Maintain your edges: Apply some edge control cream all along your hairline every morning to keep your updo looking fresh and neat.
- Trim flyaways: Since synthetic hair extensions tend to develop flyaways over time, carefully trim them away with a small pair of scissors to prevent your braids from looking unkempt.
- Wash once a week: Lightly wash your braids with water and a conditioner diluted in water once a week to remove the oil buildup and dirt that you may have accumulated.
It is important to steer clear of some common pitfalls to keep your Ghana braids looking their best. Next up, learn what common slip-ups to steer clear of while keeping your Ghana braids in top shape.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
- Do not pull too tight: Avoid tightening the braids too much to prevent hair breakage and discomfort.
- Avoid heavy products: Steer clear of using thick creams or heavy products that can weigh down your braids.
- Do not skip regular maintenance: Ensure you follow the care routine to keep your braids looking fresh and prevent buildup.
