African Wedding Hairstyles Ideas For 2024 [Guide & FAQs]

25+ PHOTOS
12 PRO TIPS
african wedding hairstyles main image
Photo by

Shutterstock

Brides, the first thing to know about African wedding hairstyles is that you need a creative stylist! Wedding African hairstyles are some of the most sophisticated that you will find around the world. Creativity, authenticity, and versatility are three factors shown by these hairstyles which seep into the everyday look.

ADVERTISEMENT

And even though African hairstyles are as old as time, they get incorporated into contemporary and chic hairdos that get heads turning. So if you are a bride from any race craving hairstyles from Africa for your big day, check this post. We have curated the best dreamy looks any woman can imagine, from braids to ponytails and traditional looks for any hair length.

Which hairstyle is best for the afro or kinky hair type?

The best hairstyles for afro and kinky hair types are braids, twists, knots, locs, and freestyles. These styles let the African hair reach its optimal beauty.

What are some tips on caring for African American hair before a wedding?

Before the wedding, know your hair type, its texture, porosity level, and sensitivity level. Now you must use detanglers, the right shampoo, and deep condition when necessary. Watch out for split ends and take them out on time and make sure you clean your scalp to eliminate product build-up. Moisturize using the LOC (leave-in conditioner, oil, and cream) method and wear protective hairstyles. Don’t over-manipulate your hair, avoid styles that put pressure on the roots, and always wear scarves when going to bed. If you don’t like keeping your hair tied, use satin pillowcases to help minimize friction, cutting, frizz, and split ends.

Wedding Hairstyles for Long African Hair

Brides with sixteen inches and more hair lengths can choose any of the wedding hairstyles for African American long hair in this category. Work your hair into loose waves using a curling wand and accessorize with a beaded headband. If you want to wear an updo, flat iron and weep your hair into a sleek low bun with a center part.

Alternatively, you can flaunt your length and texture with a side ponytail and sparkly headpiece. Or follow the trend of letting your Kikuyu hair down with pinned sides using sparkling clips. Moisturize your hair to keep it shiny. Another good idea is slicking your hair into a ponytail with a bouffant. This style is not only romantic but keeps the frizz and flyaways at bay.


ADVERTISEMENT

Wedding Hairstyles for Shoulder Length Hair

If you have medium hair length, these African wedding hairstyles will work wonders for you. You can work your tresses into an elegant updo or wear a boho-inspired flower crown. But if you dig the princess-themed look, pile your hair into a top bun and adorn it with a blend of greenery and fresh buds.

Strike a balance between classic and modern with a romantic oversized storm of ringlets. You can achieve this with rollers. Sweep your hair to the front and then the side. Put them in place with pearly pins. Or rock loose waves down held with a flower crown for the ultimate boho curly girl.


ADVERTISEMENT

African Wedding Hairstyles for Short Hair

Roll your bob locks into a low-side bun and top it with a dashing flower crown made of greens and wildflowers. You can also wear loose waves on your layered pixie as one of the best wedding hairstyles for African American short hair. We are so down for the seventies inspired brushed out curls with a deep center parting.

And if you feel like looking bougie, rock a braided half-up style with your short, curly hair. Create extra volume in your hair by making the lower half of your hair into flat twists and pinning it up. Blow out the top half for extra drama.


ADVERTISEMENT

African Traditional Wedding Hairstyles

Africa is large with many countries that have numerous traditional wedding hairstyles everyone with each tribe. However, all these African wedding hairstyles revolve around elaborate updos, stunning braids, and twists. These hairstyles allow luxurious headpieces like heavy coral beads, izicolo, beaded veils, beaded crowns, and feathered headdresses to sit comfortably.


ADVERTISEMENT

African Wedding Hairstyles with Curls

If you are blessed with curly kinks, you can either choose to wrap them up or let them fly wild and free. Whichever options you choose, see these African natural hairstyles for wedding ideas. Try curly updos of messy bumps, with twists, braids, and buns. You may also consider curly half updos featuring side braids and twists, for a braided halo or just a simple half updo.

For a feminine. Chic and traditional look, wear low ponytails and messy braids that express the boho and gypsy vibe. To take care of your curly locks, use the right curling shampoo, go easy on the oils and always air dry

African Hair Braiding for Wedding

African wedding braids hairstyles are pleasant ways to rock your wedding and forget styling for weeks after because of their durability. These styles are also very protective, sparing your hair from the harsh elements. Braided wedding hairstyles give room for creativity with all the techniques involved. Try the goddess braid updo which involves chunky cornrows sewn into a knot at the base of your neck. Accessorize with pins or hair cuffs on individual strands.

Take your cornrows to the next level by putting them in a traditional high bun. Alternatively, pair side flat twists with floral accessorized curly Mohawks. We love the box braids or half updos with freely hanging twists. Feed in Ghanaian braids are also the race while Senegalese twists and jumbo French braids are whimsical ideas. Brides who have the illusion of lengthy hair can opt for the micro braids and leave it cascading or wrap it.


ADVERTISEMENT

Wedding Updo Hairstyles African

American Buns, chignons, knots, braided spins, bouffants, and more are some of the African American updo wedding hairstyles taking beauty to a new height. These styles involve whipping your hair from around the face and back into a controlled style mostly at your crown or forehead. For instance, you can wear your hair in a low bun and leave some tendrils framing your face.

Wrap the bun to minimize fuss or leave it free to show off your length. Wear a head full of upwards-done finger waves paired with a beaded barrette for a glamorous aesthetic. We also adore the long barrel curls swept up into a wavy updo or the shoulder-length blow-out curls looking relaxed and soft. Consider the sleek braided crown hairstyle or chic twisted crown braids to give you an exceptional look.

Black Hair Wedding Ponytail Hairstyles

Ponytail and bun hairstyles for wedding African American brides are simple updos packed into a band or knot. They could be high or low but are the hallmarks of minimalism. Ponytails have been regarded as a lazy or basic wedding hairstyle, but that couldn’t be more wrong.

You can create a romantic contrast with a braided low ponytail, a Grecian goddess glam ponytail with braids, or a looped ponytail. Other options include messy, tousled, loose, and voluminous ponies, bohemian varieties infused with braids, and banged-up ponytails.


ADVERTISEMENT

Wedding Hairstyles Half Up Half Down

African American half up half down wedding hairstyles are romantic, modern, dazzling, and timeless. This hairstyle involves splitting your hair horizontally at the crown from one side of the head to another, making them into individual styles. While this is the basic idea, you can also go vertical, and throw in curls, waves, wraps, and volume. See some other ideas that support its diversity.

African American Wedding Hairstyles for Bridesmaids

Whether you are the guest or bridesmaid, bring your A-game to the wedding with your hairstyles. But while they are stylish, the aim isn’t to steal the bride’s thunder. So,African wedding hairstyles with braids for bridesmaids are perfect options. You could do box braids, multi braids, knotless braids, or twists. Alternatively, wear waterfall tight curls with bangs if your hair has the right amount of texture.

Wear your hair slicked back and wrapped in a gigantic braided or twisted crown updo. You can also opt for an elaborate pin-up or a cute double roll-back frills and thrills style. We won’t also forget the half up half down style that channels the simple yet whimsical look.

African wedding hairstyles are art, things of beauty to make one swoon. So we have curated some of the most dashing varieties, complete with traditional headdresses and accessories. If you are looking for wedding hair goals, kinky hair care tips, or styles for your hair length, check this post. Feed your eyes with braids, twists, elegant updos, and au naturel options. Then serve us face on your big day.

ADVERTISEMENT