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Jourdan Dunn's Waist-Length Ghana Braids

Jourdan Dunn's side-swept braided style will never not be one to screenshot. The fact that the flat-braiding stops a few inches in gives Dunn the versatility to twist her hair into a topknot or a high bun without the additional tugging or pulling on her scalp.

These Red Ghana Braids and Waves

I'm callin' it: Red, Ariel-level hair will be officially trending for the next year, thanks to Halle Bailey's Little Mermaid. And if you're a Disney fan—or just a fan of bright dye jobs—these braided waves should be the only thing you show your colorist and braider, regardless of if you go for Ghana braids, zipper braids, or stitch braids.

Dual-Texture Ghana Braid Look

You can't tell me that the precise angles and lines of these Ghana braids weren't created with a protractor, because they look legitimately perfect. But what really makes this style ~pop~ is its mix of blonde braiding hair and curly ends, which give the look a softer, chiller vibe.

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Curly Braided Bun Idea

Can't decide between curls or braids? Don't. Just take a cue from this sleek-yet-volumized bun that has a mix of cornrows, stitch braids, loose curls, swooping edges, and zigzag parts. Just make sure to keep a good oil mist on hand, says Santiago, for shine and moisture.

These Ghana Braids with Cornrows

Okay, we won't pretend that these braids are the quickest and easiest of all Ghana braids, but if you want to level-up your look in exchange for some extra time in the chair, show your braider these alternating straight and curved cornrows.

These Zigzag Ghana Braids

We all know '00s and '90s hairstyles are back and more popular than ever. And even though abstract parting has never not been trendy in braided styles, the sleek, zigzag parting on this Ghana-braided ponytail feels more timely and selfie-worthy than ever. Pick up some honey-blonde braiding hair for a gorgeous ombre effect, or channel your inner-teen self and play around with unexpected shades.

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This Zigzag-Braided Ghana Bun

These Small Ghana Braids

Santiago points out that most people here in the states associate Ghana braids with a chunkier cornrow style but argues that the size can also vary. "Ghana braids are just a very basic technique of adding hair to a section of a braid and then adding hair as you go along," says Santiago, "with the intention of making that braid longer, thicker, or both."

This Ghana Braid High Bun

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 favorite braided hairstyle.

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This Triangle-Parted Ghana Braids Style

The best part about Ghana braids is how versatile they can be, especially when it comes to parting. I mean, how cool is this triangle parting? Even better, this style is made up of only three braids, which means you’ll spend even less time with your braider (no shade—I’m sure they’re great) and more time taking selfies.

Ghana Braids with Cuffs

There is no braided hairstyle that doesn’t look extra cute with beads and cuffs. And even if you opt out of the cuffs, those center curved cornrows are unique and precise enough to make the whole style. Just don't skip on your silk bonnet or scarf at night (or switch to a silk pillowcase if you haven’t already) to avoid messing with your braids.

Ghana Braids with Cornrows

Fact: These Ghana braids are anything but basic. The teeny-tiny cornrows not only add a cool contrast to the thicker braids, but the way they cross over each other takes it from a braided style to a literal work of art.

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These Waterfall Ghana Braids

Ghana Braids Bun with Loose Curls

Leaving your ends loose and curly is such a fun way to mix up your style. To get this high bun, gather all of your braids into a ponytail, then wrap them around the base to form a bun, leaving a few of the curly ends out of the bun before tucking the rest underneath or securing with bobby pins.

Horizontal Ghana Braids

Presenting: the perfect example of how customizable Ghana braids can be. As with most braided styles, Ghana braids still leave room to play with your hair parting, like these horizontal braids. It's going to require some pro-level parting skills (and a rat-tail comb) to get those crisp lines, so if you don’t feel up for it, screenshot this pic for your braider.

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Ghana Braids in a High Ponytail

This Half-Up Ghana Braids Style

IMO, any time you’re not sure how to style your hair, tie it off into a half-up, half-down style like this. It instantly gives your style a little extra personality, and it looks especially great with these alternating Ghana braids and cornrows.

This Half-Braid Half-Loose Style

If you can't decide between full braids or a full sew-in, meet them both halfway with this half-braided, half-extension combo. It’s honestly so pretty, and both protective styles will give your natural hair a break from daily life.

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These Alternating Ghana and Cornrow Braids

Francis notes that one common way to differentiate Ghana braids from other styles is the change in size: "The braid starts off small, then gradually grows into a larger braid due to the strategic amount of hair being added throughout the braid."

This Ghana-Braided Low Bun

Santiago points out two other key traits of Ghana braids: They're always attached to your head (unlike an individual braid or box braid), and they always incorporate braiding hair. From there, you can wear Ghana braids in a ton of different ways, like this gorgeous bun hairstyle with ruler-precise lines (I mean, wow).

Chloe Metzger is the deputy beauty director at Cosmopolitan, overseeing the editorial content and growth strategy of the hair, makeup, and skin space on digital, while also obsessively writing about the best hair products for every hair type (curly girl here; whattup), and the skincare routines that really, truly work (follow her on Instagram to see behind-the-scenes pics of that magazine life). She brings nearly a decade of writing and editing expertise, and her work has appeared in Allure, Health, Fitness, Marie Claire, StyleCaster, and Parents. She also has an unhealthy adoration for Tom Hanks and would like to please meet him one day, if you could arrange that. Thanks.

Sami Roberts was the previous beauty assistant at Cosmopolitan. Keep up with her cat-filled life in New York on Instagram. 

Valeriya Chupinina is a freelance beauty and wellness writer exploring the multifaceted connection between the aesthetic and internal. You can find her work in outlets like Coveteur, HYPEBAE, and NBGA. In addition to her editorial work, she consults on social media strategies for brands. You can keep up with her on Instagram @valeriyaliyevna. 

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