Braids are one of the most popular hairstyles in Nigeria, worn by women of all ages. Nigerian braiding hair allows women to express their style, personality, and culture through their hair. The techniques for braiding originated in Africa over 5000 years ago and have been passed down for generations. Here is an overview of some of the most common Braids Hairstyles In Nigeria.
Cornrows
Cornrows are very common in Nigeria. They are made by braiding the hair into tight rows that lay close to the scalp. Traditionally, the cornrows follow the shape of the head from the forehead down to the nape of the neck, but modern styles sometimes add creative geometric designs.
Cornrows are easy to maintain as they allow the scalp to be accessible between the rows. This makes washing, conditioning, moisturizing, and styling simpler. The tightness of cornrows makes them last longer between styling sessions. Many Nigerian women will keep simple cornrows in for weeks at a time.
Some popular traditional cornrow styles include the straight back style forming one line down the center of the head as well as interesting curved or zig-zagged shapes. Modern takes on cornrows incorporate creative parts, angles and patterns. Cornrow braids can also feed into more elaborate larger braids or they can be decorated with beads or cowrie shells.
Ghana Braids Hairstyles In Nigeria
Ghana braids, also sometimes called banana braids, are graceful braids that elegantly fall across the shoulders and down the back. They are formed from cornrows that lead into free flowing braided extensions. They originated from Ghana but are now common across West Africa including Nigeria.
The cornrow base allows the scalp to be reached but the hair extensions hide all visibility of the cornrows. The extensions used are often bulkier than the tight cornrows to create volume and fullness. Ghana braids give the look of long, thick hair even for those with shorter locks.
Trendy styles of Ghana braids in Nigeria include side swept braids, straight back braids, goddess braids (with a middle part), and diagonal or curved braids. Ghana braids can incorporate any color of hair extensions but black and brown hues are the most common. Some add hair jewels like gold beads or shells to decorate the ends.
Senegalese Twists
Senegalese twists are extremely fashionable in Nigeria. They have a similar look to Ghana braids but are formed by twisting synthetic hair extensions onto natural hair rather than braiding them. The twists start small and neat at the roots and can then widen into jumbo twists further from the scalp.
Senegalese twists are lower maintenance than braids as they do not need frequent retightening. Their flexibility allows them to hold well between styling sessions. Nigerian women love Senegalese twists for their versatility to create anything from a curly Afro look to flowing mermaid waves. The twist style chosen tends to match the woman’s personality and fashion sense.
Synthetic hair allows women to easily achieve any color with Senegalese twists from ombre mixes to vibrant solids. Beaded twists are popular for a funky look. The beads slide onto the ends of the twists to create clicks and clacks that move to the beat when dancing. Some stylists prefer using kanekalon hair over synthetic fibers for Senegalese twists because it has a more natural texture.
Fulani Braids
Fulani braids originated from the Fulani people in Nigeria but have spread in popularity across Africa. They combine cornrows at the front of the head that lead into braids or twists in the back. Some Fulani styles incorporate just cornrows while others add braided extensions, making them a hybrid between tribal cornrows and Ghana braids.
What makes Fulani braids stand out is the decorative elements. The cornrow braids are accessorized with metallic gold or silver cuffs. Sometimes the cuffs connect from braid to braid while other styles leave space between them. Cowrie shells, beads or knots often decorate the ends of the braids at the back.
In Nigeria, Fulani braids represent culture and tradition. Their regal look commands attention with the glinting metallic accessories contrasting against beautiful black braided hair. Fulani braids are commonly worn for celebrations, weddings, festivals and other special events.
Pencil Braids
Pencil braids get their name from their slim, uniform shape resembling the size of a pencil. They give the impression of tiny cornrows covering the entire head but they do not actually touch the scalp. Instead, the hair is held taut from the roots in ponytails then braided into micro-thin braids.
It takes incredible technique, skill and patience to install pencil braids properly on natural hair. The precision involved keeps the braids looking neat and tailored for weeks rather than loose braid styles that get messy faster. Nigerians love the sharp look of pencil thin braids.
When styled correctly, pencil braids move together creating cool ripple effects. Some women choose to decorate the ends with beads. Others increase the size gradually into jumbo braids halfway down the length. Overall, pencil braids allow both protection and flexibility for Nigerian women’s natural hair.
Feed-In Braids
Feed-in braids gained attention in Nigeria from Beyoncé and Solange Knowles rocking the style. They provide a neat, pulled back look by braiding extensions directly into natural hair starting from the nape of the neck moving upwards. It leads to an intricate, interlocking look of braids feeding into more braids.
Nigerian stylists have adapted the techniques of feed-in braiding to create unique hybrid looks. Some incorporate cornrows at the crown before feeding braids into the cornrows. This allows decorations to be added within the cornrows only seen from parts. Other versions feed pencil thin braids into thicker bulky braids for visual interest.
Feed-in braids pull the hair back making them practical and professional for Nigerian women in the workplace. The anchoring from attached extensions also makes the style last 6-8 weeks between installations. This protective, low maintenance look keeps Nigerian natural hair retained and in pristine condition under the extensions.
Knotless Box Braids
Knotless box braids are currently one of the biggest braided hair trends in Nigeria. True to its name, the extensions are braided to look like boxes along the head rather than coils. A key difference between regular box braids is knotless braids do not have visible knots along the length of the extensions that can lead to friction and breakage.
Nigerians love knotless braids because the box shape makes installing them faster and easier compared to other braids. They are versatile to create varied parts, shapes and sizes too. Style them as micro-thin knotless braids all over or chunky jumbo braids at the back for a statement look.
The lack of knots and smooth finish means knotless braids easily last 8-12 weeks on average. Nigerian women can get creative pairing knotless box braids with curly human hair extensions for a textured look or straight extensions for flowy lines. Accessorize individual braids with gold cuffs or beads for extra bling.
Poetic Justice Braids
Janet Jackson first debuted poetic justice braids in the 90s film of the same name. The style features front cornrows that lead back into one thick, long braid down to the waist. This graceful look is symbolic of the lead character’s personality in the film.
In recent years, poetic justice braids became revived as a popular trend across Nigeria and Africa as a whole. Some Nigerian women stick to recreating Janet Jackson’s iconic off-center parted cornrows. Others make the look their own by braiding symmetrical cornrows in various geometric patterns before transitioning into the single fat braid.
The single lengthy braid draws attention and compliments. It swings playfully as women walk and dance. Poetic justice braids keep hair tidy and out of the face while allowing Nigerian women to retain length on natural hair by focusing growth into one thick tail. I hope this Braids Hairstyles In Nigeria article helps you.