10 Braid Inspirations For Brides On Their Big Day

In this age, braids are not considered the proper and socially acceptable hairstyle for brides on their big day, a far cry from how it was in the 70s when braids were trendy among women.

Alysa Pace, an extension specialist, said, “In many African tribes, braided hairstyles were a unique way to identify each tribe. Braid patterns and hairstyles indicated a person’s tribe, age, marital status, wealth, power, and religion. Braiding was and is a social art.”

Braids were simply luxurious. Over time, people have regarded hair extensions more for brides, while braids have been relegated and undermined to be less elegant for such events.

Young Africans are changing this narrative. Both millennials and Gen Z’s have reached a level of social consciousness that has enabled them to become more cognizant of their culture and are more willing to accept the natural styles that connoted royalty for women before westernisation came to African society.

Here are ten braid inspirations for brides to try on their big day.

1. Box Braids With High Knots

A neatly tied knot on a typical half-up style goes a long way to elevate braided hairstyles, especially for brides with round faces.

2. Wrapped Buns

Chunky braids made out of little braids always add structure and details to braided styles. A wrapped bun or braided bun in whichever placement would always look exquisite.

3. Passion Twists

For natural hair brides who want to protect their hair, passion twists are one way to jazz up your hairdo. The curls and natural look they have, are perfect for any day, and they can be styled however suited.

4. Knotless Braids

Knotless braids are the rave. Aside from the fact that they are less painful when made, they can be easily styled. Whichever knotless braids – bohemian or mermaid ones – they definitely need to make this list.

5. Braided Fascinator

Braided fascinators are basically box braids packed into a bun at the top of a person’s head, almost like how fascinators are placed. It simply screams high class.

6. Braids in French Braids

French braids are typically done on hairs that have not been braided; ever thought of French braids on braids? They give the same effect and more.

7. Braided Bows

Think regular buns are boring and not flattering? Braided bows are the way to go. These bows can be knotted in a half bun look or a whole bun look. Regardless they give the stand-out effect needed on your big day.

8. Nina Simeon Inspired Up-do

Nina Simeone is known for her iconic over-the-top high bun looks. In the past years, celebrities worldwide like Amandla Stenberg and Lupita Nyong’o have paid homage to the icons’ hairstyles, and they are just perfect for brides on their big day.

9. Goddess Lob

Why be regular when you can rock a Goddess Lob for your big day? The hairstyle which made a grand entrance for Danai Gurira at the 2019 Oscars is basically a style cornrowed in the front and braided at the back with frayed ends.

10. Crown Braids

Your wedding day is the perfect day to look like royalty and the perfect day to rock crown braids. These braids are box braids styled around your head like a crown.

One way to elevate all these hairstyles to full royalty status is to accessorise them with hair pins and traditional hair styling materials.