Do Ghana Cornrows

Ghana cornrows, also called invisible cornrows, are thick, dramatic cornrows that run down your head and end in long, thick braids. They take some time to create (and several bags of kanekalon braiding hair), but the results are well-worth it. You can use fewer strands for a more natural look, and more strands for a more dramatic look. If you really want to step things up, you could even use colored kanekalon hair, such as bright blue or vibrant purple.

Steps

Prepping and Parting Your Hair

1. Apply a hydrating cream to your hair. Focus on the roots, where your hair is most likely to turn dry. It would be best if you use a cream specially formulated for curling hair or braiding cornrows.
   • Choose a natural cream, such as a coconut curling cream.
2. Decide how many cornrows you want. You can have as many or as few sections as you want, but keep in mind that the more sections you create, the more extensions you will need to add. About six or so sections would be ideal.
3. Part your hair based on the number of cornrows you want. Use a rat-tail comb to create a clean, neat part. Clip each section out of the way before moving onto the next one.
   • Play around with the parting. They don't all have to come from along your hairline. You can have them all start from the center of your head instead.
4. Separate out your kanekalon weaving hair. You will need about 12 strands per cornrow. If you want thicker, more drastic cornrows, you will need 24 strands. Each strand should be a little thicker than the last one. Have your first set of strands laid out and ready to use.
   • The extensions don't have to match your hair color. Feel free in use a bright color for a surprising effect.

Doing the Cornrows

1. Begin braiding for 2 to 3 stitches. Take your first section and divide it into three smaller sections. Cross the left section over the middle one, then cross the right section over the middle one.
2. Bring the thinnest kanekalon strand behind your head. Fold the thinnest kanekalon strand in half, and bring it around the back of your head. The looped part should be facing your hairline and the two tails should be hanging down the back of your head.
3. Tuck the kanekalon strand under the middle section of your braid. The easiest way to do this would be to simply feed the middle section through the loop. The kanekalon strand should now be between your real hair and your scalp. Make sure that it is centered.
4. Add the kanekalon strand to the left and right sections of your braid. Make sure that the center (folded) part of the kanekalon strand is tucked under the middle section of your braid. Add the left side of the strand to the left section of your braid, and the right side to the right section.
5. Continue braiding for two more stitches. Holding the left side of the kanekalon hair and the left section of your braid together, cross them over the middle section. Repeat this step for the right section.
   • If you want a thicker cornrow, add another strand of kanekalon hair to the middle section after you cross the right section.
6. Add another strand of kanekalon hair to the middle strand. This time, take a slightly-thicker strand than before. Tuck it under the middle strand, and add the left and right sides to the left and right sections of your braid.
7. Continue braiding and adding strands of kanekalon hair. For a thinner, more natural braid, add the kanekalon after you cross both the left and right sections. For a thicker, more dramatic braid, add the kanekalon after every cross-over.
   • Start with the thinner strands and work your way to the thicker ones.
   • Keep your stitches nice and tight. Use more curling cream to smooth down any stray hairs, if needed.
8. Stop braiding when you reach the nape of your neck. You can regular-braid the kanekalon hair for a few more inches/centimeters if you'd like to, but leave the bottom half of the hair unbraided for now.

Finishing the Braid

1. Thin the strand by cutting upwards into it. Hold a pair of scissors parallel to the strand with the tips pointing upward. Cut into the end of the strand to thin it out. You only need to thin the bottom few inches/centimeters. This will help your braid maintain the same thickness throughout.
2. Finish braiding the strand. Do a regular braid for this. Keep the stitches nice and tight. You can braid as far down as you like, but more stylists will braid all the way down to the end of the extension.
   • If you are not braiding all the way down, cut off the excess extensions.
3. Tie the braid off with a black or clear elastic. Wrap a thin hair elastic a few times around the end of the braid. Tuck the tail under the elastic, then wrap the elastic a few more times. This conceals the end without having to deal with heat-sealing.
4. Clean the end up. You may have noticed that there are some hairs sticking out of the folded end of your braid. This is perfectly normal. Use a small pair of scissors to trim away any stray strands.
5. Repeat the process for the rest of your hair. This can get tiring, especially if you are doing it by yourself. Remember to take breaks, especially if your arms start to feel sore. You can use the same color of extension for each cornrow, or you can add a few colored ones for a unique look.
6. Smooth down the hair at your hairline once you have finished braiding. Use your fingers to apply some hydrating hair cream to the fine hairs at your hairline. Smooth them down and back with a soft bristle brush.

Tips

• If you know how to heat seal extensions, you can do that instead.
• This style gives you very thick braids. It works best with fewer cornrows.
• The cornrows don't have to run parallel to each other. Some can run perpendicular to each other for a unique look.
• Use some colored extensions for a unique look. You can use them for every cornrow or alternate ones.
• Add large, decorative beads to the cornrows for extra flair.
• Twist the finished braids onto a large bun at the base of your neck. This not only looks trendy and chic, but it also keeps your hair out of the way.
• Wrap a silk scarf around your head at night when you go to sleep. This will keep your braids looking neat. It will also help prevent your hair and scalp from turning too dry.
• If you have a different type of braiding hair that you prefer to use, you can use that instead.

Things You'll Need

• Hydrating cream (ie: coconut curling cream)
• Rat-tail comb
• Hair clips
• Black or clear elastics
• 3 packages of kanekalon braiding hair

Sources and Citations

See also

• Detangle African Hair
• Grow African American Hair
• Style African Hair
• Take Care of Black Girls' Hair
• Care for Damaged African Hair
• Take Care of Relaxed African Hair
• Grow African Hair Faster and Longer
• Maintain African Hair
• Moisturize African Hair
• Grow Long Hair if You Are a Black Female

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