Frequently Asked Questions

Waist beads are a traditional body jewelry originating in Africa. It is believed the oldest evidence of waist bead wearing is in ancient Kemet, known today as Egypt, where the women wore several layers of waist beads called girdles. Today, they are popular in most West African countries such as Ghana, Nigeria, Liberia, Senegal, and many others.

Traditionally, African women tied their waist beads on, which means they are worn permanently (while bathing, sleeping, swimming, etc.). Tie waist beads are a great option for those who want to always wear their beads and especially for those who want to monitor their weight.

Clasp waist beads give you the option of taking off and putting on your waist beads as you please. This would be great for women who only want to wear them on special occasions, with special outfits, or who love to switch their style up often. They are not meant for permanent wear like tie waist beads and should be removed for bathing, swimming, etc. to avoid damaging the clasp.

Waist beads have many uses and meanings. They can be worn for waist shaping, weight monitoring or just for fashion. They can also symbolize feminine beauty, sensuality, sexuality, spiritual protection, and body positivity.

To put them on, you simply place them around your waist, decide where you want them to sit, remove the excess beads and tie 3-4 knots. Once you are sure the beads are secure, cut off the excess string and beads.

Waist beads are traditionally worn on the hips along the panty line under your clothes. In fact, in some African countries it is taboo to have your beads showing in public. Here in the US, a lot of women prefer to wear them along their natural waist, so that they show when wearing a crop-top or bikini. How you decide to wear them is up to you!

 All of our waist beads are made by hand in Accra, Ghana. They are authentically African.