African style has provided a Ghanaian couple with a thriving business providing hairdos to turn heads on Wellington's streets.

Since arriving from Ghana 12 years ago, Connie Jamal-Deen and her husband Larry have established three African hairstyle shops in central Wellington and Porirua.

Ms Jamal-Deen said when she arrived here in the early nineties she realised her skills could be put to good use.

"Of course, there were braids but there was no variety, no true African styles, which is what I started to offer," she said.

Initially offering her services from someone else's shop, she eventually met Wellington property developer and James Smith Market owner David Blackmore, who enabled the Jamal-Deens to start their own business.

"At first I found it hard to find a shop – I'm not sure if it was my colour or what, but it was very difficult – but then I met David and he helped us get started with the African Shop in James Smith's," Ms Jamal-Deen said.

With Mr Blackmore on her case – "he would motivate me to work hard and would tell me off if I was late" – and her talents attracting a horde of returning customers, business went from strength to strength.

As the African Shop's client list grew, it was obvious another outlet was needed and so Hair Afrik opened six years ago in the Oaks Complex.

Natural progression and a desire to tap into a growing market out of the city, saw a third shop opened in Porirua last year.

"Porirua is an obvious location for us to grow as the locals love our styles and were always coming into Wellington so we were very pleased to open the African Hair Centre out there."

While business has grown as more Africans moved to Wellington over the past decade Ms Jamal-Deen said Polynesians, Europeans and a steady flow of tourists have also kept her busy.

"The tourists have slowed since September 11 but the number of local customers is growing all the time – people know where to come to get the bomb African styles," she said.

Meanwhile if you want to add some African style to your locks be prepared to be patient.

Ms Jamal-Deen said it can take up to three or four hours to fix a client's hair – depending on hair type and style.

"We do braids, weaves, interlocks, natural dreads, comb twists, twists and hair extensions and are always trying new things to keep our clients looking good," she said.

Prices range from $150, depending on the time and intricacy of the style, which Ms Jamal-Deen said can last for up to four months if properly looked after.