Spread the love...
The Fulani tribal braids may have stolen the limelight again after Beyonce rocked them in her 2017 album Lemonade. However, these protective hairstyles have been part and parcel of African culture for thousands of years.
Dating back to 3500 BC, braids were used among African indigenous communities to protect their hair and symbolize their social standing, tribe, status, and relationships.
Today, the tribal braids are adorned by women worldwide—including celebrities like Alicia Keys, Solange, and Rihanna—to acknowledge their heritage and show off their style and personality.
So if you’re looking for the best trending Fulani braids to rock this year, we’ve got tons of options for you, from tiny micro braids to colorful ombre styles.
Need to make fast cash to cover some of your braiding costs? Try out:
- YouGov – Get paid to complete surveys!
- Opinion Outpost – Earn rewards for sharing your opinion!
What Are Fulani Braids?
Fulani tribal braids are a cornrow braided hairstyle that originated from the Fulani (Fula) people, a large nomadic pastoral community from West Africa and the Sahel region.
The traditional braid style was long hair partitioned into five long braids hanging loose or looping on the sides. A coiffure was positioned at the head’s center, while the hair was decorated with cowrie shells and beads.
Today, Fulani tribal braids have slightly evolved, allowing you to accentuate them further with modern beads, cuffs, and other accessories.
What Do Fulani Braids Symbolize?
Throughout the different tribes of Africa, hair braiding symbolized age, spirituality, and status.
The Fulani people were no exception. Rocking their Fulani tribal braids was a way to showcase their origin, marital status, religion, wealth, and marital status.
Today, the Fulani tribal braids are used primarily as functional, protective, and decorative hairstyles, with the different variations making it easy to showcase your style and personality.
What Country Do Fulani Braids Come From?
The Fulani tribal braids stem from the Fulani people of the Sahel region and West Africa, primarily Guinea, Senegal, Mali, and Cameroon.
Are Fulani and Tribal Braids the Same?
While Fulani tribal braids refer to the braids originating from the tribe of Fulani (hence the name Fulani tribal), there’s a slight difference between tribal and Fulani braids.
Tribal braids are named after their resemblance to the different traditional braiding styles of indigenous tribes around the world. They’re generally thicker, voluminous, and may or may not be styled with accessories.
Fulani braids, on the other hand, originate from the Fulani people of West Africa. They’re characterized by small cornrows braided tightly to the scalp and decorated with beads.
Fulani braids are smaller and lighter than tribal braids and are typically styled with a center or side parting.
What You Need to Do Fulani Tribal Braids
How To Do Fulani Tribal Braids (Step-by-Step)
After gathering all the necessary items, follow these steps to do Fulani tribal braids.
- Part your clean hair into different sections to your liking, and then apply some Shine n Jam to moisturize and smoothen out the hair, if needed.
- Take a thin section of your hair (single-pen thickness) from one side of the partitioned hair, and divide it into three subsections, just like you’d do with knotless braids.
- Start braiding this into a three-part simple braid.
- Take out your pre-stretched braiding hair and divide it into thin sections, depending on your desired braid thickness. Set the braids aside on a flat surface.
- Now, after making your first hair knot, take a section of the hair extension and fold it in half. Hold it to the bend, and then add it to the hair section you’re braiding.
- Keep on braiding with the added hair extension, and after a second knot, add another thin section of the hair extension.
- Repeat this process four or five times until you achieve your desired thickness and length. Continue braiding until the end, then secure the braid with a rubber band.
- Repeat this process with the remaining hair, adding beads to the extension as and when you like.
- Once the braids are done, apply mousse and dip the ends of your hair in hot water to safely secure them, and then pat them with a clean and dry towel.
- You’re now ready to rock your Fulani tribal braids. Style them up or down as you wish.
The video below shows a detailed one-on-one guide on how to do your Fulani tribal braids.
25 Stunning Fulani Tribal Braids Hairstyle Ideas
1. Fulani Tribal Braids With Heart
The Fulani tribal braids with a heart design will add a feminine touch to your style. They’re an excellent protective style to let your braids speak for themselves and make a statement.
Whether you need a festive look for Valentine’s Day or you just want a unique pattern that will make you stand out, this is the look to go for.
2. Fulani Tribal Braids With Curls
This is a gorgeous braid style that provides the best of both worlds with braids and weaves.
They’re the perfect choice if you love the look of a sew-in weave but want to switch it up and wear your hair in a braid protective style.
3. Fulani Tribal Braids With Beads
These stunning Fulani braids with beads are a perfect example of how colorful beadwork can transform your braids and give them a glamorous, high-fashion finish.
Whether glass, metal, wooden, or colorful, the beads will add a unique and personal twist to your braids.
4. Fulani Tribal Braids Half Knotless
The Fulani tribal braids half knotless are one of the latest takes on Fulani tribal braids.
Create a unique half knotless pattern with your hair for a stunning hairdo. It may need a lot of patience and time, but the end result is worth it.
5. Fulani Tribal Braids With Color
Add a striking finish to your Fulani tribal style with colored braids. These Fulani tribal braids with color are a low-maintenance and versatile style that’ll help to lighten your hair and make your face look brighter.
6. Half Fulani Tribal Braids
These half Fulani tribal braids are a neat and tight style that features symmetrical one-width braids. Finish them off with beads of your choice for a more eye-catching look.
7. Half-Fulani Tribal Braids, Half-Knotless Braids
Fulani cornrows combined with Fulani knotless braids suit nearly all face shapes. These half-Fulani braids, half-knotless braids are no exception since they provide a neat and eye-catching look for anyone who adorns them.
8. Short Fulani Tribal Braids
The short Fulani tribal braids are a classic cut that falls slightly below the chin. They’re incredibly flattering and will complement almost every face shape.
Their length is also easy to manage, and because of where the braids are cut, this style will draw more attention to your face.
9. Medium Fulani Tribal Braids
These mid-length Fulani braids present an easy way to look stylish and timeless. The braids look stunning and are perfect for any occasion, whether school, work, or a party.
10. Long Fulani Tribal Braids
If you’re looking for a way to flaunt your braid patterns, rocking these long Fulani tribal braids is the way to go. They’re also highly versatile since you can style them in many ways, including high ponytails.
11. Shoulder Length Fulani Tribal Braids
These shoulder-length Fulani tribal braids will help you make a stylish statement while remaining relatively easy to maintain. Add some bold beads and accessories to make them stand out even further.
12. Middle Part With or Without Cornrow
This middle part Fulani braid with cornrow is easy to style and creates an effortlessly chic look.
You can pull the braids into a ponytail to keep the hair away from your face, drawing attention to your face and accentuating your flattering features.
13. Goddess Fulani Tribal Braids
If you’re tired of the same old straight braids, this hairstyle represents a more exciting way to try new patterns with your hair.
To make an even bolder statement, opt for a colored hair extension that perfectly blends with your skin tone.
14. Fulani Tribal Braids Side Part
Add a little extra spice to your braid design with these Fulani tribal braids side part. They’re creative and fun, allowing you to try different patterns on your scalp or experiment with different braid colors.
15. Egyptian Fulani Tribal Braids
These Egyptian Fulani tribal braids are great protective styles with a creative approach.
They’re sophisticated and ideal for anyone looking to make a bold statement and provide more space to add accessories of your choice, including threads, beads, and jewelry.
16. Freestyle Fulani Tribal Braids
These freestyle Fulani tribal braids are simply what we call them—free. They don’t follow a particular braiding pattern or style.
They can be long or short, up in a poly tail or running down the back, with or without knotless braids, and as bold or subtle as you wish.
17. Fulani Tribal Braids With Curly Hair
These Fulani tribal braids with curly hair protect your hair while looking stylish and richly feminine.
The thick Fulani braids at the center extend into a big, curly wave at the back for a fuller look. Add some beads to the braids and other accessories to the curly hair for more texture.
18. Kids Fulani Tribal Braids
These kids’ Fulani tribal braids are the perfect way to protect your child’s hair and keep her looking effortlessly stunning. Stacking different colorful beads on the braids will give her hair the needed extra pop.
19. Fulani Braids With Rubber Bands
If you want to add some extra sauce to your regular Fulani tribal braids, then these Fulani braids with rubber bands might be what you need.
This is a fresh take on Fulani braids and will certainly draw eyes in your direction.
20. Fulani Braids No Edges
If you’re looking for a protective braid style that’s not rough on your edges or you lack the edges altogether, these Fulani braids with no edges are for you.
With this hairstyle, you can still rock the stunning Fulani braid style while maintaining your hair.
21. Wavy Roots Fulani Tribal Braids
You can still get the perfect Fulani tribal braids without any decorations. These wavy roots Fulani braids provide just that. Experiment with different colors to create contrast.
22. Fulani Tribal Braids Ponytail
The Fulani tribal braids ponytail is a feminine and elegant protective hairstyle that will keep hair away from your face while flattering your facial features.
Make it look even more attractive by adding gorgeous decorative elements such as beads and cuffs.
23. Fulani Braids With High Bun
The Fulani tribal braids with a high bun hairstyle has a flattering look with a more organic and laid-back vibe. It creates a youthful, feminine look and complements better those with round faces.
24. Fulani Braids With Twin Buns
The Fulani braids with twin buns hairstyle allow you to play with hairdos. You can twist the brains into two half-buns or let them hang loose for a fuller look.
25. Ombre Fulani Tribal Braids
Go for an ombre finish with these ombre Fulani tribal braids that will make your look even more alluring.
Whatever ombre color you choose will look stunning, drawing eyes to your hair and highlighting your braid style.
How Long Do Fulani Tribal Braids Last?
Fulani tribal braids are a protective hairstyle and can last up to 5 weeks with the right care. However, you shouldn’t keep these braids for longer as they’re woven tightly.
Maintenance Tips for Fulani Tribal Braids
The following tips will help you keep your Fulani tribal braids looking new and fresh for longer periods:
- Protect your hair at night by wearing a satin or silk scarf before going to bed. This will help to prevent the braids from frizzing and keep your edges intact.
- Ensure your scalp remains moisturized by applying a leave-in conditioner to your hair at least twice a week. This keeps your hair soft, shiny, and prevents it from breaking.
- Wash your hair braids at least once every fortnight to remove sweat and/or dust build-ups.
- Style the braids with care. Always use your fingers instead of styling tools that may pull your braids apart and make them look unkempt or difficult to detangle.
With all these Fulani tribal braids hairstyles to choose from, you’ll never run out of options on what to rock. From heart patterns to ombre colors, there are endless ideas to try. So try any of these beautiful hairstyles on your next salon visit.
Spread the love...
