If protective hairstyles have become a saving grace for your natural hair, then you're most likely familiar with Fulani braids. Known as one of the popular braiding styles in the hair world, these tribal West African braids make up a versatile and detailed hairstyle that sports a few cornrow braids down the center of the head and several cornrows braided in a row going out towards the temples on either side. It’s a stunning braided look that pairs well with beads and metallic hair accessories. And with so many Fulani braided styles to choose from such as chic updos to straight-back plaits and geometric patterns—it's easy to make this look your very own. Check out these nine Fulani braid hairstyles that will take your protective style game to the next level.
Hairstyle #1: Straight-Back Fulani Braids
For those who love to make a classic yet elegant statement, straight-back Fulani braids are the way to go. This style consists of cornrow braids that fall towards the back of the head. It also features two braids facing forward near the ears. Top things off by placing multiple beads throughout the ends of the braids for a winning look.
Hairstyle #2: Two-Toned Fulani Braids With High Bun
Add some color to your hairstyle by going for two-toned Fulani braids with a high bun. To get the look, incorporate braiding hair in a shade that doesn't match your natural color while creating the classic center braid as well as the perimeter cornrow braids. Gather everything into a bun, securing it with a hair tie, and you’re all set!
Editor’s Tip: You can also experiment with color by spritzing individual braids with a temporary hair color spray. Take your pick from the various shades in the L’Oréal Paris Colorista Hair Makeup Temporary 1-Day Hair Color Spray line.
Hairstyle #3: Fulani Crown With Horizontal Braids
With Fulani braids, it all comes down to the details and a crown-style with horizontal cornrows is no exception. This look features a center braid with two curved braids along the crown of your head. Small vertical cornrow braids are then weaved along the perimeter of your head and accessorized with shell beads and rubber bands for a stylish twist.
Hairstyle #4: Half Fulani Braids With Curls
There's no denying that a gorgeous set of curls can add flair to any style and Fulani braids make the perfect case for it. Try it out yourself by sectioning your hair into two parts and cornrow the front section of your head. You can leave out the bottom section and rock your natural texture. We recommend using the L’Oreal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Super Curls Leave-In Cream to give your curls some definition or use flexi rods to create bouncy styled curls that will tie the look together.
Hairstyle #5: Fulani Braids With Ponytail
Fulani braids with a ponytail will become your go-to in no time. This style requires braiding your hair up towards the crown of your head so that you can easily gather them. You can also add in a few forward-facing braids near the ears. Complete the look by pulling all the braids into a high ponytail and secure them with a statement hair tie.
Hairstyle #6: Geometric Fulani Braids With Baby Hairs
If you're game for adding a show-stopping element to your 'do, try this style. Sporting cornrows with intricate geometric patterns surrounding the center braid, this look is definitely worth the hype. We recommend booking an appointment with a stylist since it requires very technical braiding skills.
Editor’s Tip: Lay down your edges in the front to complete the look. Use a small edge brush and apply a dime-size amount of the L'Oréal Paris Lock It Extreme Style Gel Lock It Clean Style Gel to your baby hairs to keep them in place.
Hairstyle #7: Fulani Braids With An Afro
For those who prefer to leave out some of their natural hair to show off the texture, try going for a style that will allow you to sport both braids and your natural hair. This look features a center braid with an accent hair clip and braids woven around the front part of your head that leads to a beautiful natural blowout in the back.
Hairstyle #8. Knee-Length Fulani Braids
If length is what you’re after, you’ll definitely want to add feed-in braiding hair to this style. Next time you’re at the salon, have your stylist add some hair to your mane, creating cornrows that are braided with the traditional front-to-back method and a few back-to-front pieces. Just be sure they are delicate around the hairline so that there isn’t too much tension on your roots (which can happen with extra long braids).
Hairstyle #9: Fulani Braided Bob
Braided bobs are certainly here to stay, and they are perfect for those looking to up the ante on a classic style. Go for a shorter hairstyle that will still add depth and movement to your look. Check out some online tutorials to DIY at home.
Photo Credit: Teshna, @queenteshna
Next: 10 Jumbo Braided Hairstyles That Are Perfect For Any Season
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
As an expert in the field of hairstyling, I can confidently share my knowledge and expertise on the topic of Fulani braids. Fulani braids are a popular and versatile braiding style originating from tribal West Africa. This intricate hairstyle features a few cornrow braids down the center of the head and several cornrows braided in a row going out towards the temples on either side.
One of the reasons Fulani braids have become a saving grace for natural hair is their ability to provide protection while still allowing for creativity and personalization. These braids can be adorned with beads and metallic hair accessories, adding a unique and stylish touch to the look.
Let's explore some of the concepts related to Fulani braids mentioned in the article.
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Straight-Back Fulani Braids: This classic and elegant style consists of cornrow braids that fall towards the back of the head, with two braids facing forward near the ears. Adding multiple beads throughout the ends of the braids enhances the overall look.
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Two-Toned Fulani Braids With High Bun: To add some color to your hairstyle, you can opt for two-toned Fulani braids with a high bun. Incorporate braiding hair in a shade that contrasts with your natural color, create the classic center braid, and add perimeter cornrow braids. Gather everything into a bun and secure it with a hair tie for a chic and eye-catching look.
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Fulani Crown With Horizontal Braids: This detailed style features a center braid with two curved braids along the crown of the head. Small vertical cornrow braids are then weaved along the perimeter, accessorized with shell beads and rubber bands for a stylish twist.
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Half Fulani Braids With Curls: Incorporating curls into Fulani braids adds flair and versatility to the hairstyle. Section your hair into two parts, cornrow the front section, and leave out the bottom section to showcase your natural texture. You can enhance your curls with products like L’Oreal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Super Curls Leave-In Cream or use flexi rods for bouncy styled curls.
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Fulani Braids With Ponytail: This style involves braiding the hair up towards the crown of the head, allowing for easy gathering into a high ponytail. Forward-facing braids near the ears can also be added for added detail. Complete the look with a statement hair tie for a polished finish.
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Geometric Fulani Braids With Baby Hairs: For those looking to make a show-stopping statement, this style features cornrows with intricate geometric patterns surrounding the center braid. It's recommended to seek the assistance of a stylist with technical braiding skills for this look. To complete the style, lay down your edges and use a small edge brush along with a styling gel like L'Oréal Paris Lock It Extreme Style Gel to keep your baby hairs in place.
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Fulani Braids With An Afro: This style allows you to showcase both braids and your natural hair texture. It features a center braid with an accent hair clip and braids woven around the front part of your head, leading to a beautiful natural blowout in the back.
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Knee-Length Fulani Braids: If you desire length, this style incorporates feed-in braiding hair to create cornrows with the traditional front-to-back method, along with a few back-to-front pieces. It's important to ensure that the braids are delicate around the hairline to avoid excessive tension on the roots.
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Fulani Braided Bob: Braided bobs are a trendy take on a classic style. This shorter hairstyle adds depth and movement to your look while still incorporating the intricate braiding technique of Fulani braids.
With these nine Fulani braid hairstyles, you can elevate your protective style game and showcase your personal style. Whether you prefer a classic, colorful, or bold look, Fulani braids offer endless possibilities for experimentation and self-expression.
