Fulani braids, also known as “tribal braids,” are a hairstyle characterized by a precise pattern in which the traditional cornrow braids are braided starting from the back of the head to the front and vice versa. Two or more braids are braided from the back to the front on each side of the head, hanging like earrings.
This protective hairstyle from West Africa has become very popular in Western countries since the beginning of 2000, when Alicia Keys showcased it in one of her most well-known music videos. Despite being a cultural symbol for Black women, many women, men, and even kids from other cultures like to have their hair braided in this style.
However, Fulani braids are in vogue not only because of the beautiful, intricate patterns they create on the head but also because they can come with accessories like wooden beads, cowrie shells, or gold cuffs at the ends of the braids to achieve a unique look.
Table of Contents
Origins, pros, and cons
Pros and cons
Beautiful Fulani braids to try
Trending styles
How to use beads and accessories
Final thoughts
Origins, pros, and cons
Hair plays an important role in all African cultures and civilizations, as it can symbolize origins, social status, wealth, religion, or marital status. Fulani braids aren’t just beautiful cornrow braids—they hold cultural significance to Fulani people. Fulani women decorate their hair with accessories such as gold beads, shells, silver, and amber coins.
The Fulani, or Fula, are a nomadic ethnic group in the Sahel and West Africa. They call themselves Fulbe (singular Pullo), a name from a Fulfulde word meaning “free.”
Many Fulani were captured and brought to America between the 16th and 19th centuries during the slave trade. African stylists and hairdressers later took inspiration from these people’s particular hairstyles and characteristic details, thus creating the iconic Fulani braid style that we know and love today.
Pros and cons
Fulani braids last 3 to 4 weeks and are very easy to maintain, even when created with the help of hair extensions for extra length. They also offer direct access to the scalp, allowing breathing and hydration. Moisturization can be maintained using a scalp serum, spray, diluted or leave-in shampoo, or essential oils.
This hairstyle is also relatively low-maintenance and quick compared to other braided styles, such as twists or braid extensions, box braids, and faux dreadlocks. This protective style suits all natural hair types, straight and curly hair, but can create problems for sensitive skin.
Last but not least, these slim braids allow for creating artistic and geometric designs, like intricate zigzag parts, a sleek center part, or a heart design, or they can be gathered in ponytails or a top bun.
On the other hand, the regrowth is noticeable with this hairstyle; in some cases, even the hair comes out, so some people tend to undo the hairstyle prematurely after a few days or do a touch-up after 2 weeks.
Beautiful Fulani braids to try
Fulani braids are mainly made using the cornrow or feed-in techniques. Despite being a very versatile style, it has its distinctive characteristics. For example, having braids on both sides of the head braided from back to front is a characteristic that must be included to consider it a tribal or Fulani hairstyle.
While there are many designs professionals can achieve with Fulani braids, the style can be limiting, as there are some rules to stick with, and it’s not a pattern one can use to create many other styles.
Trending styles
Some variations of this braiding technique allow customers to personalize their braids and get a custom Fulani style with a modern twist, great for a festival look, for example, or even a red carpet.
Neat cornrow braids often feature special accessories or ornaments, representing a much more elaborate design, made on the scalp using very close-set cornrow braids. These accessories are not meant to cover the patterns on the head, but rather to enhance them.
Geometric Fulani braids incorporate multiple modernizing elements, such as slim cornrow plaits, down arrows, chevrons, and triangles, while giving the rest of the hair a falling look for a striking visual aesthetic and movement.
Braiding a few braids along with the braid adds an extra layer of depth and texture to the hairstyle, allowing the look to stand out and be unique rather than just eye-catching.
Fulani braids can also be gathered in a half-up, half-down fashion to maintain order and freedom of movement, while the remaining face-framing braids rest at the nape of the neck and can be left slightly tousled.
Of course, it’s also possible to experiment with different colors and sizes of beads to make the style more personal.
These beloved styles also showcase how Fulani braids are evolving and how people can be more artistic and fashionable while still respecting the traditions surrounding this beautiful hairstyle.
How to use beads and accessories
Fulani beads and other accessories give this classic hairstyle an artistic look and cultural influence while also helping add a personal touch. Colorful miniature beads can add beauty to braids in different places and angles, from the center of the head to the edges.
They come in various shapes, sizes, and materials, making them easy to customize. In braiding, the usual practice is for the braider to add a loop to the end of a beaded section of hair before continuing with the braid. Wherever the beads are placed or the number of beads used can vary if you want small beaded accents or piles of beads paired with colorful threads.
In addition to adding more appeal to Fulani braids, they can also be fun to wear, given the sound made when the beads clink together. You can add cowrie shells, rubber bands, ribbons, or metal cuffs to make a unique statement and make your clients’ Fulani braids stand out.
Final thoughts
Fulani braids are more than just a hairstyle—they celebrate beauty, heritage, and individuality. Whether for a red carpet moment or everyday flair, these braids are a stunning choice.
The perfect finishing touch comes from unique beads and accessories available for purchase by stylists and pros on Alibaba.com.
