Whether you want to add a pop of color or enhance your braids with decorative wire and beads, there’s virtually no limit to creative styles. Be sure to consult a professional stylist for this protective style to ensure a great-looking and healthy result.
Channel your inner goddess with a stunning variation on the traditional hairstyle. Criss-crossed Fulani braids create an ethereal look that’s both exotic and feminine.
Braided Ponytail
The braided ponytail is a versatile updo that highlights the shape of your face while adding glamor to any outfit. This look is perfect for a yoga class or a date night with someone special, and it can be easily updated with hair accessories to suit your style. From beads to charms and shells, there are endless ways to add mesmerizing decorations to your hair, creating a style that is all your own.
One of the most classic and elegant looks you can rock with a braided ponytail is a fishtail-style look. To achieve this, begin by gathering a section of hair at the base of your scalp and dividing it into two equal sections. Take a thin strand from the left side and pull it across the hairline, tucking it under the right section. Repeat the process on the opposite side to create a layered, fishtail-like appearance.
Another way to dress up a ponytail is to use a dutch braid for a chic, high-fashion look. This style works best if your hair is straight and clean, but you can also try it with a little bit of texture by spritzing it with leave-in conditioner or dry shampoo. When you’re ready to add a bit of drama to your look, adorn the top with an ornate gold or silver hair accessory.
Reese Witherspoon’s iconic role in “Legally Blonde” showcased her vivacious personality with a high-end ponytail. Jennifer Aniston has also embraced this sophisticated hairstyle, making it a go-to option for upscale events and outings.
The lace braid and ponytail is a gorgeous combination of feminine elegance and bohemian vibes. To make this look work for you, be sure to pair it with a light-colored ensemble and delicate jewelry.
A voluminous ponytail with a waterfall braid is another beautiful and easy-to-do style. This ethereal look is perfect for a wedding or an evening out, and you can even dress it up with a glitzy crown to give your look more dimension.
A woven ponytail is a great way to show off your luscious locks and celebrate your natural beauty. The fusion of intricate cornrows and the structured look of box braids offers an interesting twist to this traditional hairstyle. You can also experiment with different color combinations and add embellishments to elevate your look.
Top-Knot Bun
If you’re looking to take your topknot up a notch, try injecting it with some playful accessories. Simply follow the standard steps for your bun, but add a few hair crystals (we love Bitzy Stick on Clear Crystal Hair Gems ($4) around the base of the style for a touch of sparkle and dimension. The result is a slightly dishevelled topknot that’s ready for anything.
While a messy top knot might seem like a no-brainer, it’s actually a very intricate style that requires some serious technique. First, start with a blowout or air-dried hair that’s dry and free of product buildup to make it easier to manage. Next, split your hair into a 1/3 and 2/3 section and twist the 1/3 to create a high ponytail, then twist the 2/3 down and around the 1/3 for a chic twisted topknot. The trick is to keep the sections tight while you’re twisting them to avoid any lumps or messiness, and to secure it with bobby pins as needed.
Whether you want to create an undone or sleek version of the look, a perfectly placed topknot will ensure that it’s a show-stopping style. Fugate recommends using a bun form such as a sock or turban bun to give your hair a polished look. To get the look, brush your hair into a high ponytail, then insert it through the bun form and wrap the rest of the hair over it. Secure with a hairband or bobby pins as needed, and then tease out the ends to add definition.
If you’re in the mood for something more glam, try this voluminous topknot. Featuring a combination of jumbo and regular cornrows, this edgy style is perfect for showcasing your unique personality. The alternating cornrow sizes and a towering bun create an expressive statement, while the face-framing tendrils and deep middle parting elevate the look even further. Just don’t forget to finish the look with a touch of TRES TWO Ulltra Fine Mist Non-Aerosol Hair Spray to lock in your hair’s sleek style. Then, all that’s left to do is add your favorite jewelry and a headband to really set the tone for a bold day out with the girls.
Twisted Updo
The twisted updo is one of the most elegant styles that can be found in every woman’s repertoire. This timeless wedding hairstyle is a beautiful blend of gathered and loose locks that give you a stunning look that is sure to turn heads on your big day. You can customize your twisted updo to suit your aesthetic by adding a delicate ribbon or a few flowers, or you can keep it simple and let your beautiful hair shine on its own. Whether you want something vintage and chic or you prefer to add a touch of elegance with rhinestone accents, these updos will make your wedding day unforgettable.
For those looking for a more sophisticated updo, try this twisted low bun with loose strands peeking out around the bun. This is an easy style that can be done quickly and will complement any dress, and it can even be worn with a casual outfit for a more relaxed feel. If you are a girl with luscious long locks, then you will love this gorgeous voluminous updo that is effortlessly tucked in a low bun with the ends sticking out. The soft and wavy texture of the hair gives it a glamorous and romantic appeal that will leave everyone speechless.
A peek-aboo twist is a unique take on the classic French twist updo that adds a little extra flair to the already fantastic look. Simply pull out a few of the wispy strands that are typically hidden in the twist and stick them in front for a gorgeous, eye-catching look that will leave all your guests in awe.
This twisted updo with a bohemian twist is another great option for those who want to keep their hair down and elegant. The twisted updo is adorned with a colorful floral arrangement that adds a touch of glamor to the look and gives it a whole new level of sophistication. This is an excellent updo for brides who are planning a romantic or rustic themed wedding.
If you have shorter hair, don’t worry! You can still rock an elegant updo that is perfect for a formal occasion. This twisted updo is so easy to do and can be pulled off with any length of hair. Simply start with a clean face and a little dry shampoo, then tease the hair a bit before you twist it around itself and pin it. Finish the look with a few spritzes of Leyla Milani ‘Hold It Right There’ hairspray and you are ready to impress!
Laid Back
Incorporating a traditional style of braiding with the versatile nature of box braids, this laid back look offers a unique fusion style that captures the artistry of both styles. Thin to medium-sized cornrows are skillfully crafted and often adorned with beads or cowrie shells, adding visual appeal and cultural significance to the hairstyle. The rest of the hair is then styled into box braids, resulting in a captivating and distinct style that will make you stand out from the crowd.
Featuring intricate geometric patterns and designs, Fulani braids are a powerful way to express your heritage and individuality. The style’s artistic elements and striking visual appearance evoke a sense of divinity and mysticism. Achieving this look is a breeze. Start at the crown of your head, then divide it into three equal parts. Cross the right strand over the middle strand and drop the bottom strand. Repeat this pattern, incorporating small sections of hair from the sides into each successive braiding step, until you reach the nape of your neck. Secure the braid with a hair tie and you’re ready to make a bold and stylish statement.
If you want to take your look a step further, add a touch of glamor with a faux bob. Begin by dividing your hair into two even sections and braiding each of them in regular intervals. When you’re done, combine the two twists at the back of your head and camouflage the elastic with a few strands of hair. To give the style a more polished and sleek appearance, mist your hair with a spritz of sea salt hair texturizer spray.
No matter your stylistic inclination, a fulani braid is a great protective style for summer that will keep you cool and chic while protecting your ends from heat damage. Whether your look leans bohemian, Renaissance-inspired, or Y2K, this timeless style can easily be worn at any occasion, from casual outings to formal events.
