When you think you’ve experienced every type of African braid imaginable, along comes Fulani braids to add an exciting new addition to your hair bucket list. These braids, like many other attachment styles, are both stunning and flexible. It’s no wonder that even celebrities like Alicia Keys are fans of this hairstyle. And she’s not the only one who loves rocking these braids.
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The late Cicely Tyson, along with Rihanna, Beyonce, Justin Skye, Solange, Willow Smith, and many other incredibly talented black celebrities, have graced magazine covers and social media feeds with their stunning photos showcasing Fulani braids.
If you, too, want to join the list of beautiful women who rock this gorgeous hairdo, you’ve come to the right place.
In this post, we have put together the most fabulous Fulani hairstyle just for you. Keep reading as we explore and share all the amazing styles.
This awesome hairstyle, known as the Fulani hairstyle, came from the cool people of West Africa. It’s all about rockin’ those killer cornrows and box braids. And like they say on Byrdie’s blog, it goes a little something like this:
Fulani braids come in two styles, either as an updo or as cornrows pulled back. What sets them apart is how the cornrows are intricately designed in a curvy pattern on the scalp, while the box braids gracefully hang down the sides of the head.
You have endless options when it comes to these braids – they can be either long or short, and you can choose any color you want. What’s even more exciting is that you can accessorize them with cowries, gold cuffs, and beads, which has always been a popular trend and isn’t going away anytime soon.
In addition to beautifully decorating a woman’s hair, this hairstyle holds even more significance. It serves as a powerful symbol of African roots, providing a meaningful connection for black individuals living outside of Africa who are proud of their heritage. Moreover, in the past, this hairstyle was a visible indicator of prosperity, faith, societal standing, or even one’s marital status.
How Long do Fulani Braids Last?
Hey there! So, these awesome braids can stay in your hair for a solid three to five weeks. Of course, how well you take care of them plays a role in their longevity. Oh, and just a friendly tip, it’s not a good idea to keep them in for longer than six weeks, as that could potentially thin out your hairline. So, enjoy your braids, but remember to give your edges a little break!
Which Hair Extension is Good for this Coiffure?
For those fabulous Fulani braids, there are two types of hair extensions that work like a charm. You’ve got the attachment option and the wool option, both perfectly versatile and available in a delightful array of colors for you to explore and express yourself with.
How Long Does it Take to Install Fulani Braids?
Just like any other attachment hairstyle, this fabulous look requires some time to put together. The exact duration will vary depending on your hair’s thickness and how large you want your braids to be. From preparing the extensions to actually installing them and making sure everything looks perfect with trims and hair products, it’s definitely a process that takes time.
However, there are steps you can take to help speed up the process. You can prepare your own natural hair before heading to the salon and make sure to arrive early so that your amazing hairstylist can work their magic and have everything done before the sun sets. By doing your part and being cooperative, you’ll be rocking this incredible style in no time!
How to Style Fulani Braids
Add some pizazz to your braids with beads, gold or silver cuffs, cowries, and other fun hair accessories. These little extras will make your hairstyle pop and enhance your overall look.
If you’re feeling more adventurous, you can even experiment with tying a colorful scarf or headband around your braids. And don’t be afraid to get creative with your braids by molding them into a chic donut or double bun style – a different look for each day!
And last but not least, make sure to give your baby hair a flirty, irresistible touch by using some edge control product. You’ll achieve a sexy and girly flair that will complete your fabulous braided hairstyle.
Types of Fulani Braids
1. Long Fulani Braids
Long braids are absolutely stunning. The way they gracefully hang down your back while you stroll is truly mesmerizing. Opt for this fabulous look if you’ve got plenty of hair extensions to achieve your ideal length.
2. All-Back Fulani Braids
As the name implies, this style goes all the way to the back. Though to add more accents, your hairstylist may add two braids by the side so it dangles around your face.
3. Updo Fulani Braids
This is a variation of all-back braids. Only that it’s made into a ponytail as typical of shuku hairstyles.
4. Cornrows with a Base
This fabulous fulani cornrows hairstyle is similar to the other styles we’ve mentioned before, like shuku or all-back. The only thing that sets it apart is the added bonus of a few shorter cornrows that elegantly frame the forehead.
 Adding base to your braids further adorns your hairstyle.
5. Colorful Braids
Don’t wanna use the usual black extensions? Not a problem at all. Just go for any bright color that suits your taste.
6. Fulani Braids with Hair Out
This style involves braiding the front part of your hair and leaving it to blend with unbraided hair behind.Â
7. Fulani Braids with Beads, Cowries, or Cuffs
You can easily add some beads, cowries, or cute little cuffs to your braids once they’re done. That’s what makes these fulani braids so unique and fun!
8. Mid-Length Fulani Hairdo
If you don’t want your braids long enough to reach or go beyond your waist, keep it right at your shoulders or just below it.
9. Fulani Braids with Curls
If you have no beads available, ask your stylist to curl the ends of your braids. It’s a great move for adding more deets to your hairdo.
10. Half-Up, Half-Down
This technique is like the trendy hair-out fulani braid style, but with a twist. Instead of letting some hair remain unbraided, you’ll braid the bottom section in neat cornrows or box braids (half down) while creating a stunning updo with cornrows for the top section (half up).
Fulani braids are versatile African braids. And they aren’t limited to the types mentioned above. Feast yur eyes on some more: