Fulani braids are bold and entertaining hairstyles that involve tightly braided cornrows close to the scalp, while the rest of the hair is styled into box braids. Traditionally, this style features a single braid down the center of the head, accompanied by smaller braids on the sides and embellished with beads at the ends. However, modern versions of Fulani braids embrace their versatility, showcasing various unique patterns and incorporating different accessories. Celebrities like Rihanna and Alicia Keys have popularized this fun and protective hairstyle. In this article, we present 20 trendy variations of Fulani braids, discussing their cost, preparation tips, and maintenance guidelines.

What Are Fulani Braids?

Fulani braids are an eye-catching hairstyle where the hair is braided in thin to medium-sized cornrows down the middle and sides of the head. The remaining hair is also braided and adorned with beads, shells, and other accessories. These braids can be of varying lengths and can be styled in multiple ways, such as up, down, or even half-up and half-down. Initially, the braids were wrapped around the hairline from ear to ear, with one central braid and additional braids on the sides. The ends of the braids were embellished with decorative beads. While the style was originally associated with the Fula people in West Africa, it has evolved into various contemporary versions.

Face-Framing Fulani Braids

These fabulous hairstyles expertly position braids around your face to emphasize or enhance your features.

1. Curly Hair with Braids in Front of the Ears

Get ready to flaunt a bold and head-turning hairstyle! Picture this: a stunning combination of delicate cornrow braids that are skillfully pulled forward to beautifully frame your face, while leaving your natural curls cascading in the back. But here’s the exciting twist: while the majority of the braids on your scalp flow from the front to the back, the ones near your ear rebel against the norm and slay by going from the back to the front. This unique spin on traditional braiding is sure to make you stand out from the crowd and oozes confidence and style.

2. Straight-Back Cornrows with Over-the-Ears Braids

Try out this fabulous hairstyle that features braiding a section of hair above the ear in a forward direction to beautifully frame your face. The remaining locks are then styled into long braids that gracefully cascade beyond your shoulders.

 3. Braided Long Bangs

Get ready to switch up your hair game with this incredible style! Say goodbye to the traditional look of pulling your hair straight back and hello to bang braids that beautifully frame your face. You have endless possibilities to play with – from adding some lively curls to the ends of the braids, to giving them a fun twist with beads and other glamorous decorations. Let your imagination run wild and rock this fabulous new hairdo!

Fulani Braids with Curls

These fabulous Fulani hairstyles combine sleek cornrow braids on the top of the head with luscious, voluminous curls at the back or ends.

4. Split-Part Fulani Braids with Curls

These fabulous medium-sized cornrows are beautifully angled on a flattering diagonal part, creating a chic and trendy look. The hair on the top is neatly secured while the remaining tresses flow gracefully down the back, adding an extra element of style and fun to your overall appearance.

5. Geometric Shaped Braids with Curls

Get ready to have some fun with your hair! Begin with cornrows, braiding them in a beautiful and detailed pattern. At the ends, rock tight coils for extra style points. The best part? You can unleash your creativity with an infinite selection of geometric designs, allowing you to flaunt a one-of-a-kind look that truly represents your individuality.

6. Curved Design with Curly Hair 

Instead of going for cornrows with a sharp pattern, why not choose a more gentle curved design? This fabulous hairstyle combines braids with flowing curls, giving your hair a wonderful mix of textures that you’ll absolutely love.

Fulani Braids with Designs

If you really want your hairdo to turn heads, ask your hairstylist for one of these fun designs.

7. Snake Design

The cornrows in this particular style have a mesmerizing wavy pattern that gracefully winds its way across your head, creating a visually captivating look.

8. Wavy Asymmetrical Braids

This microbraid style is not only visually captivating but also full of entertainment, as it features a complex and fascinating pattern of asymmetrical zig zags that keeps the eye engaged.

9. Wavy Braids With Styled Edges

Imagine having these adorable little cornrows on your scalp, seamlessly blending into a stunning combination of neatly braided hair and effortlessly flowing waves at the back. To add that extra touch of glamour, the edges are expertly styled to beautifully frame your face.

10. Double Center Design

This fabulous hairstyle takes the iconic Fulani design and turns it up a notch with the addition of two beautiful braids running down the center of the head. The forehead is adorned with trendy styled edges, while the sides boast gracefully curved braids. The rest of this mesmerizingly long hairdo features a delightful combination of both braided and unbraided sections.

11. Zig-Zag Design

Get ready to turn heads with this fabulous hairstyle! We’re talking about some seriously stunning straight back cornrows paired with a touch of playful zig-zag braids on the sides. And it doesn’t stop there – these cornrows effortlessly flow into long and luxurious Fulani braids, giving you that swoon-worthy, back-swept long-hair style that will leave everyone in awe. It’s all about that maximum impact, folks! So go ahead, rock this sensational look and let your hair steal the show.

12. Horizontal Fulani Braids

This trendy style takes a unique twist with cornrows that span horizontally across the head. The addition of styled edges and lengthy braids ending in coils adds the perfect finishing touch for a head-turning look.

13. Criss-Cross Classic Fulani Braids

These braids intertwine across neighboring rows to form a captivating design. To further enhance the appearance, this version incorporates vibrant hair color for an even more eye-catching effect.

14. Wide Criss-Cross Fulani Braids

These braids take you on a journey to an entirely new destination, resulting in a stunning and attention-grabbing geometric appearance that will truly captivate you.

15. U-Shaped Braid Design

This awesome pattern perfectly embraces the natural curve of the head, featuring a super cool U-shaped design. The edges are styled to give it a complete and trendy look.

16. Maze Design Braids

Maze braids offer a delightful array of complex designs that can be customized to your heart’s content, whether you’re the creative genius or relying on the expertise of a skilled hairstylist. The remaining strands of hair are left beautifully braided down, allowing for effortless styling into a stunning braided bun or any other fabulous updo.

17. Over-the-Ear Heart

This hairstyle creates an exciting mix of stylish cornrows on the top, charming braids shaped like hearts near the ear, and beautiful flowing curls below.

18. Heart Parts With Blonde Accents

This stunning hairstyle combines dark hair with beautiful blonde Fulani braids. What makes it even more captivating are the heart-shaped parts that are cleverly placed between the thick cornrows.

19. Interlocking Heart-Shaped Designs

The criss-cross braids and interlocking heart-shaped designs give the pattern a fresh and exciting twist. This playful hairstyle is perfect for both adults and kids, adding a fun touch to your look.

20. Thick Fulani Braid Ponytail

This enchanting braided ponytail features thick cornrows that gracefully converge at the back. By simply adding a few creative twists, you can effortlessly transform a chic high ponytail into an elegant high bun.

Do Fulani Braids fall under the category of Tribal Braids?

Fulani braids are a type of tribal braids that we’re going to take a closer look at. Tribal braids encompass a wide range of styles, such as box braids, Ghana braids, and others. They originated from African traditions and have evolved over time. Nowadays, tribal braids refer to braids that are organized into patterns or designs, often with added decorative elements. Fulani braids specifically consist of thin to medium-sized cornrows or braids, usually with one braid in the center and the rest on the sides, although there are also modern variations. These braids are famous for their intricate designs, including the use of beads, shells, cuffs, and more.

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