The Fulani people, also known as Fula or Fulbe, are a nomadic and pastoralist ethnic group that has a rich history and culture spanning across West Africa. They are known for their distinct language, culture, and customs, including their elaborate hairstyles. In Fulani culture, hair braiding is a significant aspect of their identity and heritage. It is believed that the art of hair braiding is passed down from generation to generation, with each family having their unique style.
Fulani braids are traditionally characterized by thin braids that are styled in intricate patterns and adorned with beads and cowrie shells. The braids can be styled in various ways, from simple and elegant to bold and daring, depending on the occasion and personal preference. In recent years, the popularity of Fulani braids has increased, with many celebrities and influencers sporting this iconic hairstyle. This has led to the emergence of various trends and styles around Fulani braids, such as adding colorful extensions, incorporating twists or curls, and experimenting with different parting styles.
Apart from being a popular hairstyle trend, Fulani braids also hold significant cultural and spiritual meaning for the Fulani people. Braiding is seen as a form of art and a way of expressing oneself. The intricate patterns and designs are often symbolic, representing aspects of nature, spirituality, or social status. For example, cowrie shells are believed to symbolize wealth and prosperity, while specific patterns may indicate a woman’s marital status.
In conclusion, Fulani braids are not just a hairstyle but a cultural symbol that represents the rich heritage and traditions of the Fulani people. Whether worn for personal expression, cultural appreciation, or as a fashion statement, Fulani braids continue to inspire and captivate people of all backgrounds. The 30 stunning Fulani braids showcased in this blog post are a testament to the beauty and versatility of this traditional hairstyle.
1. Blonde Ombre Fulani Braids
Blonde ombre fulani braids with golden beads is a stunning and unique hairstyle that is perfect for women looking to add some excitement to their look. These long braids offer a great style that suit any occasion with the black color that gradually gets blonde.
2. Brown Front Fulani Braids
Wanna feel awesome? This type of braid features thin, intricate braids that are styled to hang forward over the forehead and these braids will make you feel like a queen. Go for this brown hairstyle!
3. Ombre Fulani Braids with Curls
The first thing that stands out in this awesome hairstyle is definitely the blonde ombre! You can take this hair, which starts as dark brown at the bottom and turns yellow, to a different level with futoni braids. The cool thing is the golden beads placed in certain parts of the braids and the loose curls at the back!
4. Big Blonde Fulani Braids
If small braids aren’t for you, why not try the big plaid braid style? You can look great with this braid, which is divided into sections and progresses from small to large. Also, the dark blonde hair color completes the look.
5. Red Zigzag Fulani Braids
If you’re looking for a contemporary take on the traditional Fulani hairstyle, you’ll adore this design. To achieve it, create a zigzag pattern on your scalp and pair it with complementary styling for a flawless hairdo. Plus, the red hair color will make you stand out.
6. Long Ombre Tribal Fulani Braids
This particular style pays tribute to your roots by showcasing the essence of your culture and fashion. The intricately braided design and interlocking patterns offer a distinct visual appeal that is both elegant and breathtaking. Give a shot to this blonde hairstyle.
7. Copper Fulani Braids with a Half Bun
To have these beautiful copper fulani braids, you can start by sectioning off the hair into small parts and braiding them into cornrows using a copper-colored extension hair. Next, gather top section of your hair and style into a half bun by leaving the braids underneath.
8. Blue & White Big Fulani Braids with Gold Beads
The braids which are colored in blue and white are large and chunky, and they are left loose. The size of the braids are big, so those who don’t want to have small braids can go for them. Plus, the gold beads are added as accents to make this hairstyle striking.
9. Dark Red Fulani Braids
Those who want to celebrate African culture and heritage will love this hairstyle! The small braids are dyed a dark red color, which adds depth and dimension to the hairstyle. As an extra, gold beaded hair rings are then added to the braids, in a pattern that complements the style of the braids in the front.
10. Purple Fulani Braids Hairstyle
These stylish braids that are left straight look amazing. Also, the use of purple extensions adds a bold and vibrant twist to the traditional Fulani braids, making it a statement hairstyle.
11. Long Copper Fulani Braids
If you want to rock with your hairstyle, a reddish-brown hue and fulani braids are definitely all you need. The braids themselves are quite long, reaching down to the waist or even longer. Go for it.
12. Fulani Braids with a Heart-Shaped Side
What makes this hairstyle is the use of heart-shape braid, for sure! To do this, the braids on that side are gathered together and shaped into a heart using bobby pins or hair ties. The remaining braids on that side are then left to hang freely.
13. Blonde Traditional Fulani Braids
These braids will make you feel like a traditional African woman. The braids are styled in a way that creates a zigzag pattern on the scalp. This can be achieved by using a pointed comb to create a series of diagonal parts that alternate in direction.
14. Pony Tail Fulani Braids
In this hairstyle, the braids are styled in a ponytail at the top of the head, with the remaining hair left loose. What makes this hairstyle unique is definitely the back of the hair! At the nape of the neck, a freestyle braid is created by using a more intricate design.
15. Thin Fulani Braids Hairstyle
If you’re looking for a new hairstyle to try out, you should definitely consider goddess braids. This stylish look is sure to impress everyone around you, as it features a creative heart pattern on one side and it lets your personality highlight. A combination of cornrows and box braids, with some curly strands woven through the braids, makes for a classic yet unique design that is sure to turn heads!
16. Blonde Fulani Braids with Shell Cuffs
Those who are looking to grab the attention of strangers on the street, go no further because the look above is for you! The geometric pattern of the braid crown is sure to turn heads, and the extra-long golden extensions adorned with tiny seashells will give you the feeling of being at the beach.
17. Fulani Braids with Colorful Stripes
Why not adding some color to your dark brown hair color? The braids above are styled with colorful stripes, which are added to the braids using hair extensions or by coloring the natural hair. The colorful stripes are created with a blonde and light brown combo. Also, the geometrical shapes on the scalp add a cool touch.
18. Fulani Braids with Blue and Green Highlights
Are you ready to shine with a great combo of blue and green colors? Have your black hair styled with fulani braids and bring them together with a low bun. Also, to add some highlights, you can use a hair extension of blue and green colors or you can simply have your hair dyed.
19. Fulani Braids with Orange & Light Brown Accents
Wanna have some fun with your hair? Then, go for orange and light brown highlights. With small fulani braids and a cute heart-shaped side, orange and light brown colored extensions can be woven into the braids during the braiding process or you can have your dyed before being braided into the hair.
20. Burgundy Fulani Braids with a Half Top Bun
A half top bun is a simple hairstyle where the top half of the hair is gathered and twisted or braided into a bun while leaving the bottom half of the hair down. When combined, burgundy fulani braids with a half top bun create a unique and fashionable look that is both functional and stylish.
21. Mid-Length Fulani Braids with Beads
One way to personalize your hairstyle is by incorporating large beads at the ends of your small fulani braids. Neon colored beads can reflect a lively personality, while brown ones complement a natural appearance. Also, gathering half of your braids in a top bun sounds amazing.
22. Big Fulani Braids with Purple Highlights
Are you ready to feel great with the charm of purple color? This hair, which is divided into large pieces and decorated with fulani braids, will make you shine like a star in any occasion! The three parts of bright purple accents added to the side as an extra are wonderful.
23. Side Swept Brown Fulani Braids
The small braids above are styled in a side-swept manner, with some of the braids falling to one side of the head, creating a flattering and elegant look. To decorate these brown braids, you can use some gold hair breads, too.
24. Copper and Brown Fulani Braids with a Top Bun
It may not be practical to keep your braids loose while you’re doing errands. In such situations, an easy solution is to gather them up into a twisted updo. A top-knot bun is a great choice for women, and the striking copper hue is sure that the braided bun will stand out among other hairstyles.
25. Big and Small Fulani Braids with a Top Bun
In this beautiful hairstyle with blonde highlights, the hair is divided into different parts, one big and one small. Both big and small braids are brought together in a high top bun, while a few strands of hair hang down from the nape.
26. Short Red Bob Fulani Braids
In this asymmetrical bob, the hair is cut shorter on one side and longer on the other. When combined with fulani braids and a red hair color, this hairstyle can take your hair to another level. Plus, gold hair decorations are amazing.
27. Candy Pink Fulani Braids
You can change your whole look with a pink hair extension. Included in the original black large fulani braids, these pink extensions will stand out with the silver ring and other different hair beads. Plus, the heart shape design on the side is a nice detail.
28. Burgundy Fulani Braids with Cuffs
You’ll confidently embrace a full and luxurious head of braids. Incorporating wine-colored extensions and an array of hair cuffs into the weave will convey your powerful personality. For added adornment, a single jewel delicately placed at the forehead will beautifully complement the hairstyle.
29. Big Neon Red Fulani Braids
These red fulani braids involve long, thick braids that are parted in the middle and left to hang loose. The neon red color is a bold and vibrant choice, achieved using synthetic hair extensions. The result is a stunning and eye-catching look that celebrates both tradition and individuality.
30. Pink Ombre Fulani Braids
This gradual transition of colors of dark and light pink from the roots to the ends of the braids makes this hairstyle look amazing. On the scalp part, zigzag patterns are created, which is a great detail. If you want to add a pop of color to your hair, give it a shot.
31. Brown Pigtails with Fulani Braids
Just look at how cute these pigtails are! To create this look, the hair is first parted down the middle, dividing it into two sections. Each section is then cornrowed in a fulani braid pattern. The braids are then gathered and tied into pigtails on either side of the head, using a hair elastic or ribbon to secure them.
32. Gorgeous Ponytail with Fulani Braids
For an attention-grabbing look, consider incorporating bronze hair cuffs around your cheekbones in a nice manner. To enhance the overall effect, you can pair them with symmetrical curved head braids and extra-long golden blonde extensions that pop out of the wrapped ponytail. This style is sure to turn heads!
33. Black & Candy Pink Fulani Braids
This hair, which is braided by forming a zig-zag on the upper front part of the hair, is decorated with fulani braids on the right and left sides. What stands out is the candy pink color used on the sides! This hairstyle can be a great choice for those who want to make a combo of pink and black.
In essence, Fulani braids are more than just a hairstyle, they are a representation of culture, art, and heritage. From the intricate patterns and designs to the symbolic adornments, this hairstyle is deeply rooted in the history and traditions of the Fulani people. It has become a popular trend in recent years, with many people embracing and appreciating its beauty and significance. With this blog post, we hope to have shed some light on the meaning and trends behind Fulani braids and inspired you to try out this iconic hairstyle.
