35 Coolest Fulani Braids To Rock in 2023

 

Fulani braids have been favored by some of the world’s most beautiful and famous women, including Alicia Keys and Solange Knowles, and have become a popular protective style. The braided style can be traced back to the Fula people of West Africa and has great cultural importance. The style is defined by cornrows in the front of the hairline, with a central cornrow in the middle of the head. It often features cornrows on either side of the head and a braid that wraps around the hairline, often adorned with beads. However, the style is incredibly versatile and can be adapted to suit your preference, including the accessories you add to your hair, the color, and the length. It can also be styled in various ways, depending on your preference, making it a popular choice regardless of the occasion.

 

RELATED: 60 Best Braided Hairstyles for Women

 

1. Blonde Fulani Braids With Red Beads

Fulani beads are an eye-catching protective style that originated from the Fula people in West Africa. The braids are defined by their mixture of cornrows and box braids and are often adorned with beads or other hair accessories like shells or rings. Consider a two-tone effect if you want a look that will make a statement and instantly draw attention to your hair. This can be your chosen color combination, but blonde and red are striking pairings and can be achieved by dyeing the hair in two colors or using beads to achieve the second color. Style the hair with beads that start just above chin-length to highlight your facial features.

 

 

2. Blonde Fulani Braids

Blonde hair is universally flattering and a great way to draw attention to the detail of your braids. The light hue will brighten your appearance and lighten your hair and can make even the most simple protective style stand out. Fulani braids are created with a cornrow braided down the center of the head, often feature a braid wrapped around the hairline, and are often decorated with accessories. The braids are versatile and can be adapted to suit your preference, including experimenting with color. You can add blondes to your braids differently, including an ombre hair approach to create contrast and dimension.

 

 

3. Blue Fulani Braids

Blue hair is not for the faint of heart. There are various shades of blue, including light and muted tones like pastels, to rich and dark blues. It is also a color associated with calmness, tranquility, and balance and can be a great way to remind yourself to take a deep breath and focus on what is important in your life. More than this, blue hair is a way to express yourself and show the world your playful side. There is no denying that this color will demand attention, and it can take confidence to pull off. If you want to ease into the blue hair trend, you can focus it on only one or two braids around the face to create a framing effect. Or you can go big and bold by trying out the ombre hair color approach and blending light and dark blue shades.

 

 

4. Bridal Fulani Braids

Fulani braids are more than a protective style because they also have great cultural importance. They have indicated the wearers’ social status, wealth, and marital status. With this in mind, it makes sense to get Fulani braids for your wedding day to celebrate your culture and feel closer to your ancestors on this momentous occasion. For a bridal style, you could stick with a more traditional finish. Alternatively, you can opt for a more modernized approach that still honors the origins of the style and lets you express yourself; after all, your wedding day is all about you.

 

 

5. Extra Long Fulani Braids

Fulani braids are noticeable for their interesting patterns on the hairline. While the classic braid typically featured two straight back braids and added side braids, the style has been modernized to include many different looks. Most Fulani braids are worn long, and opting for extra-long braids can make a statement while also giving you a feminine finish. Long braids can be styled in various ways, letting you experiment with updos of your choosing. They are also great for accessories, letting you add rings, beads, and shells.

 

 

6. Fulani and Milkmaid Braid

Fulani braids are defined by a cornrow in the middle of the hairline, cornrows on either side of the head, and a braid that wraps around the hairline. They can easily be adapted to suit your preference, letting you adjust the braids to varying lengths and experiment with colors and accessories. Some women have also been inspired by the style but choose to combine it with other braids for a creative and unique finish. One such way to do this would be to include a milkmaid braid that wraps around the head. This can create a cute and girly finish.

 

 

7. Fulani Braids Half up Half Down with Space Buns

You can channel the 90s with a cute and expressive hairstyle that combines Fulani braids with space buns. Space buns are two buns on either side of the head and can be created in the size you choose. You can also work all the hair into the buns or make a half up half down hairstyle, showing off the details of your Fulani braids. The combination of these hairstyles creates a youthful finish, which is perfect for summer holidays, festivals, or whenever you want to express yourself and have fun with your hair.

 

 

8. Fulani Braids Lob

Fulani braids are a protective style that can be traced back to the Fula people of West Africa. The style has become one of the most popular braided looks because of its versatility, as it can be adapted to suit your preference, including the length you choose. The lob hairstyle is a classic cut just below chin length. It is incredibly flattering and will complement most face shapes. The length is also easy to manage, and because of where it is cut, it can draw attention to the face. Fulani braids lend themselves well to accessories, allowing you to wear beads and experiment with the finish.

 

 

9. Fulani Braids Updo

Fulani braids can last up to five weeks, depending on how you care for them and the style you choose. The appeal of this look is that it is both important – having cultural significance, having originated from the Fula people of West Africa – and versatile, allowing you to adapt the look to suit your preference. A braided updo looks sophisticated and feminine and is an excellent option for formal events or special occasions. Keeping the hair away from the face and the neck can also be incredibly flattering. Having the side braids fall loose on either side of the face will also frame it, highlighting your features.

 

 

10. Fulani Braids with Afro Hair

Fulani braids are thin to medium-sized braids defined by the central cornrow in the middle of the head, side cornrows, and a braid that wraps around the hairline. The classic approach to the protective style has been adapted to suit your preference and complement your hair texture and length, making it a versatile option. If you have Afro-textured hair, a braided style can be a way to prevent breakage, reduce friction, and cut back on daily styling time. You can show off your texture but also benefit from a braided hairstyle, you can focus the braid on the hairline or scalp, leaving the rest loose. This will also create a gorgeous contrast.

 

 

11. Fulani Braids with Butterfly Pattern

Braided hairstyles are a fantastic protective style that can help prevent breakage and friction. They can also be expressive and fun, letting you get creative with the patterns on the scalp and experimenting with colors to show off your playful side. A wonderful way to make your braids unique would be to add a butterfly pattern. Not only will this give your hairstyle a striking finish and an interesting detail, but butterflies are also symbolic. The winged insect is associated with beauty, freedom, growth, and transformation and can be a way to remind yourself to stay true to yourself.

 

 

12. Fulani Braids with Cute Beads

The Fulani braided hairstyle can be created with or without beads but lends itself well to accessories. This is great for someone who likes to experiment with their hairstyle and wants to tailor it to suit their preference and best reflect their style. It is the perfect opportunity to combine several beads in different colors and materials, creating a mix and match effect. Adding beads on either side of the face can also draw attention to the features and create a framing effect.

 

 

13. Fulani Braids With Gold and Silver Hair Jewelry

Hair jewelry is an excellent addition to any hairstyle, letting you make your braids more personalized. Fulani braids work well with accessories, which can be as bold or subtle as you wish. Opting for long Fulani braids is a great way to style your hair and will look feminine and fresh. It also gives you more space to add the hair jewelry of your choosing, which can be placed anywhere on the hair, including the hairline or on the side braids. Fulani braids will last around five weeks and can be created with natural hair or braided extensions.

 

 

14. Fulani Braids With Gold Hair Beads

Sometimes the simplest looks are the most effective, letting you try out hair accessories in a subtle and wearable way. Fulani braids are protective styles that look great when worn with beads, which have a cultural significance and can make you feel closer to your ancestors. It also serves a decorative purpose and can be placed where you wish. A good choice would be to focus the braids on the cornrow at the center of the head.

 

 

15. Fulani Braids With Gold Thread and Beads

Consider adding gold beads to personalize your Fulani braids and create a protective style that you want to show off. Accessories are a great way to express yourself and can be added to the hairline, to the end of the braids, or in the middle. You can try multiple accessories at once, including beads and thread, which are decorative and symbolic.

 

 

16. Fulani Braids with Hair Out

The beauty of Fulani braids is that they can be adapted to reflect your preference best. You can braid them at different lengths, or you can choose to only focus the braids on the hairline, unraveling the rest of the hair to show off your gorgeous, natural curls. The contrast between the neat braids and the curls can also be stunning and flattering. Adding beads or other accessories around the sides of the face is also a great idea, which will draw the eye in and highlight your features.

 

 

17. Fulani Braids with Heart Parting

The great thing about Fulani braids is that they can be adapted to suit every preference. The style features cornrows in the front of the hair and thin to medium braids in the back. The combination makes for a striking finish and an interesting pattern on the scalp. You can also part the hair into a heart for an expressive look. This can be a cute addition to your hairstyle or symbolic, reminding you of everything you love and appreciate.

 

 

18. Fulani Braids with High Bun

Fulani braids can be adapted to suit your preference, letting you find the perfect look regardless of the occasion. For warmer climates and for more formal events, you may wish to style your braids in an updo. One of the simplest looks is a braided bun, which can be pulled high or low. A high bun is more noticeable and looks sophisticated and stylish, lending itself well to special events like work functions or parties. To finish the look, you can add beads to the hairline.

 

 

19. Long Fulani Braids

Long braided hairstyles are a great way to show off the braided pattern. It will also give you a lot of versatility with how you wear your hair. You can style long hair in many ways, including styles, combined hairstyles like a half up half down hairstyle, or high ponytails. You can achieve long Fulani braids with your natural hair if it is long enough, or try synthetic or natural hair extensions to achieve the desired length. The appeal of this style, which is essentially a mixture of cornrow braids at the scalp and thin to medium box braids, is that it is versatile and feminine.

 

 

20. Fulani Braids with High Top Ponytail

Fulani braids can be traced back to the Fula people of West Africa. They are an appealing braided style that is versatile, symbolic, and stylish. It is also incredibly versatile and can be adapted to suit your preference, including modernizing the look by combining it with other hairstyles like a high ponytail. High ponytails have a glamorous finish and are ideal for formal events and special occasions. Wearing the hair up and away from the face can be incredibly flattering and a great way to highlight your facial features, including your cheekbones.

 

 

21. Fulani Braids with Low Buns

Fulani braids have become one of the most popular braided hairstyles. The classic approach has appeal, but women choose to modernize the braids by pairing them with other hairstyles. One of the simplest yet most effective ways to wear the hair in an updo like a low bun. The angle of the bun creates a more romantic and laid-back aesthetic than wearing it higher on the head and is great for casual events and everyday wearing. You can also try wearing two low buns for a cute and youthful finish. The buns will keep the hair away from the face and off the neck, making it a popular choice for warmer climates.

 

 

22. Fulani Braids with Low Ponytail

The low ponytail hairstyle is easy to style and creates an effortlessly chic look. This updo’s simplicity makes it appealing and looks great when created with a braided hairstyle. Pulling your Fulani braids into a ponytail will let you keep the hair away from the face, drawing attention to your features and creating a flattering finish. You can also style the hair so that the ponytail is situated on one side of the head, which looks romantic and sexy.

 

 

23. Fulani Braids with Top Buns and Low Braids

You can mix and match your Fulani braids with other hairstyles for a modern interpretation of the look. One such way to do this is to opt for two top buns and two low braids, creating a finish similar to the half up half down hairstyle as it includes styles that are up and down. This is by no means your traditional Fulani braid, which typically features central cornrows and side braids. Still, it is an excellent alternative for someone who wants to experiment with their protective style.

 

 

24. Fulani with Two Wide Side Braids

Fulani braids are defined by the central cornrows and side braids. While these are usually made up of several smaller side braids – the hairstyle is typically created with thin to medium-sized braids – you can widen the braids for a unique approach. This will make the braids more noticeable, drawing the eye to the sides of the face and creating a face-framing effect. The result is incredibly flattering and a wonderful way to highlight your features. The hairstyle also has a youthful finish and is ideal for young girls or those who want a playful look.

 

 

25. Light Brown Fulani Braids

Fulani braids can be created to suit your preference; this includes wearing them with the hair color of your choosing. Light brown hair is incredibly versatile and complements most skin tones. It is a great way to draw attention to your hair and lighten it but is not as dramatic and bold as opting for lighter hues like blonde or platinum. Try out light brown Fulani braids for a natural finish.

 

 

26. Fulani Braids with High Ponytail and Beads

Fulani braids look great when styled into a high ponytail, giving you a glamorous and high-fashion finish. Pulling the hair away from the face can be incredibly flattering and a great way to highlight your features. You can also pair your ponytail with beads, letting you experiment with hair accessories and their placement. To create a contrast with the sleekness of the high ponytail, you can leave a few braids loose around the face, creating a framing effect.

 

 

27. Maroon Fulani Braids Half Up Half Down

The half up half down hairstyle is one of the prettiest and most versatile looks you can try. It is essentially a blend of an updo and wearing the hair down, giving you the best of both worlds. Pulling the hair away from the face can be incredibly flattering, opening up your features and drawing attention to your eyes. There is also much versatility in wearing the half up half down hairstyle, including wearing it in a top bun for a simple and effortlessly chic finish. The style looks great with Fulani braids. Something else that complements the protective style is accessories and different colors, letting you show off your playful side. Maroon hair is popular because it looks good on everyone. Its dark reddish-purple tone comes in various shades, making it easy to find the perfect hue.

 

 

28. Ombre Fulani Braids

Ombre hair is a gorgeous color technique that lets you try multiple hues simultaneously. It blends two colors, one light, and the other dark. These can be natural or artificial colors, depending on how striking you want the finish to be. This coloring approach is low-maintenance and versatile for a natural look, as you do not need to worry about root regrowth. Ombre can be a great way to lighten your hair and brighten your appearance. It will look stunning when added to your Fulani braids, drawing attention to your hair and highlighting the style.

 

 

29. Pink Fulani Braids with Top Ponytail

Styling your braids in bright and bold colors is guaranteed to get you noticed. Experimenting with your hair color is a great way to personalize your hairstyle and reflect your style. This lets the world know you are someone who is not afraid to take risks or have fun. Pink is an excellent choice for your Fulani braids because there are multiple shades to choose from, including soft, muted hues like pastels to vivid options like hot pink; there is an option to suit every preference. Pink hair color is universally flattering, looks good on everyone, and can be added to all hairstyles. This includes a top ponytail that looks youthful and fresh. The color is also associated with femininity and love and can effectively channel your female power.

 

 

30. Small Fulani Braids

Fulani braids are often created using thin to medium-sized box braids, which create an interesting contrast with the cornrows at the hairline. You can experiment with the size of the braids, though, including opting for small braids. This is a great option for those who want a look that has maximum impact, and the micro braids can make a statement; however, they are not advisable for those with fragile or fine hair. This is because the style can put stress on the hair and result in friction and breakage.

 

 

31. Blue Space Buns with Fulani Braids

Fulani braids can be adapted to different lengths, but long braids give you a lot of versatility with how you wear your hair. This includes wearing the hair in updos. Or they can be combined with different hairstyles, including space buns, for a youthful finish. Space buns are a 90s favorite because they are expressive, fun, and super girly. You can add a bright color to the hairstyle to make it even more noticeable and fun. This could be the color of your choosing, but blue hair is an excellent choice if you want to draw attention to your hair and show off your playful side.

 

 

32. Two High Ponytails with Fulani Braids

You can style your Fulani braids into two high ponytails for a youthful and super cute hairstyle. The look has a very 90s appearance and is fun and expressive. It also works with hair of varying lengths and is simple and easy to achieve. Ponytails are one of the most basic updos and require little skill or time to complete, but styling the hair this way makes it interesting. The braids will last around five weeks, depending on how you care for them and are great for reducing daily style time.

 

 

33. Unique Take on Fulani Braids

Fulani braids are created with cornrows on the scalp, often with a central cornrow, side cornrows, and then working the hair into longer box braids. There can also be a braid that wraps around the hairline. However, you can be inspired by the traditional approach and create a unique finish. Do this by choosing different patterns on the scalp and hairline and styling your hair as you want, including braided space buns, high ponytails, or a half up half down hairstyle. Unusual styles also benefit from interesting hair colors for a bold and dramatic finish.

 

 

34. Unusual Fulani Braids

Creating an interesting pattern on the hairline is what makes the Fulani braids so striking. The appeal of these braids is their versatility. They can be adapted to different lengths and appearances; this includes experimenting with the space between the hairline and the braid that wraps around it, giving you a creative and unusual finish. Keep the braids long for a feminine, stylish finish that complements the hairline. You can add hair jewelry and accessories, including gold cuffs, rings, and beads, for an expressive and symbolic finish.

 

 

35. Zigzag Fulani Braids

Fulani braids usually blend cornrows and thin to medium box braids. The interesting pattern that the cornrows make on the scalp, combined with the braid that wraps around the hairline, makes for a creative and striking protective style ideal for women of all ages. This version can inspire you to create a hairstyle that better reflects your preference; this includes trying out different patterns on the scalp, including a zig-zag for a fresh finish.