Everything You Need to Know About Fulani Braids (2024)

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Everything You Need to Know About Fulani Braids (1)

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If you’re looking for your next braiding style, look no further than the iconic and versatile Fulani braid. Braids come in a million different variations and styles, and these are no exception. Fulani braids are some of the most beautiful and protective braiding styles to wear with a rich history. The Fulani people in West Africa have been wearing the eponymous braids for centuries, and they symbolize wealth, beauty and even marital status. The sky’s the limit when it comes to rocking your own Fulani braid style. Not only is this braiding style unique and fully protective, but it’s also incredibly versatile and can suit an array of different styles, from straight backs with face framing layers to designs as intricate as you like. Take a peek at the styles below for a little inspo before you make that appointment with your braider.

What are Fulani Braids?

Fulani braids are a type of cornrow style that originated from the Fulani people of West Africa. While women of African lineage have been wearing braids for thousands of years, the Fulani people made this particular style popular. Fulani braids are a kind of tightly braided cornrows that vary in size from smaller braids to medium braids and are styled as box braids in the back. Typically, these braids offer more room for designs, whereas traditional cornrows are often straight back and more uniform in size. Fulani braids are characterized by one or a few braids in the center of the face going back and braids “looping” near the ears. The best thing about these braids is that there is room to explore a plethora of different styles, from face framing curls on the ends to braids with wavy designs at the scalp—there’s a style for everyone, and best of all, just like all other braiding styles, they can be as short or as long as you like.

How Long Do Fulani Braids Last?

Just like with any other braiding style, Fulani braids vary in how long they last but typically last around six to eight weeks. Many stylists recommend getting the braids trimmed. Maintaining your braids is the most important thing to consider—the better they are maintained, the longer they’ll last! Sleeping in a silk or satin bonnet or scarf will help keep your braids looking fresh for longer. Refreshing braids with washes and leave in conditioner as needed will also help the longevity of your braids.

How to Get Fulani Braids

While all braid styles vary in the time that they take—Fulani braids can take anywhere from three to six hours to complete, depending on the length you’re going for. All braids can be time consuming, but for those with quick fingers who want to achieve the look at home, ensuring you start on freshly washed and dried hair will make the process that much easier. Fulani braids take about five to six packs of hair, but it never hurts to have extra, just in case you’re wanting a more dramatic length and look.

Fulani Braid Looks We Love

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Classic Pulled Up

Joan Smalls looks breathtaking in this Fulani braid style that is gathered in the back. Not only is this look classic, but it’s striking no matter what the occasion.

Everything You Need to Know About Fulani Braids (2)

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Two Top Knots

Willow Smith shows us how Fulani braids can be worn as two top knots for that extra cool-girl factor.

Everything You Need to Know About Fulani Braids (3)

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High Pony

A high ponytail style feels so effortless and chic. Add in a few face framing pieces for the ultimate look.

Everything You Need to Know About Fulani Braids (4)

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Knee Length

While knee length braids may take longer than a usual visit to the salon, they’re absolutely worth it when they look as good as they do on Jodie Turner Smith.

Everything You Need to Know About Fulani Braids (5)

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Half Up

Fulani braids look absolutely adorable when clipped up in the back for a half up, half down effect and curled ends.

Everything You Need to Know About Fulani Braids (6)

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Clusters of Beads

Another fun way to include beads in your Fulani braids is to add a few clusters of large beads in the same colorstory.

Everything You Need to Know About Fulani Braids (7)

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Beautiful Beads

Why not try styling your Fulani braids with a stack of beads on the ends? It’s a fun way to explore mixing in your favorite colors, and they instantly add personality.

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Blended Braids

Style your Fulani braids for a night out by braiding them into large sections for a look that feels like an entirely different style.

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Top Bun

Few hairstyles are as effortless or cool as a wrap bun accented by face framing braids. Not to mention, it only takes a few minutes to achieve. Who doesn’t love that?

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Side Pony

Back in the early aughts, Alicia Keys was wearing some of the cutest styles out there, including this side pony with beading.

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Mixed Layers

You can absolutely still wear Fulani braids when you have layers! Just make sure when you’re taking them down that you don’t essentially trim your shorter layers.

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Short and Sweet

Face framing Fulani braids accented by a short updo or pony feel chic and sleek. Try adding just a touch of gel to the ends of face framing braids to keep flyaways at bay.

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Classic Shoulder Length

We personally don’t think we could forget when Kim Kardashian called her Fulani braids “Bo Derek braids”, however, as controversial as the look was, it still is a perfect example of the iconic style.

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Everything You Need to Know About Fulani Braids (2024)

FAQs

Everything You Need to Know About Fulani Braids? ›

Just like with any other braiding style, Fulani braids vary in how long they last but typically last around six to eight weeks. Many stylists recommend getting the braids trimmed. Maintaining your braids is the most important thing to consider—the better they are maintained, the longer they'll last!

What hair is needed for Fulani braids? ›

The braids are close to the head and taper into hair extensions of all lengths. Whether doing it alone or in a salon, you'll have to decide if you can achieve the look with your own natural hair. Depending on your hair length, you may want to add 3 to 5 packs of either natural or synthetic braiding hair.

Do Fulani braids damage hair? ›

Fulani braids are not only stylish, but they are also practical. This type of braid helps to protect the hair from damage caused by heat and combing. Additionally, Fulani braids can last for weeks without needing to be redone.

How much do people charge for Fulani braids? ›

How Much Do Fulani Braids Cost? Price varies between salons, stylists, size, and length of braids. However, getting Fulani braids typically ranges between $150 to $400.

Which braids are best for hair growth? ›

10 Styles
  1. Cornrows. Cornrows are a popular and versatile protective hairstyle that can be worn on all hair types and lengths. ...
  2. Top Knot. The top knot bun is one of the easiest protective styles to achieve and can be styled in so many different ways. ...
  3. Bantu Knots. ...
  4. Box Braids. ...
  5. Crochet Braids. ...
  6. Senegalese Twists. ...
  7. Pineapple. ...
  8. Wig.

How to make fulani braids last? ›

Sleeping in a silk or satin bonnet or scarf will help keep your braids looking fresh for longer. Refreshing braids with washes and leave in conditioner as needed will also help the longevity of your braids.

How many bundles do you need for fulani braids? ›

For Fulani braids you can purchase 4-6 single packs of X-pression By Outre pre-stretched braiding hair. Same goes for EZ Braid Professional or you can simply get this bundle from Unruly the line.

Is Fulani braids a protective hairstyle? ›

What Are Fulani Braids? Exploring the History & Cultural Significance. What are Fulani braids? They're a protective style with deep West African roots—& they're still turning heads (often on runways & red carpets).

What is the meaning of fulani braids? ›

It symbolizes origins, social status and marital status. Fulani women throughout Senegalese society used to decorate their styled hair with beads and other accessories. Fulani braids can be distinguished from other Senegalese hairstyles by two or more long strands braided on each side.

Is it OK to sleep in braids every night? ›

Sleeping in braids can help reduce hair damage.

Tossing and turning during the night can cause breakage and damage. When you sleep in braids, you're less likely to get tangles or snags in your hair.

Are fulani braids good for swimming? ›

These twin feed-in braids are a great practical style for a Black swimmer. These fulani braids (a style with patterns created close to the head that then taper out) look fabulous!

How many bundles of hair for Fulani braids? ›

For Fulani braids you can purchase 4-6 single packs of X-pression By Outre pre-stretched braiding hair. Same goes for EZ Braid Professional or you can simply get this bundle from Unruly the line.

What type of hair is used for braids? ›

Most braiding hair brands use synthetic hair, which means the hair is made up of artificial fibers instead of real human hair. You can use human hair to braid—and certain looks, like human-hair box braids, require it—but it's high-key expensive and not necessary for most styles.

Is 3 packs of hair enough for braids? ›

for regular cornrows, two to three bundles. Milani and lemonade braids, four to six bundles. Crochet styles, four to seven bundles. Box braids and twists, seven to eight bundles. Remember, this can depend on a lot of different factors, but this guide has worked for me for years, and it's always smart to.

What culture is Fulani braids? ›

Fulani or feed-in braids originate from the Fulani (Fula) people in West Africa and the Sahel region.

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