Fulani braids have become such a sensation, and over the years, there have been various variations. Fulani braids originated from the Fula people of West Africa. This protective hairstyle is characterized by unique designs, patterns, and accessories, including cowrie shells and beads. This article will explore Fulani braids, how to maintain them, and various styles you can rock this summer.
What are Fulani Braids?
Fulani braids are a traditional protective hairstyle involving cornrows at the front and box or knotless braids at the back. It consists of accessorizing and includes metallic accents, beards, and shells; this can make this protective hairstyle look as traditional as possible. Fulani braids is a timeless hairstyle that fits formal and casual events.
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Supplies Needed
- Braiding hair– You can use synthetic Pre-stretched braiding hair extensions
- Edge control gel – Loc N Gel can smooth edges and define hair sections.
- Comb – A Rat tail comb is essential for parting the hair and creating clean sections.
- Hair Mousse
- Human hair bundles – Deep wave bundles OR Water wave human hair bundles (The choice of sew-in bundles depends on the type of curls you want, whether deep or straight- wavy curls) – optional.
- Beads and Decorative Accessories – Beads and hair accessories – optional
- Satin bonnet – optional
Fulani braids Styles
Boho Fulani braids or Fulani braids with curls
Fulani braids with curls or boho fulani braids incorporate traditional cornrow patterns with curls. This hairstyle adds a feminine and playful touch to the conventional braids. You can crochet in the curls or use palm rolls and curling irons to create curls. It is advisable to use human hair curl extentions and not sythetic curls because the latter is prone to frizzing and tangling. A similar hairstyle to this is boho braids.
Flip Over Fulani braids
Flip-over Fulani braids are one of the most common variations of the hairstyle. They involve braiding the hair so it can be flipped over to either side, thus the name “flip-over.” This hairstyle creates a dynamic and versatile look. Flip-over Fulani braids have various styling options, as you can choose to either let the braids flow freely or experiment with multiple hairstyles.
Tribal Braids
As the name suggests, tribal Fulani braids incorporate intricate designs and patterns mainly inspired by the Fula people. They incorporate unique tribal patterns that embrace our rich cultural heritage. You can check out this article on tribal braid designs. With this hairstyle, you can incorporate beads. Adding beads to traditional braids can enhance the hairstyle and add an extra touch of “tradition.”
Fulani braids with sew-in /Fulani braids with quick weave
Fulani braids with quick weave, a.k.a half braids half sew-in, are the latest sensation in this braided hairstyle’s variation. They incorporate half cornrows and half human hair sew-in. The cornrows and human hair sew-in are partitioned into two equal sections. This hairstyle is unique and versatile as it incorporates weaving and braids; it entails doing Fulani cornrows in the front half of the head and then incorporating a sew-in weave at the back.
This hairstyle is quite versatile and can fit various occasions. If you are looking for a protective hairstyle with a more voluminous look, then this hairstyle with Quick Weave is the way to go. Check out some inspo pictures below. For more details on the hairstyle, you can read this article on Braids with weave hairstyles.
Freestyle Fulani braids
With this protective hairstyle, you are not limited to a particular style or design, you can play around with various designs. Actually, the beauty of fulani braids is in their versitaliy, there is no set out desigh that you should do. Below are some freestyle designs you can consider plaiting:
Braided Hairstyles Maintenance Tips
Some people might ask, how long do Fulani braids last? Well, the answer all depends on how well you maintain this hair. With proper maintenance, his protective hairstyle can last anywhere between 4 to 8 weeks. Proper maintenance is vital to keeping your Fulani braids looking fresh. Here are a few tips to care for Fulani braids:
- Moisturize and keep your scalp clean. Use residue-free oils such as argan and coconut to ensure that your scalp always remains hydrated. Furthermore, you can mix some tea tree oil and water drops to cleanse your scalp. Hydrating your scalp will prevent itching.
- Protect your hair at night. Always wear a silk bonnet at night before retiring to bed. A silk bonnet is crucial in preventing frizz and friction, thus keeping your braids intact and neat.
- Avoid the use of heavy products. Heavy products, including oils and creams, can lead to build-up, therefore making the hair look greasy. Instead, use lightweight or water-based products to touch up your edges.
- Neat edges are crucial to ensuring that you always look put-together. Therefore, you can use edge control gel to keep your edges sleek and smooth down flyaways.
Key Takeaways
Overall, Fulani braids are a beautiful and versatile hairstyle with deep cultural roots. Whether you prefer this braided hairstyle with curls or more intricate designs, this Fula braids are suitable for everyone. The various variations of this protective hairstyle offer an opportunity for individuals to express their personal styles and also pay homage to their rich cultural heritage. They are ideal for any season, be it summer or winter!