Tribal braids: 43 tribal braids designs

Tribal braids, also popularly known as Fulani tribal braids, are an intricate and protective hairstyle with unique braiding patterns inspired by African cultures. Unique tribal braid designs, textures, and, most times, geometric patterns characterize tribal braids. Tribal braids date back to 3500 BC, particularly from the Himba people in modern-day Namibia. Braid patterns were used to identify tribes and other details of a person, such as age and marital status. Today, you can achieve various styles such as tribal braids with curls, heart designs, and middle, and side part tribal braids with designs.

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• Pre-stretched braiding hair
• Loc N Gel or Style N Jam Gel – for defining hair sections.
• Rat tail comb
• Mousse
• Beads & hair accessories – optional
• Satin bonnet – optional
• For tribal braid designs with curls you can use Deep wave hair (synthetic curl extensions) OR deep wave human hair (human hair curl extensions)

What are tribal braids?

Tribal Braids’ key features

1. One of the critical characteristics of tribal braids is their unique patterns and designs. Some of the common patterns include zigzags, triangles, and boxes. This gives quite a unique and stylish finish. The designs are achieved through braiding synthetic hair extensions.
2. Besides, tribal braids with designs are pretty versatile. The designs can be achieved using cornrows, braiding, and even twists.
3. Tribal braids also have a cultural significance. The patterns and designs play a significant cultural role in African communities. They can express one’s cultural diversity and appreciation of their heritage.
4. Similar to jumbo knotless braids and faux locs, tribal braids are also a low-maintenance and protective style. Once installed, tribal braids require minimal manipulation. This, in turn, protects one’s natural hair.

Here is a list of 40 styles that can inspire your next hairstyle:

1. Green tribal braids

You can add a personal touch by incorporating bold colors into the regular braids. A bright color such as green is quite eye-catching and unique.

2. Fulani tribal braids

Fulani braid designs are the most popular type of tribal braids. Fulani braids are tied to the Fulani (Fula) tribe in West Africa. Fulani braids involve cornrows in half of the hair and the other half containing knotless braids. Unique patterns characterize this hairstyle, often decorated with beads or curls.  

3. Patterned braids

If you want an eye-catching hairstyle, patterned tribal braids are the way to go. These braids have great cultural significance and various patterns.

4. Tribal braids with curls

You can add a unique design to tribal braids by adding curls. The curls give a boho-like finish.

5. Braided Bald head

Braided bald head a.k.a braided baldie is a viral hairstyle that has taken the Internet by storm. It has been termed as the hairstyle of the summer. It entails doing a continous cornrow and incorporates various tribal designs. Here are some styles to inspire your look:

6. Tribal braids with beads

This hairstyle screams, “I am in touch with my cultural heritage!” The cornrows have a unique tribal braid designs and the chunky beads add an extra touch of personality. Add beads to your look to make a bold cultural statement.

7. Ghana Braids

Ghana braids are also a unique way to celebrate African heritage. Ghana braids trace their origin to Africa as they are commonly seen in sculptures and hieroglyphics from 500 B.C. This hairstyle is similar to cornrows; the only difference is that they start small at the forehead and increase in size as they extend to the neck. 

8. Triangular tribal braid designs

These braids are versatile when it comes to styling. You can choose to do the braids in medium or long lengths, depending on your preference.

9. Blonde tribal braid designs

If you are into bright colors, blonde tribal braids are a must-try. This hairstyle is unique in design and can be used to make a statement.

10. Stich braids in a bun

Stich braids can also be put into a bun. This style is very stylish and suitable for various occasions.

11. Crisp tribal cornrows

This hairstyle is elegant and has very well-defined lines. If you want an elegant finish, these cornrows are a must-try.

12. Small tribal braid designs

Similar to crisp cornrows, small tribal braids are also well-defined and neat. Small tribal braids require significant skill and are a good choice if you prefer a more delicate look. The above cornrows are also known as Alicia keys braids.

13. Large box braids

Large box braids are a must-try if you are looking for braids that are chunkier in size. The ones above are pretty bold and unique.

14. Freestyle tribal braid designs

If you have not decided on the type of design to go with, you can try freestyling tribal braids. This hairstyle is less structured and gives the hair stylist more freedom to create unique patterns and designs. Besides, you can add a personal touch by suggesting a few ways you would like to be added.

15. Blonde freestyle tribals with beads

You can also do a freestyle design and add beads at the end.

16. Tribal braids with barrel ends

Stitch lines with barrel ends are also unique in design. These types of tribal lines are simple yet very stylish.

17. Blonde zig-zag braids

This hairstyle is simple yet very unique. Going blonde can add to personal touch

18. Patterned braids with barrel ends

This hairstyle has unique patterns. This picture can be used to inspire your next look.

19. Tribal braids with heart

You can add a personal touch to your hairstyle by incorporating hearts into your cornrows.

20. Tribal patterned braids

21. Alicia Keys’ Inspired braids

Alicia Keys is known for these versatile and stylish braided hairstyles. They often involved beads and other accessories at the end of the braid.

22. Braids with Weave

Braids with weave extentions are the latest sentation of the tribal braids hairstyle. As the name suggests, this style incorporates braids with sew-in weave. Half of the head is usually in cornrows and the other half in a sew-in weave. They are ideal for summer vacations or a nice event. Here are some styles to inspire your next style:

23. Side part braids

Side-parted tribal braids are quite stylish and trendy, they involve sectioning the hair into three parts and using intricate tribal braids with design

24: Zig Zag Cornrows

Cornrows are a timeless choice to achieve tribal braids. You can do zigzag cornrows such as the ones shown above. Zigzag cornrows are pretty eye-catching and a unique way to celebrate your diversity.

All in all, with this hairstyle, you are not confined to a single pattern. You can have various patterns and designs. These tribal braids above have multiple designs, including zigzags, overlapping cornrows, and heart shapes.