Your Ultimate Guide To Fulani Braids

Confession: I get totally indecisive when picking my next braided hairstyle. Do I opt for sleek cornrows? Classic box braids? Or something quick to get me out of the salon faster. Every single time, I hit the same answer: I want all of them. And the best part? There's a secret weapon to make that happen.

Fulani braids have a sleek cornrow base with flowing box braids or twists, which makes them flexible and a pretty way to style your hair.

The truth is, Fulani braids boost your look and confidence in minutes. There exist several different kinds of shapes, but each of them harmoniously blends with your character and stands out as a unique one.

What are Fulani Braids?

Let's put it this way: Fulani braids are a combination of cornrows and box braids. They were initially the hairstyle of the Fulani people, a nomadic ethnic group that is spread across West Africa and the Sahel region.

This traditional look was characterized by at least five braids hanging down or looping along the sides, with a signature bun arranged in the middle of the head. Every minute detail reflects the rich heritage and artistry of these iconic braids.

Since the style differs from one place to another, it is constantly changing its appearance, and now it reflects the artist's cultural diversity in every strand.

The History of Fulani Braids

In the past, one of the main cultural significances of the Fulani braids was that they were the black people's way of showing their ethnic identity, marital status, and social ranking through the characters on their hair.

Women beautifully adorned these braids with beads, cowrie shells, and many types of other unique metal accents. These beautiful accessories are used as a vital part in events like weddings and in many regional festivals.

Tips for a Smooth and Polished Braiding Experience

If you have skilled hands for styling and all the right tools at home, you can easily create Fulani braids at home. However, every time it comes to going in advance or style with long hair, visiting a professional braiding salon is always a more intelligent choice.

But before doing any styling, it is best to choose the style you like, and whether you will use any extensions with your hair.

1. Protect and Prep Your Hair First

Before starting your Fulani braids, your hair must be clean, conditioned, and completely detangled. This helps your hair stay strong, prevents breakage, and helps the braiding process go smoothly.

If you apply a lightweight oil or leave-in conditioner, it will also help keep your scalp moisturised throughout styling and ensure your braids stay firm and comfortable for extended wear.

2. Choose Your Fulani Braid Style

Combining silk cornrows in the front and beautiful box braids in the back, Fulani braids offer endless possibilities to make your look more attractive.

Typically, the style provides a central cornrow with sideways, creating a look that looks both bold and classic. Fulani braids can be customized easily to match your vibe and style.

3. Should You Use Extensions

Whether you do it yourself or get it from a salon, the addition of extensions is totally up to you. It depends on how you want the result to look and feel.

If the length of your natural hair isn't enough, then you can put on 3 to 5 packs of braiding hair.

You will have an option of using either natural or synthetic hair, depending on volume, length, and the hair feel you are seeking for your braids. Extensions are an effective way to personalize your look and give it that wow factor!

How to Create Regular Fulani braids?

Step 1: Back Braid

You can start either from the back knotless box braids or the front stitch feed-in cornrows. If you start from the back, then.

● Using a rattail comb, section your hair into several rows depending on your desired look. You want jumbo box braids, medium-size braids, or small-size braids. Then apply gel or edge control and clip them separately, making sure lines are sharp and clean.

● Section each row into equal parts of box shapes.

● Divide each section into three strands and braid a few times, and add braiding hair. Check our tutorial to see how to do knotless box braids with bulk human hair extensions.

● Finish the braid, adding beads if you like, for a professional, decorative finish.

● Apply the same steps to other sections until you finish the back of the hair.

Step 2: Braiding the Front Part

● To create a forward braid, section your hair into the pattern you want. Finding a reference image can help a lot.

● If you want to get the regular Fulani braids, divide your hair into a middle part using an edge tool, and secure those sections with clips.

● To generate cornrows, it's best first to do them at the top, then the side parts.

● Lastly, if you think beads add extra flair, add them and finish the braid.

How Long Do Fulani Braids Last?

Usually, Fulani braids last between 3-6 weeks, depending on how well you are taking care of them and how quickly your hair is regrowing. The braiding process itself takes 4-6 hours to complete the whole head, so while designing takes a lot of time, it's completely worth it for these gorgeous results.

Pro tips: Avoid over-braiding: it's best not to make your style too tight because it can cause traction alopecia(the hair loss which comes from extra tension)

Post-braid care:

● Use a clarifying shampoo after taking out braids.

● Follow with a deep conditioner.

● Give your hair a break before the next style to maintain health.

Fulani Braid Looks We Love

1. Small Stitch Braids

At a music award show, Joan Smalls beautifully stuns with this classic Fulani braid, styled in a pulled-up, gathered back style.

Small stitch braids are timeless, elegant, and versatile, and that's the reason they make it perfect for any occasion. The intricate braids, paired with their striking finishes, become glamorous designs that everyone likes.

2. Two Top Knots

A style that looks chic and produces an effortlessly edgy vibe. These top knots highlight your personality and attract everyone's attention wherever you go.

Two top knots naturally produce an aesthetic vibe while highlighting your intricate braiding. The best part of this style is that you can easily wear this in any casual outing or any place where the traditional Fulani braids style is needed.

3. High Ponytail

A style that produces charm and elegance, a high ponytail beautifully elevates your look and adds a few face-framing strands to generate a soft and flattering touch.

Style can be worn flawlessly from casual outings to formal events, blending simplicity with sophistication. The best part- you can easily generate this style with minimal effort and provide a timeless and polished aesthetic look.

4. Half Up Fulani Braids

When half-up bulani braids are gathered at the back, they provide an effortlessly chic vibe and a stylish half-up, half-down effect on your entire body.

Enhance Your Fulani Style with Hermosa Hair Wigs

At Hermosa Hair, we beautifully enhance your natural beauty with our high-quality Fulani braided wigs. At our store, you can easily choose from ready-to-wear, glueless braided wigs to make your braids more beautiful.

Each wig delivers comfort, elegance, and versatility for any occasion. You can also choose to get some bulk human hair bundles to help you create your own design Fulani braids. So shop now and shine effortlessly.

In a Nutshell

Fulani braids are more than just a hairstyle—they represent culture, artistry, and self-expression at every step. From deep West African roots to today's modern sophistication, these braids beautifully shine in your look.

Without a doubt, a Fulani braid is the ultimate style upgrade that will attract attention to your natural beauty anywhere you go. So without any fear. Wear your braid with pride and confidence, because it's your crown that will tell your story.