17 Gorgeous Fulani Braid Looks to Try ASAP

Updated on Sep 05, 2021

gabrielle union fulani braids — @gabunion

As a teenager, I coined Fulani braids "Alicia Keys braids" without any reference to where the beautiful style was created in West Africa by the Fula. In my teens, I had no idea what the term cultural appropriation meant, but I now recognize how important it is to know and respect where beauty rituals come from, even as someone of African descent. Fulani braids are now one of the most popular styles of braiding. You can see them worn on red carpets and magazine covers, which I take such great pride in—mainly because little Black girls growing up during this time see themselves represented more places than ever.

What are Fulani braids?

Fulani braids, made popular by the Fulani people of Africa, is a style that usually incorporates the following elements: a cornrow braided down the center of the head, one or a few cornrows braided in the opposite direction toward your face just near the temples, a braid wrapped around the hairline, and often accessories, such as beads.

Award-winning actress Cicely Tyson was one of the first Black women to wear Fulani braids on red carpets and even on the cover of JET Magazine in the 1960s and 1970s. Alicia Keys later made the style popular as she donned them on the cover of her debut album, Songs in A Minor.

Fulani Braids Cicely Tyson — Getty Images

Since there are so many looks to choose from, we thought we'd round up 17 of our favorites, spanning everything from simple styles to elaborate updos. Keep scrolling to get a small dose of Fulani braids inspiration before you next head off to see your stylist.

01 of 17

Frame Your Features

Fulani Braids Face Framing Rihanna — Getty Images

Fulani braids can be worn as short or as long as you desire. Here, Rihanna's braids curve beautifully around her head, providing a stunning component to her glamorous look.

02 of 17

Update a Traditional Style

Fulani Braids Modern Traditional — @magicfingersstudio

Depending on the length of your hair, you may need to add extensions to bring this style to life. Once you're done braiding and pinning your hair up, be sure to add beads and jewels to make it your own.

03 of 17

Try on a Different Size

Like any braided look, you get to decide how small or large you like Fulani braids, but be prepared for an extended salon visit. Though these aren't quite micro, they are small and will add tension to the scalp, so be sure to care for your edges and scalp post-appointment with an aloe or castor oil-based product.

04 of 17

Say Yes to Length

Fulani Braids Long Gabrielle Union — @gabunion

Gabrielle Union's cascading braids are the quintessential summer protective style. Washing braids can be a bit of challenge, especially when you want to keep the frizz at bay, but Cantu Apple Cider Vinegar Root Rinse makes it easy to cleanse the scalp without disrupting your style.

05 of 17

Learn from the Best

Fulani Braids Beaded Teyonah Parris — @teyonahparris

Teyonah Parris is the protective style queen, and her back-length Fulani braids are a style out of her playbook that we should all give a try.

06 of 17

Channel Your Inner Mermaid

Fulani Braids Mermaid Colors Mirian Njoh — @miriannjoh

Mirian Njoh is giving us mermaid vibes, and we are here for it. Sea tones give these blonde braids a pop of color that screams endless summer.

07 of 17

Y2K Moment

Fulani Braids Y2K Alissa Ashley — @alissa.ashley

All I can envision is Destiny's Child's "Say My Name" video when I look at Alissa Ashley's braids. The straight-back style will forever be an iconic part of beauty and pop culture.

08 of 17

Mix It Up

Fulani Braids Shells — @heycurlie/Hair by @touchedbytb_

Here on Romance Cox, we see a few different hair go-tos happening. First up are the feed-in braids, accented with baby hair. Stylist TB then upped the creative ante by attaching cowrie shells to the look, and altogether, it's a statement that would be so fun to try.

09 of 17

Try Two Buns

This is my first time seeing Fulani braids styled into two buns, and I love this look. It's stylish, trendy, and will keep your hair off of your neck when the summer heat hits.

10 of 17

Rock a Deep Face-Framing Side-Part

Fulani Braids Deep Side Part — @khatbrim/Hair by @twyb_

Side-parted braids offer a stunning opportunity to protect your coils and frame your face.

11 of 17

Put Your Braiding Skills to Use

Braids don't always need additional extensions, and Jeanette's simple style is one that could be done in the comfort of your own home if you're a seasoned braider.

12 of 17

Regal Beads

Fulani Braids Beaded Alicia Keys — Getty Images

As we mentioned, Alicia Keys had an unmatched braid game in the early 2000s, and the above style will add decadence to any look. Beads can be found on Etsy and Amazon with ease.

13 of 17

Opt For a Braided Bob

Fulani Braids Bob Danai Gurira — Getty Images

We love a good braided bob, and Danai Gurira's look for the 2019 Oscars after-party is just that. Fulani braids progress into voluminous ends for a look that truly brings the red carpet drama.

14 of 17

Mix Mediums

Fulani Braids Mixed Medium Beads Afro Puffs Yara Shahidi — @yarashahidi

Yara Shahidi's looks give us braid inspiration for days—here, she rocks a curly puff with a beaded Fulani accent.

15 of 17

Shorten Your Salon Visit

Fulani Braids Chunky Teyonah Parris — @teyonahparris

We've already seen Teyonah Parris once before on this list, but I couldn't leave this style off. The chunky braids here are ideal for someone who wants the Fulani look with a minimal salon time commitment.

16 of 17

Braid Up That Bun

Fulani Braid Bun Taraji P. Henson — @tarajiphenson

Taraji P. Henson's Fulani braids updo is perfect for the summer heat. But if you have a dry scalp or plan to wear this style for an extended period, you may want to talk to your stylist about proper care (specifically at the crown of the head where the bun sits).

17 of 17

Embrace Versatility

Fulani braids are incredibly versatile, and this braided pony confirms that. What makes this look special is the placement of the beads. The black and brown accents make Tynece's melanin pop.

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