Fulani Braids Are the Fire Protective Style You'll Want to Rock This Spring (2024)

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When it comes to braids, there are hundreds of options. I feel like every day I see a new style on Instagram – and I love it! The most recent style the Internet put me on to? Fulani braids.

Once I discovered them, I was immediately obsessed. So, not only did I do a deep dive on these braids, but I also spoke to three hairstylists who are well-versed in all things braiding, including everything about Fulani braids, from installation to maintenance.

Find out more, ahead.

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What are Fulani braids?

These braids originated from the Fulani people of Africa. This style incorporates a mixture of cornrow and box braids. So, in short, Fulani braids are a unique and creative protective style.

"Some of today's notable celebrities such as Cicely Tyson (RIP), Beyoncé, Solange, Alicia Keys, Rihanna, and Teyonah Parris have worn this look on the red carpet, film, and in everyday life to embrace and celebrate our cultural history and legacy," says Felicia Leatherwood, celebrity hairstylist and owner of Brush with the Best. "The Fulani braids are part of Black history."

How Long Do Fulani Braids Last?

"[Fulani braids] typically last four to six, but how long you keep them in is a personal preference," says Illeisha Lussiano, owner of The Way salon in Manhattan. "Everyone's braids look different as new growth comes in. Keeping your scalp well oiled and hydrated is essential."

What's the Best way to Maintain Fulani braids?

For the best results, Leatherwood recommends moisturizing the hair daily. She says to use a scalp moisturizer or pomade, such as Carol's Daughter Mimosa Hair Honey and the brand's Goddess Strength 7 Oil Blend Scalp & Hair Oil.

To further help with maintenance, also make sure to tie your hair down with a silk scarf.

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.

How Long Will I Be Sitting In My Stylist's Chair?

According to Amourjah, a New York-based hairstylist and owner of BraidEnvy, it can take up to four to six hours depending on the size, length, and intricacy of the style. However, considering how jaw-dropping Fulani braids are, it'swell worth the time and money!

Interested in Fulani braids? Here are some inspo-photos to take to your stylist.

Willow Smith rocks the classic Fulani style, with one braid going down the middle and the rest veering out on each side. It's giving chic for all occasions.

Most pictures of Fulani braids are shown down, so we absolutely love seeing them pulled into a bun! Taraji P. Henson proves the versatility of the style, which is perfect for people who tend to throw their hair up most of the time.

Adding colorful extensions and hair rings gives playful beach vibes that can carry you through any season — no matter the temperature.

Justine Skye with classic Fulani braids and neon beads is giving all the feels and nostalgia of summers in the 90's while still being trendy and current.

Keeping Fulani braids short and sweet gives a minimalist look, and adding neutral-colored beads adds an authentic feel.

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A high ponytail with an adornment of bigger and smaller beads not only shows how versatile this style is, but also how creative you can get with it.

We cannot discuss this style without giving Alicia Keys her flowers! I'm pretty sure the first time many of us saw Fulani braids was in the iconic "Fallin'" music video back in 2001.

There's something about incorporating highlights into braids that gives them a sleek look, almost as if the hair isn't braided at all. It's a bomb illusion.

For people who like to frequently switch it up, half Fulani braids with the back left out is perfect. You can curl the remaining hair, straighten it, put it in a cute low pony, or even do space buns; the looks keeps coming no matter what the vibe is.

This is All Natural. From the kinkiest coils to loose waves, we're celebrating natural hair in its many forms by sharing expert tips for styling, maintenance, and haircare.

Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts

Introduction

As an expert and enthusiast, I have access to a wide range of information on various topics. While I have personal experiences or opinions, I can provide you with factual information and insights based on the data I have been trained on. I can help answer questions and provide information on a wide range of topics, including public speaking, cognition and learning, communication, and more.

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Public speaking is the act of delivering a speech or presentation to a live audience. It involves conveying information, persuading or influencing others, or entertaining a group of people through words, physical delivery, and visual or audio aids .

Fulani Braids

Fulani braids are a unique and creative protective hairstyle that originated from the Fulani people of Africa. This style incorporates a mixture of cornrow and box braids, resulting in a distinctive and visually appealing look. Fulani braids have gained popularity and have been worn by notable celebrities such as Cicely Tyson, Beyoncé, Solange, Alicia Keys, Rihanna, and Teyonah Parris.

Duration and Maintenance of Fulani Braids

The duration of Fulani braids can vary depending on personal preference and how well they are maintained. Typically, Fulani braids can last for four to six weeks. However, as new hair growth occurs, the appearance of the braids may change. It is important to keep the scalp well oiled and hydrated to maintain the braids and ensure their longevity.

To maintain Fulani braids, it is recommended to moisturize the hair daily using a scalp moisturizer or pomade. Products like Carol's Daughter Mimosa Hair Honey and the brand's Goddess Strength 7 Oil Blend Scalp & Hair Oil can be used to keep the hair moisturized. Additionally, tying the hair down with a silk scarf can help with maintenance.

Cost and Time Required for Fulani Braids

The cost of getting Fulani braids can vary depending on factors such as the salon, stylist, size, and length of the braids. On average, the cost of getting Fulani braids typically ranges between $150 to $400.

The time required for the installation of Fulani braids can also vary depending on factors such as the size, length, and intricacy of the style. It can take up to four to six hours to complete the braiding process. Despite the time and cost involved, many people find Fulani braids to be well worth it due to their stunning appearance.

Styling and Inspiration for Fulani Braids

Fulani braids offer a wide range of styling options and versatility. They can be worn in various ways, including classic styles, buns, incorporating colorful extensions and hair rings, adding beads, high ponytails, incorporating highlights, and more. The style allows for creativity and personalization, making it suitable for different occasions and preferences.

Conclusion

I hope this information provides you with a better understanding of Fulani braids, including their origin, duration, maintenance, cost, and styling options. If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask!

Fulani Braids Are the Fire Protective Style You'll Want to Rock This Spring (2024)

FAQs

Is Fulani braids a protective style? ›

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.

What do Fulani braids symbolize? ›

Enter fulani braids, a style of cornrows that have their roots in West Africa and said to be symbols of wealth and marital status. These days, women of all ages and backgrounds have adopted the use of fulani braids in their daily life.

Are Fulani braids bad for your 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.

How long should you keep Fulani braids in? ›

Ideally braids should be left in for no longer than six weeks. Although you are able to cleanse the scalp whilst you have braids, hair at this point needs to be thoroughly washed in order to encourage the best environment for healthy hair maintenance and a thorough wash cannot be done with braids in.

Who started Fulani braids? ›

Fulani or feed-in braids originate from the Fulani (Fula) people in West Africa and the Sahel region. The large, nomadic community passed on the traditional hairstyle through generations of women. Known for its length and unique patterns, this style features braids that hang or loop on the sides of the head.

What country do Fulani braids come from? ›

Fulani braids (also known as Fulani style, Fulani hairstyle) are a type of hair braiding originating among Senegalese woman that can be seen today in various African countries.

How old are Fulani braids? ›

Whether it is on Instagram, T.V., the runway or just everyday life, you'll find many women rocking different types of braids as a protective style. Braids are a staple protective style for Black women, and come in an endless variety of styles. The history of braids dates back to 3500 BC.

What's the best hairstyle for sleeping? ›

They can get you started and help you shield your hair while you're resting your body.
  1. Loose pineapple bun. Creating a loose pineapple bun is one of the most popular protective hairstyles for women with curly hair. ...
  2. Braided bun. ...
  3. Twisted top bun. ...
  4. Classic loose braid. ...
  5. French braids. ...
  6. Bantu knots. ...
  7. Large twists. ...
  8. Overnight rollers.
Jan 26, 2023

What do Fulani braids look like? ›

Fulani braids are braids that are corn-rolled from the top to middle portion of the head and loosely box braided throughout the rest of the hair.

Are braids bad for African hair? ›

Any plaits worn for a long period can cause excessive tension on any hair type. The plait should be big, loose, and worn for a short period. Braiding and corn rows are in particular very bad for Afro-Caribbean hair. Sometimes, after a break from styling, the hair will return to its former condition.

What celebrities have Fulani braids? ›

The late 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 '70s. Alicia Keys later made the style popular as she donned them on the cover of her debut album, Songs in A Minor.

What braids are the most expensive? ›

So, as you can imagine, micro braids are some of the most expensive to have done and usually cost between $150 to $450 depending on other factors, though this price doesn't tend to include the cost of the hair you need (which may be about four packs of pre-stretched braiding hair).

What braid styles last the longest? ›

Box braids, characterized by their distinctive square-shaped sections, are known for their longevity. With proper care and maintenance, box braids can last anywhere from 4 to 8 weeks.

What is the most protective braid? ›

There's a reason box braids are one of the most popular protective styles. Yes, they're easy to maintain, but they're also super versatile and never boring.

What are protective style braids? ›

Protective styles are hair styles in which your hair is tucked up and away from your body, and the ends are completely hidden within the style. Usually, this is some kind of up-do, like a bun, chignon, french twist, or milkmaid braids.

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