29 Cute Fulani Braids to Try in 2024: Easy Protective Styles

Braids are a staple protecting type for Black girls. They are handy, low-maintenance, and are available an countless number of kinds—like Fulani braids. While the type has been round for hundreds of years (extra on that beneath), they’re nonetheless massively fashionable for all of the enjoyable and imaginative methods you may put on them. Think shiny colours, distinctive patterns, and a combination of equipment in all completely different styles and sizes.

What are Fulani braids?

As superstar hairstylist Susy Oludele—who’s chargeable for among the phenomenal kinds you’ve seen on Solange—explains, Fulani braids are a combination of cornrows and field braids and may be worn with or with out beads. Most generally, the type—which will get its identify from the Fulani folks in West Africa, the place the braids originated—is created with cornrows within the entrance and field braids within the again.

The look has been modernized not too long ago—typically seen on crimson carpets, music movies, and in on a regular basis life—“however it has been worn for a lot of, a few years now,” says Oludele. Symbolizing not simply its African roots, Fulani braids may also symbolize “social standing, wealth, faith, or marital standing,” Oludele says, including that “braids have all the time been a part of our tradition.”

Ready to ask your stylist for them? Ahead, we’ve rounded up a few of our favourite Fulani appears to be like and braided hairstyles—from neon inexperienced beads to platinum blonde braids.

What do Fulani braids symbolize?

Fulani braids symbolize origins, social status, and marital status. Throughout historical past, Senegalese girls have worn the coiffure with beads and different equipment. “Fulani braids originated from Africa and have been worn for hundreds of years,” says Nayla Chalas, Master braider and Educator at NVYLV Salon. “It has been an emblem of ethnic origin, tradition, tribal teams, and a lot extra. An emblem that not solely embraces its custom however the artworks which can be created by way of it. An expression that was as soon as used as maps to flee slavery. A voice that represents empowerment and authenticity. It is much more than only a cute coiffure; it’s one thing that we created for us. An emblem of freedom.”

How do you keep Fulani braids?

Fulani braids are maintained equally to different braided protecting hairstyles. It’s necessary to maintain a clear scalp, so wash your scalp with a cleaning shampoo when it will get soiled with product buildup. It’s additionally essential to sleep in a silk bonnet or scarf. Every night time, you may wrap your hair to protect the type and maintain frizziness at bay.

Just as a result of your hair is in a protecting type, doesn’t imply you don’t want to fret about ukeep anymore. To maintain your hair moisturized, use a leave-in conditioner on the hair.

How lengthy do Fulani braids final?

Fulani braids often final between three and 6 weeks. However, they will final a little bit longer in the event that they’re correctly maintained. After you’re taking them out, wait no less than every week earlier than getting one other protecting type to stop any hair breakage.