@thequeenofkrump
A playful ponytail is a great option for an active lifestyle. Easy to maintain and manage, this ponytail keeps its shape while you’re playing your favorite sport or just going out for an afternoon with friends. Scattered hair cuffs and beads are optional, especially if you want to keep the braids featherlight and comfortable.
If you’re not old enough to have heard of actress Bo Derek, you’re probably at least old enough to know who singer-songwriter Alicia Keys is. Aside from being stately, beautiful, and successful women, these gorgeous celebrities have something else in common: they’re both known for their classic Fulani braids.
So, are you wondering about the origin of this hairstyle? It is associated with an African ethnic group known as the Fula, who live throughout much of the Western and Eastern parts of the continent. Their traditional braids are usually styled with unique patterns of thin-to-medium tightly plaited braids that are close to the head and taper into hair extensions of all lengths. Below you’ll find 20 of our favorite braided styles with true tribal spirit.
@fancy_claws
Strategically-placed bronze hair cuffs near the cheekbones are the way to go. Combine them with symmetrical curved head braids and extra-long golden blonde extensions that pop out of the wrapped ponytail.
One braid straight down the center of the part line, and a smattering of hair cuffs placed at different points in the design, make it one of the most classic braid patterns you can wear. It’s a perfect “conservative” choice for the confident woman who is just beginning to experiment with braided hairstyles.
@sunreey
If you’re a braid pro, you won’t hesitate to commit to a thick and luscious headful of braids. Wine-colored extensions and a menagerie of hair cuffs throughout the weave create a strong statement. A single dropped jewel at the forehead is a perfect way to accent the hairstyle.
@aggie_hair
It’s not simply a hairstyle – it’s a work of art! A crowning collection of angled braids has been backswept and gathered together in a loose, twisted bun that cascades elegantly down the back in a vertical “waterfall.” Beads of many shapes and sizes are strategically placed in the bun and adorn the end of each braid.
@chikodix
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Sometimes you just can’t have your braids loose when you’re running around doing lots of errands. When that happens, just sweep them up in a twisted updo and be done with it. The top-knot bun is a fantastic option for the mature corporate woman, and it’s easy to whip up. The dramatic copper color guarantees that the braided bun will stand out from the rest.
@kersti.pitre
Bold, beautiful, and every shade of blue – it’s a style that’s a head-turner for obvious reasons. Since there are oversized blue-glass beads and extra-long rainbow blue extensions, make sure to keep your clothing and accessories in neutral colors so the braids can make an appearance on their own.
@_sweeta_neisha_
Soft, simple, and neat, a cascade of medium-width braids is just what you need if you want a professional hairstyle. The uniform extensions are a light golden brown, which means that they’ll match perfectly with any color of business suits or casual attire.
@hairbykey___
When you’ve tried every other braided protective style, you’re probably looking for a complete change of routine. The beautiful plaiting in the top section of the head gives it a beautiful and elegant touch. It’s a break from the norm and a unique twist for a fresh appearance.
@larabelle_makeover
This is an elegant showstopper that works well for someone with strong facial features. It’s exotic and feminine, while at the same time showing off your bold and courageous side.
@sincerelyoghosa
Nothing looks more fantastic than a Fulani braid ponytail that features copper wire and chunky beads. Dainty and fashion-forward, the upswept braids are gathered towards the crown and adorned with swirls of wire. The Japanese calligraphy printed on the thick beads adds the final touch.
@maya_giftedhands_
The geometric pattern of the braid crown is a real attention-getter, and the extra-long golden extensions tapped with tiny seashells will make you feel like you’ve gone to the beach, all year long.
@hairbykey___
If you’re in search of a simple, traditional hairstyle, you’ve just found it. Why not try a headful of gorgeous backswept braids and a dainty center braid trimmed with one solitary jewel bead? Two over-the-ear backwards braids offer a pop of surprise, just when you weren’t expecting it!
@e._k.a.h.l.e.r
This shoulder-length braided bob has a sleek, feminine, and detailed appearance that requires confidence to wear. Unlike the majority of other braided hairstyles, these heavily beaded braids drop straight down the sides, beautifully framing the face.
@cdubbraidz
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Sassy and playful, the wrap-around top-knot ponytail offers the wearer a fabulous combination of high-end sophistication and casual frivolity. The simple lines make the hairstyle quite different from other braided styles with beads. Copper wire wrapped around the length of several braids completes the overall jeweled effect.
@crownedbyketa
Squared-off partings make the geometric crown a fantastic variation of the traditional hairstyle. Straightforward and neat, there’s no better choice for an office or a conservative work environment. Three gold-tone hair cuffs add just the right boost of sophistication.
@mammastouch
You’ll have more fun than you can handle sporting these waist-length pink hair extensions that are woven into a classic wrapped ponytail. No need for beads or other adornments, the color is the shining star here. Fun and frivolous, it’s a sizzling hairdo you can’t help but show off.
@tamika_braidbarbie
You might say it’s the super-fine curly wisps that grace the forehead of the tribal braids that make such a strong impact. This style is a complete package, where geometric parts meet soft, feminine details for an artistic result.
@prettyy.braids
A playful ponytail is a great option for an active lifestyle. Easy to maintain and manage, this ponytail keeps its shape while you’re playing your favorite sport or just going out for an afternoon with friends. Scattered hair cuffs and beads are optional, especially if you want to keep the braids featherlight and comfortable.
@thequeenofkrump
A signature hairstyle that shows off your graceful neckline, the top-knot bun with a cascade of braids offers you the best of both worlds. A classic half-updo with jet-black extensions that fall to the waist is all that’s needed for a romantic dinner and drinks with that special friend.
@crownedbyketa
One of the most traditional ways to wear Fulani braids is to choose a splash of subtle color. The copper red extensions are woven throughout the entire length of the super-long braids. As if that weren’t enough, bright ivory-colored “tusk” beads bring the sepia tone down to a level that matches every item of clothing in your closet.
@londonsbeautii
These 20 innovative concepts will elevate the classic Fulani braids to a whole new level. A simple but chic style or a full-on decorated one, a creative look can fit any taste, personality, and lifestyle.
