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 a classic, sleek & eye-catching choice if you're looking for a protective style with room for personal flair. Whether you try out a new part or add beads to your braids, there are countless ways to make Fulani braids your own.

These braids were worn for centuries to symbolize ethnic origin, tribal groups, marital status, and social status. Women would also decorate their braids with various ornaments, including beads, cowrie shells, and metal accents.

As a protective style, Fulani braids are polished and easygoing, and this trending look does the same. “There's low manipulation with these braids, which reduces the need for everyday styling from hot and mechanical tools — both of which may cause damage,” says Charles.

If you're looking for a new braided hair style, look no further than Fulani braids, one of the most popular styles of braiding. You can see them worn on red carpets and magazine covers, as well as on top influencers.

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.

Fulani or feed-in braids originate from the Fulani (Fula) people in West Africa and the Sahel region.

They are an ethnic group in the Sahel region and West Africa, mainly Mali, Senegal, Guinea and Cameroon.

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.

“Generally, medium-size braids are a safe choice, provided they are not overly heavy. The most harmful braids are those that are excessively tight and carry significant weight.” Dr. Kikam says that, when possible, it's typically a good idea to avoid extensions altogether—or at least to use minimal additional hair.

Knotless Box Braids

The hairstyle is created using a feed-in braid technique instead of creating a knot at the root like with traditional box braids. As a result, there's less tension on the scalp, which can help minimize the risk of hair breakage (and especially great for those with thin or fine hair).

How does 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.

Try a partial braid (like Blake Lively) that frames a side of the face or a loose side-swept braid that diffuses unnecessary attention to your aging features. A braided ponytail wrapped up into a messy bun like that of Jessica Alba is another way to take some years off your look.

The oldest evidence for the existence of braids is the Venus of Willendorf. Discovered in early 20th century Austria, the 11cm tall Palaeolithic female figurine is around 25,000 to 30,000 years old. It is speculated that she represents a fertility goddess. What is clear is that her head is covered with rows of plaits.

Knotless braids for natural hair can last up to three months, but how long your knotless braids will last depends on a few things: your hair texture and hair porosity, how you take care of them, and how large the braids are.

If you're after a protective style that's versatile and stylish, look no further than box braids. Whether worn long or short, chunky or thin, box braids are super chic and on trend.

Knotless Box Braids

Braiders start with your natural hair (instead of adding extensions at the root), so it doesn't create as much tension at your scalp and is more comfortable with less chance of breakage. There's also an added sleekness thanks to the knot-fee style, which creates a seamless look.

Common types of protective hairstyles include braids, wigs, locks, and twists. These styles are not only functional in protecting the hair from weather-related damage but also aid in retaining hair length and promoting growth. The adoption of protective hairstyles can lead to a reduction in hair tangles and knots.