Half-Up Bun

Marsai Martin’s Fulani braids get a super cute update when styled in a long half-up, half-down bun. If you want, you can also slick down the baby hairs with some edge control and an edge brush.

Updated Traditional Style

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. Try Magic Fingers Shine ‘N Jam Setting Mousse to set the look.

Micro-Fulani Braids

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.

Charles says that Fulani braids “can take eight to ten hours to do, depending on the size and the length of the braids.”

Low Chignon

Would this even be a Fulani braid roundup if we didn’t feature the reigning Queen of the style? Alicia Keys has held a chokehold on the Fulani braid game for decades and this ultra-cool low chignon is just one of her many masterful iterations.

Voluminous Ponytail

Chanté Adams’s vivacious, Fulani-accented ponytail is doing the absolute most. Keep in mind that maintaining hair health is integral for any style—even a protective one like this. Colorist Richy Kandasamy, advises: “Return to your salon for routine trims.” He says that doing this will slowly remove any damaged hair over time, “and that’s a slow process if you have patience.”

Head-Curving Braids

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.

Extra-Long Braids

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. 

Mid-Length Braids

Javana Mundy is the protective style queen, and her mid-length Fulani braids are a page out of her playbook that we should all give a try. 

Mermaid Braids

Mirian Njoh is giving us mermaid vibes, and we are here for it. Cool tones give these blonde braids a pop of color that screams endless summer. If you want to add color to your actual strands (rather than just using colorful accessories), go for it, says Kandasamy.

“A fun option is to use bright funky or pastel colors,” Kandasamy says. “As the length grows, it gets more trendy and as the colors fade with each shampoo, your roots will become more prominent. But when you are going for a fun, funky, urban chick look like this, you can get away with showing some dark roots.”

Y2K Braids

We can’t help but think of Destiny’s Child’s “Say My Name” music video when we look at Alissa Ashley’s braids. The straight-back style will forever be an iconic part of beauty and pop culture.

90’s Messy Bun

While we’re on the subject of decade-defining hairstyles, we’d be remiss not spotlight a ’90s messy bun. Rahel Brhane’s Fulani braids and vibrant hue couldn’t be more spot on.

Accessorized Braids

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

Face-Framing Side-Part

Side-parted braids, like these on Zazie Beetz, offer a stunning opportunity to protect your coils and frame your face. To ensure edges remain in pristine condition, turn to a product like Pattern Edge Control.

Simple Style

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

Regal Beads

Willow Smith’s Fulani braids get a chunky upgrade courtesy of wooden beads. To replicate the look, similar beads can be found at your local beauty supply store and on Etsy.

Mixed Mediums

Jourdan Dunn’s mixed braids offer hair inspiration for even the most indecisive amongst us. The alternating combo of thin Fulani braids and chunky feed-ins offers up dimension for days.

Braided Bob

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. 

Thick Braids

Teyonah Parris’s chunky braids are ideal for someone who wants the Fulani look with a minimal salon time commitment.

Sleek Top Knot

With so many Fulani braid styles under her belt, it’s a wonder we could reign our Alicia Keys enthusiasm to just two looks. This glossy, architectural top knot deserves high praise all its own but the delicate Fulani braids and artful edges truly blew us away.

Braided Bun

Joy Bryant’s Fulani braided 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).

Baby Buns

When it comes to buns, we love them in all shapes and sizes. Tyla’s duo of low, petite buns lets the intricate Fulani braid design take center stage.

Versatile Braids

Fulani braids are incredibly versatile, and Teyana Taylor’s braided pony game confirms that. What makes this style special is the asymmetrical placement of the twin ponytails and the gold charms and accents that really make her look pop.  

Mini Braid Ponytail

We cannot get over how voluminous and chic Solange’s Fulani mini braids are. The front part of her hair is braided down in Fulani braids, while the rest is styled into a high ponytail with curled ends. The best part? This particular style can last anywhere from six to eight weeks.

Top Bun

Brown sunglasses, Africa hoop earrings, and a Fulani braid bun = the perfect fall-weather look. To add dimension to the braids, think about weaving in some honey-blonde highlights, just like Taraji P. Henson.

Traditional Middle Part

If you’re looking for an easy-to-maintain protective style, take inspiration from Kelis’s laid-back Fulani braids. To keep your look as fresh as possible, make sure to tie your hair up at night and wear a silk bonnet to bed.

Crown Braid

We love the juxtaposition of braid formations in Venus Williams’s half-up style. The intricate Fulani braids weave into a regal crown braid before cascading in a spray of spirals around her face.