{"id":1243383,"date":"2025-12-25T23:28:45","date_gmt":"2025-12-25T20:28:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1243383"},"modified":"2025-12-25T23:28:45","modified_gmt":"2025-12-25T20:28:45","slug":"its-time-to-try-these-26-gorgeous-fulani-braid-looks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1243383","title":{"rendered":"It’s Time to Try These 26 Gorgeous Fulani Braid Looks"},"content":{"rendered":"
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If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.\n<\/p>\n

It’s Time to Try These 26 Gorgeous Fulani Braid Looks<\/h1>\n

When tradition and versatility collide.<\/p>\n

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By<\/span><\/p>\n
Bianca Lambert<\/p>\n
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\"Bianca's\"Bianca's<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\nBianca Lambert\n<\/div>\n
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  • <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n
    \nBianca is a contributing writer for Byrdie specializing in natural hair and skincare. You can find her work in xoNecole, The Everygirl, POPSUGAR, Travel Noire, and more.\u00a0\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
    \nByrdie’s Editorial Guidelines\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
    Published on October 12, 2025 07:15AM<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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    \"Two\"Two<\/div>\n<\/div>
    <\/p>\n

    @tyla\/Instagram<\/p>\n

    <\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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    When it comes to protective hairstyles, Fulani braids may be the most popular and versatile. The braided hairstyle not only shines on its own but also flows beautifully into just about any braid or coif. If you’re new to the style, you may be surprised at how familiar you probably already are with Fulani braids, as they’ve adorned many celebs and top influencers at red carpets, in music videos, and on magazine covers.\n<\/p>\n

    Fulani braids were made popular by the Fulani people of Africa. According to celebrity braider, Xia Charles, “Fulani braids are tribal braids styled with cornrows at the top and rows or sections of braids following.” Think of a cornrow braided down the center of the head, one or a few cornrows braided in the opposite direction toward your face just near the temples, a braid wrapped around the hairline, and often accessories, such as beads.\n<\/p>\n

    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<\/em> Magazine in the 1960s and ’70s. Alicia Keys later made the style popular as she donned them on the cover of her debut album,\u00a0Songs in A Minor<\/em>.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

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    \"Fulani\"Fulani<\/div>\n<\/div>
    <\/p>\n

    Getty<\/p>\n

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    Since there are so many looks to choose from, we thought we’d round up 27 of our favorites, spanning everything from simple styles to elaborate updos. Keep scrolling to get a small dose of Fulani braid inspiration before you head off to see your stylist.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n

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    Meet the Experts<\/p>\n

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    • Richy Kandasamy is a colorist, a member of the R+Co Collective and the founder of Rokoko Beauty.<\/li>\n
    • Xia Charles is a celebrity braider and founder of Braided New York.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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      01<\/span>of 26<\/span><\/div>\n
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      Half-Up Bun <\/span><\/h2>\n
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      \"Marsai\"Marsai<\/div>\n<\/div>
      <\/p>\n

      @marsaimartin\/Instagram<\/p>\n

      <\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

      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.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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      02<\/span>of 26<\/span><\/div>\n
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      Updated Traditional Style <\/span><\/h2>\n
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      \"Fulani\"Fulani<\/div>\n<\/div>
      <\/p>\n

      @magicfingersstudio\/Instagram<\/p>\n

      <\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

      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.\u00a0Try Magic Fingers Shine ‘N Jam Setting Mousse to set the look.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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      03<\/span>of 26<\/span><\/div>\n
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      Micro-Fulani Braids <\/span><\/h2>\n
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      \"Rahel\"Rahel<\/div>\n<\/div>
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      @rahelbrhane_ \/ Instagram<\/p>\n

      <\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

      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<\/em> 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.<\/p>\n

      Charles says that Fulani braids “can take\u00a0eight to ten hours\u00a0to do, depending on the size and the length of the braids.”\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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      04<\/span>of 26<\/span><\/div>\n
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      Low Chignon <\/span><\/h2>\n
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      \"Alicia\"Alicia<\/div>\n<\/div>
      <\/p>\n

      @aliciakeys\/Instagram<\/p>\n

      <\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

      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.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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      05<\/span>of 26<\/span><\/div>\n
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      Voluminous Ponytail <\/span><\/h2>\n
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      \"Chant\u00c3\u00a9\"Chant\u00c3\u00a9<\/div>\n<\/div>
      <\/p>\n

      @lacyredway\/Instagram<\/p>\n

      <\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

      Chant\u00e9\u00a0Adams’s vivacious, Fulani-accented ponytail is doing the absolute most. Keep in mind that maintaining hair health is integral for any style\u2014even 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\u2019s a slow process if you have patience.”\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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      06<\/span>of 26<\/span><\/div>\n
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      Head-Curving Braids <\/span><\/h2>\n
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      \"Fulani\"Fulani<\/div>\n<\/div>
      <\/p>\n

      Getty Images<\/p>\n

      <\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

      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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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      07<\/span>of 26<\/span><\/div>\n
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      Extra-Long Braids <\/span><\/h2>\n
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      \"long\"long<\/div>\n<\/div>
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      @gabunion\/Instagram<\/p>\n

      <\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

      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.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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      08<\/span>of 26<\/span><\/div>\n
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      Mid-Length Braids <\/span><\/h2>\n
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      \"Javana\"Javana<\/div>\n<\/div>
      <\/p>\n

      Getty Images<\/p>\n

      <\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

      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.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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      09<\/span>of 26<\/span><\/div>\n
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      Mermaid Braids <\/span><\/h2>\n
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      \"A\"A<\/div>\n<\/div>
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      @miriannjoh\/Instagram<\/p>\n

      <\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

      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.\n<\/p>\n

      “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.”\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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      10<\/span>of 26<\/span><\/div>\n
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      Y2K Braids <\/span><\/h2>\n
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      \"Fulani\"Fulani<\/div>\n<\/div>
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      @alissa.ashley\/Instagram<\/p>\n

      <\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

      We can’t help but think of Destiny’s Child’s “Say My Name”\u00a0music video when we look at Alissa Ashley’s braids. The straight-back style will forever be an iconic part of beauty and pop culture.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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      11<\/span>of 26<\/span><\/div>\n
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      90’s Messy Bun <\/span><\/h2>\n
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      \"Rahel\"Rahel<\/div>\n<\/div>
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      @rahelbrhane_\/Instagram<\/p>\n

      <\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

      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.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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      12<\/span>of 26<\/span><\/div>\n
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      Accessorized Braids <\/span><\/h2>\n
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      \"Fulani\"Fulani<\/div>\n<\/div>
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      @heycurlie\/Instagram<\/p>\n

      <\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

      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.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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      13<\/span>of 26<\/span><\/div>\n
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      Face-Framing Side-Part <\/span><\/h2>\n
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      \"Zazie\"Zazie<\/div>\n<\/div>
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      @zaziebeetz\/Instagram<\/p>\n

      <\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

      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.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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      14<\/span>of 26<\/span><\/div>\n
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      Simple Style <\/span><\/h2>\n
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      \"Yara\"Yara<\/div>\n<\/div>
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      @yarashahidi\/Instagram<\/p>\n

      <\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

      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.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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      15<\/span>of 26<\/span><\/div>\n
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      Regal Beads <\/span><\/h2>\n
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      \"Willow\"Willow<\/div>\n<\/div>
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      @willowsmith\/Instagram<\/p>\n

      <\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

      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.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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      16<\/span>of 26<\/span><\/div>\n
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      Mixed Mediums <\/span><\/h2>\n
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      \"Jourdan\"Jourdan<\/div>\n<\/div>
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      @jourdandunn\/Instagram<\/p>\n

      <\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

      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.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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      17<\/span>of 26<\/span><\/div>\n
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      Braided Bob <\/span><\/h2>\n
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      \"Fulani\"Fulani<\/div>\n<\/div>
      <\/p>\n

      Getty Images<\/p>\n

      <\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

      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.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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      18<\/span>of 26<\/span><\/div>\n
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      Thick Braids <\/span><\/h2>\n
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      \"Fulani\"Fulani<\/div>\n<\/div>
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      @teyonahparris\/Instagram<\/p>\n

      <\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

      Teyonah Parris’s chunky braids are ideal for someone who wants the Fulani look with a minimal salon time commitment.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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      19<\/span>of 26<\/span><\/div>\n
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      Sleek Top Knot <\/span><\/h2>\n
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      \"Alicia\"Alicia<\/div>\n<\/div>
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      @aliciakeys\/Instagram<\/p>\n

      <\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

      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.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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      20<\/span>of 26<\/span><\/div>\n
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      Braided Bun <\/span><\/h2>\n
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      \"Joy\"Joy<\/div>\n<\/div>
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      Getty Images<\/p>\n

      <\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

      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).\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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      21<\/span>of 26<\/span><\/div>\n
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      Baby Buns <\/span><\/h2>\n
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      \"Tyla\"Tyla<\/div>\n<\/div>
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      @tyla\/Instagram<\/p>\n

      <\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

      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.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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      22<\/span>of 26<\/span><\/div>\n
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      Versatile Braids <\/span><\/h2>\n
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      \"Teyana\"Teyana<\/div>\n<\/div>
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      @teyanataylor\/Instagram<\/p>\n

      <\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

      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.\u00a0\u00a0\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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      23<\/span>of 26<\/span><\/div>\n
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      Mini Braid Ponytail <\/span><\/h2>\n
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      \"Solange\"Solange<\/div>\n<\/div>
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      Getty Images<\/p>\n

      <\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

      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.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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      24<\/span>of 26<\/span><\/div>\n
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      Top Bun <\/span><\/h2>\n
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      \"Taraji\"Taraji<\/div>\n<\/div>
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      @tarajiphenson\/Instagram<\/p>\n

      <\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

      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.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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      25<\/span>of 26<\/span><\/div>\n
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      Traditional Middle Part <\/span><\/h2>\n
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      \"Kelis\"Kelis<\/div>\n<\/div>
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      @kelis\/Instagram<\/p>\n

      <\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

      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.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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      26<\/span>of 26<\/span><\/div>\n
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      Crown Braid <\/span><\/h2>\n
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      \"Venus\"Venus<\/div>\n<\/div>
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      @lacyredway\/Instagram<\/p>\n

      <\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

      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.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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      Read more:<\/div>\n
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      • Hair<\/span><\/li>\n
      • Hair Type<\/span><\/li>\n
      • Natural Hair<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n

        Source URL: https:\/\/www.byrdie.com\/fulani-braid-looks-11827572<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

        If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. It’s Time to Try These 26 Gorgeous Fulani Braid Looks When tradition and versatility collide. By Bianca Lambert Bianca Lambert Bianca is a contributing writer for Byrdie specializing in natural hair and skincare. You can find her work in xoNecole, The Everygirl, POPSUGAR, Travel […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[83],"class_list":["post-1243383","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-byrdie-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1243383","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1243383"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1243383\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1243383"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1243383"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1243383"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}