How to Fulani Braids with Curls & Hairstyle Ideas (2024)

Fulani braids, sometimes also referred to as tribal braids, are becoming increasingly popular in the United States, and across the western world in general. With the boom in the popularity of hairstyles with African roots, it’s not really a surprise that this tribal style is getting all the attention.

Fulani braids with curls are a slightly different hairstyle from the traditional Fulani braids, in the sense that the hair that drapes down will have curls, which adds a new level of elegance to the style itself.

Given how awesome it looks, you can expect just how many questions people ask about the hairstyle and how to make it. If you are one of those with tons of questions about Fulani braids, here is your paradise, as I’ll be answering a lot of them.

In addition to that, I’ll be going over the process of installing Fulani braids with curls after showing you all you need for the style. Without further ado, let’s get the fun conversation started.

What’s the Difference between Fulani Braids and Tribal Braids?

When you compare pictures of Fulani braids and tribal braids on the internet, you’ll notice that these hairstyles are virtually indistinguishable. That begs the question, what’s the difference between tribal braids and Fulani braids exactly?

The main reason why you think tribal braids are so similar to Fulani braids is that they are the same hairstyle. Fulani braids got their name from a tribe of the same name in West Africa, but the hairstyle is also referred to as tribal braids because the hairstyle is native to many tribes and not the Fulani tribe alone.

Are Fulani Braids Good for Your Hair?

One crucial thing to know about the Fulani braid hairstyle is the fact that it’s a protective style, and when dealing with hairstyles in this category, there’s a certain level of “goodness” you can expect from them. Generally speaking, Fulani braids can be said to be good for your hair when you install them properly.

Since the Fulani braid qualifies as a protective style, it actively prevents your hair from external manipulation, a quality that can keep it protected. Also, I’ve not seen so many people complain about the style damaging their hair or scalp, so it’s certainly good for your hair unless you’ve tried it and it just doesn’t work for you.

How Long Do Fulani Braids with Curls Last?

As with other similar protective styles, Fulani braids seem to be a very long-lasting hairstyle, in addition to being adorable. On average, you should expect to carry the hairstyle for around three to five weeks, with the possibility of carrying it for even longer if the need to do so arises.

If you’re planning to keep your Fulani braids for any longer than five weeks, you should get ready to implement some maintenance procedures that will keep the hairstyle looking shiny the whole time. Some of the maintenance procedures for Fulani braids include applying haircare products and moisturizers to your hair.

Is Fulani Braids a Protective Hairstyle?

Another question that pops up a bit frequently when discussing the Fulani braid hairstyle is whether or not it’s a protective style like two-strand twists. In case you didn’t know, Fulani braids fall into the protective hairstyle category, and depending on who you ask, it’s one of the most beautiful you can get.

If you’re after a protective hairstyle that protects your hair from damaging external manipulation, while looking excellent enough to turn heads at any gathering, you should certainly be looking towards the Fulani braids hairstyle. To add extra flair, having curls at the end of the braids is another excellent move.

Where are Fulani Braids From?

If you’ve been following this article carefully from the start, you should know that the Fulani braid hairstyle is a tribal braid, just like the insanely popular Bantu knots. However, since the Fulani isn’t a Bantu tribe, it’s only natural to want to know where the hairstyle is from.

The earliest wearers of Fulani braids can be traced back to the Fulani tribe in West Africa, as you probably could’ve guessed. The tribe is scattered across countries in West Africa and the Sahel, including Nigeria, Senegal, Mali, and Niger.

What Does Fulani Braids with Curls Look Like?

Describing how the hairstyle looks when I have an entire collection for your perusal is simply counterintuitive. Since it’s said that a picture speaks more than a thousand words, why not read through this article and get over to the section where you see tons of Fulani braids with curls if that’s really what you’re after?

Certainly, there’s no better way to describe the braids than by showing you pictures.

What Do You Need for Fulani Braids with Curls?

To make the Fulani braids hairstyle with curls, you need a couple of items handy, in addition to some experience with braiding. Of course, it’s impossible to replicate those curly braids without getting what the professionals have.

To make Fulani braids with curls, you’ll need a rat tail comb for sectioning your hair. If you’re also low on shampoo and conditioner, it helps to restock those, as the braids are best done on freshly washed hair. You also want to have a couple of hair clips to hold your hair in place while you make the hairstyle.

For the curls, you’ll need around two to three packs of curly hair extensions that you can crochet or feed into your braids. You may also want to get some rubber bands to hold down your hair somehow, and if you need to add any accessories, you should get them handy at this point

How to Make the Fulani Braids Hairstyle

Once you have all the requisite materials handy, you can start prepping your hair. Prepping requires shampooing and conditioning your hair, and then leaving it to dry, at least. You may want to wash a full day before starting to install the hairstyle to allow for natural air drying.

When you’ve washed and dried your hair properly, it’s time to start making those awesome Fulani braids. Without further ado, here are the steps required to install Fulani braids.

1. Conceptualize the hairstyle and section your hair to match

If you’ve seen different ladies with tribal braids, you’ll understand why you should make the decision of parting your hair yourself. There are so many styles out there to choose from, and it’s crucial to make your decision and part your hair to reflect that.

If you’re not sure what kind of style to choose, you can check out our humongous collection of the best Fulani braids with curls below. It’s recommended to go with something pretty uncomplicated to ensure you don’t mess up your hair trying to install a hairstyle that you technically can’t.

2. Start braiding your hair from the mini-sections and add hair extensions if necessary

When you have the sections, you can start braiding cornrow-style to get the base for your Fulani braids. If you have any straight hair extensions, you can feed them into the hair early on to give your more hair to work with. For this specific hairstyle, you don’t actually need straight hair extensions.

3. Add in curly extensions

After braiding cornrow-style for the flat part of the style, it’s time to add the curls to your ‘Fulani braids with curls.’ You can either add the curls by feeding in the curly hair extensions to the hair naturally or by crocheting it in. You can choose whichever seems the most comfortable to you.

After adding the extensions, however, you want to get rid of any excess straight hair extensions that are overlapping the curls’ territory by cutting them. By the time you’re done, you should have an awesome Fulani braids hairstyle with some beautiful curls to complement the style.

If you’re looking for some awesome ideas to show you how proper Fulani braids should look, look no further, here’s a collection of some awesome Fulani braids hairstyles for you to try.

20 Trendy Fulani Braids with Curls Ideas

1. Flirty Burnette Fulani Braids with Curls

How to Fulani Braids with Curls & Hairstyle Ideas (1)

2. Water Wave Tribal Fulani Braids with Curls

How to Fulani Braids with Curls & Hairstyle Ideas (2)

3. Criss-Crossed Fulani Braids with Curls

How to Fulani Braids with Curls & Hairstyle Ideas (3)

4. Snake-Shaped Fulani Braids with Full Curls

How to Fulani Braids with Curls & Hairstyle Ideas (4)

5. Love-Shaped Tribal Curly Fulani Braids with Beads

How to Fulani Braids with Curls & Hairstyle Ideas (5)

6. Tribal Fulani Braids with Neat Edges

How to Fulani Braids with Curls & Hairstyle Ideas (6)

7. Black Classic Fulani Braids with Curls

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8. Simple Medium-Sized Fulani Braids with Curls

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9. Classic Fulani Braids with Curls

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10. Wavy Fulani Braids with Curly Extension

How to Fulani Braids with Curls & Hairstyle Ideas (10)

11. Jumbo Fulani Braids with Curls and Cuffs

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12. Red Knotless Fulani Braids with Curls

How to Fulani Braids with Curls & Hairstyle Ideas (12)

13. Half-Feedin Fulani Braids with Curls

How to Fulani Braids with Curls & Hairstyle Ideas (13)

14. Jumbo Fulani Braids with Curl Ponytail

How to Fulani Braids with Curls & Hairstyle Ideas (14)

15. Centered Parted Fulani Braids with Curls and Beads

How to Fulani Braids with Curls & Hairstyle Ideas (15)

16. Brunette Full Curls Fulani Braids with an Upfront Bun

How to Fulani Braids with Curls & Hairstyle Ideas (16)

17. Long Blonde Fulani Braids with Curls

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18. Mixed Colors Fulani Braids with Curls

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19. Box Fulani Braids with Curls

How to Fulani Braids with Curls & Hairstyle Ideas (19)

20. Royal Full Curl Fulani Braids with a Centered Bun

How to Fulani Braids with Curls & Hairstyle Ideas (20)
How to Fulani Braids with Curls & Hairstyle Ideas (2024)

FAQs

What hair do I need for Fulani braids? ›

The braids are close to the head and taper into hair extensions of all lengths. Whether doing it alone or in a salon, you'll have to decide if you can achieve the look with your own natural hair. Depending on your hair length, you may want to add 3 to 5 packs of either natural or synthetic braiding hair.

How long do Fulani braids with curls last? ›

Typically, Fulani braids last about one to two months. The following tips can help keep you maintain your braids: Wash your hair every three to four weeks. Follow up with conditioner to keep your braids shiny and healthy.

How do you get perfect curls with braids? ›

Make sure you braid hair that has been washed and is still slightly damp. If your hair is naturally wavy, a loose side braid will give you relaxed curls. If you have straight hair, try tight braids for more uniform waves. You can then maintain your curled hair so it looks polished and pretty.

How many packs of hair do you need for Fulani braids? ›

Recommended to bring pre-stretched hair, either impression or X-pression. How many packs depends on thickness of hair and size of head. Around 4-5 packs would be ideal.

What do 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.

Do Fulani braids damage hair? ›

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.

How much do Fulani braids usually cost? ›

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.

Are Fulani braids good for your hair? ›

The most popular way to wear Fulani braids is with three strands braided into cornrows that start from the forehead and extend back. Fulani braids are not only stylish, but they are also practical. This type of braid helps to protect the hair from damage caused by heat and combing.

Can braids turn into curls? ›

If you are trying to get a quick wave or curl pattern from your braids you can do that from washing your hair, braiding it and allowing it to dry. If you need the style right away you can braid and get under the dryer. After your hair is dry you can take the braids down and you should have the curl or wave you want.

How do you make loose curls? ›

Starting with the bottom section of your hair, take a 1 to 2-inch piece and wrap it around your curling wand, holding the wand in a vertical position. Work your way around the entire bottom section curling each piece in an alternating direction. This will give you the most natural-looking loose curls.

Can you put Fulani braids in a ponytail? ›

The versatility of fulani braids 🧡✌🏽 The high ponytail is my favorite for sure 🙌🏾 #fulanibraids #stylingfulanibraids #knotlessboxbraids #knotlessbraidstyles #gingerhairblackgirl #gingerbraids #braidinspo #blackgirlhairstyle #protectivehairstyles #naturalhairblogger.

What is the meaning of Fulani braids? ›

It symbolizes origins, social status and marital status. Fulani women throughout Senegalese society used to decorate their styled hair with beads and other accessories. Fulani braids can be distinguished from other Senegalese hairstyles by two or more long strands braided on each side.

What kind of hair should I use for braids? ›

"Kanekalon is typically the go-to choice for braiding because it's widely available in a variety of lengths and colors," says Alexander, adding that it creates a great result for most braided styles.

What kind of hair do you use for braids? ›

Afrelle braiding hair is a great choice of braiding hair to use if you'd like to achieve sleek styles like knotless braids or stitch braids. The braiding hair is smooth and lightweight.

What hair texture do you need for braids? ›

As for texture, every hair type is fair game: No matter if you're straight, wavy, curly or coily, you can sport box braids with ease.

What is the best hair type for braids? ›

Usually, it's a type of synthetic hair called kanekalon, which most times resembles the natural pattern and kinks of Afro-textured hair in either a curly or blown-out state. Kanekalon hair, when it's used for braiding, typically looks like kinky hair after you hit it with a blow-dryer and a brush.

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