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I’m always looking for a new hairstyle to rock, and you know the next one that’s on my list? Fulani braids. This is a style where you have a unique pattern of braids on your scalp that transition into braids, or hair extensions, that loosely fall down your back. Not only are they super versatile (there are, like, a million ways to wear them), but they’re easy to take care of too. They’re the perfect option if you want to test out a protective style that won’t take forever to braid (ahem, micro braids).
Before you hit up your hairstylist, check out these 20 epic Fulani-braid looks from Instagram to spark some inspiration.
1
These Light Brown Fulani Braids
If you’re not into just plain black Fulani braids, try out these light brown ones—they’re not too extra, but still stand out in the crowd. Not finding success using a rat-tail comb to lay your edges? Use a toothbrush instead to smooth them out.
2
These Fulani Braids With Curly Ends
Give your Fulani braids shape and volume by leaving the ends undone. Keep the ends shiny and moisturized with a lightweight hair oil.
3
These Fulani Braids With Gold Thread
Add a touch of gold to your Fulani braids with a metallic cord—it instantly levels up your look.
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4
These Fulani Braids in a Bob
Keep your Fulani braids short and fun by wearing them in this cute-ass bob. Just spritz on a shine spray to make sure your braids look glossy.
5
These Fulani Braids With Beads
Accessorize your Fulani braids by adding hair beads to the ends. Don’t be afraid to mix and match colors!
6
These Ombré Fulani Braids
Take your Fulani braids from dark at the roots to light at the ends to switch up your look. Spray on a leave-in conditioner to keep your braids from looking thirsty.
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7
These Silver Fulani Braids
Take inspiration from Storm and add some silver color to your Fulani braids. If you want to freshen up your braids, but don’t have time to wash them, just use a no-rinse cleanser.
8
These Blue Fulani Braids
Go all out with these bright blue Fulani braids. Just don’t forget to use a scalp treatment to keep your skin and hair healthy and hydrated.
9
These Half-Up Half-Down Fulani Braids
Need another style to add to your rotation? Throw half of your Fulani braids into a bun, secure it with a couple of bobby pins, and leave the rest of the braids flowing down your back.
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10
These Blonde Fulani Braids
I’ll spare you a “blondes have more fun” joke, but tbh, you probably would have a lot more fun with these Fulani braids. Spritz on a dry oil to your ends—it’ll keep them shiny and moisturized.
11
These Waist-Length Fulani Braids
Get the long-ass hair of your dreams with these Fulani braids. Be careful though—longer braids means more tension on your scalp. You can use a scalp oil to treat any inflammation or irritation.
12
These Fulani Braids in Pigtails
After finishing the top section of your Fulani braids, have your braider leave the ends undone and then twist them into pigtails to recreate a more adult version of your favorite elementary school look. Secure the ends with a super-cute hair tie.
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13
These Long Fulani Braids With Beads
If you’re down to get suuuuper-long Fulani braids, break up the length with strategically placed hair beads.
14
These Green Fulani Braids
Fortune favors the bold, right? And what’s bolder than these bright green Fulani braids? The unique color will def catch the eye of anyone and everyone you walk past. Use an edge control gel to keep your edges sleek and smooth.
15
The Fulani Braids in a Ponytail
Keep it simple and throw your Fulani braids into a ponytail. Worried it might look a little too plain? Clip in a few hair cuffs throughout your braids.
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16
These Red Fulani Braids With Gold Accessories
Decorating your Fulani braids with gold cuffs, threads, and rings is the easiest way to take your look from pre-work to the pre-game.
17
These Fulani Braids in a Bun
If you’re feeling hot (aka you don’t want your Fulani braids to stick to the back of your neck), gather them on top of your head into a chic bun, and secure it with a long, stretchy headband.
18
These Fulani Braids With Shoulder-Length Curls
Only braid the front half of your head and either clip-in or sew-in curly hair extensions to give your Fulani braids major volume.
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19
These Fulani Braids With Shell Accessories
Shells jewelry has been everywhere recently, so why not add them to your Fulani braids? Just clip them in at the ends to create a nautical vibe.
20
These Tiny Fulani Braids
Got time and patience? Then go for these teeny Fulani braids. I mean, I’m obsessed with the way they look. Quick warning though—it’ll take way longer to braid then your average Fulani braids.
Ama Kwarteng
Ama Kwarteng was previously the associate beauty editor at Cosmopolitan.