If you punch links we provide, we may receive compensation.

Thebraided hairstylenot only shines on its own but also flows beautifully into just about any braid or coif.

But what are Fulani braids?

garielle union

@GABUNION/ Design by Michela Buttignol

What Are Fulani Braids?

Fulani braids were made popular by the Fulani people of Africa.

Try Shine ‘N JamMagic Fingers Setting Mousseto set the look.

Fulani Braids on Cicely Tyson

Getty

Keep in mind that maintaining hair health is integral for any styleeven a protective one like this.

Colorist Richy Kandasamy, advises: “Return to your salon for routine trims.”

Head-Curving Braids

Fulani braids can be worn as short or as long as you desire.

Marsai Martin with Fulani braids in half-up bun

@marsaimartin / Instagram

Here, Rihanna’s braids curve beautifully around her head, providing a stunning component to her glamorous look.

Extra-Long Braids

@gabunion/ Instagram

Gabrielle Union’s cascading braids are the quintessential summer protective style.

Sea tones give these blonde braids a pop of color that screams endless summer.

Fulani Braids Modern Traditional

@magicfingersstudio/ Instagram

“A fun option is to use bright funky or pastel colors,” Kandasamy says.

The straight-back style will forever be an iconic part of beauty and pop culture.

Rahel Brhane’s Fulani braids and vibrant hue couldn’t be more spot on.

Rahel Brhane with Fulani braids and swirled edges

*@rahelbrhane_ / Instagram*

Accessorized Braids

@heycurlie/ Instagram

Here on Romance Cox, we see a few different hair go-tos.

First up are thefeed-in braids, accented withbaby hair.

To ensure edges remain in pristine condition, turn to a product like PATTERNEdge Control.

Alicia Keys with Fulani braids in low chignon

@aliciakeys / Instagram

To replicate the look, similar beads can be found at your local beauty supply store and on Etsy.

The alternating combo of thin Fulani braids and chunky feed-ins offers up dimension for days.

Fulani braids progress into voluminous ends for a look that truly brings the red-carpet drama.

Chanté Adams with voluminous ponytail and Fulani braids

@lacyredway / Instagram

Minimal style commitment with plenty of visual impact, that is.

Tyla’s duo of low, petite buns lets the intricate Fulani braid design take center stage.

This particular style can last anywhere from six to eight weeks.

Fulani Braids Face Framing Rihanna

Getty

To add dimension to the braids, think about weaving in somehoney-blondehighlights, just like Taraji P. Henson.

Crown Braid

We love the juxtaposition of braid formations in Venus Williams’s half-up style.

Routine trims are also recommended to maintain hair health.

long Fulani Braids on Gabrielle Union

@gabunion/ Instagram

Javana Mundy with Fulani braids

Ben Gabbe / Stringer / Getty

Fulani Braids in Mermaid Colors on Mirian Njoh

@miriannjoh/ Instagram

Fulani Braids in Y2K style on Alissa Ashley

@alissa.ashley/ Instagram

Rahel Brhane with Fulani braid messy bun

*@rahelbrhane_ / Instagram*

Fulani Braids with Shell accents

@heycurlie/ Instagram

Zazie Beetz with side-parted Fulani braids

@zaziebeetz / Instagram

Yara Shahidi with Fulani braids

@yarashahidi / Instagram

Willow Smith with Fulani braids and beads

@willowsmith / Instagram

Jourdan Dunn with Fulani braids and feed-in braids

@jourdandunn / Instagram

Fulani Braids in Bob length on Danai Gurira

John Shearer / Getty

Fulani Braids and Chunky braids on Teyonah Parris

@teyonahparris/ Instagram

Alicia Keys with sleek top knot and Fulani braid accents

@aliciakeys / Instagram

Joy Bryant with Fulani braids in bun

JB Lacroix / Getty

Tyla with intricate Fulani braids and tiny low buns

@tyla / Instagram

Teyana Taylor with Fulani braids into thicker braids

@teyanataylor / Instagram

Solange wearing mini Fulani braids

Gilbert Carrasquillo / Getty

Taraji P. Henson wearing Fulani braids and a top bun

@tarajiphenson/ Instagram

Kelis wearing classic Fulani braids

@kelis/ Instagram

Venus Williams with Fulani braids in half-up style

@lacyredway / Instagram