Sensational hairstyle: Fulani braids

Afroculture.net continue our column on the mythical and sensational hairstyles of the African culture. Today we are going to talk about the beautiful African Fulani braids, which have inspired many international stars around the world.

Fulani braids of many stars love it.

In the 2000s,for example, we all remember Alicia Keys’ Fallin’ clip where she wore long, stunning African braids adorned with beads. Her fantastic look left a lasting impression on our minds. Alicia popularized Fulani braids thanks to her music.

In the 1960s and 1970s, actress Cicely Tyson wore the sublime Fulani braids on the cover of JET magazine. Many consider her the first black woman to wear Fulani braids on the red carpet.

Many stars such as Bo Derek, Jordyn Woods, Amandla Stenberg and Taraji P. Henson have followed suit by sporting gorgeous Fulani braids.

But do you know where the origins of this incredible hairstyle come from?

Fulani braids are associated with the Fulani or Fula ethnic group. It is an ethnic group from the Sahel and West Africa. It is a nomadic Muslim community. Most Fulani are from Mali, Senegal, Guinea, Ghana, Gambia, Niger.

In African culture, hairdressing is a non-verbal means of communication.

Depending on the hairstyle, hair can symbolize social status, marital status, origins, geographic location, wealth, religion or marital status. Fulani women decorate their hair with beaded hair accessories, cowries, silver and amber as ornaments. Some of these pieces are passed down in the family.

What are the characteristics of Fulani braids?

Fulani braids or peul braids are a hairstyle that is characterized by long hair that is braided into four or five braids lying down and sometimes curly on the sides. To give elegance to this hairstyle, women then decorate their hair with hair accessories made of beads (wood, metal, plastic) and cowries. Depending on the length of your hair, you can make the Fulani with your natural hair or with extensions.

Specifically, there is a braid in the center of the head, as well as a plaited braid on each side of the head which is braided from back to front and additional braids on the perimeter of the head.

If you feel like rocking with sensational African braids, let yourself be inspired by the Fulani braids.