More and more women are getting tribal braids these days for a good reason. In addition to protecting your natural locks, this intricate hairstyle looks exceptionally trendy. What is more, you are offered a myriad of styling options, from trademark Lemonade braids to statement cornrows. Do not take our word for it? See for yourself in our guide with the most popular tribal braid hairstyles.
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- What Are Tribal Braids?
- Fulani Tribal Braids
- Bohemian Tribal Braided Hair with Curls
- Criss Cross Knotless Braids
- Tribal Braids with Heart-Shaped Temples
- FAQ
What Are Tribal Braids?
Tribal braids are hairstyles originating from specific tribes or regions, such as Ghana braids, Senegalese twisted braids, and Fulani tribal braid styles. They hold cultural significance beyond mere fashion, reflecting hierarchy, relationships, and daily life in Ancient Africa. Braiding served as a form of communication for women, expressing values, beliefs, and tribal identity.
Fulani Tribal Braids
by @tresses_africaine
Fulani braids, hugely popular among the Fula people of West Africa, showcase a central braid or twist adorned with beads and rings. Additionally, thin or medium braids flank each side of the face, offering versatility to weave into the rest of the hair or leave hanging freely.
Trending Neat Long Tribal Braids
by @tresses_africaine
If you've got long hair or extensions, these stylish tribal braids are perfect. They're trendy, practical for managing unruly hair, and easily transition into different styles whenever you're ready for a change.
Cornrow Braids
by @magicfingersstudio
Cornrows are considered one of the most common protective hairstyles. They are pretty versatile and provide you with plenty of braiding options. The only condition is that you should braid your hair very close to the scalp and the partings should be very defined so that the pattern comes out distinct.
Massive Top Bun with Tribal Braided Hair
by @fancy_claws
It is not a secret that tribal braids styles give your hair extra volume. As such, if you decide to style them in an updo, you can expect a very ample result, such as this massive top bun. The hairstyle turns out effortlessly impactful, so there is no need to accentuate it.
Natural Box Braids
With box braids, you will not go unnoticed. The pattern that mimics boxes instantly catches the eye. If you want to take it to another level, you can go for triangles or diamonds instead of standard squares. However, you need to make sure your braider is capable of delivering such a hairstyle.
Crisp and Dimensional Tribal Braid Ponytail
by @braids_by_djeph
Tribal braids can elevate any hairstyle, like this ponytail with alternating multidimensional and micro braids for a sleek finish. Add beads, rings, or any preferred hair accessory to enhance your high ponytail for a distinctive and memorable look.
Natural Hair Tribal Braids in a Bun
by @tresses_africaine
If you're short on time or patience but love tribal braids, try dookie braids. They're thick and can be done in a couple of hours. Plus, they're not tightly braided, so you can style them in a bun easily.
Stitch Spider Braids
Feeling like getting something intricate and attention grabbing? Then stitch spider braids are made for you. Keep in mind though that they call for a lot of concentration and attention to detail, so you will need to find a really skillful braider to get the exact hairstyle you requested.
Tribal Braided Hair with Designs
by @fancy_claws
There is a myth that tribal braids hairstyles are plain and boring. And we are here to prove it wrong. How can a hairstyle be boring when there are so many braiding techniques and patterns existing? You can create your own design or use our ideas as a source of inspiration.
Bohemian Tribal Braids with Curls
by @tresses_africaine
Few braided hairstyles exude as much boho chic as these tribal braids with curls. They beautifully showcase your natural hair texture while maintaining control over your curls. With a middle part, these tribal braids emphasize your facial features, putting them front and center.
Medium Tribal Braids with Curly Ends
by @tresses_africaine
If you are looking for a braided hairstyle that would fit almost any occasion, medium tribal braids are your best bet. They look relatively moderate so you can wear them to the majority of places and events. Add here curly ends and you are bound to have all eyes on you.
Tribal Braids with Color Blends
by @braids_by_msnelly
Adding a subtle hint of color can elevate your tribal braid hairstyle. For a soft and delicate look, seamlessly blend the color into your strands. This is also a wonderful option for festival braids, as you get a very fun and upbeat hairstyle.
Criss Cross Knotless Braids
by @tresses_africaine
Knotless braids put less strain on your scalp so you may not worry that they will damage your hair. Also, they are long lasting and weightless. And to give your hairstyle a fashionable twist, you should go for a criss cross pattern.
Fulani Tribal Braids with Curls
by @carlisbeautyhair
Not sure how to upgrade tribal Fulani braids to make them your signature hairstyle? Try accompanying them with curls. As the hairstyle does not require braiding all of your hair, you will not have to sacrifice its length.
Take care to apply a texturizing hair product to make your curls more chiseled.
Tribal Braids with Heart-Shaped Temples
by @magicfingersstudio
If you are looking for a romantic and feminine braided hairstyle, then you should definitely complement your tribal braids with heart. The design is not that easy to create, of course, so you will need to find a person who specializes in it. But you may rest assured that it is worth the effort.
Lemonade Tribal Braids
by @braids_by_djeph
Lemonade braids are an iconic hairstyle that we owe to one and only Queen Bey. Since she introduced it to the world on the cover of her Lemonade album, we have not been able to get over it. And we actually do not have to. Lemonade tribal braid styles are all you need to look like a goddess.
Chic Half-Up Half-Down Tribal Braids
by @tresses_africaine
When you cannot decide how to style your braided hairstyle, half up half down tribal braids come into play. On the one hand, you take the hair away from your face showing off your beautiful features, and on the other hand, your braids still remain on display. If you decide to go for 2 layer tribal braids middle part is what you should accompany it with.
Ombre Tribal Braids Hairstyles
Want ombre hair? Don't let a tribal braid style hold you back. With ombre side part tribal braids, you'll turn heads effortlessly, without dyeing your hair. Just weave braiding hair into your locks for the look you desire.
Tribal Braids with Beads
by @africancreature
Tribal braids with beads go together like peanut butter and jelly. No wonder it is one of the most popular ways to wear box braids for kids. Hair beads come in so many shapes, styles,f and materials that everyone will be able to find an option to match their preferences.
Half Up Half Down Tribal Braids with Highlights
by @xcellentxtensions
Black Tribal Braids to the Back
by @braids_by_djeph
Tribal Braids with Low Bun
by @magicfingersstudio
Tribal Braids Into Twist Medium Hair
by @fancy_claws
Swirly Tribal Braids to the Sides
by @fancy_claws
Triangle Knotless Braids
by @braidsvolna
Zig Zag Tribal Braids
by @braidedroots
Mohawk Tribal Braids
by @fancy_claws
Tribal Braids with Star Design
by @braidsvolna
Blonde Tribal Braids Into Curly Low Buns
by @xcellentxtensions
As you can tell from the variety of ideas we have collected for you, tribal braids can be as versatile as you allow them to be. After all, there is always room for your imagination. So, if you can come up with a new version of this trendy hair look, nothing should stop you.
FAQ
Are Tribal and Fulani Braids the Same?
Fulani braids are basically a variation of tribal braids. Being originally worn by the Fulani people, they come from Central, Western and Northern Africa. So, there is no difference between the two styles.
Do Tribal Braids Last Long?
If you maintain tribal braids properly, their lifespan can be anywhere from four to six weeks. In some cases, you can make them last even longer, but it is not always advisable.
What are Traditional African Tribal Braids?
Traditional African braids are typically cornrows adorned with beads, rings, shells and other embellishments. The hairstyle has undergone many changes over time, adjusting to modern trends and lifestyle.
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