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?
But first things first, what are tribal braids? In their essence, they are a hairstyle that follows a specific pattern inherent in the tribe or place of their origin. One of the best known examples of tribal hair braids is Ghana braids. They originate in Ancient Africa and date back to 500 BCE.
Senegalese twisted braids emerged hundreds of years ago in Senegal, a country in West Africa, and Fulani tribal braid styles are a traditional hairstyle of the Fula people, who live in the African region Sahel. But of course, they are much more than simply a hairstyle.
The tribal braid meaning is linked to the hierarchy, relationships and everyday tribal living in Ancient Africa. Braiding was a way of communication for women back in the day, used to showcase what was valuable for them, what they believed in and what tribe they belonged to.
Fulani Tribal Braids
Fulani braids are unbelievably popular not only among the Fula people, who live in West Africa. This hairstyle has very distinct traits so you will not confuse it with others. It features a braid or a twist in the middle of the head, which is often embellished with beads, rings and other hair accessories. It also has a thin or medium braid on each side of the face. You can weave them into the rest of the hair or let them hang free.
Trending Neat Long Tribal Braids
If you have long locks or extensions, then these neat long tribal braids may be exactly what you are looking for. Not only do they look trendy and fashionable, but they also allow you to tame your unruly tresses. Plus, you can always put your braids into an updo whenever you feel like you got tired of them or your heart is longing for a change.
Cornrow Braids
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
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
Tribal braids can make any hairstyle unique and unforgettable. Take a look at this pony, which features multidimensional braids alternating with micro braids for a crisp look. Do not hesitate to adorn your ponytail with beads, rings and any other hair accessory of your liking, especially when you tie it up high.
Natural Hair Tribal Braids in a Bun
If you do not have much time or patience to spend the whole day in the braider’s chair yet tribal braids appeal to you very much, then dookie braids are your surefire way out. As they are pretty thick, they can be done in a couple of hours. What is more, they are not braided close to the skin, which allows them to remain loose and be styled in a bun.
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
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. Either way, you are sure to look drop dead gorgeous.
Bohemian Tribal Braids with Curls
Hardly any other braided hairstyle has so much boho chic as these fantastic tribal braids with curls. They are a great way to show off your natural hair texture while keeping your kinks in order. Middle part tribal braids draw ultimate attention to your face and take your facial features to center stage.
Medium Tribal Braids with Curly Ends
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
It is always a good idea to enhance your tribal braid hairstyle with a hint of color. There are many ways to do it. Yet, if you want something delicate and soft, blend the color smoothly 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
Knotless braids have many advantages compared to other braided hairstyles. They put less strain on your scalp so you may not worry that they will damage your hair. Also, they are long lasting and weightless, so no wonder that they have gained so much popularity lately. And to give your hairstyle a fashionable twist, you should go for a criss cross pattern.
Fulani Tribal Braids with Curls
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
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
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
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
If you want to get ombre hair, a tribal braid style should not stop you. Moreover, when you have something like ombre side part tribal braids, you can expect to garner a lot of attention wherever you go. And the best part? You do not have to dye your locks to get the look. You can easily get away by weaving braiding hair into your tresses.
Tribal Braids with Beads
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.
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.
