Fulani Braids With Beads: 22 Shimmering Designs That Will Forever Remain Timeless (2024)

For quite some time now, protective hairstyles have played a huge role in shaping the modern era of fashion. Alongside possessing and offering various kinds of improbably put designs, hairstyles like braids and dreadlocks tend to defend the hair from heat damage, pollution, and so on. While the amount of genres under braids and dreads will never come to an end, none of them will leave behind an impact as prominent as Fulani braids.

Fulani braids got their name from the Fula people, mainly situated in all of Africa. Although the braids come in various forms in the modern era, Fulani braids were initially worn with beads, explaining why many referred to them as braids with beads. They often carry the accessories at the bottom of each unit, which adds to the visuals and stabilizes the structure.

Though they originally started off as a means of giving Fula people a sense of purpose and comfort, Fulani braids eventually broke into the fashion scene, right after Alicia Keys was seen rocking braids with beads. And if you too would like to be a part of that crew, allow this material to introduce you to Fulani braids with beads!

16 Staggering Fulani Braids with Beads

Although Fulani braids with beads often abide by one structure, there are various ways in which one can make changes. From adding highlights to making minor changes to the formation, Fulani braids with beads can be worn in a unique way, as long as you pick your brain for a unique design.

However, if you’re rather indecisive about things, consider skimming through the following candidates of Fulani braids with beads to make things easier!

Freestyle Fulani Braids with Beads

Freestyle braids are just as welcoming as they sound. With a free-form structure that runs mostly on spontaneity, the nature of freestyle braids tend to pair well with anything, especially with designs as promising as Fulani braids.

When worn with Fulani braids, the appearance seems to be the selling point. Since Fulani braids look best when the pattern is dense and heavy, going with a structure similar to snake braids can be great, especially if you’re planning to wear beads as well!

Multi-patterned Fulani Braids with Beads

Improvising the pattern when forming a set of Fulani braids can be more effective than expected, especially if you add the right patterns to your design. If you’re looking for an entry to take notes from, allow this multi-patterned set of Fulani braids with beads to guide you home.

The visuals are definitely worth every penny. However, since this look often takes a while to install, be sure to clear your schedule accordingly.

Bleached Elevated Fulani Braids with Beads

Fulani braids are often known for their richness and purpose. However, their flexibility is often swept under the rug.

In addition to being able to accommodate other genres of braids, Fulani braids can also morph into different formations, one of which comprises elevated units of braids down the middle, and spiral braids around each side. With some bleach, one can even install a two tone color scheme with dark undertones and a vibrant overtone. Using beads is also a non-negotiable for this option!

Heart-shaped Conrow-stitch Fulani Braids with Beads

As of late, heart shaped patterns are quite common on protective hairdos, especially when the supporting piece involves braids. Likewise, if you’re hoping to pull off an option that is rather niche on the market, take the visuals of Fulani braids and mesh them with the attributes of cornrows.

Cornrow-stitch braids are quite promising when you take into consideration the stability they carry, and the freedom they offer to each wearer. When stitched with beads, the descended tips of cornrow-stitch Fulani braids tend to maintain their shape and stay stationary for quite some time.

Beaded Fulani Braids with Chevron Pattern

Skimming through lookbooks to identify and implement new patterns can be a smart and effective way to rise above when hopping on the bandwagon of Fulani braids with beads. However, if your indecisive mind is stopping you from coming to a decision regarding the concept, break the deadlock with this option, based around a chevron-like structure.

These braids are great if you lean towards braids with a narrow stitching system. To get rid of flyaways, don’t forget to lather the hair with wax.

Bronze Fulani Braids with Edges

Glamming it up can be a great way to match the high-flying energy of Fulani braids. While vibrant tones like platinum and neon green may have worked even a few years ago, we’d advise leaning towards warm and earthy tones involving shades like bronze.

The shade of bronze not only adds more density to the braids, but also makes them sought-after from afar. If you’re creative, know that this color will allow you to accessorize your hair as much as you please!

Freestyle Fulani Braids

Freestyle Fulani braids are a broad topic that contains a lot of different unique designs. The hair is braided in a pattern that does not follow any certain rules. For that reason, you can find a variety of different designs mixed to get this hairstyle.

In the image, the hair is parted in the middle but there is a twist. One single braid is weaved in the middle that is going straight back and dividing the rest of the braids into two sections. It is a great option for wearing with beads. You can wear simple plastic beads for a classic look or you can choose to be creative and use colorful beads.

Long Straight Back Fulani Braids

The most common way to wear Fulani Braids is to wear them Straight back. In this style, the braids are started from the front and are weaved in a straight line toward the back. Only two single braids will be weaved from the sides that will go sideways instead of back.

Straight back Fulani braids look amazing with the use of beads. If you are going for long braids, I will suggest you use beads in the middle of the braids as well as toward the ends. It will look better than wearing all of the beads at the ends of the braids.

Fulani Braids into Ponytail

Braids into a ponytail are one of the most popular hairstyles among women with kinky hair. This hairdo gives an astonishing look with every braid. That is the case for Fulani braids as well when they are worn with beads.

First, the hair is weaved into straight back Fulani braids. Then the braids are gathered near the crown and tied into a braided ponytail except for one braid on each side. These two braids will be worn near the sideburns and it is better to wear beads at the ends of these braids. You can also wear beads in the braids that are used to make the ponytail but I prefer the former one.

Short Two Toned Fulani Braids

You can try out different colors while you are going for Fulani braids. Take these short two toned Fulani braids as an example that is worn with beads. The braids are shoulder length that is weaved with black and bronze hair strands. It is very close to straight back Fulani braids but two strands are crossed at the top which makes it a freestyle Fulani braid.

For this hairdo, it is better to use beads in every braid end instead of wearing them in some of them. When the style is finished it will look very close to a bob braids hairstyle.

Criss Cross Fulani Braids

Criss-cross Fulani braids are another hairstyle that can be worn with beads. This hairdo looks fabulous when it is finished. You can wear this hair design with different colors of beads. That will enhance your appearance even more. I will recommend you get at least three different colored beads while braiding your hair.

The hair is divided into box shaped sections that are weaved in a crisscross pattern. That makes the hair look distinct. Hair extensions are used to make the braid longer and beads are worn near the ends to make the hairstyle complete.

Mid Part Fulani Braids

Mid part Fulani braids are very similar to straight back Fulani braids in many aspects. In this hairdo, the hair is first parted in the middle. The braids will start from that middle partition on each side and continue sideways.

The braids will start as smaller in size and they will gradually become thicker. Wear colorful beads at the end of each braid. I prefer colorful braids instead of simple one-colored braids. The hairstyle looks more grandiose with multiple colored beads in my opinion. But that is a subjective take so feel free to style your braids with your imagination.

Patterned Black and Blonde Fulani Braids

The next hairdo that we are discussing is a patterned black and blonde Fulani braids. The hairstyle is a bit complex compared to many of the hairstyle that is discussed here. It is a good option to wear with beads. The hairstyle is pretty long which will make you look gorgeous.

The hair is first parted in the middle in a zigzag line. Each braid will start from the middle and continue sideways one after the other. It is very similar to the mid parted Fulani braids. You can use beads in the middle of the braids if you are going for longer braids. If you are doing short braids then use beads at the end of the braids.

Fulani Braids with Curly Ends

Braids with Curly ends are becoming trendy in recent years. Fulani braids are also worn with curly ends at the back. This hairstyle is also known as nago braids. This hairdo will give you a bohemian chic vibe that is worth the long braiding process.

The braiding will start at the front and continue backward. The braids will become thicker as they continue due to the use of hair extensions. Beads will be used in the crown area that will separate the braids from the curly ends. You can keep every braid end as curly or can finish some of the braids while leaving the others loose.

Simple Fulani Braids with Styled Edges

Another unique way to wear Fulani braids with beads is by styling the edges with simple Fulani braids. The hairstyle is pretty basic but gives the wearer an amazing look. The braids are started in the front and go backward. Two individual braids are created from both sides that are worn with beads.

The back hair is usually worn with knotless box braids. You can wear beads in every braid or just keep it simple by wearing beads at the two braids on the sides. Use multicolored braids to make your braids flashier.

Fulani Braids with a Top Knot

There are many unique ways you can sport Fulani braids with beads. Take this spectacular hairstyle as an example. There are few hair designs out there that are as distinctive as this one. If we want to be technical, we can call this hairstyle as Fulani braids with a top knot.

This braided style started from the middle or crown area and continues all around the head. Some of the braids are weaved toward the front, some are weaved toward the sides and the rest are weaved toward the back. There is a top knot that makes this hair design so unique. Every braid is worn with multiple beads at the ends. It is a hairdo for looking bold.

Two Layered Fulani Braids with Colorful Beads

Two layer Braids are becoming one of the most sought hairstyles as days are going by. This hairstyle looks incredible fused with Fulani braids. In this hairdo, the hair is divided into two different parts in an angular way. The braids will go in different directions based on the partition.

I recommend using multicolored beads on every braid for this hairstyle. Two layered Fulani braids are not worn too long. In most cases, this hairstyle reaches the back. Wearing beads on every braid end will look phenomenal with shorter hair.

Crimson Zigzag Fulani Braids

Zigzag braids are another braiding style that is suited to wear with beads. I am specifically talking about zigzag Fulani braids. You can make your hairstyle more unique by using colored hair extensions. Take the red colored hair extensions as an example. By using them, you can create crimson zigzag Fulani braids that are eye soothing.

The hair will be sectioned and braided in a zigzag pattern. In most cases, the braids will go straight backward. If you are choosing shoulder length braids, I will recommend wearing beads towards the ends. If you are going for longer braids, wear beads in the middle of the braids.

Patterned Fulani Braids into Pigtails

Fulani braids into pigtails are another good option to wear with beads. This hairdo can be worn in different ways. You can wear this hairdo with mid part Fulani braids or patterned Fulani braids. I prefer the patterned Fulani braids because of their astonishing appearance.

In this hairstyle, your hair will be divided in the middle in the zigzag line and it will be braided from the middle toward the sides. The hair will be gathered around the crown and turned into braided ponytails. You can use colorful beads to tie the knots. It is better to use big sized beads so that it is highlighted.

Lemonade Fulani Braids with Heart Design

Fulani braids with heart designs are an evolved version of the original Fulani braids that is kid friendly and can be worn with beads. This hairdo looks phenomenal and can enhance your beauty tenfold. This braiding style has become one of the go to hairstyles for fashionistas.

The hair is braided in a lemonade pattern where the braids start from one side. This hairstyle is a different variation where a heart-shaped braid is created on one side while the rest are braided in the lemonade pattern.

Multiple colorful beads are worn on the ends of every braid. You should not miss out on this hairstyle.

Half Fulani Braids Half Curly with Beads

Half braids half curly hairstyles are undoubtedly the latest trend for kinky hair that everyone is talking about. This hairdo takes a different approach to braiding styles. In this hair design, half of the hair is braided while half of the hair is left loose. It is a good option for wearing with beads.

The front half is braided like a regular Fulani braid while the back half is not braided in knotless box braids. Rather it is blown out so the hair is fluffy and bouncy. Beads are used for the braids while the natural curls are left loose to give a voluminous look. This hairdo is suited for short hair.

Pink and Blue Designed Fulani Braids

The last hairdo that we are discussing in this article is pink and blue colored designed Fulani braids that are worn with beads. This hairstyle is quite edgy due to the color combination and design but I find this braiding idea to be fascinating.

The hair is dyed pink and blue and the hair extensions of the same color are used to create the designed Fulani braids. You can call this design a freestyle because of the fusion of multiple patterns. The braids that are created on the sides are shorter compared with the braids on the back. Blue and pink colored beads are only used in short braids.

Frequently Asked Question

Now that you’ve skimmed through all the designs under this guide that solely provides loyalty to Fulani braids with beads, here are a couple of questions that will make your experience with the culturally-rich hairdo more fruitful!

What is the purpose of Fulani braids with beads?

Before they became a sensational piece in the fashion scene, Fulani braids were used by Fula people to not just represent their tribe, but also used as a platform to unveil one’s social and marital status in the eyes of Fula people.

How long can I wear Fulani braids with beads?

Just like most braided hairdos, Fulani braids should be worn for no longer than 8 weeks. If the braids are re-done, however, you can extend the time frame without damaging your hair.

Do Fulani braids cause hair loss?

Fulani braids are relatively lenient on the scalp in terms of hold. However, since they still cause tons of friction, wearing them for a prolonged period can make things worse, bringing forward irreversible repercussions such as aggressive hair loss and traction alopecia.

Conclusion

All in all, if you’d like to protect your hair for an extensive period of time, pursuing Fulani braids can be a great idea. They not only represent culture, but also fit seamlessly with change, being the perfect look to showcase using braids. They’re not new, however, but veterans that got their first breakthrough during the Y2k era.

Fulani braids come in various forms. However, in this article, the main agenda is to highlight just how marvellous the braids look when paired with beads. Using beads not only adds more to the presentability of the braids, but can also be a great move to take into account for the stability it adds to the structure.

Before pursuing Fulani braids, take into account your purpose. Assessing your face shape can also be a great notion to execute. To elevate the impression of the braids from mediocrity to timeless, don’t forget to wear your Fulani braids with beads!