If you love trying new hairstyles but feel overwhelmed by all the options out there, you’re not alone.
I’ve been playing around with braids for years, and let me tell you, the Fulani style is one of the most beautiful and fun ways to switch up your look.
Jayda Wayda has made these braids even more popular lately.
She wears them in all kinds of creative ways that are trendy but still practical. Here’s a list of 11 Fulani braid ideas inspired by her that you can actually wear.
11 Jayda Wayda-Inspired Fulani Braid Ideas
1. Classic Front-to-Back Fulani
This is the most traditional and simple style. You have one braid running straight down the middle of your forehead, with several braids going straight back on the sides.
The ends of the braids can be left long and straight or curled a bit at the bottom.
It’s easy to style, and it frames your face beautifully. This look works well for both everyday life and special occasions.
2. Boho Curly-End Fulani
If you like a softer, more romantic vibe, try adding curls to the ends of your braids.
These are usually knotless braids at the base so they look neat and don’t pull too much. The ends are left curly and flowy, almost like beach waves. You can use flexi rods or perm rods to curl the ends without heat.
It feels relaxed and playful, and it moves nicely when you walk.
3. Half-Up Heart Detail
This style is great if you want something cute and eye-catching. You braid heart shapes on the scalp and pull the top half of your braids into a ponytail or bun, leaving the rest down.
It looks super fun and creative and shows off your personality.
You can wear this to a party, a festival, or even just for a fun day out with friends.
4. Four-Ponytail Jayda Wayda
Instead of leaving all your braids down, you can divide them into four separate ponytails.
It gives you a sporty and energetic look. You can make each ponytail big and fluffy by adding curly hair or extensions.
This style stands out and feels youthful and bold. It’s perfect if you like to try something different and love a dramatic look.
5. Stitch & Feed-In Mix
This style blends two techniques: tiny stitch braids that create a detailed, almost patterned look on the scalp, and thicker feed-in braids that give the fullness.
Together, they create a really neat contrast. The front looks clean and tight, while the back gives volume.
It’s more technical and takes a little longer, but it’s worth it.
Great for weddings, parties, or when you just want your hair to look professionally done. Definitely not your basic braid.
6. Star Pattern Accents
If you like designs, go for a star or geometric pattern on the scalp in between your Fulani cornrows. It’s unexpected and adds a creative twist without needing extra hair or color.
The braids still fall in the traditional Fulani style, but when you part your hair or look at it from above, the star or shapes show through.
This one turns heads, especially in photos. Just know it’s best to have a stylist do this for you—those patterns are tricky.
7. Colored Tips or Highlights
Sometimes you don’t need a full color change—just a pop. Add a different color at the ends of your braids, like blonde, red, or caramel.
You can also braid in a few strands of color throughout for a subtle highlight effect.
It’s an easy way to try color without dyeing your real hair. Perfect if you want to switch things up without going too bold.
Just make sure the colors blend well with your skin tone and base hair color.
8. Rod-Set Curly Ends
Instead of leaving the braid ends straight, curl them using rods. You can use flexi rods or perm rods, dip the ends in hot water, then let them dry.
It creates bouncy, uniform curls at the ends of each braid.
This style is a little throwback, very ‘90s, but it’s trending again and looks really cute. It also makes the braids feel lighter and adds volume without using extra hair.
9. Leave-Out Blended
If you want something that looks natural but still gives you the vibe of Fulani braids, this is it.
The front and sides are braided, while some of your own hair is left out at the crown or nape and styled into curls or waves. It blends the protective look of braids with the softness of your natural hair.
You’ll need to keep your real hair moisturized and styled to match the braids, but it’s a good way to protect parts of your hair while still showing it off.
10. Half-Fulani, Half-Out
With this look, only the top half of your head is braided in Fulani style, and the bottom half is left out.
You can flat iron the loose hair, wear it in a braid-out, or curl it for more volume. It’s basically the best of both worlds—braids and loose hair.
It’s lighter on your scalp and takes less time to install. Just remember to blend the two textures so it looks cohesive.
11. Beads and Cuffs Embellished
No Fulani style is complete without a little sparkle or charm. Add wooden beads, gold cuffs, or shells to your braids for that traditional, earthy look.
You can go full-out and decorate every braid, or just do a few around your face.
This small touch adds personality, culture, and movement to the style. Plus, it makes a little jingle when you walk. Who doesn’t love that?
Final Thoughts
Fulani braids are more than just a hairstyle—they’re culture, beauty, and self-expression all in one. You don’t need celebrity status to pull them off.
Take care of your scalp, sleep in a satin scarf or bonnet, and moisturize the braids with light oil every few days. If you do that, your style will stay fresh for weeks. And most importantly—make it yours.
You deserve to look like a queen without spending like one.
