Fulani braids are a popular hairstyle consisting of tightly braided cornrows lying tight to the scalp in the front and crown, and then falling loose in multiple thin braids down the back and sides. It is common to decorate the braids with beads, gold charms, or cowrie shells, although this is not a defining feature of the style. It is worn both long and in a bob.
This is a traditional hairstyle of the Fulani people of West Africa, a widespread group of cultures ranging from Senegal to Chad. They are a type of tribal braid, although this category is so ill-defined that most Americans will not distinguish between tribal braids and Fulani braids; if I were to cobble together a definition, Fulani braids would actually be the super-category, and tribal braids would be any instance where a more specific cultural reference was intended.
In the US this hairstyle is one of the more popular dressy hairstyles for African-American women, with braids done in various shapes and patterns across the scalp, carefully styled edges, beads and hair cuffs, and extensions for both length and to alternate textures, colors, and styles. Less fancy styles are also quite popular, given that the neat, tight braids give a professional, put together look, but allow for a wide range of variation and expression.
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