Tribal Braids may be trendy now, but they’ve been a part of fashion and culture for millennia. Historically, braids indicated a woman’s tribe, position, and social standing among African tribes. Silver coins and amber fragments were often braided into the braids, giving them an ornate appearance. In other cases, these items became family heirlooms, passed down from one generation to the next. Hairstyles travel down from generation to generation as a form of a family heirloom.

Braids of the present-day merge the aesthetics of ancient braiding with those of the contemporary fashion world. Braids are helpful to keep your hainin for a period ranging from a few weeks to three or four months. Although this more permanent hairstyle requires maintenance and also conditioning to maintain it glossy and free of frizz, it provides a break from your natural hair, adds length, and looks beautiful.

You’ve come to the correct spot if you’re seeking a new braid style. We’ve put up a collection of forty looks that are sure to please anybody wishing to spruce up their wardrobe. No matter what kind of braid hairstyle you want, we guarantee you’ll find something to suit your unique preferences here.

Are Tribal Braids Damaging?

In addition to being protective and lasting, tribal braids are a popular hairstyle. However, if they aren’t done correctly, they may be harmful. Hair follicles may be damaged, and tight, root-pulled tribal braids cause traction alopecia. The braids should allow your hair to flow freely as you shake or turn your head. It’s too tight if the braid doesn’t allow your hair to move.

Tribal braids also make extensive use of hair extensions. Use dirty extensions that irritate your scalp or trigger pimples. Seeing a dermatologist if your scalp is sensitive may be necessary to get guidance on avoiding future irritation and also acne.

Where Did Tribal Braids Come From?

African tribes have a wide variety of braiding customs and methods. There is a distinctive braid for each tribe that distinguishes it as belonging to that tribe. There is a wide variation in the braid sizes, shapes, and styles across the many tribes. Some tribes use their fingers to make braids, while others use bones or wood, yet others utilize metal tools.

The Himba people of Namibia, for example, braid their hair using bone or wood combs. They begin by washing their hair with a combination of roots and herbs, then untangle it using a comb made of animal bone or wood. Their hair is then divided into portions and braided from the head down to the ends of each segment using their fingers. Each segment of hair is coated with butterfat to hydrate and also protect the scalp from sunburn and dust once braiding has been completed.

As compared to other braiding techniques, tribal braiding is less likely to cause damage to the hair. Plaits, rather than individual braids, people used this, and also the hair is not too tightened or worked throughout the braiding process.

Do Tribal Braids Hurt?

African women wear them as a sign of love and wealth in their original form. It is possible to wear them as a symbol of good fortune or protection from harmful spirits. Braids have a reputation for being painful to put in, but this couldn’t be farther from the truth! If your hair isn’t fully detangled before braiding, you may feel some tugging or pulling. There is an average wait period of 2-3 hours for tribal braids (more if you have longer hair), so bring some munchies!

How Much Do Salons Charge for Tribal Braids?

The cost of tribal braids may range from $250 to $500, depending on the style. Your hair’s size, length, and thickness all affect the final cost. In addition, the kind of braids you choose might affect the ultimate cost. Expect an introductory price while searching for something straightforward. If you’re looking for anything more elaborate, you’ll have to pay a lot more. A reasonable rule of thumb is that each braid will take around one hour to complete, but if you have long hair, including several layers or extensions, it may take an entire day! Please make an appointment so they can provide you with an actual assessment of how tough it would be for them to achieve your desired style.

12 Best Tribal Braids

Fulani Braids

Regarding tribal braiding, Fulani braids are among the most popular. At the top of the head, a braid or twist is customarily embellished with rings and also beads to make it distinctive. The side braids, which can keep braided into an updo, are thin to medium in thickness. It’s no surprise that Fulani braids have become trendy recently.

Middle Part Tribal Braids

Round and oval-shaped faces look best with middle-part tribal braids, as do all other middle-part hairstyles. As a result, your face seems longer and slimmer since the parting draws attention to the center of your face, while the long braids operate in the same way as long bangs or layers to make your face appear thinner and longer. With an edgy feel, tribal braids in the middle of the head seem relaxed but mysterious.

Side Part Tribal Braids

The square and diamond facial shapes are best complemented by side-parted hair. As a result, your eyes, cheekbones, and sharp jawline will all be drawn to the side portion. A delicate, feminine style may be achieved with side partings and tribal braids. It looks well with styles like goddess braids, which have heavier strands.

Jumbo Tribal Braids

Jumbo tribal braids are a great way to make your hair stand out. To achieve the jumbo tribal braids’ trademark gigantic look, jumbo braids are thicker than other types and sometimes require adding hair extensions. The method you separate your hair is just as crucial as the size of the braids. The gigantic braids may be embellished with rings, hair cuffs, and also beads to provide a distinctive tribal aesthetic.

Two-Step Tribal Cornrow Braid

For a long time, the two-step tribal braid was a popular hairstyle. Except if you’re looking for the super-sized version, this is a time-consuming haircut. It tends to draw attention to the most endearing elements of the face.

Ghana Braids

Ghana braids, as the name implies, are a traditional hairstyle from Ghana. Various braiding styles fall under the “Ghana Braids” umbrella, but they all have a distinct tapering appearance. With this design, your stylist begins by producing small, delicate micro braids, which gradually thicken to produce fuller plaits and twists.

Long Tribal Braids

For ladies with naturally long hair, lengthy tribal braids are ideal. Knotted or feed-in extensions may also be used to produce these styles. You might embellish the braids with shells to pay homage to ancient tribal hairstyles. In many African tribes, cowry shells symbolized fertility, riches, and safety for women.

Short Tribal Braids

It doesn’t matter whether you have short or long hair; tribal braids can be helpful. Chin-length or mid-length tribal styles look great on women with shorter hair who choose not to use extensions. You don’t have to worry about making your braids all the same length to get the tribal style, which may be difficult for those with short hair. Add rings and also beads to a subtle tribal appearance with a Senegalese twist braid in the middle or side.

Tribal Braids with Beads

Hairstyles with beaded braids are daily in many African cultures and also have long been associated with class and social position. Braids may now be embellished with beads to express your style or pay homage to your ethnic background. Beads made of glass, wood, metal, or other materials provide a personal touch.

Tribal Braids Ponytail

Ponying up your tribal braids for a particular event adds a trendy and also elegant touch. Bring your braided hair to the top of your head and tie it in a ponytail. Overly tight braids may put a strain on your scalp, which can contribute to hair loss and also breaking. Braid two or three strands around the ponytail’s base, looping them through to secure other braids. And just like that, you have a gorgeous ponytail that doesn’t need any elastic.

Tribal Braids Bun

Adding a tribal flair to a braided bun is a great way to update a basic hairdo. This is the ideal beautiful and classy style for a wedding or engagement party. Request braids in various sizes, designs, and also thicknesses for a classic, golden look.

Bohemian Tribal Braids

Bohemian tribal braids will captivate free-spirited ladies. The hairdo incorporates braided and also unbraided strands, resulting in an appearance of its own. You don’t have to braid or twist your whole head of hair to create boho braids. A wild and feminine look that is as unique as you are is the result.

Conclusion

The layered style is elevated even further with these braids. A triangle design is created by stacking larger and smaller braids. The gigantic braids may be entertaining and also eccentric when slung over the shoulder. There are hundreds of tribal braid hairstyles to choose from, whether you’re searching for a more traditional appearance or something more contemporary.