As a black woman, I have always taken pride in celebrating my heritage and expressing my cultural identity through various aspects of my life, including my hair. Hair has always played a significant role in black culture, symbolizing beauty, creativity, and a connection to our roots.
While I have experimented with different hairstyles over the years, including basic box braids and cornrows, I recently embarked on a journey to explore more traditional tribal braiding techniques. These styles, such as Fulani braids, fishtail braids, and triangle braids, have deep cultural significance and have allowed me to reconnect with my roots in a meaningful way.
Honoring Tradition with Stunning Fulani Braids
I first took notice of fulani braids while researching different African hair styles online. The elegant braids radiate from a center part in a symmetrical, almost crown-like design.
After learning that fulani braiding originated with the Fulani people of West Africa, I was drawn to the style’s rich cultural history. I decided to try fulani braids to honor my ancestors and bring out my inner African queen.
My stylist began by cornrowing my natural hair straight back. She then braided slim diagonal rows across my head before intricately incorporating the decorated accent braids near my hairline.
Seeing the finished style took my breath away. The braids gracefully framed my facial features while the cowrie shells adorning the front braids clicked together rhythmically as I moved. I was in awe of this stunning cultural art form.
The graceful symmetry of fulani braids makes me feel regal yet grounded in ancestral traditions. I love representing my heritage through this ornate protective style.
Channeling Bohemian Vibes with Textured Braids
In addition to honoring tradition, I also wanted to try braided styles that reflected my relaxed, bohemian vibe. For music festivals and beach weekends, I opt for chunky goddess boho braids embellished with curly tendrils.
My stylist will first install chunky box braids as the foundation, then incorporate carefree coils and curls throughout the braids. I like framing my face with wavy pieces and pulling some curls atop my head in a loose braided crown.
The textured mix of tight braiding and soft curls fills me with boho confidence. I feel beautiful channeling my easy going spirit through this braided style. The braids with curls add lively bounce as I’m dancing or frolicking seaside.
When I need an effortless protective style that still stands out, boho braids woven with curl power are my tried-and-true go-to. The textured look celebrates natural black hair in all its curl glory!
Weaving Creativity with Triangle Braided Patterns
In addition to cultural styles, I also like to weave creativity into my braided looks by trying unconventional patterns. Lately, I’ve been loving the visual impact of triangle partings accented with braided designs.
Whether it’s triangle box braids, triangle goddess braids, or triangle locs, the geometric-shaped parts serve as the perfect guide for braiding striking shapes. I’ll do triangle box braids cascading down my back for an orderly cascading effect. Or flashy triangle cornrow patterns framed by goddess braids for show stopping style.
The triangle parts lend themselves so well to creative braid designs from simple to intricate. I have fun plotting out unique triangle patterns and then seeing them woven into my braided art. The sharp lines and geometric precision make me feel like a braid architect!
Discovering My Roots Through Creativity
Trying traditional tribal braiding techniques, as well as new creative patterns, has helped me better understand and connect with the vibrant history of black hairstyles. Our crowning glory tells a meaningful story spanning generations.
I’m grateful that protective braided styles allow me to honor my cultural past while also weaving my own creative future. Whether I’m channeling an African queen with fulani braids or an urban boho goddess with textured curls, my hair helps me express my roots through beauty and artistry.
In this journey of self-discovery and expression, I have come to appreciate the resilience, strength, and beauty that black hairstyles represent. Our hair is more than just a fashion statement; it is a symbol of our heritage, a testament to our creativity, and a reminder of the countless generations that have paved the way for us.
Through the artistry and creativity of black hairstyles, I have found a profound connection to my roots and a platform for self-expression. I am grateful for the opportunity to celebrate and honor the vibrant history of black hair while forging my own path of artistic exploration. The possibilities are endless, and with each new style, I continue to discover new facets of my identity and pay homage to the beauty and diversity within the black community.
About FANCIVIVI
In my exploration of tribal and boho braided styles, I discovered the brand FANCIVIVI which offers high-quality braided wigs honoring black hair heritage.
FANCIVIVI’s collection includes stunning takes on traditional tribal braids like fulani braids, fishtail braids, and cornrows. Their wigs allow me to achieve historically symbolic looks without damage to my natural hair.
The brand also offers a selection of textured boho wigs with curly tendrils and waves blended into braided bases. These wigs capture the spirit of carefree black hair creativity.
As a black-owned brand, FANCIVIVI celebrates the symbolism, artistry and versatility of African hair culture through quality braided wigs. After experiencing their comfortable and realistic braided wig designs first-hand, I appreciate how FANCIVIVI allows me to explore the roots of my identity through protective styling.