How to Accessorize Your Fulani Braids with Hair Ties

Fulani braids have long been celebrated as one of the most exquisite and culturally rich protective hairstyles in the world. Originating from the Fula people of West Africa, this style is characterized by a unique combination of cornrows in the front and individual box braids or twists in the back, often adorned with beads, cowrie shells, and metallic cuffs. However, as the hairstyle has evolved within the modern beauty landscape, the way it is styled has also transformed. One of the most versatile, yet often overlooked, methods of elevating this look is learning how to accessorize your Fulani braids with hair ties.

While beads and cuffs are the traditional go-to accessories, hair ties—ranging from silk scrunchies to elastic bands and decorative cords—offer a functional and aesthetic dimension that can completely change the silhouette of the style. Whether you are looking to create a sleek, professional updo or a playful, voluminous look for a night out, hair ties are the essential tool in your styling arsenal. They allow for structural changes that protect the ends of your hair while adding a pop of color or texture.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the art of using hair ties with Fulani braids. We will cover the best materials to prevent breakage, step-by-step styling techniques, and how to blend modern accessories with traditional braiding patterns. By the end of this post, you will view the humble hair tie not just as a utility item, but as a statement accessory that can take your braids to the next level.

The Importance of Choosing the Right Hair Ties

Before diving into specific styles, it is critical to understand that not all hair ties are created equal, especially when dealing with the weight and texture of Fulani braids. The combination of synthetic extensions and natural hair creates a bulk that standard elastics often cannot handle. Furthermore, friction is the enemy of neat braids; the wrong tie can cause frizz, breakage, and premature aging of the hairstyle.

Material Matters: Silk, Satin, and Spandex

When accessorizing Fulani braids, professional stylists universally recommend avoiding rubber bands or hair ties with metal clasps. These can snag on the braids, pulling out the natural hair or damaging the synthetic fiber. Instead, opt for satin or silk scrunchies. These materials glide over the braids, reducing friction and preserving the smoothness of the plaits. Large, or "jumbo," satin scrunchies are particularly effective for Fulani braids because they can accommodate the volume of the hair without needing to be wrapped too tightly, which preserves tension balance.

The Rise of Spiral Hair Ties

Another excellent option for this hairstyle is the spiral hair tie, often resembling an old-fashioned telephone cord. These plastic coils distribute pressure unevenly across the ponytail, which means they hold the hair securely without creating a "kink" or indentation in the braids. Because Fulani braids can be heavy, a spiral tie offers a strong grip without the headache-inducing tightness of a traditional elastic band. They are also waterproof and easy to clean, making them a hygienic choice for long-term protective styles.

Decorative Elastic Bands

For those looking to make a statement, decorative elastic bands—those featuring gold threading, attached baubles, or fabric flowers—serve a dual purpose. They act as the structural anchor for a ponytail or bun while simultaneously serving as jewelry for the hair. When selecting these, ensure the inner elastic is covered in fabric to protect the integrity of the braids.

Style 1: The "Genie" High Ponytail

One of the most iconic ways to style Fulani braids is the high ponytail, often referred to as the "Genie" pony. This look highlights the intricate cornrow patterns at the front of the head while cascading lengths down the back. Achieving this look requires a robust hair tie and a specific technique to ensure the style remains comfortable.

The Technique

To achieve this look, flip your head forward to gather all the braids at the crown. It is essential to do this slowly to ensure the braids underneath are smooth and not bunching awkwardly. Once gathered, use a jumbo hair tie or a wide elastic band. Because of the volume of the braids, you may only need to loop the tie twice.

Accessorizing the Base

Once the ponytail is secured, the hair tie itself becomes a focal point. You can wrap a decorative silk scarf around the hair tie to hide it, or use a statement scrunchie in a bold color like gold, burgundy, or emerald green to contrast against the braids. Some stylists recommend using a hair tie with attached wooden beads or metallic charms, which adds an auditory and visual element to the style as you move.

Style 2: The Half-Up, Half-Down Crown

The half-up, half-down style offers the best of both worlds: it keeps the braids out of your face, showcasing the facial features and the front cornrow design, while allowing the length to flow freely. This style is particularly popular because it reduces the weight on the scalp compared to a full high ponytail.

Creating the Partition

Separate the top half of your braids from the bottom half. With Fulani braids, this is usually easy to do by following the parting of the central cornrow. Gather the top section at the crown of the head. This is where a decorative velvet scrunchie can truly shine. Velvet provides a texture contrast to the smoothness of the synthetic hair and offers a strong grip.

elevating the Look

To accessorize this further, consider using a hair tie that has long ribbons attached (a "scrunchie scarf"). Allow the ribbons to drape down alongside the loose braids in the back. This adds movement and a touch of romance to the look. Alternatively, use a clear elastic to secure the top bun and then cover it with a metallic cuff hair tie, which gives a sleek, industrial edge to the traditional style.

Style 3: Double Space Buns

For a playful, festival-ready look, space buns are an excellent way to accessorize Fulani braids using hair ties. This style involves parting the hair down the center and creating two buns on either side of the head. It is a youthful, energetic style that works perfectly with the geometric patterns of Fulani braiding.

Securing the Buns

Divide the hair into two even sections. Pull each section into a high pigtail using a snag-free elastic. Twist the braids around the base of the pigtail to form a bun and secure it with a second hair tie. Here, colored hair ties can be used to match your outfit. Neon ties or pastel-colored scrunchies can make the style pop, especially during the summer months.

Adding Texture

You can also accessorize the hair ties themselves. Before wrapping the bun, thread a few beads onto the hair tie or choose a tie that has pre-attached cowrie shells. As the bun sits high on the head, these accessories become highly visible, acting like a crown. This method integrates the traditional accessory (shells) with the functional tool (the tie) for a seamless aesthetic.

Style 4: The Low, Professional Bun

Fulani braids are incredibly versatile and can be styled for conservative or professional environments. A low bun at the nape of the neck conveys elegance and sophistication. The key to this look is using a hair tie that is subtle yet secure.

Achieving Sleekness

Gather the braids at the nape of the neck. Use a neutral-colored hair tie—black, dark brown, or a shade that matches your hair extensions—to secure the ponytail. Wrap the braids into a tight chignon and secure with U-pins. To accessorize, wrap a leather or faux-leather hair tie around the base of the bun. The leather texture complements the braided texture perfectly and adds a high-end, tailored finish to the look.

The Wrap-Around Method

Another way to utilize a hair tie in this style is to use a "bungee" band (a hair tie with hooks on either end). Hook one end into the base of the ponytail, wrap the cord around the gathered braids, and hook the other end to secure. This allows for a very tight, secure hold without the friction of pulling the hair through a ring. Cover the bungee with a strand of braided hair or a sleek gold cuff tie.

Incorporating Hair Ties with Traditional Accessories

One of the most creative ways to style Fulani braids is to mix modern hair ties with traditional beads and cuffs. You don't have to choose one or the other. In fact, layering these accessories creates a rich, textured look that pays homage to the style's roots while embracing modern convenience.

The Stacked Look

Try placing a vibrant, thick hair tie at the base of a ponytail, and then immediately following it with a large wooden bead or a metallic cuff on several of the individual braids that fall from the pony. This draws the eye to the connection point of the style.

Braided Hair Ties

You can also create your own hair ties using the braids themselves. Take two or three braids from the underside of your hair, wrap them around the gathered ponytail to act as a "tie," and secure them with a small, clear elastic and a decorative bead at the tip. This creates an "invisible" hold that looks incredibly chic and unified.

Essential Tips for Using Hair Ties on Braids

To ensure your Fulani braids remain neat and your natural hair stays healthy while using hair ties, keep these professional tips in mind:

• Monitor Tension: The most common mistake is tying the hair too tight. Fulani braids already place tension on the hairline (edges). Adding a tight ponytail holder can exacerbate this, leading to traction alopecia. Always leave a little slack at the roots.

• Nighttime Care: Never sleep with your hair ties in, especially if they are tight styles like high ponytails. Always remove hair ties before bed and wrap your braids in a satin bonnet to relieve tension on the scalp.

• Check for Wear and Tear: Inspect your hair ties regularly. If the fabric covering an elastic band wears down and the rubber is exposed, throw it away immediately. Exposed rubber shreds braided hair.

• Hydration is Key: Before styling your hair into a bun or ponytail, spritz your braids with a braid spray or light oil. Moving the braids into an updo exposes different parts of the hair to the air; keeping them hydrated ensures they remain flexible and don't snap under the pressure of the hair tie.

• Rotation is Necessary: Do not wear the same high ponytail every day. Rotate between high styles, low styles, and wearing the hair down to ensure that stress is not being placed on the same area of the scalp repeatedly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can using hair ties damage my Fulani braids? Yes, if used incorrectly. Using rubber bands or tying the hair too tightly can cause friction that leads to frizz and breakage. Always use fabric-covered, silk, or satin hair ties and avoid pulling the hair too taut.

Q2: What size hair tie do I need for Fulani braids? Standard hair ties are often too small and can snap. Look for "jumbo," "thick," or "extra-large" hair ties specifically designed for thick hair or braids. Spiral hair ties are also excellent as they stretch significantly.

Q3: How can I hide the hair tie if I don't want it to show? The best method is the "wrap-around" technique. After securing your ponytail with a hair tie, take one or two braids from the ponytail and wrap them around the base, covering the elastic. Tuck the ends of these wrapping braids under the elastic or secure with a bobby pin.

Q4: Can I swim with hair ties in my braids? It is best to use a chlorine-resistant, plastic spiral hair tie if you are swimming. Fabric hair ties will soak up chlorinated or salt water and hold it against your hair, which can be drying. Rinse your braids thoroughly after swimming.

Q5: How often should I change the position of my hair tie? Ideally, you should change your style every 2-3 days. If you wear a high bun for three days, wear your hair down or in a low pony for the next few days to allow your scalp to rest.

Q6: Are there specific hair ties for sleeping? If you must tie your hair back to sleep (to keep it contained in a bonnet), use a very loose, oversized satin scrunchie. Do not loop it multiple times; just use it to loosely gather the hair so it doesn't move around too much.

Conclusion

Accessorizing your Fulani braids with hair ties is about more than just convenience; it is a styling opportunity that adds versatility and flair to your look. By swapping a standard elastic for a velvet scrunchie, a spiral cord, or a decorative cuff, you can transform your braids from a gym-ready look to a red-carpet-worthy style in seconds.

Remember that the health of your hair is paramount. Always prioritize materials like silk and satin that protect your braids from friction, and be mindful of the tension you apply to your scalp. With the right tools and techniques, your Fulani braids can be styled in endless variations, proving that this timeless hairstyle is as adaptable as it is beautiful. Whether you choose the regal high ponytail or the playful space buns, let your hair ties be the finishing touch that expresses your unique personal style.