Are you looking for a gorgeous African-inspired hairdo? Tribal braids are a sure deal for a stunning look worth catching everyone’s eye.
But, of course, there are so many options that can leave you confused when heading to the salon.
Worry not! Here I’ll take you through 50 tribal braids hairstyles to inspire you to look this year.
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What Are Tribal Braids?
Tribal braids are traditional hairdos that black women wore in the past. They have been modified to fit the modern lady, with most women rocking them in different colors and styling.
But the most common ones are Fulani tribal braids, box braids, and Ghana braids.
How Many Packs of Hair Do You Need for Tribal Braids?
The number of packs you’ll require depends on your chosen style, hair thickness, and desired length. However, if your hair is thick, expect to use 5-7 packs for small cornrows and even more.
How Much Do Tribal Braids Cost?
Tribal braids will cost you between $150 and $350, depending on your chosen style and desired length. It’ll also depend on the stylist and the location.
How Long Tribal Do Braids Last?
Depending on the style, tribal braids may last 3-6 weeks. Jumbo hairstyles tend to wear out faster than smaller ones.
However, jumbo takes a short time to plait, thus ideal if you don’t want to spend much time in the salon.
Tribal Braids Hairstyles to Inspire Your Next Look
1. Fulani Tribal Braids
Rock this Alicia Keys iconic look and enjoy celebrity attention anywhere you go.
Everything from the stylish cornrows to accessories and embellishments makes a statement.
You can tailor it to your liking using color braids and different types of hair jewelry.
2. Tribal Braids With Heart
Send love vibes wherever you go with this tribal hairdo with a heart on the side. The cornrows are neatly done with individual braids at the back.
You’ll also protect your hair as the style uses a knotless technique.
3. Tribal Braids With Beads
If you slay with an African tribal hairstyle, one way to elevate your look is to accessorize with beads.
Choose the beads that match the braid color of your choice, and go for the clear ones when lost. The beads at the end also ensure it doesn’t disturb you like when it’s on top.
4. Lemonade Tribal Braids
Who wouldn’t want a Beyoncé look? Lemonade tribal braids were named after her album Lemonade. Instead of front-to-back cornrows, the close-braiding is done from left to right.
However, for a more tribal version, you can have more spaced cornrows and accessorize as you desire.
5. Side Part Tribal Braids
You don’t have to plait your tribal braids same direction all the time. Experiment with side parting and enjoy the intriguing asymmetry that catches everyone’s eye.
You can enhance your look using colors like this honey-blonde ombre.
6. Tribal Braids With Curls
Spice up your tribal look by leaving the ends of your braids loose and curly. Go for long and thin plaits for a stunning appearance.
The stylish parting at the front and the four braids hanging in front elevate your look.
7. Tribal Braids Middle Part
Who wouldn’t like this gorgeous hairdo? The style is best if you love short hairstyles and won’t mind accessorizing with beads.
However, even without the accessories, the hairdo would still look good. The middle parting makes a statement.
8. Medium Tribal Braids
You don’t have to plait too big or small braids when you don’t have all the time to spend in the salon and don’t want braids to wear out first.
Medium ones take a short time to plait and can serve you neatly for up to 3 weeks. You can choose your ideal length and color.
9. Large Tribal Braids
Large braids are always a go-to hairdo whenever you want to look good without spending much time in the salon.
You can go for this red or experiment with the color of your choice. Lay the edges well for an elevated appearance.
10. Small Tribal Braids
Don’t mind spending hours in the salon to look good? Go for these small braids and enjoy longer service.
Though the braids take time to plait, they can serve you up to 7 weeks while still looking cute. You can accessorize with a few golden cuffs for an elevated look.
11. Kids Tribal Braids
Want your child to be the African queen? Let them wear these braids with golden beads at the end and watch the transformation.
The style looks good on every face shape and tone; thus, you are assured your little princess will be gorgeous in them.
12. Tribal Braids Half-Up Half-Down
Rock this ‘carpet-ready’ look and be set to be the center of attention wherever you go.
Achieve the appearance by plaiting half-front neat cornrows and single braids at the back. Style the front half-up and let the individual braids at the back down.
13. 2 Layer Tribal Braids
This super stylish hairdo is achieved by plaiting cornrows in the front half and individual braids at the back.
You’ll get a more voluminous look since the front and back parts are plaited separately to achieve two layers. The two loose braids on the sides make it more chic.
14. 3 Layer Tribal Braids
Do you want a more voluminous hairdo? Go for this three-layered braids with side parting for a head-turning look.
The braiding is done individually in three layers, giving you more volume and length.
15. Bohemian Tribal Braids
Radiate your free-spirited vibes by wearing this bohemian hairdo.
The unique loose hair alongside the braided strands creates an original and creative appearance perfect for special occasions.
You can leave them all hanging or style them in a ponytail.
16. Jumbo Tribal Braids
There’s nothing so relieving to any lady than a gorgeous hairstyle that doesn’t have you sitting in the salon for hours.
So, this is a perfect quick-to-fix hairdo that you can wear to special occasions. It incorporates a smoke pop style for a head-turning appearance.
17. Tribal Goddess Braids
Look at this irresistible sleek goddess braids! They’ll give you a true definition of a queen.
The underhand braiding is used to achieve the look, and loose curly braids at the back make the hair fuller. However, you can style them in an updo or a ponytail.
18. Boho Tribal Braids
Rock the boho vibe in tribal style and look like this little angel. The style fits people of all ages, so your child will stun in them too.
You can go for these partings or tailor them as you desire.
19. Tribal Feed In Braids
Protect your hairline by rocking this feed-in hairdo. The braiding starts with your natural hair and a synthetic extension added bit by bit to create long, thick, and full braids.
Since there are no knots at the beginning, the scalp has less tension and stress, thus, no hair loss.
20. Red Tribal Braids
Don’t mind a flattering appearance? Go for this red braids and be the center of attention.
The deep shade goes well with many skin tones and is perfect for those with daring personalities.
21. Tribal Braids With a Pop of Pink
You don’t have to sacrifice the integrity of your natural hair by dying to match the color braids.
Rock these pink tribal braids on your natural hair for an out-of-world contrast that looks good on anyone.
22. Burgundy Tribal Braids
If you love red but don’t want a shouting hairdo, go for this burgundy look. It’s a calm shade that goes well with all skin tones.
The spiral-styled burn and side-swept front braids will elevate your appearance.
23. Blonde Tribal Braids
Summer is here! And the perfect way to embrace the season is by rocking this summery-vibe hair look – blonde braids.
The blonde color matches most skin tones and brings out the best in everyone. You can play around with the styling and partings as you wish.
24. Long Tribal Braids
Imagine combining length and color in one hairstyle! It’s such an amazing hairstyle that suits people of all ages.
This youthful look is perfect for any occasion, and you can go for waist or knee length and recreate it with other shades.
25. Short Tribal Braids
If you don’t like a hairstyle that gets in your way when busy, try these stylish short cornrows and enjoy the ready-to-go look. Accessorize with cuffs at the ends to make the stylish unique. The stylish parting is also worth considering.
26. Tribal Braids With Knotless in the Back
Protect your hair with these knotless tribal braids. The cornrows with the individual braids are plaited using a knotless design to avoid stress and tension on the scalp.
Plus, cornrows remove braids from your face, and they look good.
27. Ponytail Tribal Braids
Look at this purple ponytail in the middle of your head! Isn’t it stylish? Recreate with any shade of your choice but ensure the cornrows are done nicely for an eye-catching appearance.
You don’t have to wear the hairband; use some loose braids to secure the ponytail.
28. Bantu Tribal Braids
Do you love short braided hair? Go for these Bantu-knotted tribal knotless braids for an African look.
This is ready to go style, as there isn’t the stress of styling every morning. And although you can rock it to any event, it’s perfect for informal occasions.
29. Multi-Colored Tribal Box Braids
Are you tired of one-colored or black braids? Go for these mind-blowing multi-colored tribal box braids and enjoy the wild transition.
The red-to-yellow-to-green ombre look is perfect for those with daring personalities. Why stay calm? Try the style and turn heads wherever you go.
30. Criss Cross Knotless Tribal Braids
If you have soft hair, you’ll not want to risk straining them. Wear these super protective criss cross knotless braids and turn heads. The curls at the ends elevate your look.
31. Bob Tribal Braids With Triangular Partings
Love bob style? If yes, wear these cute bob tribal braids with a triangular parting on your next special occasion.
32. Tribal Braids in Mini Buns With Cuffs
Wear this sassy style for your night party or any other special event. The two little buns with a few golden beads and cuffs elevate your look.
You’ll also love the few framing individual strands on the face that makes for a playful appearance.
33. Tribal Box Braids
Enjoy the versatility that these box braids bring whenever you wear them.
You can style them as you wish; let them down or in a bun, and wear them with or without accessories.
They also go well with any outfit; you can wear them to formal and non-formal occasions.
34. Dimensional Tribal Braids Ponytail
Look at this cute dimensional hairdo! The style is best for formal and non-formal occasions; you can try them in different colors.
35. Greenish Tribal Cornrows
Colors are a flawless way to add a touch of style to usual cornrows. And this greenish hairdo is a perfect pick if you don’t like shouting colors.
They go well with lighter shades; you can accessorize them for an elevated look.
36. Tribal Braids In Massive Top Bun
This style combines a goddess look and voluminous regular braids. The thick cornrows make a statement, and a voluminous bun is something to behold.
As in the pic, you can leave some strands hanging at the back.
37. Zig Zag Tribal Braids
Rock this Zebra-look and turn heads wherever you go. The elegant parting and the white cord on the side strands make a statement.
38. Big Senegalese Twists
Wear some big Senegalese twist and pay homage to ancient Senegalese women stunned in the hairdo.
Though most used to wear black braids, you can spice up your look with ombre.
39. Straight Back Cornrows
Do you want a simple cute hairdo you can wear to the office and other events? Go for straight-back cornrows, which are easy to achieve yet leave you stunning.
The hairdo lets your facial features pop out and removes the braids from your face.
40. Diagonal Cornrows
You can wear cornrows in different patterns, and diagonal is an amazing style for ladies of all ages. Achieve the hairdo by using a stitch-in technique to create raised rows.
41. Ghana Braids With Back Bun
Ghana styles originated from Ghana, but you don’t have to be Ghanaian to wear them.
The rows are generally thicker; you can have them straight back with a bun for a ready-to-go style.
42. Triangular Parted Box Braids
Instead of classic square parting, rock your box braids with triangular parting for a unique, stylish look.
Plus, you can rock the style with colored braids like these blonde ones.
43. Two Tone Tribal Braids
Mixing colors is one way to add a modern touch to traditional tribal braids. For instance, you can mix pink and blonde for a head-turning appearance like this.
44. Spider-Inspired Cornrows
Wear this stylish spider-inspired hairdo for your party. The cornrows are stylishly made in front, with loose hair at the back for a voluminous gorgeous appearance.
45. Cornrows and Cascading Locks Combo
Create a more dimensional and textured appearance by mixing cornrows and locs with loose braids at the end. Pair with popping earrings for a sassy look.
46. Swoopy Tribal Cornrows
A braided high ponytail always looks good on anyone. But you can make it special by braiding patterned cornrows with curly ends.
Wrap some braids around the pony instead of a hairband.
47. Tribal Braids to the Sides
Part your hair in the middle and braids stitch lines to the sides. The style gives a break to the edges and allows the strands to move freely on the sides.
48. Two Raided Cornrows
You don’t have to sit for hours in the salon to look good. Plait two cornrows like this and watch your look transform within minutes.
49. Snaky Tribal Cornrows with Afro
Spotlight the authenticity of the ancient tribal hairdo with neat and patterns cornrows with Afro hair at the back.
They’ are perfect for modern women with wide faces and can be worn to any occasion.
50. Tribal Braids With Intricate Design
Showcase your artistic side by rocking this intricate hairdo. Achieve it by combining braid styles and sizes to make it more attractive.
Tips To Maintain Tribal Braids
- Get a hair protein treatment at least two times before braiding tribal style.
- Wash the braids occasionally to prevent buildup and irritation
- Moisturize your scalp at least twice a week
- Cover your braids with a bonnet, headscarf, silk or satin scarf
- Redo the edges once in a while to keep them neat
Turn Heads With Tribal Braids!
Choose one of the tribal braids we’ve discussed and turn heads around. Narrow down based on your occasion, color, and desired length, and watch as people gaze at you in awe.
Follow the tips above for clean and irritation-free wear for up to 6 weeks!
Happy braiding!