Embracing My Roots with Stunning Tribal Braided Styles

As a black woman, braided hairstyles hold deep cultural meaning beyond just fashion. Intricate braiding patterns have been an integral part of the black hair experience for centuries. After years of chemically relaxing my hair, I decided it was time to embrace my roots by exploring more traditional braided styles. My journey discovering beautiful tribal looks like fulani braids, butterfly braids, and cornrows has reconnected me with my heritage.

Discovering the Allure of Fulani Braids

I first took notice of fulani braids when scrolling through Instagram. The braids radiate effortlessly from the center part in an elegant, symmetrical style. After some research, I learned that Fulani braids originate from the Fulani people of West Africa. 

This traditional protective style features slim cornrow braids laid in intricate designs across the head, accented by decorated braids dangling around the face. The elegant face-framing braids may be accessorized with beads or cowrie shells. 

I was drawn to the graceful, almost regal look of fulani braids. The style manages to be ornate yet understated. I knew I had to try this stunning traditional look that connects black women to generations past.

Visiting a skilled stylist, I had slim straight back cornrows created first to form the base. Then the stylist braided decorative diagonal lines and shapes across my head before adding the accent braids. 

Seeing the finished style, I was blown away by how the braids beautifully accentuated my facial features. The cowrie shells clinking together as I moved gave fulani braids an almost musical quality. I felt like an African queen! The look provides the perfect balance of elegant and edgy.

Experimenting with Versatile Butterfly Braids 

After my love affair with fulani braids, I was eager to test out more traditional African braided styles. The whimsical look of butterfly braids caught my eye next.

Butterfly braids get their name from the butterfly-wing shape created by braiding hair into loops that cascade down the back of the head. The braids may incorporate various styles of looped buns, knots and twists for texture and dimension.

I worked with my stylist to create a long butterfly braid style with lively, asymmetrical loops swirling down my back. She first flat-twisted my natural hair before braiding the synthetic hair into loose buns. 

The flowing, gravity-defying shape lived up to the style’s butterfly inspiration. I felt like I could take flight! The braids added volume while framing my face in a playful way that still looked chic, not childish.

The braided loops give butterfly braids lively movement and bounce as you walk. And the textured style holds up beautifully in humidity and bad weather unlike silky styles. I can see why this creative braided technique has been passed down through generations.  

Honoring Tradition with Tribal Braided Wigs

While I loved the look of both fulani and butterfly braids on my natural hair, the braiding process took 8+ hours each time. As much as I cherished reconnecting with my roots, the time commitment and styling expenses added up. 

That’s when I discovered FANCIVIVI’s collection of fulani and butterfly braided wigs. These wigs allow me to achieve the traditional tribal styles I love while protecting my natural hair.

Their hand-tied fulani wig features a full lace cap with slim cornrow braids flowing back from the pre-styled center part. The attached cowrie shell accent braids perfectly imitate the look of individual braids painstakingly braided by hand. 

I love how quickly I can snap on this wig to transform into a modern African queen! The fulani wig lets me celebrate my heritage without straining my edges or budget. 

FANCIVIVI’s butterfly wig recreates the gravity-defying braided loops flowing down the back in a lightweight lace construction. I adore how the wig achieves the intricate style while allowing airflow to my scalp. And I can recreate versatile parts and styling by simply shifting the wig.

Exploring my roots through stunning braided styles, whether on my natural hair or with wigs, has been an empowering journey. I feel more confident embracing my natural textures and appreciating the artistry of traditional black hairstyles. Fulani braids, butterfly braids and other tribal braids connect me to the creativity and resilience of my ancestors. Our hair truly tells a story.

About The Brand You Choose

In my exploration of tribal braided styles, I discovered the brand FANCIVIVI which creates beautiful traditional braided wigs designed for black women. FANCIVIVI’s wigs like their fulani and butterfly designs allow me to achieve stunning braided styles that connect me to my heritage without damage to my natural hair.

The brand was founded by two professional black hair stylists who wanted to make protective braided styles reflecting African roots accessible and affordable for all black women. FANCIVIVI braided wigs are made from high-quality synthetic hair styled into traditional techniques. The wigs have comfortable breathable lace fronts and adjustable straps for a customizable fit.

I appreciate that FANCIVIVI celebrates black hair history through braided wigs honoring traditional styles from box braids to cornrows to tribal patterns. Their designs allow black women to proudly embrace our culture’s shared hairstyle narrative. The brand also incorporates modern elements for contemporary versatility. 

After trying FANCIVIVI’s braided wigs myself, I’m impressed by how the quality synthetic hair mimics the look and feel of my natural textures. The wigs have allowed me to reconnect with my roots through protective styling. I love having the ability to quickly switch between elegantly styled tribal looks.