Im Hakan, a mens grooming specialist with over 10 years’ experience creating modern, wearable hairstyles for men of all backgrounds. Fulani braids have become a versatile and gender-fluid option — equally suited to men with medium to long hair, textured hair, or anyone looking to add cultural flair and low-maintenance protection to their routine. In this post I showcase 28 curated Fulani braid looks, explain which face shapes and hair types suit each variation, and share practical tips for getting the style right: how to prep the hair, avoid excessive tension, choose the right length, and pair braids with fades or beard lines. Whether you want a subtle single braid, braided cornrow accents, or a bold beaded finish, I’ll guide you through styling, product choices, and basic upkeep so your Fulani braids stay sharp and healthy.
Textured Side Cornrows with Short Dread Ponytail — Mens Braided Undercut
This look pairs neat side cornrows and patterned parting with a short dreadlock ponytail and a low faded undercut — a versatile style that flatters oval, square, and heart-shaped faces by adding height and definition; it also helps elongate round faces. Achieve it by sectioning the top into clean rows, tightly cornrowing toward the crown, and leaving the back/upper length twisted or locked into short dreads gathered with a band. Tools required: rattail comb, fine-tooth comb, clippers with guard set, braiding clips, small elastics, and a crochet needle for tidy locs. Recommended products: lightweight leave-in conditioner, moisturizing oil (argan or jojoba), firm-hold edge control or gel for sleek parts, and a light anti-frizz spray. Difficulty: intermediate; professional braider recommended for uniform cornrows and scalp-safe tension. Maintenance: oil the scalp weekly, sleep on a satin/silk scarf or pillowcase, gently cleanse every 1–2 weeks with diluted shampoo, and retouch the cornrows or fade every 3–6 weeks to keep lines crisp. Avoid excessive tension to protect edges and schedule regular beard shaping to balance the look.
Cornrow Braids with Faded Undercut and Long Braided Tail
This structured cornrow look paired with a faded undercut creates a modern, masculine silhouette that suits oval, square, oblong and heart-shaped faces best; men with round faces will benefit from the length and vertical lines which help visually elongate the face. Technique: start on clean, detangled hair. Use a rat-tail comb to section and a firm but flexible grip to feed hair into tight, even cornrows angled back toward a central braided tail. Add synthetic extensions if you want extra length or thickness, and finish by securing ends with small elastics and optional threading or beads. Tools needed: rat-tail comb, wide-tooth comb, sectioning clips, small elastics, crochet needle (for extensions), edge brush. Products required: leave-in conditioner, light braiding gel or pomade for grip, edge control, lightweight scalp oil (jojoba or almond), and a clarifying shampoo for periodic washes. Difficulty: intermediate — precision and tension control are essential; consider a professional for intricate patterns. Maintenance: moisturize scalp twice weekly, wear a silk/satin durag at night, avoid over-tightening to prevent breakage, refresh edges weekly, and plan for a full redo after 4–8 weeks depending on hair growth and neatness.
Mens Sculpted Cornrows with Shaved Design — Braided Hairline & Low Bun
This sculpted cornrow style combines tight, feed-in braids with a clean shaved design and low tied finish — ideal for modern men who want a statement look. Face-shape suitability: works best for oval, rectangular, diamond, and heart shapes (the vertical lines add length); men with round faces should soften the hairline or use looser braids to avoid over-emphasizing width. Styling technique: start with a clean, detangled base, map your pattern with a rattail comb, clipper the sides for a defined canvas, then create feed-in cornrows from the front to the crown, incorporating the shaved design by outlining with a trimmer or razor before braiding. Tools needed: clippers and trimmer/edger, rattail and fine-tooth combs, sectioning clips, elastic bands, scissors, and a spray bottle. Products required: moisturizing shampoo and conditioner, leave-in conditioner, braiding gel or lightweight edge control, nourishing oil (castor or jojoba), and light hold pomade or spray. Difficulty level: intermediate to advanced (precision parting and shaving skills required). Maintenance tips: sleep on a satin scarf/bonnet, lightly oil the scalp weekly, refresh edges every 2–3 weeks, and re-do braids every 4–8 weeks to prevent buildup and minimize tension.
Mens Cornrows and Long Braids with Turban Wrap
This clean cornrow-to-long-braid look suits oval, square and oblong faces particularly well and can also lengthen round faces by drawing the eye vertically. Styling technique: create neat, evenly spaced partings and cornrow each section close to the scalp, then continue each row into three-strand or box braids to the desired length. Finish by gathering braids under a lightweight turban or scarf for a polished, cultural finish. Tools needed: rattail comb for parting, sectioning clips, a steady pair of hands (or professional braider), small elastic bands or braid cuffs, and a spray bottle. Products required: leave-in conditioner or detangling spray before braiding, light hold braid gel or edge control for flyaways, a moisturizing scalp oil (jojoba or coconut), and a braid-refresh or anti-frizz spray. Difficulty level: intermediate to advanced — time-consuming and best done by someone experienced in cornrows to avoid excessive tension. Maintenance tips: sleep with a silk or satin wrap, apply scalp oil once a week, refresh edges with light gel, wash gently every 2–3 weeks, and avoid excessively tight braiding to reduce risk of traction.
Mens Cornrows with Long Braids — Textured Braided Hairstyle
This sculpted cornrow style transitions into long three-strand braids for a textured, modern look that suits oval, square and heart-shaped faces particularly well; men with round faces benefit from the length which visually elongates the face, while those with long/oblong faces should avoid added top height. Technique: create clean, even partings with a rat-tail comb, cornrow the hair close to the scalp following natural hairlines, then feed or tie off into longer three-strand braids or extensions. Finish with small elastics, beads or metal cuffs as desired. Tools needed: rat-tail comb, sectioning clips, small elastic bands, crochet needle (for extensions), and a soft boar-bristle brush for edges. Products required: hydrating leave-in conditioner, light gel or edge control for neat parts, braid spray or scalp oil for moisture, and an anti-frizz serum. Difficulty: intermediate to advanced — consider a professional stylist for clean parting and even tension. Maintenance tips: sleep on a satin pillowcase or cap, reapply scalp oil weekly, avoid excessive tightness to prevent breakage, wash gently every 2–3 weeks, and refresh edges monthly.
Beaded Feed‑In Cornrows with Face‑Framing Braids for Men
This look pairs tight feed‑in cornrows with longer, beaded face‑framing braids for a polished, contemporary aesthetic. Suitability: ideal for oval, diamond, heart and oblong faces where the hanging braids accentuate cheekbones and add vertical balance. Men with round faces can adapt by keeping side braids shorter or adding height at the crown. Styling technique: section hair with a rattail comb, create clean parts, then use the feed‑in braiding method to add length and even tension. Finish face‑framing pieces with small beads or cuffs and secure with micro elastics. Tools needed: rattail comb, sectioning clips, fine‑tooth comb, edge brush, small elastics, beading tool or needle. Products required: moisturizing leave‑in conditioner, braiding/locking gel for hold, edge control for hairline, lightweight hair oil or scalp serum, and a frizz‑control spray. Difficulty level: intermediate to advanced — expect 2–4 hours depending on size and beadwork; professional braider recommended for best results. Maintenance tips: sleep on a satin scarf or pillowcase, lightly oil the scalp twice weekly, co‑wash or dilute shampoo as needed, avoid heavy build‑ups, and retouch or redo braids every 6–8 weeks to prevent breakage.
Cornrows to Low Bun with Thin Braids — Mens Braided Hairstyle
This cornrow-to-bun style features neat, thin feed-in/cornrow braids pulled into a low bun with loose braids falling past the nape. Suitability: flatters oval, square, and diamond face shapes; round faces benefit from added height at the crown or a tapered fade on the sides to lengthen the profile; long faces should avoid excessive top volume. Styling technique: section hair with a rattail comb, create small-to-medium straight-back cornrows or feed-in braids, braid tightly but comfortably, gather into a low bun and secure with elastic and pins. Tools needed: rattail comb, clips, small elastics, hair shears or clippers for edges, crochet needle (for added extensions), edge brush. Products required: moisturizing leave-in conditioner, lightweight oil or scalp serum, braid gel/cream for grip, edge control, and a clarifying shampoo for occasional cleanse. Difficulty level: moderate to high — best done by an experienced braider for symmetry and scalp health; expect 1–3 hours. Maintenance tips: sleep with a satin scarf/bonnet, oil scalp weekly, cleanse with diluted shampoo every 2–3 weeks, avoid keeping styles longer than 6–8 weeks, and refresh edges as needed.
Cornrows into Dreadlocks: Mens Braided Updo with Tied-Back Locs
This polished cornrow-to-dreadlocks style suits oval, square and heart-shaped faces particularly well — it elongates the profile and highlights cheekbones while offering balance for rounder faces when worn higher on the crown. Technique: create clean, even parts with a rat-tail comb and braid straight-back cornrows that lead into the crown; gather the rows and secure them into a ponytail or low bun, then wrap or tie existing locs and add decorative cuffs if desired. Tools needed: rat-tail comb, sectioning clips, strong elastic bands, crochet hook or latch tool (for tidy join-ins), and a mirror for symmetry. Recommended products: residue-free clarifying shampoo, moisturizing leave-in conditioner, light oil (jojoba or argan), and a holding cream or locking gel for fresh braids. Difficulty: moderate — neat cornrows and neat join-ins are best done by a barber or experienced braider and can take 1–3 hours. Maintenance: retwist or refresh cornrows every 4–6 weeks, sleep on a silk/satin scarf, avoid heavy waxes that attract lint, cleanse the scalp gently, and apply light oil weekly to prevent dryness and breakage.
Mens Cornrow Feed‑In Braids with Long Back Braids — Textured Hair Style
This structured cornrow look pairs neat feed‑in rows across the scalp with longer, thicker braids at the back — a protective, contemporary style for textured and coily hair. Face-shape suitability: flatters oval, square and heart shapes and helps elongate round faces; the defined rows also complement strong jawlines and paired facial hair. Styling technique: section clean, detangled hair with a rattail comb, apply a lightweight leave‑in, then create three‑strand feed‑in cornrows from the hairline toward the crown; add extensions only if you want extra length or uniform thickness, secure ends with small elastics and finish with a smoothing pass over edges. Tools needed: rattail comb, wide-tooth comb, detangling brush, small elastics/clips, edge brush, spray bottle and optional synthetic extensions. Products required: leave‑in conditioner, curl cream or butter, light-hold gel for parts and edges, scalp oil (jojoba or tea tree) and anti-frizz serum. Difficulty level: intermediate — expect 1.5–3 hours; pro recommended for precise feed‑in technique. Maintenance tips: sleep on satin, moisturize scalp weekly, refresh edges lightly, wash scalp gently every 1–2 weeks, and retouch or redo cornrows every 4–8 weeks to protect the hairline and prevent matting.
Mens Cornrow Braided Bun with Tapered Sides — Textured Hair Style
Suitability: This cornrow-to-bun look flatters oval, square, and oblong faces and can visually lengthen round faces. It works best on medium to coarse textured hair with at least 4–6 inches of length. Styling technique: Section the hair into neat parallel parts with a rat-tail comb, then cornrow each section toward the crown. Gather the braid ends into a low bun or tied ponytail and tidy edges for a clean finish. Tools needed: rat-tail comb, fine-tooth braiding comb, hair clips, elastic bands, clippers for tapered sides (if doing an undercut), and a crochet hook for tightening or repairing braids. Products required: moisturizing leave-in conditioner, lightweight oil or scalp serum (e.g., jojoba or grapeseed), braid gel or edge control for sleek parts, and a lightweight pomade to tame flyaways. Difficulty level: Intermediate — neat parting and even tension are essential; consider a professional braider for complex patterns or very tight tension. Maintenance tips: Sleep on a satin/silk scarf or pillowcase, cleanse scalp every 1–2 weeks with diluted shampoo or co-wash, reapply oil to prevent dryness, avoid excessive tension to protect edges, and refresh or redo braids every 4–8 weeks depending on growth and wear.
Mens Cornrow Braids into Low Ponytail — Braided Style for Afro Hair
This clean cornrow style pulled into a low ponytail suits oval, square and heart-shaped faces particularly well; the neat rows lengthen round faces and add structure for longer face shapes. Technique: work on well-detangled, lightly moisturized hair. Use a rattail comb to create straight parts, then cornrow each section with moderate tension — consider feed-in braids for a fuller look — and gather the ends into a low ponytail or bun. Tools needed: rattail comb, sectioning clips, small elastics, hair ties, and optional clipper for faded sides and tidy edges. Products required: leave-in conditioner or curl cream, edge control or gel for clean parts, braid spray or lightweight oil (jojoba/argan) for scalp health, and a light holding pomade for shine. Difficulty level: intermediate — doable at home with practice, but book a stylist for precise parting and tight, long-lasting rows. Maintenance tips: sleep on a satin bonnet or pillowcase, oil the scalp weekly, refresh edges and loose braids as needed, avoid excessive tension to prevent breakage, and plan to redo or touch up every 4–8 weeks depending on growth.
Tight Cornrows with Hard Part and Beard — Mens Braided Hairstyle
This look features tight, low-profile cornrows with a shaved side and clean hard part, paired with a natural beard. It flatters oval, square, oblong and heart-shaped faces — the crisp parts and vertical braids lengthen round faces while the defined sides emphasize strong jawlines. Technique: start with clean, detangled hair; use a rattail comb to map straight sections and clipper to carve the hard part and faded sides. Create close-to-scalp three-strand cornrows working from front to back, securing ends with small elastics and smoothing baby hairs with edge control. Tools needed: rattail comb, sectioning clips, clippers and detail trimmer, small elastics, wide-tooth comb and a silk/durag for nighttime. Products required: moisturizing leave-in conditioner, braid gel or cream for hold, lightweight oil (jojoba/argan) or scalp serum, and a braid-refresh spray to control itch and frizz. Difficulty level: moderate to advanced — clean parts and even tension are easier with a professional. Maintenance tips: cover hair at night, wash scalp gently weekly with diluted shampoo, reapply oil and braid spray, avoid over-tightening to prevent traction, and refresh or re-braid every 4–8 weeks depending on growth.
Cornrow Braids Pulled Back with Tapered Sides — Mens Braided Ponytail
This pulled-back cornrow style with a tapered/skin-fade side is flattering for oval, oblong, diamond, and heart-shaped faces; men with round faces can add height at the crown to lengthen proportions. It works best on tight coils or textured hair that holds a clean part and braid. Technique: section the hair with a rattail comb, braid tight-to-scalp cornrows directed toward the crown, then gather the braids into a low ponytail or bun. Finish with a clean taper or fade around the temples and neckline for contrast. Tools needed: clipper (for fade), rattail comb, braiding clips, elastic bands, and a boar-bristle brush for the edges. Products required: leave-in moisturizer or co-wash, light hold pomade or edge control, anti-frizz serum or lightweight oil, and a dry shampoo for scalp refresh. Difficulty: medium to high — professional or experienced braider recommended (45–90 minutes depending on size). Maintenance: sleep on a satin scarf, moisturize scalp twice weekly, avoid over-tightening to prevent traction, cleanse scalp with diluted shampoo or co-wash weekly, and plan touch-ups for the fade every 2–4 weeks and re-braiding every 6–8 weeks as needed.
High-Fade Cornrows into Long Single Braid — Mens Braided Mohawk
This contemporary braided mohawk pairs tight cornrows on the crown with a high skin fade and a long single braid cascading down the back. Face-shape suitability: works best for oval, round and square faces because the vertical braid adds height and the faded sides sharpen jawlines; men with oblong faces should avoid additional length without side volume. Styling technique: section the top into parallel thin rows, cornrow toward the centerline, gather the finished rows into one base and incorporate extension hair if extra length is desired, then three-strand braid down. Tools needed: professional clippers (multiple guards), rat-tail comb, hair clips, small elastics, and extension hair (optional). Products required: lightweight leave-in conditioner, braid gel or edge control for neat parts, scalp oil or spray for moisture, and a light holding spray for flyaways. Difficulty level: intermediate to advanced — best done by an experienced braider for crisp parts and even tension. Maintenance tips: sleep in a silk durag, moisturize scalp twice weekly, avoid overly tight braids to prevent traction, and get side fade touch-ups every 2–3 weeks; redo cornrows every 4–8 weeks depending on regrowth.
Braided Cornrows to Top Knot — Mens Textured Bun with Bead Accents
This look pairs tight cornrows braided back from the hairline into a high top knot, finished with decorative beads and cuffs for texture and personal style. Suitability: flatters oval, square and heart-shaped faces by adding vertical height and elongation; round faces benefit from the height to create a slimmer silhouette. Styling technique: section hair into thin-to-medium rows, create feed-in or traditional cornrows toward the crown, gather braid ends into a bun and secure with a strong elastic or small wrap; add beads and cuffs onto finished braids. Tools needed: rat-tail comb, comb clips, small elastic bands, hair ties, bead applicator or crochet needle (optional), and clippers for clean edges. Products required: lightweight leave-in conditioner, moisturizing oil or scalp serum, edge-control gel for neat hairline, braid sheen spray and a residue-free clarifying shampoo. Difficulty level: intermediate to advanced — professional braiding recommended for tight, even rows; expect 1–4 hours. Maintenance tips: sleep with a silk/satin scarf, lightly oil the scalp twice weekly, avoid heavy buildup, refresh edges and beads as needed and wash gently every 2–4 weeks.
Cornrow Braids with Tapered Undercut and Low Ponytail for Men
This look combines tight cornrow braids along the crown with a tapered undercut and a secured low ponytail — a versatile style that flatters oval and square faces best by emphasizing strong jawlines and balanced proportions. Men with longer faces can also wear it; keeping braids closer to the scalp or adding volume at the ponytail helps balance rounder shapes. Styling technique: section hair cleanly with a rat-tail comb, clip away unused sections, braid small-to-medium cornrows toward the back, and secure into a low ponytail. Finish by blending the sides with clippers for a neat taper or skin fade. Tools needed: rat-tail comb, sectioning clips, clippers (or barber visit), small elastic bands, and a fine-tooth comb. Products required: leave-in conditioner, lightweight styling gel or edge control for neat parts, anti-frizz serum, scalp oil or braid sheen, and a sulfate-free shampoo for gentle cleansing. Difficulty level: intermediate; clean parts and fades are best done by a barber. Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk/satin scarf, moisturize scalp biweekly, avoid excessive tension to prevent breakage, touch up the fade every 2–4 weeks, and redo braids every 6–8 weeks depending on new growth.
Braided Top Knot with Cornrow Undercut — Mens Protective Braids
This braided top knot with cornrow undercut combines neat side cornrows, textured long braids, and a tied bun for a contemporary protective style. Suitability: flatters oval and square faces by adding height and definition; heart and rectangular faces benefit from the volume on top; round faces can use a higher knot and sharper fade to elongate the profile. Styling technique: start with clean, detangled hair, set clean parting lines, braid the sides into tight cornrows or wave patterns, plait the top into individual braids and gather into a low or high bun. Tools needed: rat-tail comb, wide-tooth comb, sectioning clips, small elastics, edge brush and optional crochet needle for extensions. Products required: leave-in conditioner, braid cream or wax for control, light-hold gel for edges, lightweight scalp oil (jojoba or argan) and anti-frizz spray. Difficulty level: intermediate–advanced; precision fades and cornrows are best done by an experienced stylist. Maintenance tips: sleep with a silk scarf, moisturize scalp twice weekly, gently cleanse every 1–2 weeks, avoid overly tight braids, and refresh edges or touch up the fade every 3–6 weeks to keep the look sharp.
Mens Cornrow-to-Braided Ponytail — Textured Braids & Low Bun
Perfect for men with oval, oblong or square faces — and effective for adding length to round faces — this cornrow-to-braid style pairs tight flat braids at the hairline with thicker twists or box braids gathered into a low ponytail or bun. To create it, start on clean, detangled hair; section with a rat-tail comb and clip, then flat-braid or twist small rows toward the crown using a feed-in technique for even thickness. Transition the braid ends into larger two-strand twists or three-strand braids and secure with a small elastic or wrap into a low bun. Tools: rat-tail comb, sectioning clips, detangling brush, fine-tooth comb, elastic bands and optional diffuser. Products: leave-in conditioner, lightweight moisturizing cream or butter, edge control or light gel for clean parts, anti-frizz serum and a braid/scalp spray to maintain hydration. Difficulty: intermediate — allow 1.5–3 hours depending on density. Maintenance tips: sleep on silk or satin, mist scalp and braids twice weekly, lightly oil the scalp to prevent dryness, retouch edges every 2–3 weeks, and refresh the entire style or redo cornrows every 6–8 weeks to avoid breakage.
Neat Cornrows with Long Braids and Bead Accents — Mens Braided Hairstyle
This sleek cornrow style with long, finished braids and decorative beads suits oval, oblong and square faces particularly well; men with round faces can elongate their profile by keeping rows tighter and adding height at the crown. Technique: start on clean, detangled hair; use a rat-tail comb to create even straight parts, apply a leave-in and light gel or braid jam, then cornrow each section tightly to the scalp and feed into longer three-strand braids or twists. Tools needed: rat-tail comb, sectioning clips, spray bottle, fine-tooth comb, and optionally a latch hook or braiding needle for added extensions or bead threading. Products: moisturizing shampoo and conditioner, leave-in conditioner, braiding gel/edge control, lightweight scalp oil (jojoba or coconut), and holding spray for shine. Difficulty: intermediate — precise parting and tension control matter; expect 1–3 hours depending on size and length. Maintenance tips: sleep with a satin scarf/bonnet, oil the scalp weekly, avoid excessive re-tightening to prevent traction, refresh edges with a small amount of gel, and remove or redo braids after 6–8 weeks to protect hair health.
Braided Cornrows with Undercut — Mens Tight Back Braids
This clean braided cornrows style with a tapered/undercut side is versatile and modern. Face-shape suitability: works best for oval, square and oblong faces (it adds structure and length); men with round faces should opt for higher contrast or looser braids to avoid over-softening. Styling technique: section the top into even rows with a rat-tail comb, clip away excess, then braid each row tight to the scalp using three-strand or feed-in braiding for a natural build; pull the finished braids back and secure with small elastics or beads. Tools needed: rat-tail comb, sectioning clips, clippers (for the fade/undercut), small elastics or beads, and a fine-tooth edge brush. Products required: leave-in conditioner, lightweight braid cream or pomade for hold, scalp oil (argan/shea) for moisture, anti-frizz serum and a braid-refresh spray. Difficulty level: intermediate to advanced — professional barber/stylist recommended for neat parts and even tension. Maintenance tips: sleep on satin, moisturize scalp 2–3× weekly, refresh edges gently, wash with diluted shampoo weekly, and redo or remove after 8–12 weeks to prevent breakage.
Mens Cornrows with Long Beaded Braids — Braided Hairstyle for Modern Men
This defined cornrow-to-braid style pairs tight scalp plaiting with long, beaded free braids and a fabric headband—ideal for men who want a bold, textured look. Face-shape suitability: most flattering on oval, square and round faces because the vertical length of the braids helps elongate the profile; those with long or rectangular faces should keep braids lower and add side volume to avoid extra height. Styling technique: section hair with a rat-tail comb, create neat cornrows along the scalp, then transition into three-strand or box braids down the length; incorporate beads, thread wraps or small metallic accents before securing with elastics; finish with a lightweight headwrap or scarf. Tools needed: rat-tail comb, sectioning clips, small elastics, beading needle, clippers for tapered sides (optional), blunt scissors. Products required: sulfate-free shampoo, moisturizing leave-in conditioner, lightweight oil (jojoba or coconut), braid spray and edge control gel. Difficulty level: intermediate — expect 3–6 hours for a full set; professional braider recommended for precision. Maintenance tips: wash gently every 1–2 weeks with diluted cleanser, keep scalp moisturized, sleep on a satin scarf, touch up loose cornrows and remove braids after 8–12 weeks to prevent matting.
Mens Cornrows into Braided Low Ponytail — Sleek Protective Style
This tightly patterned cornrow style finished into a low braided ponytail is a polished, protective look suited to modern men. Face-shape suitability: ideal for oval and square faces and flattering on heart-shaped profiles; for longer faces, keep braids lower on the scalp to avoid elongation. Styling technique: section hair with a rat-tail comb, apply a leave-in and light braiding gel, then braid clean, even cornrows toward the crown using feed-in or traditional braiding; gather and secure braids into a low ponytail or bun. Tools needed: rat-tail comb, hair clips, elastic bands, clippers (for tapered sides if desired) and a crochet needle if adding extensions. Products required: leave-in conditioner, braiding cream or gel, edge-control pomade, lightweight hair oil, and a sulfate-free clarifying shampoo. Difficulty level: moderate to high — professional braiding is recommended for best tension and symmetry; expect 1.5–3 hours. Maintenance tips: moisturize the scalp weekly, sleep with a silk/satin scarf or pillowcase, refresh edges sparingly, wash gently every 1–2 weeks, and plan a redo every 6–8 weeks to prevent tension and breakage.
Tied-Back Cornrows into Long Braids — Mens Protective Braided Hairstyle
This tied-back cornrow style transitions into long box braids/dreads for a bold, modern look. Face-shape suitability: ideal for oval, oblong, and square faces where the length and vertical lines add definition; it can also elongate round faces when worn pulled back. Styling technique: section the hair with a rat-tail comb, create tight cornrows on the sides using feed-in or traditional braiding to the crown, then continue into long box braids or incorporate into a low bun or ponytail. Tools needed: rat-tail comb, wide-tooth comb, sectioning clips, braiding thread/ties, small elastics, trimmer for clean edges, and optionally a crochet needle for extensions. Products required: leave-in conditioner, lightweight oil (jojoba or argan), braid spray or moisturizing mist, edge control for neat hairline, and a light-hold gel for smoothing. Difficulty level: advanced—best done by a skilled braider or stylist; expect several hours depending on length and density. Maintenance tips: moisturize scalp twice weekly, wash gently with diluted shampoo every 1–2 weeks, dry fully, sleep with a satin scarf, avoid excessive tension to prevent traction damage, and retouch or remove after 6–8 weeks to preserve hair health.
Straight-Back Cornrows with High Skin Fade — Mens Braided Undercut
This style pairs tight, straight-back cornrows with a high skin fade for a clean, modern braided undercut. Face-shape suitability: ideal for oval, square, heart and oblong faces — the length of the braids adds vertical definition and can slim a round face; men with fine hair should consider added extensions. Styling technique: start with a precise clipper fade on the sides and back (skin to a short guard), then section the top into even rows with a rattail comb and braid hair tightly from the hairline toward the crown. Secure ends with small elastics or thread and lay edges with a light control product. Tools needed: clippers and guards, trimmer, rattail comb, sectioning clips, small elastics, optional synthetic braiding hair. Products required: leave-in conditioner, lightweight oil for the scalp, braid gel or edge control, anti-itch scalp spray and a residue-free clarifying shampoo. Difficulty level: intermediate to advanced — best done by an experienced barber/braider for a neat fade and even tension. Maintenance tips: cleanse weekly, moisturize scalp daily, sleep with a satin scarf, touch up the fade every 2–4 weeks and redo braids every 4–8 weeks depending on growth and tension.
Textured Short Quiff with Tapered Sides for Men
A versatile textured short quiff with tapered sides that suits oval, square and diamond face shapes and helps elongate round faces by adding height at the crown. Styling technique: towel-dry hair until slightly damp, apply a volumizing pre-styler (sea salt spray or lightweight mousse) at the roots, then blow-dry while lifting the hair with your fingers or a medium round brush to create volume and separation. Work a pea-sized amount of matte clay or paste between your palms, distribute through mid-lengths to ends, and finger-sculpt the quiff back and slightly to the side for a natural textured finish. Tools needed: hairdryer with nozzle, medium round or vent brush, styling comb and barber scissors or clippers for the tapered sides. Products required: volumizing spray or mousse, matte clay/paste (or light pomade for sheen), light-hold hairspray and a heat protectant. Difficulty level: easy–medium; 3–7 minutes daily once you learn the finger-sculpting technique. Maintenance tips: schedule a trim every 4–6 weeks to keep the taper neat, shampoo 2–3 times weekly with conditioner, refresh texture with dry shampoo between washes, and keep beard grooming coordinated for a balanced look.
Textured Wavy Fringe with Natural Volume — Mens Modern Hairstyle
A relaxed, textured wavy fringe that keeps natural volume on top while slightly tapering the sides. Face-shape suitability: works best for oval, oblong and square faces where added top volume balances proportions; it can also suit round faces if the sides are kept tighter to elongate the silhouette. Styling technique: start with towel-dried hair, apply a light volumizing mousse or sea-salt spray from roots to ends, then blow-dry using fingers or a wide-tooth brush to lift the roots and guide the fringe forward and slightly to the side. Finish by raking a pea-sized matte clay or paste through mid-lengths and tips to create separation and hold. Tools needed: blow dryer, wide-tooth brush or vent brush, small round brush for extra lift, and barber scissors or texturizing shears for the cut. Products required: volumizing mousse or sea-salt spray, matte clay/paste, light-hold hairspray and a hydrating conditioner. Difficulty level: easy–moderate (a quick daily routine with moderate styling skill). Maintenance tips: trim every 4–6 weeks to maintain shape, condition regularly to preserve texture, avoid heavy oils that weigh hair down, and restyle each morning with a little water and product.
Textured Tousled Fringe for Men — Wavy Messy Top Hairstyle
Soft, textured tousled fringe with natural waves creates a relaxed, modern look that flatters oval, heart and diamond face shapes and can soften a strong square jaw. Men with round faces should add extra height at the crown to avoid widening. To style: start with towel‑damp hair, apply a light sea‑salt spray or volumizing mousse through roots and lengths. Use a blow dryer with a diffuser or blow‑dry while scrunching with fingers to encourage wave and lift; direct the fringe slightly to one side. Finish by working a pea‑sized amount of matte clay or low‑shine paste through ends to define texture and separate pieces; use a light‑hold hairspray to lock shape if needed. Tools needed: hair dryer with diffuser, wide‑tooth comb or fingers, round brush (optional), quality scissors for trims. Products: sea salt spray or mousse, leave‑in conditioner (for dry hair), matte clay/paste, light hairspray. Difficulty: easy–medium — straightforward daily routine once you learn the airflow and product amounts. Maintenance: trim every 4–6 weeks to preserve shape, avoid daily heavy washing, condition regularly, and refresh style with water or spray and rework with paste.
Textured Short Crop with Natural Fringe and Low Taper
This modern textured crop works especially well for oval, square and heart-shaped faces — it adds structure without overwhelming narrower features. For round faces, keep additional height at the crown to lengthen the profile and avoid heavy fringe. To style: start with towel-damp hair, mist a sea-salt or texturizing spray and rough-dry with a blow dryer while using your fingers or a diffuser to lift the roots. Apply a small amount of matte clay or paste to warm in your hands, then work through the top in short, forward strokes to create separated texture and a natural fringe. Tools needed: blow dryer (diffuser optional), wide-tooth comb or vent brush, and trimming scissors or clippers for upkeep. Recommended products: sea-salt spray or light pre-styler, matte clay/paste for texture, and a light-hold hairspray for longevity. Difficulty level: easy–medium — quick to learn and fast to restyle. Maintenance tips: visit the barber every 4–6 weeks for the taper and fringe trim, shampoo 2–3 times weekly to preserve natural oils, and refresh texture between washes with a little dry shampoo or reapply a tiny amount of product.
Fulani braids are a stylish, protective option that can be tailored to many men’s looks — from understated to statement-making. My practical advice: communicate clearly with your stylist about tension and desired parting, prep hair with a deep-conditioning session beforehand, and keep the scalp moisturized with lightweight oils or leave-in products. Retighten or refresh braids every 4–6 weeks and avoid leaving styles in beyond 6–8 weeks to minimize breakage. Sleep with a silk or satin scarf, cleanse the scalp gently between installs, and pair braids with complementary fades or beard grooming for a cohesive result. Use the 28 images in this post as reference when booking your appointment — bring the exact look you like and be open to small adjustments based on your hair density and face shape. With sensible care and a trusted stylist, Fulani braids can deliver lasting style and healthy hair.
