There are endless tribal half up half down braids for black hair inspirations waiting for you to try! You can try classic goddess braids or experiment with blonde braids for a modern take. You can even play with different kinds of accessories. This hairstyle is both an homage to the rich African braiding styles and a display of an ever-evolving work of art.
Tribal Half Up Half Down Braids For Black Hair
There is no single way to do a tribal half up half down braids for black hair. But generally speaking, it is a hairstyle characterized by a combination of two types of braids. First is a braiding design and pattern that is close to the scalp from the forehead until the crown of the head. Second is box braids or boho braids beginning from the section across the top of the ears and going down the nape.
But before I talk about the tribal half up half down braids for black hair in detail, let us first understand what tribal braids are.
Introducing Tribal Braids
Tribal braids refer to the different braiding designs and patterns often accessorized with beads, clips, pearls, shells and rings that originated from Africa as far back as 3500 BC. Each type of tribal braid carries a rich cultural significance and practical purpose throughout history.
Cultural Significance of Tribal Braids
In early African culture, braids are symbols of identity. They distinguish one tribe from another. And within each tribe, braids indicate the age, marital status, wealth, and power of the members. During times of slavery, tribal braids also functioned as a language. They were used to communicate escape routes that would lead to freedom and safety. Today, tribal braids continue to spread awareness regarding the richness and beauty of black people’s history.
Practical Purpose of Tribal Braids
Aside from being attractive and having deep cultural meaning, tribal braids also serve a practical purpose. They are protective hairstyles that tuck away the natural black hair to minimize exposure to environmental stressors that cause hair damage and breakage.
Types of Tribal Half Up Half Down Braids For Black Hair
There are different types of tribal half up half down braids for black hair. In this section, I am going to introduce to you some of the most popular types of tribal braids that you can do.
Fulani Braids
IG/@milouhair_designTribal braids are often confused with Fulani braids. But actually, the Fulani braid is a type of tribal braid that originated from the Fula or Fulani people of West Africa. The Fulani tribal half up half down braid for black hair has 3 prominent components. First, there are braids on the center of the head. Second, there are two long plaits on the side of the head. Last, the braids are adorned with accessories like beads, pearls, and shells.
Ghana Braids
IG/@dubaisalon_hairstylistGhana braid is a type of tribal braid that begins from the top front of the head all the way to the back. But unlike Cornrows, Ghana braids start braiding the natural hair, then gradually feeding hair extensions to make the braids look fuller and thicker as it goes down.
Lemonade Braids
The lemonade braid is another type of tribal braid that closely resembles Ghana braid. This type of braid is usually side-swept and lies close to the scalp. Lemonade braids can also be worn with hair extensions to make them appear fuller and thicker. It can also be worn as blonde or red. These braids can vary from small to medium to large.
Goddess or Boho Braids
A goddess or boho braid is a scalp braid with unplaited curly ends. The style can be achieved by braiding the hair into cornrows or other scalp braids and then letting the ends hang loose and curly. Goddess braids are often decorated with beads, shells, or other accessories.
Stitch Braids
Based on the name itself, a stitch braid is a type of tribal braid that looks like stitches. Stitch tribal half up, half down braids on black hair can either have uniform sections and braids or alternating thick and thin sections and braids.
Box Braids
Box braid is a popular type of tribal braid where the hair is sectioned into alternating small, medium, or large squares that look like boxes. Box braids can be fed with colored hair extensions.
Tribal Half Up Half Down Braids For Black Hair Inspirations
High Bun Tribal Half Up Half Down Braids
Stand out in any crowd with high bun tribal half up half down braids for black hair. To do this, gather half of your box braids into a bun on your crown. This hairstyle radiates a powerful goddess vibe that is sure to charm everyone.
Snake Tribal Half Up Half Down Braids
IG/@joneadollhouseThe snake tribal braid is a variation of the classic cornrow. Unlike traditional cornrows, which are straight and parallel, the snake tribal braid features a series of S-shaped curves. These curves give the braid a snake-like appearance, hence its name. The result is a unique and eye-catching tribal half up half down braid style that is perfect for those who want to add a bit of flair to their look.
Blonde Tribal Half Up Half Down Braids
Simple tribal half up half down braids for black hair can look hot and gorgeous with blonde hair extensions. The color itself is the style. That is why you can just let those tribal braids naturally flow down. This hairstyle is stunning no matter what the occasion is.
Braided Bantu Knots Up Half Down Braids
If you are in for some play, try out this braided Bantu knots tribal half up half down braids for black hair! You can even do as many mini buns as you like. This look communicates fun and makes you seem approachable. Wear this hairstyle on your next day out.
Scalp Tribal Braids With Long Curly Ends
Ig/@reformedhairBraids or curls? Why choose when you can have both. Try out these scalp tribal braids with long curly ends for more hair, body, and volume. This hairstyle is beautiful and effortless. Looks perfect for your next intimate dinner date!
Half Criss Cross Up Half Down Box Braids
IG/@bccahairThis criss-cross braids style is another unique way to style your normal box braids. This style is created by plaiting together two strands of hair in a box pattern. The result is a series of criss-cross columns that can be used to create a distinctive tribal braid variation. Add some beads or rings to accentuate the look!
Tribal Half Up Half Down Boho Braids with Hearts
IG/@mar_shecooksLove is in the hair! Make heart-shaped patterns using your tribal braids to achieve this lovely hairstyle. You can also combine it with long curly ends for a boho vibe. Let everyone fall in love with these tribal braids with a heart look wherever you go.
How To Do Tribal Half Up Half Down Braids For Black Hair?
Feeling inspired after seeing the tribal half-up, half-down braids for black hair? Now it is time for you to recreate this hairstyle at home.
Step 1: Wash your hair
Wash your scalp and hair thoroughly to remove dirt, oil, build-up, and residues. This is an important step before getting your tribal half-up, half-down braid hairstyle. Note that it will take another two weeks for your next wash; that is why you want your hair to be as clean and fresh as it can be. Option to follow shampoo with conditioner to improve your hair texture, as well as detangle and moisturize your hair.
Best Tribal Half Up Half Down Braids For Black Hair Shampoo
Step 2: Dry your hair
After washing, your hair needs to be completely dry. If you do tribal half up half down braids with wet hair, it can develop molds and smell. That is why I suggest you towel dry, air dry, and even blow dry your hair to be safe.
Step 3: Prepare your hair for styling
You are now ready to prepare your hair for styling. Grab a brush and run it through your hair to detangle and to remove the frizziness. Apply a leave-in conditioner or a light hair oil, especially near the ends, to prevent breakage and damage.
Step 4: Decide on the type of braid you will use
Next, you have to decide what type of tribal half up half down braids for black hair you will use. Refer to the types of tribal braids that I showed you above for some inspiration.
Step 5: Prepare hair extensions
Once your natural hair is ready and you have decided what type of tribal braids you will do, it is time to prepare your hair extensions. You can choose black or play with colors. I recommend that you buy a pack of 8 kanekalon hair to ensure that you have enough. Brush your hair extensions and separate them into thin strands using a braid holder.
Step 6: Section hair
Now it is time to part your hair into two major sections. Draw a line from the top of one ear to the other. This will mark the divide between the half up braid and half down braid. After that, part the two major sections into smaller sections depending on the design and pattern that you are after.
Step 7: Braid hair
After sectioning your hair, it is now time to braid your hair. I highly suggest that you begin braiding from the nape going up to the crown of your head. After you are done with the half down section, proceed to braid the hair from the forehead to the crown and complete your half-up section.
Step 8: Insert Hair Extensions
You are also going to insert hair extensions. You can either insert all at once starting from the roots of each section or gradually as you braid your way down. It depends on the type of tribal braid you are doing.
Step 9: Apply Conditioning Styling Gel
Apply conditioning styling gel as you insert hair extensions and braid it with your natural hair. This will set your braids in place and make it look clean.
Step 10: Secure your braids
After successfully inserting hair strands, braid your natural and synthetic hair all the way down. Once you reach the end, secure it with an elastic band. Style tribal half up half down braids for black hair according to your preference.
Best Tribal Half Up Half Down Braids For Black Hair Products
Now you know how to make your own tribal half up half down braids for black hair. It is time to buy the best products and tools that you will need.
Kanekalon Braiding Hair
In order to make tribal half up half down braids for black hair, you will need 8 packs of kanekalon braiding hair. This is a pre-stretched synthetic fibers that resembles African natural hair. The texture and quality of these hair extensions seamlessly blend to create gorgeous-looking plaits.
Shampoo
The African Pride Black Castor Miracle Braid and Scalp Rinse contain ingredients that remove build-up, detoxify impurities, soothe itching, reduce frizz, and condition hair. It has no unwanted chemicals like parabens, sulfates, mineral oil, and petroleum.
Leave-in Conditioner
The Maui Moisture Frizz-free + Shea Butter will definitely keep your tribal braids hydrated. This hair care product helps protect against damage and breakage. It will also helps preserve tribal braids longer.
Conditioning Styling Gel
The Shine ‘N Jam Extra Hold is probably the best conditioning styling gel for all types of braids. Professional hairstylists highly recommend this product. It keeps edges and stubborn hair in place, leaving your tribal braids looking sleek and clean.
Tribal Braid Hair Holder
I highly suggest that you buy a hair holder if you decide to make your own tribal half up half down braids for black hair. This tool will help you organize your strands of kanekalon hair, allowing you to work faster.
Silk Hair Cap
Always sleep with your silk hair cap to protect your tribal braids. This will minimize the tugging and pulling that cause frizz, breakage, and damage as you move in bed..
Tribal Half Up Half Down Braids For Black Hair Care Tips
Shampoo
Wash your tribal half up half down braids for black hair every 2 weeks. I recommend that you use sulfate-free shampoo. This type of shampoo has a mild cleansing and is safe that effectively removes dirt, oil, dandruff, build-up, and other impurities.
Dry
After washing your scalp and hair, dry your tribal half up half down braids for black hair completely. Gently towel dry, air dry, and blow dry your hair. While you want to dry your hair thoroughly to avoid molds and smell, you also want to prevent loosening and frizz.
Moisturize
Like other protective hairstyles, tribal half up half down braids for black hair can make your hair dry. Making it brittle and prone to breakage and damage. Moisturize your scalp and hair with a leave-in conditioner or natural light hair oil as often as needed.
Cover With Silk Cap
Protect your tribal half up half down braids for black hair from tugging, pulling, and loosening during sleep. Cover it with a silk cap to keep it secured and intact.
Don’t Keep it For Too Long
Do not keep your tribal half up half down braids for black hair for over 8 weeks. Doing so can cause hair drying, damage, and breakage. Your hair also needs to breathe and regenerate from time to time.
Tribal Half Up Half Down Braids For Black Hair FAQs
What hair type is good for tribal half up half down braids for black hair?
Tribal half up half down braids for black hair are perfect for those with textured hair types. Those with type 3 and 4 hair can make the most of these hairstyles. Whether your hair is short, medium-length or long, you can wear the different beautiful tribal braids above both for aesthetic purposes and protection.
How many packs of hair do you need to make tribal half up half down braids for black hair?
To be safe, prepare a pack of 8 kanekalon hair to make tribal half up half down braids for black hair.
How often do you need to wash tribal braids for black hair?
Wash your tribal half up half down braids for black hair every 2 weeks. Use sulfate-free shampoos to safely remove dirt, oil, dandruff, build-up, and other impurities.
How long do tribal braids for black hair last?
On average, tribal braids for black hair can last from 4 to 8 weeks. That said, take note that the time frame may vary depending on the type of tribal braids, as well as the quality of installation and maintenance.
Bottomline
Tribal half up half down braids for black hair exude pure elegance. This hairstyle is a definite must-try for women who want to showcase their facial features with intricate and exquisite braids. The pattern combinations and styling possibilities are endless. That is why you can always feel unique and confident with the look that you choose to wear. Always remember to follow the instructions and care tips well to ensure quality and longer-lasting tribal half up half down braids.
The result is a unique and eye-catching braid style that is perfect for those who want to add a bit of flair to their look.
