Cornrow braids are a timeless hairstyle that has evolved over centuries. From their deep cultural roots to their modern-day versatility, cornrows are more than just a hairstyle—they're a statement. This comprehensive guide will cover everything you need to know about cornrow braids, from their history to top styling inspirations and maintenance tips, etc.
What are Cornrows?
Cornrows are a traditional African hairstyle where the hair is braided very close to the scalp in straight lines or intricate patterns. This style has a rich history and cultural significance in many African communities and the African diaspora. Historically, cornrows were not only a practical hairstyle but also a way to express identity, social status, and cultural heritage.
In modern times, cornrows have transcended cultural boundaries and become a popular hairstyle worldwide, celebrated for their versatility and protective qualities. They can be simple or elaborate, adorned with beads, rings, or colored extensions to create a personalized look.
Pros and Cons of Cornrows
Pros:
- Low Maintenance: Once installed, cornrow braids require minimal daily upkeep. This makes them an excellent choice for people with busy lifestyles or those looking for a break from daily hair styling.
- Versatility: Cornrow hairstyles can range from simple straight-back to intricate designs with patterns and embellishments. This versatility allows for endless creativity and personalization.
- Protective Hairstyle: Cornrows protect natural hair from daily wear and tear, environmental damage, and manipulation. This helps in retaining length and promoting healthy hair growth.
- Long-Lasting: When properly maintained, cornrow braids can last anywhere from two to eight weeks, making them a convenient option for those looking for a long-lasting hairstyle.
Cons:
- Time-Consuming: Creating cornrow braids, especially intricate designs, can take several hours. This requires patience and often the assistance of a skilled braider.
- Scalp Tension: If cornrows are braided too tightly, they can cause discomfort, headaches, and even scalp damage. It's crucial to ensure that the braids are done at a comfortable tension to avoid these issues.
- Requires Skill: Achieving neat and beautiful cornrows often requires professional expertise. While some people can braid their own hair, many prefer to seek the help of experienced braiders for the best results.
What Hair Type is Best for Cornrows?
Cornrows can be done on various hair types, but they hold best on textured hair, such as kinky or coily hair. These hair types provide the necessary grip to keep the braids intact and looking neat for longer periods. However, people with straighter hair types can also enjoy cornrows by using hair extensions or opting for cornrow wigs.
Preparation Tips for Different Hair Textures:
- Kinky/Coily Hair: Ensure your hair is clean, deeply conditioned, and detangled. Use a leave-in conditioner and a light oil to keep the hair moisturized.
- Curly Hair: Similar to kinky hair, make sure your hair is well-conditioned and detangled. Stretching the hair slightly with a blow dryer can make the braiding process easier.
- Straight/Wavy Hair: Prepare the hair by adding texture with a light mousse or texturizing spray. This helps the braids hold better. Extensions can also be added for more grip and volume.
How to Cornrow Your Own Hair?
Step-by-Step Guide:
Step 1: Prep Your Hair:
Start with clean, detangled hair. Wash your hair with a gentle shampoo and follow up with a deep conditioner to ensure your hair is hydrated. Apply a leave-in conditioner and a light oil to lock in moisture and make the hair more manageable.
Step 2: Section Your Hair:
Use a rat-tail comb to create even sections where you want the cornrows. It's essential to section your hair neatly to ensure that the braids are uniform and tidy. Clip away the sections you're not working on to keep them out of the way.
Step 3: Start Braiding:
Take a small section of hair at the front and divide it into three equal parts. Begin braiding close to the scalp, adding more hair from the section as you go along. The key is to keep the braid tight and close to the scalp to create a smooth, neat look.
Step 4: Secure the Ends:
Once you reach the end of your scalp, continue braiding the hair to the tip or secure it with a small elastic band. If you're using extensions, make sure they're securely incorporated into the braid.
Step 5: Repeat:
Continue the process for all sections. Take your time to ensure each braid is neat and consistent. Patience is crucial for achieving professional-looking cornrows.
Tips for Beginners:
- Start with simpler styles and gradually move to more complex designs as you gain confidence.
- Use a mirror or have a friend help you to ensure the back of your head is as neat as the front.
- Practice makes perfect—don't be discouraged if your first attempt isn't flawless.
Top 30 Chic Cornrows Hairstyles for Inspiration
1. Straight Back Cornrows:
Classic and sleek, suitable for any occasion. This style involves braiding the hair straight back from the forehead to the nape, creating a timeless and elegant look.
2. Two French Braids:
A stylish yet simple look. This involves two large cornrows starting from the front of the head and ending at the nape, perfect for a casual or sporty appearance.
3. Center Part Cornrows:
Perfect for a symmetrical and polished appearance. This style features a center part with neat cornrows braided straight back, giving a clean and balanced look.
4. Cornrows with Beads:
Add beads for a touch of tribal flair. Beads can be incorporated at the ends of the braids or throughout the length for a playful and decorative effect.
5. Half Cornrows, Half Big Hair:
Combines the sleekness of cornrows with voluminous natural 4c hair. The front part of the hair is cornrowed, while the back is left loose and fluffy, creating a striking contrast.
6. Cornrow into a High Ponytail:
Sporty and chic. The hair is cornrowed up towards the crown and gathered into a sleek high ponytail, ideal for an active lifestyle.
7. Half Cornrows, Half Crochet Curly Hair:
A blend of textures for a unique style. The front is braided, and the back is styled with curly crochet hair, adding a tribal flair to the trendy and voluminous look.
8. Blue Cornrows into a Top Knot with Two In-Front-Of-Ear Braids:
This look is all about bold and trendy. This style uses blue extensions to add a pop of bright color to the look, making it a stunning style that is sure to turn heads. With two braids framing the face and the rest gathered into a top knot, make it a chic combo of bold and sleek.
9. Cornrows with Adornments:
This look incorporates shells for a glamorous touch. Hair cuffs, rings, and other adornments can be added to the braids for an extra sparkle.
10. Cornrows with Space Buns:
Fun and playful. The hair is cornrowed and then styled into two buns on top of the head, perfect for a youthful and energetic look.
11. Bob Cornrows:
Short and stylish for a modern look. The short hair is cornrowed into a shoulder length, making it a chic and manageable look.
12. Burgundy Cornrow Updo:
Adds a pop of shining color for a striking effect. Feed in burgundy extensions as you braid and gather the braids into a high updo, providing a bold and sophisticated appearance.
13. Alternating Thin and Thick Cornrows:
This should be the most simple way to create a dynamic pattern for a unique look. This style alternates between thin and thick braids, adding texture and visual interest.
14. Cornrows with Bubble Pigtails:
A youthful and cute style. The front hair is cornrowed in an intricate pattern while sections of hair are styled into bubble pigtails, with beads decorated, adding a tribal vibe to the look, perfect for a fun and unique look.
15. Honey Blonde Micro Cornrows with Curls:
Light and summery. The hair is styled into tiny cornrows with honey blonde extensions, ending in loose curls, making it a perfect combo of sleek and sophisticated look.
16. Purple Cornrows in a High Ponytail:
Vibrant and bold. Purple extensions are used to create a high ponytail, making a bold fashion statement.
17. Micro Cornrows:
Intricate and detailed. Tiny, closely braided cornrows create a detailed and textured look, ideal for those who want to showcase their beautiful head shape.
18. Feed-In Braids:
Natural-looking and fuller appearance. Hair is added gradually to the braid, creating a fuller and more natural look.
19. Fulani Braids:
Traditional and beautiful. This style features a central cornrow braided from the front to the back, often adorned with beads, cowrie shells, and decorative hair accessories, inspired by the Fulani people of West Africa.
20. Lemonade Braids:
Popularized by celebrities, elegant and stylish. Lemonade braids are named after Beyonce's “Lemonade album” in which she frequently rocked a side-swept cornrow style. These side-swept braids create a sleek and glamorous look.
21. Braided Back Cornrows into a High Ponytail with Curly Ends:
Sophisticated and practical. The hair is cornrowed back and gathered into a high ponytail, with the ends left curly, adding texture to the sleek look.
22. Cornrows with Geometric Patterns:
Artistic and eye-catching. The braids are styled into intricate geometric patterns, creating a unique and striking look, ideal for those who desire to stand out from the crowd.
23. Snaky Cornrows with Flowing Curls:
Adds movement and texture. The cornrows are styled in a snaky pattern, with loose curls at the ends for a carefree and dynamic look.
24. Lemonade Braids into a Low Bun:
The hair is styled into lemonade braids and gathered into a low bun at the nape of the neck, making it an elegant and chic look.
25. Zig-Zag Cornrows Updo:
Fun and creative. The cornrows are braided in a zig-zag pattern and styled into an updo, perfect for a bold and playful look.
26. Straight-Back Cornrows Boho Braids:
A mix of neat and loose for a bohemian vibe. The cornrows are braided straight back, with loose, boho-style braids added for a relaxed and carefree look.
27. Lemonade Braids with Curly Ends
Side-swept cornrow braids that start at the front of the head and curve to one side. Adding curly ends to these braids gives them a boho-chic twist, creating a stunning blend of sleek and textured styles. This style is perfect for those who want a mix of elegance and carefree vibes.
28. Chunky Braided Back Cornrows
Chunky braided back cornrows feature thick cornrows that start at the front and feed into a larger braid at the back. This style is achieved by gradually adding hair extensions to the braids, creating a fuller and more voluminous look, ideal for those looking for a bold, statement-making hairstyle.
29. Criss-Cross Cornrows with Baby Hair
This hairstyle features an intricate pattern of cornrows that intersect and overlap, creating a visually striking design. The baby hair is styled along the hairline, often laid down with gel for a sleek finish. This style combines the precision of cornrows with the playful, carefree vibe of boho braids.
30. Cornrow Braided Wig:
Convenient and stylish. A cornrow braided wig offers the look of cornrows without the time and commitment of traditional braiding, providing a quick and stylish solution. Click to discover various cornrow styles for your next hairstyle inspiration.
How to Care for Cornrows?
Daily Maintenance:
- Moisturize: Keep your scalp and braids moisturized by using a light oil or leave-in conditioner. This helps prevent dryness and itchiness.
- Protect at Night: Use a satin or silk scarf, bonnet, or pillowcase to protect your braids while you sleep. This reduces friction and helps maintain the neatness of the braids.
- Avoid Excessive Styling: Limit the amount of manipulation and styling to prevent frizz and maintain the integrity of the braids.
Weekly Maintenance:
- Cleanse Your Scalp: Use a diluted shampoo or a gentle cleanser to keep your scalp clean. Apply the cleanser directly to the scalp and gently massage, then rinse thoroughly.
- Condition: Apply a light conditioner to your scalp and braids to keep them hydrated and soft. Avoid heavy conditioners that can cause buildup.
- Refresh Edges: Use a gel or edge control to smooth down any flyaways or frizz around the hairline for a polished look.
Long-Term Care:
- Avoid Over-Washing: Washing your braids too frequently can lead to dryness and frizz. Aim to cleanse your scalp every two weeks.
- Retouch as Needed: Depending on how fast your hair grows, you may need to retouch the edges or redo some braids to maintain a neat appearance.
- Know When to Remove: Cornrows should typically be kept for no longer than 6-8 weeks. Prolonged wear can lead to matting and potential hair breakage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Cornrows
Q. How long do cornrow braids last?
A: Cornrows can last anywhere from 2 to 8 weeks, depending on the care and maintenance. Properly maintained cornrows can last longer, but it's essential to monitor your scalp health and avoid leaving them in for too long to prevent damage.
Q. Can I wash my hair with cornrows?
A: Yes, you can wash your hair with cornrows. Use a diluted shampoo or a gentle cleanser and focus on your scalp. Rinse thoroughly to avoid product buildup. Conditioning the braids afterward helps keep them hydrated and soft.
Q. How do I prevent frizz in my cornrows?
A: To prevent frizz, keep your braids moisturized, protect them at night with a satin or silk scarf or bonnet, and avoid excessive manipulation. Use a light gel or edge control to smooth down flyaways around your hairline.
Q. Can I swim with cornrows?
A: Yes, you can swim with cornrows. Rinse your hair with clean water before swimming to minimize chlorine or saltwater absorption. After swimming, rinse your hair thoroughly and moisturize to keep the braids and scalp hydrated.
Q: Are cornrows suitable for all hair types?
A: Cornrows work best on textured hair, such as kinky or coily hair, but they can be done on all hair types. People with straighter hair may need to use extensions or texturizing products to help the braids hold better.
Conclusion:
Cornrow braids are not only a beautiful and versatile hairstyle but also a deep-rooted cultural symbol with a rich history. Whether you’re looking for a protective style, a low-maintenance option, or a way to express your creativity through intricate patterns, cornrows offer something for everyone.
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