Cornrow Hairstyle Ideas to Try Now
January 23, 2023
Cornrow Hairstyle Ideas
“It's so cool to see the many different [braid] styles they have now,” says Kimble. “My favorites are the classic straight backs, and cool designs like hearts and stars and flowers.” Here are a few of our favorites.
Straight Back Cornrows
Classic straight back cornrow braids are simple, straightforward and never go out of style. Devoid of any extravagant designs or patterns, they are just as their name would describe them: straight back. If you want to add a touch of pizazz, try styling your baby hair, too.
Cornrow Buns
These double-buns are a cute and playful way to style your cornrows. Add definition to the curls left loose around your face with a lightweight gel or mousse — the Carol’s Daughter Wash Day Delight Hair Gel to Foam Styler Aloe combines both products in one.Feed in Cornrows
Unlike traditional cornrows, feed in cornrows require you to add synthetic hair to your natural hair to create the appearance of thicker braids. If you want your hair to look seamless, get synthetic hair that matches your natural color. But if you’re feeling playful, you can get different colored synthetic hair to rock highlights, lowlights, color or even rainbow style cornrows.
Cornrow Ponytail
A cornrow ponytail is a simple and sleek way to keep your hair out of your face. The slicked-back style is the perfect excuse to get creative with your edges.
Are Cornrows Good or Bad for Your Hair?
Cornrows protect your hair and remove the need for heat styling or chemical treatments. But there are a few caveats to remember when rocking the style.
“Cornrows are considered a protective hairstyle,” says Kimble. “They can be good [for your hair] as long as it is done correctly. Find a good braider and make sure the braids aren’t too tight.”
However, it’s important to give your hair a complete break sometimes.The American Academy of Dermatology suggests avoiding wearing hairstyles that pull on your hairline too much. They recommended giving your hair a chance to recover when changing styles and to wear loose braids or go braid-free every couple months to prevent hair loss.
If you love the look of braids but don’t want to place too much tension on your edges and scalp, go for a knotless style.
How Long Can Cornrows Last?
The duration of your cornrows depends on your hair, if you have extensions and your hair maintenance routine. On average though, they’ll last “one to three weeks,” says Kimble.
To help minimize frizz and keep your cornrows in longer, she recommends applying a shine spray, like L’Oréal Paris Advanced Haircare Nutri-Gloss Shine Mist and Kim Kimble Movie Set Mousse, before styling.
Another trick to keep your cornrows looking fresher longer is to top them with a silk cap or scarf when you sleep. A silk pillowcase is also a great investment to make to keep your cornrows looking smooth.
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