35 Beautiful Cornrow Hairstyles You'll Want to Try Out Immediately (2024)

35 Beautiful Cornrow Hairstyles You'll Want to Try Out Immediately (1)

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Cornrows are an essential part of Black culture and the history of Black hair globally. The technique can incorporate various patterns and styles while the hair is braided under and against the scalp. Cornrows are considered a protective style because they're low maintenance, low manipulation and make it easy to care for textured strands and protect them from heat, dryness and breakage. They are also the foundation for other styles. Cornrows are commonly worn underneath lacefront wigs (Tyra Banks is known for her love of a lace front and wearing cornrows underneath to protect her natural hair).

It's reported that cornrows are the oldest hairstyle in history and the braiding technique has been around since about 3000 BC. Despite various languages, cultures and national identities, Black people around the world wear cornrows, and for many getting your hair braided is a rite of passage.

Sadly, as beautiful as cornrows are, cultural styles have been regulated for centuries. Despite the history of policing Black hair, during the 1960s and 1970s with the wave of the Black Power era came the first mainstream natural hair movement in the United States. It was an attempt to reclaim history and to reject a Eurocentric beauty standard. Many turned to wearing their hair in afros, dreadlocks and cornrows.

These stunning cornrow hairstyles celebrate natural hair, textured strands and the people the style originates from. Below, you'll find scalp braids that incorporate other hair trends (like top knots and ponytails), as well as some outfitted with beads, charms and other accessories to help inspire your next look.

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1

Cornrows with a Texas Twist

35 Beautiful Cornrow Hairstyles You'll Want to Try Out Immediately (2)

Houston native Beyoncé adds her own flair on this gorgeous style while accessorizing with an oversized hat, black sunglasses and jewelry.

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2

Storytelling Braids

35 Beautiful Cornrow Hairstyles You'll Want to Try Out Immediately (3)

Alicia Keys has been a lover of cornrows and experimented with various braiding patterns, techniques and styles like this one. Throughout history, there have been anecdotal claims of braiding patterns being used by those enslaved in the Americas to create road maps to freedom.

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3

7 Braids

35 Beautiful Cornrow Hairstyles You'll Want to Try Out Immediately (4)

Ella Balinska wears a seven-part bun with mid-sized braids to the 2021 British Fashion Awards.

RELATED: 35 Goddess Braid Hair Ideas You Need to Try ASAP

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4

The Top Knot

35 Beautiful Cornrow Hairstyles You'll Want to Try Out Immediately (5)

In 1963, Cicely Tyson made television history by being the first woman to be seen with cornrows on screen, and she became the first Black woman to have a recurring role with her performance as Jane Foster on East Side, West Side. Cicely's historical top knot continues to inspire Black women and stylists today.

5

Off the Shoulder

35 Beautiful Cornrow Hairstyles You'll Want to Try Out Immediately (6)

Actress Serayah rocks an off-the-shoulder look on the red carpet.

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6

Mid-Length Braids

35 Beautiful Cornrow Hairstyles You'll Want to Try Out Immediately (7)

Rihanna's mid-length cornrows were braided with a unique pattern to complement her 2019 British Fashion Awards look.

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7

Braided Crown

35 Beautiful Cornrow Hairstyles You'll Want to Try Out Immediately (8)

Just because cornrows are one of the oldest hairstyles to date doesn't mean you can't change things up. Yara Shahidi looks dazzling in her galactic braided crown.

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8

Plaited Space Buns

35 Beautiful Cornrow Hairstyles You'll Want to Try Out Immediately (9)

This style isn't just reserved for the runway. You can wear these low buns every day for a unique and totally gorgeous look.

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9

Gray Scale Braids

35 Beautiful Cornrow Hairstyles You'll Want to Try Out Immediately (10)

If you're looking to start experimenting with color, these Fulani braids incorporate both black and gray kanekalon hair (braiding hair) to create a stunning look. (FYI: Fulani braids are named after the Fula people of the Sahel region in Africa.)

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10

High Pony

35 Beautiful Cornrow Hairstyles You'll Want to Try Out Immediately (11)

Naturi Naughton rocks cornrows with a high ponytail and charms.

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11

High Space Buns

35 Beautiful Cornrow Hairstyles You'll Want to Try Out Immediately (12)

Storm Reid takes a youthful twist on the classic style by incorporating space buns into a cornrowed faux hawk.

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12

Sleek Low Bun

35 Beautiful Cornrow Hairstyles You'll Want to Try Out Immediately (13)

Thandiwe Newton stuns in small-sized cornrows and an elegant low bun.

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13

Beads

35 Beautiful Cornrow Hairstyles You'll Want to Try Out Immediately (14)

With cornrows being both a cultural and protective hairstyle, incorporating beads into braids is a continuation of embracing the history of Black haircare, which predates the transatlantic slave trade. According to historian Porsha Dossie, during the 1960s and '70s, beaded braids increased in popularity as African-Americans used beauty as a way to reconnect with their heritage.

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14

Colorful Ombre

35 Beautiful Cornrow Hairstyles You'll Want to Try Out Immediately (15)

These ombre cornrows are a perfect way to incorporate pastels into your braided style. The four braids here include blonde, pink and gray kanekalon hair (braiding hair) to achieve the multi-colored look.

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15

Asymetrical Ponytail

35 Beautiful Cornrow Hairstyles You'll Want to Try Out Immediately (16)

This asymmetrical pattern is a perfect long-term protective style, though smaller braids have the potential to cause more tension.

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16

Blunt Bob

35 Beautiful Cornrow Hairstyles You'll Want to Try Out Immediately (17)

For the 2019 Oscars afterparty, Danai Gurira went with a beautifully braided bob, which was achieved though braiding the hair with kanekalon hair and later cutting the braiding hair into a blunt bob.

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17

Middle Part

35 Beautiful Cornrow Hairstyles You'll Want to Try Out Immediately (18)

Model Adit Priscilla stuns during Paris Fashion Week with her symmetrical cornrows and middle part.

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18

Golden Bun

35 Beautiful Cornrow Hairstyles You'll Want to Try Out Immediately (19)

Issa Rae looks radiant in her golden up-do. Issa cornrowed the front of her hair with golden thread and added faux locs to the ends to create a full bun.

RELATED: 30 Fun and Unique Braided Hairstyles to Wear

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19

Classic Cornrows

35 Beautiful Cornrow Hairstyles You'll Want to Try Out Immediately (20)

Jorja Smith wears classic cornrows with both the common braiding style and technique.

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20

Center Jewel

35 Beautiful Cornrow Hairstyles You'll Want to Try Out Immediately (21)

Erica Ash incorporates a center leaf charm and beads in her Fulani braids.

35 Beautiful Cornrow Hairstyles You'll Want to Try Out Immediately (2024)

FAQs

What is the most popular cornrow hairstyle? ›

“The most iconic cornrows look is the classic straight back braids,” says Charlotte Mensah, multi award-winning hair artist and an expert on natural, textured and mixed heritage Afro hair. “Other popular styles are two statement braids, or cornrows in front box braids in the back.

What is the best length of hair for cornrows? ›

For super curly or frizzy hair, it is best to have about 5 inches for cornrows going straight back. There will be some pulling if the length is not the same all over, so be prepared. I have braided slightly shorter hair but aim for this length so the style can last.

What are invisible cornrows? ›

Invisible braids are tiny braids separated over the entire scalp and woven into the natural hair. Hairstyle is easy to maintain and great for all seasons.

What hair types can get cornrows? ›

Can Cornrows Work on All Hair Types? As long as you have enough hang-time to catch a braid, you have the green light to try cornrows. “Cornrows are a great style option for all hair types,” Ebony explains.

What is the number 1 hairstyle? ›

What Are the Numbers in Haircuts? If you ask your barber for a number one cut, you are asking them to cut your hair so it is an eighth of an inch long. If you ask for a number eight cut, the hair left on your head will be one inch.

Are cornrows good or bad for your hair? ›

Cornrows, which pull at the roots of your hair, can cause hair loss. Wearing looser braids and changing your hairstyle after 2 or 3 months can prevent hair loss. Follow these precautions when wearing a weave. Weaves and extensions are great way to add volume and length to your hair.

Do cornrows make your hair grow faster? ›

Yes, cornrows help natural hair grow. This hairstyle keeps your locks neat and tidy and prevents overgrooming. Daily grooming can strain your hair, causing split ends and breakage. But with minimal manipulation, these issues will be rare, giving your hair a chance to get stronger and longer.

How long can you leave cornrows in? ›

How long do you keep cornrows in? Depending on the size of your cornrows and how you care for them, they could last anywhere between two weeks and two months. Smaller braids will last longer than larger braids. Taking care of your braids by sleeping in a silk or satin bonnet will help braids of any size last longer.

How much does it cost to get cornrows? ›

The cost of braids varies depending on several factors, such as style, length, thickness, and the time it takes to complete the braiding process. For instance, simple cornrows may start at around $40, while more intricate styles like box braids, Senegalese twists, or passion twists can range anywhere from $100 to $300.

What are cornrows called now? ›

They often serve as a form of black self-expression. Cornrows are traditionally called "kolese" or "irun didi" in Yoruba, and are often nicknamed "didi braids" in the Nigerian diaspora. Cornrows are worn by both sexes, and are, on some occasions, adorned with beads, hair cuffs, or cowrie shells.

What did Kim Kardashian called cornrows? ›

Over the weekend, she posted a video to Snapchat wearing cornrows with beads on the ends. "So guys I did Bo Derek braids and I'm really into it," she said, referencing the white actress and model from the '70s. Social media reacted instantly, calling Kim out for yet another instance of cultural appropriation.

What are peekaboo braids? ›

Peekaboo braids, also called peek-a-boo braids, involve adding strands or extensions in a different color than your natural hair near the ends of your braids. As the name suggests, the contrasting colored hair "peeks" out from underneath, creating a vibrant, eye-catching effect.

What should you not do with cornrows? ›

Avoid washing them too often

If you must wash your hair, then ensure you only do it once every two to three weeks depending on the condition of your hair and scalp. While doing so, use a gentle shampoo and conditioner and avoid rubbing on the braids too much. Another tip is to avoid using hot water on hair.

What haircut goes best with cornrows? ›

An undercut with cornrows is a great option if you normally keep your hair short but want to try out braids.

How to look good with cornrows? ›

Accessorize your cornrows to refine your style further. Incorporating accessories not only allows you to express yourself and your mood but also empowers you to style for specific events or occasions. Use braid cuffs, rings, clips, spiral pins, beads, and hair-braiding strings to give your cornrows a vibrant look.

What is the most popular braid style? ›

"Boho braids are still trending," Muhammad confirms. "Any boho style right now is super trendy." Celebrities like Zoe Kravitz, Jordyn Woods, and Jhene Aiko are big fans of the style, which features loose, curly hair pieces throughout the braids.

What haircut should I get for cornrows? ›

An undercut with cornrows is a great option if you normally keep your hair short but want to try out braids. It might take some time to grow out enough hair to braid the top of your head, but once that hair is braided and you've shaved your undercut, this low-maintenance high-style cut will shine.

Are cornrows still popular? ›

The relevance of Cornrows in modern day society

To this day, cornrows have remained popular hairstyle many black people chose to wear. Cornrows have come to symbolise so much more than just aesthetics, the hairstyle has come to symbolise heritage, community, and strength.

References

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