Cornrows Braid Styles

Cornrows braid styles are numerous and range from straight braids through to more complex and dramatic styling.

Short Style Cornrow Braids

What are Cornrow Braids?

Sexy Male Cornrows

Cornrows are braids of hair that are plated flat against the scalp. While these are fashionable and extremely popular today, cornrows have a long and interesting history. Although they probably originated in Africa, women with braided hairstyles were depicted on ancient roman coins.

A cornrow is similar to the French braid. Strands of hair are taken and woven one over the other to form the braid. These braids sit flat on the head and can be woven into styles.

Cornrows braid styles have developed over recent years. The braids are worked in geometric patterns to form simple or complex designs. These can range from straight front to back patterns to designs that combine curves and other shapes. Cornrows are very much regarded as being a type of hair art. Celebrities such as Sean Paul show off striking cornrow styles.

Hair extensions are sometimes combined with cornrows, with the extension woven in as part of the process. This can add to the design opportunities and increases the style options available.

Who can Wear Cornrows?

Although many people who choose cornrow braids are of African American descent, the simple answer is anyone! Remember Bo Derek from the film 10? She popularized the wearing of braids by people with straight hair and it is a style that remains popular today with people of all hair types.

Straight Hair Cornrows

Many people wear cornrows because of their convenience. They are generally regarded as being easy to look after and maintain. They can also offer a good way to allow the hair to recover as straightening and other treatments is not required when the hair is braided. Hair can be cleaned whilst it is braided, and as long as the braided hair is covered at night it should stay in place and not get ‘fuzzy’. This can make cornrows and braids an ideal hairstyle for holiday wear.

The key feature to remember when contemplating getting your hair braided into cornrows is that it meets the required length. Curly hair needs to be about two inches long before it can be woven into cornrows braid styles, and straight hair needs to be around four inches long.

Choosing a Cornrow Braid Style

Design

Cornrow Updo

Before getting your hair braided with cornrows, it is important to choose a design. Stylists are likely to have photographs of their work, and examples of different styles to chose from. Celebrities are often at the forefront of new designs and innovations, offering inspiration when looking for a new style.

The internet also offers a good resource when looking for new cornrows braiding styles. Many sites have galleries of photographs which can provide good inspiration. Some people prefer to create their own designs and styles, perhaps combining some ideas and designs. Most good stylists will be able to take your design and transform it into reality.

Fitting your Life

As cornrows can stay with you for several weeks it is important to be comfortable with the style you chose. A design needs to be practical and suit your lifestyle. A flamboyant design might be great for a special occasion, but will it be easy to look after and be appropriate for everyday wear?

Another important feature to consider when choosing a style is the amount of time that you have available to get your hair braided. Some of the more complex designs might take 6 or more hours to complete and therefore require a significant time investment. This is particularly important when considering braiding young children’s hair. Keeping them still and occupied while braiding can be quite a challenge!

When cornrows have been braided into hair, it is still possible to change and alter the style. For instance, on long hair where the braids hang loose at the end, all the braids can be braided together to form one single braid. This can look very striking.

Far from being predictable and boring, cornrows braid styles can be customized and unique, letting everyone choose the best braided style to suit their hair, personality, and lifestyle..

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