Made popular in the 90s by stars like Queen B and Alicia Keys, cornrows are braids that are crafted tightly and close to the scalp. This afro hair showcases countless styles and designs and is appreciated for its low maintenance. What makes them appealing is that you can showcase a bit of your own or your stylist’s flair for a distinctive result!
Accessorize your natural hair with cuffs and beads, color it with trendy shades and intricate patterns, and mix different braid sizes to create contrast, or do them uniformly for a sophisticated finish – cornrows are guaranteed to elevate your look!
This braiding style has its origins in African culture, as it’s an excellent method to protect natural hair. It’s also achievable on any other type of hair, including baby hairs, as long as you have the confidence to rock it! Maintenance includes gentle cleansing and moisturizing of the scalp for healthy and enduring protective braids.
Prepare to flaunt the trendiest cornrow feeds this year with this collection of the most fashionable cornrows for women!
#1: Cornrow Ponytail Braid Style
Q&A with the stylist, Omeka Lemons
Owner and Natural Hair Expert @ Feevas Natural Hair Studio in Holiday, FL
How would you characterize this look and what do you love most about it?
This look is a cornrow ponytail braids. My favorite thing about it is the feed-in technique to make the braid look more natural.
What advice or products do you suggest to replicate this style?
All you need is some Kenekalon braiding hair and your favorite hair products for moisture.
What type of client do you think would enjoy this style?
This hairstyle is wonderful for all face shapes. It is a perfect choice if you enjoy a quick and easy look. It’s ideal for traveling, vacationing, or if you want a fun style.
#2: Oversized Cornrow Braids
If you’re looking to stand out, these captivating oversized cornrows are perfect for you! Arranging extra cute and delicate rows creates a stunning contrast that enhances the entire look even more.
#3: Elegant Black Braids with Cornrow Styles
Q&A with hairstyle creator, Mariam
Hairstylist / Manager @ Mariam & Teneke African Hair Braiding in Brooklyn, NY
How would you describe this look?
This braid hairstyle gives you a very classy look. It looks very simple and very easy to manage. You can wash your hair while having this style and grease it, and my favorite thing about this style is that it lasts a very long time, for about three months. Since this style is three layers, when it gets old and starts to get messy, you can always do the top part over and make it look brand new because it lasts so long. It gives your hair time to breathe, which makes it grow.
Any advice for someone considering it?
These African braids hairstyles are for people who favor that “one-look” appearance. What I mean by that is that you can’t style it in any other way. You can only put it in a low bun or ponytail or leave it down. It’s not like different hairstyles where you can style it and do all these things with, so this is for a person who is ok with having the same look for about two months.
#4: Stylish Cornrow Braid Patterns
These cornrow styles are perfect for a celebratory look or for anyone eager to explore different hairstyles. The texture of your hair is not a limitation for braiding. Securing your hair at night is essential to maintain the braids. This is among my top favorite designs.
#5: Stunning Cornrows Topped with a High Bun
Consider putting a unique spin on Fulani braids by styling beautiful cornrows with a high bun. I recommend choosing singles in the back so you’re not always limited to a ponytail. You can enjoy wearing it up, down, or in a half-up style.
#6: Cornrow Styles with Decorative Beads
Cornrow styles with decorative beads can create a captivating look! This classic plaited hairstyle is both trendy and timeless. It’s perfect for anyone wanting to incorporate design and flair. It’s effective for shielding hair from damage. Because the natural hair is styled without heat for an extended period, plus they look fantastic on all face shapes. To achieve this look perfectly, specify any preferred placement of beads or the color you envision. Inform your professional braider so they can craft the specific look you desire! This will be a striking appearance with cornrows accented by tiny shimmering beads.
#7: Elegant Cornrows Featuring a Heart Braid
Discover the beauty of these elegant cornrows adorned with a heart braid on the side. Known as lemonade braids, this style allows you to reinvent your classic lemonade look. To avoid stringy ends, your braider may incorporate Flexi rods at the ends for a lovely curly effect.
#8: Elegant Cornrow Braids with Chic Low Bun
You can achieve a more sophisticated appearance with neat cornrow braids and a stylish low bun.
#9: Cornrow Braids Featuring Zig-Zag Patterns
You often ask yourself, “How did they achieve that?” with such elaborate designs. Then you’d be amazed at how effortless it is to create with cornrows! There’s no arguing that these cornrow braid styles are easy to flaunt, too.
#10: Stylish Medium-Length Cornrows with Cuffs
Explore these beautifully striking cornrows designed for medium-length hair. They’ll infuse your entire look with vibrant color! Accessorize with eye-catching jewelry like these golden cuffs for an extra touch of flair. Even simple cornrows can make a statement, so don’t hold back!
#11: Stunning Knotless Braids
Craft an eye-catching look with stunning knotless braids. These cornrows and scalp braids are ideal for achieving a relaxed yet elegant style. Rather than employing knots to secure the hair, I’ve discovered that using small rubber bands works much better – plus, it’s incredibly simple! My top tip when styling these beautiful braids is to apply light-hold hairspray and gently brush through with your fingers for a natural appearance.
#12: Chic Braided Bob with Bangs
You’ll adore the style of a braided bob combined with beads. This cornrows look is ideal for women wanting to inject a touch of personality into their hair, as it remains both stylish and adaptable. Choosing this hairstyle allows for an effortless way to showcase different looks while maintaining elegance. To achieve these corn rows and twists, divide your hair into two segments on each side of your head and braid them down to the tips. Lastly, embellish your style.
#13: Side Cornrows Styled Into a Bun
This cornrow hairstyle is perfect for those on the go who need to style their twists in a flash. They offer polished yet playful scalp braids that are suitable for any occasion – be it work or a leisurely outing.
#14: Stylish Side Cornrow Braids
These are stylish side cornrows featuring singles and designs on the side. Start off-center for a chic, neat, and easy-to-manage appearance! The round silhouette created by these braids is ideal for angular faces. Be sure to oil your scalp and braids regularly.
#15 Chic Side-Swept Chunky Cornrows
Chic side-swept cornrows present a stylish option for black women with shoulder-length hair. The braids are beautifully woven and cascade gracefully to one side of the face. This creates a sophisticated and flattering frame. The most appealing aspect of this hairstyle is its low maintenance, making it ideal for active women. Whether you’re heading to the gym or the office, the side-swept cornrows keep your look trendy. For an added touch of glamour, consider including some loose wavy hair for a bohemian vibe.
#16 Stylish Weave Feed In Braids and Cornrows
This lemonade braided style draws inspiration from one of Beyoncé’s iconic looks in her Lemonade album – featuring cornrows or small “feed-in” braids flowing in a singular direction to rest on one side. I appreciate how this style breaks away from traditional cornrow hairstyles, which typically move towards the back. You have the opportunity to explore more creativity with this style in terms of designs too! This cornrow hairstyle is perfect for the stylish everyday woman! I’ve created these cornrow hairstyles across a variety of age groups and ethnicities. If you’re looking to refresh your usual protective hairstyles, this one is a fantastic option. This braided hairstyle lasts 4-6 weeks and is manageable with a styling mousse and a scarf during the night!
#17: Burgundy Cornrow Styles for Long Locks
Embrace the richness of burgundy cornrows, designed to complement olive and dark skin tones! Plus, they enhance the beauty of your long hair, making those stunning braids truly stand out when the light catches them!
#18: Elegant Updo Cornrow Style
This hairstyle is effortlessly stylish yet distinctive. Most individuals opting for cornrows are those who appreciate a low-maintenance approach, allowing them to skip the fuss of styling or curling their hair. Many of my clients who choose elegant updo cornrow styles are professionals (for a polished appearance), busy mothers, or fitness enthusiasts who require a durable hairstyle to endure their active lifestyles.
#19 Trendy Box Braids with Cornrows
Make your daily routine effortless with these chic and fashionable cornrows combined with box braids that complement any outfit or occasion. They’re incredibly adaptable, allowing you to style them in numerous ways. Accessorize your cornrows and box braids, wear them in a bun, or simply leave them flowing!
#20: Stylish Senegalese Twist Cornrows
The timeless Senegalese twists cornrows attract attention wherever you step out! This hairstyle can be showcased during the day for a chic casual vibe, and it will enhance your outfit, providing you with a bold look.
#21: Sleek High Bun Ponytail with Elegant Cornrow Braids
I often suggest a sleek high bun ponytail with elegant cornrow braids for clients looking to refresh their style. This look is flattering and can be dressed up or down, depending on the occasion. To achieve this look, create cornrows that run horizontally along the scalp. Secure them at the ends with small elastics, then tie your hair into a high bun secured with an elastic band. For added hold, use bobby pins to secure loose strands.
#22: Sleek Straight Back Cornrow Braids
This style features sleek straight-back cornrows. It is a feed-in variation of the cornrow, offering a very natural appearance. It’s distinctive with the smaller criss-cross braids in between, transforming this simple style into something extraordinary! The easiest and most straightforward style to achieve! These sleek straight-back braids are perfect for the summer. The embellishments provide a very fresh and chic vibe. It’s also an excellent protective option. Ideal for swimming, vacations, and especially those hot, humid days that can make our natural hair frizzy and disheveled. The best part is that it requires very little time to create.
#23: Cornrow Styles for Longer Hair
These meticulously crafted blonde box braids cornrows demonstrate just how fashionable protective braids can be! Enhance your style by incorporating some blonde highlights into your long braids.
#24: Thick Cornrow Braids
The most stylish way to explore the world of Ghana braids is with these bold cornrows! Simple to maintain and style – pair with a natural brown shade to enhance your skin tone and features.
#25: Side Swept Braided Cornrows
The classic method of showcasing these adorable side cornrow braids is straight back, but don’t hesitate to embrace these lovely side-swept variations! They are quite manageable and allow you to reveal your playful side and stunning face. Straight back cornrows offer a polished and elegant look that will turn heads and draw attention. It raises intriguing questions, such as why there are so many braids positioned to the side rather than close to the scalp?
#26 Stylish Side Cornrow Braids
These tribal-inspired cornrows look stunning, but enhancing them with trendy beads can make a big difference! It’s a simple way to elevate your everyday look!
#27: Bold Cornrow Braids
If short hairstyles are your preference, a protective style featuring bold cornrow braids is just what you need. Ask your braider to consider synthetic hair instead of the usual braid hair. The synthetic hair fibers, unlike Kanekalon fibers, are not flame retardant and are burned at the ends for a seamless finish. This technique is crucial to this style, as it allows you to shape the braids as desired. Make sure to maintain bonnet coverage at home during the night and regularly moisturize the scalp.
#28: Stylish Mohawk Cornrow Braids
This is a super chic and professional loc mohawk cornrow hairstyle. This style is perfect for various occasions, such as the office, a wedding, or even an evening out with friends or loved ones. I love that it can be dressed up or dressed down, and it is also very simple to achieve. I adore loc styles that appear more intricate than they are. It makes creating these cornrow braid looks a lot more exciting!
#29: Cornrow Styles for Short Hair
A wonderfully low-maintenance hairstyle like these cornrow braids in a chic bob will transform your look! If you’re aiming for a polished and detailed appearance, make sure to have yours crafted by a professional!
#30: Stylish Two Cornrow Braids
This hairstyle features a distinctive two-cornrow braided design with an extension added for flair. However, the number of cornrows you have is inconsequential; whether you select 4 or 6 cornrows, it’s all about creating a visually appealing braided pattern.
Though it may appear challenging, this half cornrows half waves creation is truly unique and serves as an excellent quick remedy for a challenging hair day.
#31: Nigeria’s Iconic Cornrow Styles
This is a full-frontal box braided cornrows wig, a popular style among women of African descent, particularly in Nigeria. I love that we could develop the idea of transforming this look into a wig. Surely, ladies across Nigeria and beyond can enjoy this style with maximum ease just by installing it in less than 60 seconds. The baby hairs included provide a natural finish at the hairline. This look is suitable for both professional and casual environments. It’s also ideal for those who lack the time to visit a beauty salon for their braids.
#32: Stylish Twist Braids
Dark red cornrows styled into twist braids represent a contemporary braided look. Enhance your style with elegant gold cuffs.
#33: Trendy Bobbed Cornrowed Braids
Consider obtaining stylish braids if you’re looking for a short and manageable option. If you choose to try this look, ensure your edges and roots are in good health. These half cornrows, half braids offer a fantastic style for women with short natural hair. Therefore, if you’re planning to do a big chop, this is an excellent protective style to transition into your hair re-growth journey.
#34: Elevated Ponytail Cornrow Braids
This style here is known as feed-in ponytail cornrows. It offers an exceptionally natural appearance and serves as an ideal protective style! The beauty of this look lies in its flexibility; you can wear it flowing down or pull the braids back and twist them into a bun for a more laid-back vibe! It’s remarkably adaptable and requires minimal upkeep. I highly suggest such straight-back hairstyles to everyone! This style can be adjusted for nearly all hair textures! Whether you’re in a corporate setting or working a typical 9-5, you really can’t go wrong with this hairstyle!
#35: Stunning Goddess Cornrow Braids
Embrace this striking cornrows style, as it can be effortlessly created by anyone adventurous enough to try it! Red is eye-catching, but you can still enhance it by adding some vibrant strings and accessories.
#36: Heritage Braids
Heritage braids can be tailored to reflect your personal style. They are perfect for versatility in your day-to-day hair styling. Best styled using synthetic braid hair, this look can be long or short. Enhance it by incorporating various beads and hair accessories for extra color and flair. For optimal results, consult a professional braider who specializes in mini feed-in braids. Request their expertise in crafting a design that is uniquely yours.
#37: Ghanaian Cornrows
With this easy-to-manage traditional cornrow style, eliminate concerns about the unnecessary! Accessorize them effortlessly and enjoy the comfort of these delicate braids.
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