Looking to switch up your hairstyle? Why not consider trying out some cornrow hairstyles? They can be done on any hair type and can be styled in countless incredible ways. Here are 15 fresh cornrow hairstyle examples to get you inspired and keep you ahead of the style trends. These designs are sure to keep you looking fresh!
Many clients come to my shop wanting cornrows and treat it like its fast food, looking at a picture and pointing, without considering the many differences that could set one style apart from the other. I understand why the designs look similar from far away. The difference between good cornrows and bad cornrows is the level of detail that is put into them, such as the type of parting, the amount of tension applied, the evenness of row sizes, as well as the level of experience that the stylist has with your specific hair type/texture.
I had a client last summer who had been getting the same braids for years. Same results, same braider, same everything. Because her usual moved, she came into my chair, and as I was getting ready to section her hair, I saw a beautiful curl pattern that had never been taken into account because it had never been done like that for her rows. We changed the sections and instead of working against her growth pattern, we worked with it and rounded some of the sections. When she saw the final look, she shed a few tears. It wasn’t because the style was overly done but because it finally represented her. Good cornrow styles should look like the effort was made. That said, I’ve compiled a list of styles that are worth the money, and I’m going to be honest about which ones I think are worth the time and which are more for the pictures than the practical side.
#1: Polished Cornrows with Clean Length
The separation is what makes this style interesting. You have the usual defined center part that frames the face, and neat rows like this draw attention to your bone structure without you having to do anything. This is a style where your braider’s skills really show since the tension has to be even all the way down or else it will visually fall apart. For those who like to wear statement earrings, this is a great option as your neck and jaw are fully on display. I think this works best with medium to high density hair as finer hair can make the rows look sparse. Just be careful and make sure that whoever puts these in isn’t pulling too tight on your hairline since that’s where the most damage will be, and that is completely avoidable.
#2: Tight Straight-Back Cornrows with Beads
Straight-back cornrow styles are the workhorses of the industry. They are quickly done compared to other styles and may stay neat for longer periods of time. They are also gym and night-out friendly. If you don’t want to complicated your look with personality items such as beads, this is also a good option. Depending on the individual, this style can also be the most comfortable, or the least. People with sensitive scalps should ask their braider to go softer on the sides and back of their neck because those are the areas that will cause the most tension. These styles look great on oval face shapes because the rows will make your face appear more elongated. In the end, it is about confidence more than anything else.
#3: Wavy Cornrows with Colorful Beaded Ends
Not everyone can do this style. It’s awesome because the braider did not make any bumps. The braids go in several different directions, creating a wave-like pattern. When done well, it looks very nice. The addition of beads is good because it helps the braids fall nicely. They counter the weight of the braids. This is a protective style, so make sure to wrap your hair up at night and keep your scalp oiled and moisturized. The installation time for this style is serious. Make sure to bring something to do because you will need to clear your entire afternoon.
#4: Long Sleek Cornrows with Root Detail
These braids definitely do the talking. You wouldn’t expect the texture created by a subtle wave pattern at the roots, but it adds a nice touch. The extra detail prevents the style from being flat, something that is common with long straight back cornrows. The length also gives it a little movement when the braids are pulled back, and the weight of the braids will provide the movement. To maintain comfort, I recommend a light oil with a nozzle tip to target the scalp and oil it every few days. One thing I want to make honest mention is if you get buildup at the roots, be prepared for these to require more maintenance than a shorter style. Something to keep in mind when making your decision.
#5: Zigzag Cornrows with Straight Texture
Zigzag parting may look fun in pictures, but is actually not very easy to do, or to maintain. Zigzag partings draw the eye with the appeal of the angled interrings that other parting styles just can’t do as well. Each line looks so graphic and pronounced on straight-smooth hair. I do need to say that if you have finer hair, this pattern may show more of your scalp than you want, and the tension at the zigzag points will be greater than for straight or curvy parts. Applying a good leave-in conditioner before install helps, and this style works best on thick hair. But, when it looks good, it looks really good.
#6: High-Top Cornrows Flowing into Straight Length
The blend zone where the cornrows end, and the loose hair begins, is vital for determining the overall quality of the style. A nice seamless blend is very editorial, adding length at the back of the style also adds a nice movement and some structure to the style. Best of both worlds! This is definitely a time consuming install, your braider will need to be very intentional with how she blends the cornrows into the extensions so it’s not obvious. This style is ideal for oval faces and works best with medium to thick hair density for the best root support to hold the braids securely in place.
#7: Swirling Pattern Cornrows
What I love about making swirl designs is that I can make the most of the 3D shape of someone’s head in a way that straight parting never allows. Each person’s head shape is different, so an impactful swirl design embraces those variations rather than goes against them. The braids in this style are tight and neat, giving it a sculpted look, and it lasts great on medium-coarse hair that has enough volume to hold this up. However, I won’t lie and say this is an easy style to install and maintain. It requires a braider who is confident in freehanding, and you will need to put in the effort to keep your scalp clean and moisturized, as tight sections can become itchy a lot quicker than looser styles. This style is really only worth it for the right person.
#8: Cornrow Braids with Curled Front Pieces
I love how the face framing curls change the entire vibe of the style from structured and stiff to casual and free flowing. The back and crown cornrows are tightly woven and medium sized, which creates some nice structure on the sides and back, while the front face framing curls are super flattering and provide a nice added dimension. This is my favorite hairstyle for clients who want cornrows for functionality but don’t want an all-braided look because you have some front pieces to work with. This style works best on medium to thick hair, and if your natural curls don’t fit the bill, a set of flexi rods on damp hair will give you the necessary curl pattern.
#9: Close-Cropped Swirl Cornrows
Ignoring details about length, the most of the work is done by the parting and pattern, and this style delivers on that. The swirl design here follows the head’s natural curves nicely, and the close crop keeps it clean and modern. This style is ideal for anyone wanting cornrows without the weight or fuss of added length. It especially suits oval and heart-shaped faces as the pattern curves complement the shape of the face. My only real caution is on longevity. Styles this tight and close to the scalp require regular breaks, and I tell my clients it is two to three weeks max. After that take them down, let your scalp breathe and give your edges some love, and then you can go back in.
#10: Zigzag Rows with Sharp Edges
The edges on this one are doing a lot of work. Edges laid this clean make the entire style look so much more clean, precise and intentional. The zig-zag pattern adds some extra dimension to the style, and the close braid work is perfect for thicker hair, and practical for hair that likes to poof out on its own. If you wrap your hair in a satin bonnet at night, this style can last you several weeks. Just avoid friction and let the style do its thing. It’s best to have a frank discussion with your braider about tension, especially through the zig-zag sections, because those can become very uncomfortable if someone is heavy-handed.
#11: Curved Cornrows with Flowing Length
I prefer the flowing curves to straight edges. When the pieces are extended like this, the design flows more. Ergonomically, considering how the head is shaped, straight pieces are less likely to be comfortable than rounded pieces. This design is best with hair of medium thickness. You want enough density for the braids to look full without adding bulk. I won’t lie, it’s a long process, and consistency is crucial. In this design, you can tell if someone took a shortcut. If someone is able to commit to that, you will definitely get a lot of compliments. Out of all the designs, this is one of the easiest to maintain.
#12: High Bun with Cornrow Base and Loose Curls
I love this hybrid style! It merges the neatness of cornrows and the softness of a curled updo. The high bun makes your neck look longer, and the loose curls help keep the overall look soft and not too harsh. The cornrow base is super important because it supports the overall structure, so your braider will need to design the rows with the bun in the right place; otherwise, it could get messy. I love this style for special occasions, but it can also work for everyday if you’re okay with resetting the curls every few days. Also, don’t forget to give your scalp a break underneath the bun, because it can trap product buildup in that area if you’re not careful!
#13: Beaded Cornrow Updo with Shaved Sides
I find this style choice super interesting, and I think it works here. The shaved side not only makes the hair easier to manage, but it gives the braided top section a chance to sit higher and be more dramatic than it would be otherwise. The beads are a nice detail too. Depending on your style choice, they can add a lot more to the overall look. Practically speaking, this isn’t for everyone. If you’re not ready to grow out the shaved sides, then this style is a no go. Otherwise, this is an excellent way to style your hair if you already have an undercut, or are thinking of getting one.
#14: Half-Up Cornrows with Defined Curls
Half-up styles like this allow you to have both volume and control. The cornrow style on top adds shape and structure while the curls at the bottom make the whole look softer and more fluid. This is especially good on clients who want volume but don’t want everything loose and in the way. It looks so beautiful on wavy and curly textures because the natural curl pattern fuses with the styled curls. Be prepared for touch ups on your edges, the braid portion, and before the curls. A small brush and some good edge control will be your friends in between appointments.
#15: Swirling Cornrows with Defined Geometric Patterns
I can see that the quality of execution can make or break this style. The level of craftsmanship involved in detangled braids and spacing gives it a step up from the competition. You should know that this takes a lot of skill considering the slightest errors in angles or braiding can ruin the whole thing, especially in thicker hair. The spacing really will help the vibe and style, while medium length will not be too much or too little and will help it look balanced rather than overwhelming. This style will require a lot of time as the installation alone could take hours. The style will not last as long as others either, due to it starting to look shabby way before other styles do. I would suggest this style if you want to get your hair done more often, but if you want to do less styling it might not be the one for you.
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