35 Stunning Cornrow Hairstyles You'll Want to Try Immediately
Here's all the protective-style inspo you need for your braids.
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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.
Cornrows with a Texas Twist
Houston native Beyoncé adds her own flair on this gorgeous style while accessorizing with an oversized hat, black sunglasses and jewelry.
Storytelling Braids
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.
7 Braids
Ella Balinska wears a seven-part bun with mid-sized braids to the 2021 British Fashion Awards.
The Top Knot
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.
Off the Shoulder
Actress Serayah rocks an off-the-shoulder look on the red carpet.
Mid-Length Braids
Rihanna's mid-length cornrows were braided with a unique pattern to complement her 2019 British Fashion Awards look.
Braided Crown
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.
Plaited Space Buns
This style isn't just reserved for the runway. You can wear these low buns every day for a unique and totally gorgeous look.
Gray Scale Braids
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.)
High Pony
Naturi Naughton rocks cornrows with a high ponytail and charms.
High Space Buns
Storm Reid takes a youthful twist on the classic style by incorporating space buns into a cornrowed faux hawk.
Sleek Low Bun
Thandiwe Newton stuns in small-sized cornrows and an elegant low bun.
Beads
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.
Colorful Ombre
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.
Asymetrical Ponytail
This asymmetrical pattern is a perfect long-term protective style, though smaller braids have the potential to cause more tension.
Blunt Bob
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.
Middle Part
Model Adit Priscilla stuns during Paris Fashion Week with her symmetrical cornrows and middle part.
Golden Bun
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.
Classic Cornrows
Jorja Smith wears classic cornrows with both the common braiding style and technique.
Center Jewel
Erica Ash incorporates a center leaf charm and beads in her Fulani braids.
Katherine Tinsley is a pop culture and beauty-obsessed journalist who has worked with Live the Process, The Knockturnal and Dreamlette covering all things beauty, culture and lifestyle. Her work has allowed her to merge all of these interests into her writing and interview style.
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