20 Cornrow Hairstyle Ideas to Try Right Now
Celebrity hairstylist Annagjid "Kee" Taylor breaks down all the ways to style cornrows.
Cornrows are one of the most versatile ways to style and protect curly and coarse hair. You'll often see these gorgeous braids done in straight lines from the hairline, but they can also be weaved in intricate styles and fun designs. "Cornrows are a great option as a protective style," says celebrity hairstylist Annagjid "Kee" Taylor. "Protective styles give our hair a break from environmental stressors and damage from styling."
Ahead, Taylor breaks down how to achieve different cornrow hairstyles and exactly how to take care of them. Scroll through to read her tips and to find 20 of our favorite celebs and influencers rocking our favorite cornrow styles.
Zendaya
Taylor says to carefully add an even amount of hair each time as you braid in order to keep the cornrows all the same size, like seen here on Zendaya.
Yara Shahidi
Taylor says that if you're doing cornrows on natural hair, don't forget to detangle the hair as you braid. Once you've passed the scalp, you can continue to braid as normal and curl the ends around your finger to prevent them from unraveling (or use snap-free rubber bands or barrettes if you need).
Beyoncé
Curved cornrows, like here on queen Beyoncé, are a dynamic and striking look. Taylor says you can start cornrows from any point on the hairline.
Gabrielle Union
Instead of starting from the top of the hairline, Gabrielle Union starts her cornrows from the center of the scalp and braids outwards, letting the braids cascade down past her shoulders for a really pretty look.
Laura Harrier
Taylor says it can be really fun to create a ponytail with cornrows, as seen here on Laura Harrier. "The key difference here is that instead of braiding all the back from front to back, you'll want to pick a spot where you want to start your ponytail (for example, higher towards the back of the scalp for a high pony)," she says. "Start your cornrows from all directions and braid towards the pony."
Jourdan Dunn
Model Jourdan Dunn wears her long hair braided tightly at the scalp and lets the length fall down to her waist.
Regina King
Regina King adds just three cornrows to add some beautiful detail to her low, voluminous ponytail.
FKA Twigs
With pops of orange-red and face-framing sections, FKA Twigs puts a fiery spin on otherwise classic braids.
Ebonee Davis
The model had her hair intricately micro-braided by stylist @NizzTexturedHair along the front and sides, then styled into two gorgeous curly pigtails. This look is equal parts fun and fashion.
Zoe Kravitz
You can totally do cornrows on short hair, as seen here on Zoe Kravitz. Taylor recommends having about two inches of hair length in order to style your hair into cornrows, otherwise she says the hair won't be long enough to braid.
Mel B
Add fun accessories to your cornrows, like these letters that spell out "LOVE" on Mel B.
Ciara
Ciara wears traditional cornrows, braiding at the top of the hairline and going all the way to the nape of her neck.
Tracee Ellis Ross
Like jewelry for your hair, don't be afraid to add golden string to your braids like seen here on Tracee Ellis Ross.
Imani Randolph
Model and influencer Imani Randolph wears traditional front-to-back cornrows for a sleek, protective style. To keep cornrows neat, Taylor says to wash with braids and twists in, keep your scalp moisturized, and wrap the hair in a satin or silk scarf when you're not out and about.
Alicia Keys
Alicia Keys shows off her intricate baby hairs with her cornrows that meet at the bottom to form a low bun.
Mecca James-Williams
Influencer Mecca James-Williams adds seashells to the ends of her braids for a tropical look perfect for your beach vacay.
Keke Palmer
Have your cornrows parted off to the side, as seen here on Keke Palmer. It adds extra dimension to the look.
Temiloluwa Otedola
Influencer Temiloluwa Otedola left two braids hanging down in front of her ears to frame her face, and the rest pulled back into a ponytail.
Yaminah Mayo
Influencer Yaminah Mayo wears traditional cornrows with long braids gathered at the back in a low pony.
World of Brading
A twist on traditional cornrows, to get this look start braiding at the nape of your neck and work your way upwards to a top knot. The effect is so cool.
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