It’s an amazing time to be a protective style junkie, and doubly so if cornrows happen to be your style of choice. Merged with memories of Blue Magic and Luster’s Pink Hair Lotion, many Black people can recall a time when cornrows were not only a staple but a way of life. The weekly ritual of gathering all the hair greases and rattail combs, sitting on the floor in front of our mothers and the TV, and trying not to move too much as they cornrowed our curly and kinky hair is forever etched into our collective consciousness.
It’s heartwarming to know that those nostalgic styles are still popular and just as culturally relevant now as they were in our childhood–and in the many generations before us. We’re seeing countless fresh takes on the historic braided style via social media and red carpets, building on the elegance and functionality of the look but with a modern touch.
Continue on for a round-up of 15 cornrow styles to take to your next braiding appointment or (if you’re ambitious) attempt yourself.
1. Half-Up Half Down
Image Source: @braidscentral
In that moment when you’re indecisive about going for an up-do or styling your cornrows down, remember you can do both. Get your hair cornrowed in the front for a sleeker look, and then individual box braids in the back. Ask your stylist to leave tendrils of hair undone for that “effortless” effect.
2. Chunky Middle Part
Photo: @pearlthestylist_
Popularized by the late rapper Pop Smoke, this style is symmetrical and straightforward, but still so fly. Stylist and braid coach @pearlthestylist perfected this by making the braids chunky, long and ridiculously neat.
3. Gypsy Braids
Image Source: @jpeddless
These stitch braids are brimming with intricacy and details from the braids across the top, baby hairs, and tendrils cascading around the braids.
4. Intricate Zig-Zags
Photo: @melissa_veronique
This is the remedy for straight-back cornrow fatigue. Snake-like zig-zag patterns shake things up and help keep protective styling interesting. And, as always, accessorize the look with beads.
5. Low Bun
Image Source: @daniellawalters_
Low buns are sultry and graceful. This cornrowed bun features braids of different sizes which is even more eye-catching. And if you usually blow dry your hair before protective styling, look into the Oribe Supershine Light Moisturizing Cream as a base.
6. Pigtails
Photo: @nikethegawdess
The pigtails of your childhood, but very much elevated. Recreate this innovative look by joining smaller cornrows by braiding back and adding hair as you go to create two thick, full braided ponytails. You may want to hit up a professional for this one.
7. Understated Parts
Photo: @ayxvna
As opposed to other braided styles where parting can make or break the look, these braids have very understated parts. The braids are done very close together and have more of a natural, less “done up” feel.
8. Half-Cornrowed
Image Source: @evadts_
The DIY crowd will love this one. If you’re running low on time or simply don’t have it in you to cornrow your whole head, just braid up the front and define the back with your typical favorite products.
Have flakes? Check out How to Manage Those Irritating Scalp Flakes When You’ve Got Braids
9. Long Straight Backs
Image Source: @letsbraidd
Straight backs will always be the “little black dress” classic of braided styles. And you can spice things up a little by opting for the stitch pattern, making them longer, or curling the ends.
10. Ponytail with Bangs
Photo: @infinity_beautylounge
There’s something about bangs, no matter what the hairstyle is. Ask your stylist to create some face-framing action with your braids, and add beads for more movement.
11. Cross Hatch Pattern
Photo: @vanessamatsena
Now, this is what we’d call stunning. The criss crossing pattern is unique and there’s a plethora of ways to style this because of how the braids are loose in the back.
12. Blonde Highlights
Photo: @ashley_masse
Color will add new depth to most hairstyles, including braids. Ask your stylist about integrating a pop of blonde into your next style for added warmth and dimension.
13. No Extensions
Photo: @curlie.lexi
If you’re satisfied with the length and density of your natural hair, don’t feel pressured to get extensions. Remember Alicia Keys’s cornrows from her Songs in A Minor days? That look inspired this impressive style by @curlie.lexi.
14. Subtle Cornrows
Image Source: @elsadesiree
This is super beginner friendly for the DIY girlies. Follow along with @elsa.desiree as she braids six cornrows in total (three on each side), secures her hair in a bun in the center, and defines a ponytail in the back.
15. High Ponytail
Photo: @naturalhairme
Nothing exudes confidence like a high ponytail. When the braided bun just isn’t cutting it, a braided ponytail adds just the right amount of drama. Adjust the thickness and size of the braids as well as the length based on your own personal style.
Add to cart: 10 Products to Clean Your Scalp While in a Protective Style
How do you style your cornrows? Let us know if we missed your go-to style below!
