If you have natural hair and love braided hairstyles, you must have tried cornrows on your hair, or you may at least have seen someone wearing them. They are easily one of the most used protective styles and most versatile!
Cornrows are a popular protective hairstyle in the African American community, especially among young women who want to wear their hair stylishly but maintain its natural look.
These styles are also popular among women of all ages and ethnicity who love how easy they are to do and how neat and attractive they can look when done properly by an experienced stylist.
Keep reading to check out 40+ fashionable cornrow-braids hairstyles that you’ll love!
40+ Cornrow Braids Hairstyles for 2022
As most of us already know, cornrows are in fashion. Besides being quite fashionable, they’re also very easy to do: all you need is a little time and patience! This year we’ve picked some examples of amazing cornrow braids that will help you get inspired and want to get started right away.
We have compiled more than 40 trendy cornrow braids hairstyles that are hugely popular. Choose your pick and flaunt your new cornrows hairstyle to inspire others!
If you’re going to rock your cornrows with confidence, it helps to have a unique design—and what better way to do that than with diamond-shaped braids?!
Bring out the braiding enthusiast in you with these five thick cornrows with yellow extensions surrounded by beautiful diamond slim braids for an artistic touch. Your new look is going to be inspirational!
It is your chance to shine with short twists and cornrow braids hairstyle. The hairstyle starts as slim cornrows that transform into short twisted braids with curly ends. The result looks like twisted braids are growing out of your scalp.
Longer braids can achieve a similar look, in which case you would use longer extensions. We find the best thing about this style is the side-parted cornrows that differentiate it from regular short hairdos.
Tired of waiting to grow your hair like Rapunzel’s?! Try the straight and long cornrow braids and enjoy your look. Straight and long hair is always considered the epitome of beauty. So while your natural hair cannot grow to the knee-length, you can always opt for extensions that complete your dream of having long hair!
These straight cornrow braids provide a simple hairstyle without bells and whistles yet still look sophisticated for everyday business.
Simple protective style lovers with short hair will be amazed by these short and thick cornrow braids. Plus, it is a look that your ancestors will be proud of! Decorating cornrows with shells, beads, and similar accessories is an ancient practice.
Incorporating beads into your cornrow braids is proof that you love your African roots and never want to let this feeling of belonging to a rich culture fade away!
Protective cornrows and natural hair ponytails are a go-to hairstyle for many school-going girls. There are many fancy ways of styling cornrow braids, but simple is always better.
These chevron-style symmetrical cornrows with pigtails are a perfect style for little girls. Your little girl will look super cute with this fun and stylish hairdo!
Experimenting always brings out something unique, like these alternating cornrows! Add two mini braids between your main thick cornrows with blonde extension, and you will get this splendid look that will make ladies envious! And most importantly, don’t forget to style the short baby hair on the hairline.
Imagine this hairstyle without ombre extensions; would it look as gorgeous as a pop of color is making it to be? We know your answer will be a No! Colors add a new dimension to otherwise everyday hairstyles, as this picture is clear proof. If you like, you can swap red ombre with any other color of your liking. It’s all about taking inspiration and transforming it into something that stands out from the ordinary.
If you don’t love long braids, you are missing out on some great hairstyles. Here, going-back cornrows are paired with extra-long braids that look like a very attractive combo. Straight-back cornrows look cool and elegant without having to create intricate designs and patterns.
Those who like a decent protective hairstyle without going overboard will go for this effortless yet chic hairdo, perfect for any occasion.
These side twist thick knotless braids give a nice variation to a simple braided hairstyle. If you are not into complex cornrow designs, you should try this look next time you are in the salon. It is a simple hairdo that doesn’t take too much time. Also, it is an ideal style if you are looking to get a protective hairdo that is not too tight for your delicate hair.
Don’t you just love to style your hair beautifully once in a while as you used to when you were in school?! Show your creative side with this cute heart-shaped cornrow braids hairstyle. Completing this look with twin twisted buns secured with scrunchies adds a fun element to the ’do. It is a perfect hairstyle for picnics and a day out on the beach!
We love the quirky look achieved by using orange extensions and two pigtails! We are all up for colored extensions as you can get a splash of color without dyeing and damaging your hair in the process. And what’s even better is that you can change it completely with a new color in two to eight weeks when it’s time to say goodbye to this braided hairdo!
It’s all about taking risks when you want to stand out with a hairstyle that defines your personality. This hairstyle is a perfect example of doing something different and making a style statement that is unique and edgy. School-going boys who love a daring look will surely go for this cornrow braids hairstyle and flaunt it with confidence.
We have seen a lot of cornrow hairstyles like this one, and we can see why it’s so popular with braid lovers. These love twist cornrow braids are a breeze to create if you know how to do braids. Also, many people love the simplicity and elegance of this design.
If you plan on getting something as overused as a heart design, we recommend you to do it in style by adding some ombre or blonde extensions, so your hairdo doesn’t lose itself in a sea of ordinary protective hairstyles.
Cornrows are very versatile, and you can adapt them to your taste and style. When doing cornrows on kids, try adding some pastel-colored extensions and see how it transforms the look. Girls especially love shades of pink, and these light pink extensions are the perfect choice for these simple four cornrows into two pigtails.
Teenager girls will find it a perfect hairstyle for Valentine’s Day or a special occasion. However, we find no reason not to wear this ‘do as an everyday hairstyle as we love this cute heart design and would love to see more variations. Maybe you can add some accessories to make it stand out as a personalized hairstyle or add some colored extensions to bring a new life to these cornrows.
Tag this hairstyle for the next time you have a special date or dinner plan with your loved one! It’s a fun and flirty hairstyle to rock on special occasions. Light blonde extensions braided into cornrows and then tied up into a curly and braided ponytail give an instant uplift to this protective style. This look brings your adventurous side to the forefront, so wear it with panache!
We are slightly obsessed with goddess braids and this ‘do is so chic to ignore! Blonde extensions with braids that end in curls, we cannot suggest a better style for your next braiding experiment. If you always have had intricate protective styles, now is the time to try the dazzling goddess braids and enjoy the beauty of this stunning hairstyle.
Dutch braids are not cornrows, but they are very similar in technique as both use underhand motion to create. The hairstyle in question is a combination of both, i.e. Dutch braids and cornrows that result in an unusual hairdo that will be an ideal choice for those who like to go for a one-of-a-kind style!
It is a perfect protective hairstyle if you are looking for longevity. Plus, it allows you to take this style up a notch if you feel like tying a low ponytail with your long braids. But might we say that these braids look just as good hanging loose on your shoulders; a case in point is this picture!
Look at this gorgeous knotted bun with cornrows. Topknots always add charm and timeless beauty to your hair, and we can see this happening in the accompanying image. An up-do like this will make you sit in your stylist’s chair for some hours, but the gain is worth the pain! Instead of the topknot, you can also go for a high ponytail for a more playful style.
These beaded knotless braids are easily our favorite cornrow braids hairstyle for long hair. How can you not love this protective hairstyle? It’s quirky and classy at the same time, making for a great choice. This sleek-looking ‘do exude elegance while beads add uniqueness to these long knotless braids.
Don’t you think these blonde feed-in braids look so smooth and elegant? We are all in for this simple cornrow braids hairstyle that is effortless to create and perfect for everyday wear. So, if you don’t like too much going on with your protective style, we suggest trying these feed-ins at your next appointment with the braider.
Heart-shaped cornrows are a popular style, and we have nothing against it either! Go for it if you can’t think of any other design or don’t want to deviate away from what is the mainstream. Just ask your stylist to play around with the overall style while keeping the heart shape the primary focus.
The hairstyle in question uses stitch braids for the heart shape, and the braids are tied into a low bun at the back, which keeps your braids protected.
24. Red And Black Spirals With Gold Cuffs Cornrow Braids Hairstyles
Now, these kinds of cornrow braids will inspire artists and creative souls who want to do something different with their hair. The spiral cornrows accessorized with golden cuffs are perfect for adventurous types. Plus, the red extensions add flamboyance and take this hairstyle to the next level.
25. Cleopatra Straight-Back Part Cornrow Braids Hairstyles
Do you want to get a straight-back, simple and easy cornrows braid hairstyle that makes you look extra pretty and hot in an instance? Then don’t hesitate to try out this hairstyle! It’s a beaded braid style that looks very close to the Queen of Egypt Cleopatra’s hairstyle but with long braids. And to be honest, we love the added length that gives a modern touch to this ancient style.
This cornrow hairstyle is made famous by American rapper Pop Smoke. If you are a fan, then we have something special for you. No boy can refuse this cute, simple, and beautiful masculine hairstyle. It features repetitive cornrows in horizontal lines with a middle parting, so you have a symmetrical design. You can try them on short to medium hair lengths and make an excellent hairstyle pattern in your hair.
Thick asymmetrical cornrows, starting from a single point at one side, will never look as beautiful as they are because of the pretty pink extensions. These extensions give the cornrow braids a dream-like appearance that we would love to see on more girls with a customized touch for a unique look to the one wearing it. We can imagine one with dangling golden accessories to maximize the beauty of this feminine hairstyle.
The straight-back long Ghana braids with heart-shaped cornrows over the ears are an elegant style for the sophisticated ladies out there who would love to get a laid-back look but with a little bit of fun. Most women go for heart shaped cornrows for a special occasion so keep it in your list of protective styles for special days such as Valentine’s.
We are more interested in the crossed-over cornrows than the heart design ones. The low braided ponytail is the highlight of this hairstyle that has us completely mesmerized. Adding style variations such as ponytails, pigtails, buns, and curls change the whole look of a hairstyle, and here the wrapped braided ponytail steals the show!
Why not add some drama to your hair with some side cornrows. These one-sided cornrows give an illusion of an undercut hairstyle from a distance, which can add an element of interest to your ‘do. We also love the silver cuffs that secure and decorate the cornrows simultaneously.
Senegalese twist braids that look like ropes are a mega-popular protective style for natural hair. These braids are not very tightly made so these are ideal if you don’t want to put too much stress on your natural hair. Here one-tone long dark twists with side partings create a neat look.
However, we have seen colored twists using ombre or any other color that look so attractive, so we will go for those if we are to rock this look!
This hairstyle brings a creative little twist to a humble braided bun style. It features not one but two cornrow braided buns! Buns are a modest hairstyle, but when you create a style for young girls, you would like something fun that doesn’t look too made-up. These neat double bun braids do exactly that!
33. Medium Mid Length Knotless Cornrow Braids Hairstyles
What’s great about these cornrows is that there are so many ways you can style them to look unique and stylish. The square sections of hair braided with knotless cornrows are extremely versatile as you can do countless variations with them. Here inclusion of brown and caramel extensions adds a subtle beauty to these simple medium-length braids.
Can any hairstyle be cuter than these six feed-in cornrows tied into a low bun and secured with a scrunchie? We feel an old-school vibe here that is both cute and practical. The cornrows over the ears start with a heart-shaped section and go straight back. Adding appropriate accessories enhances the look of any hairstyle, so don’t shy away from using one.
Jumbo braids can be super-stylish when done correctly. This medium-length jumbo braid hairstyle is so trendy. Adding pink extensions in just one braid is a clever way of introducing some zing into a hairstyle that can look boring if you do not pay attention to details. The curly ends of the braids add texture to the hair and look very charming. We can already see some of you saving this ‘do for later!
Freestyle braiding is a great way to do so much with your hair at one given time. You can see different cornrow designs that add to the beauty of this cornrow braids hairstyle. The snake bends, straight cornrows, and heart design complement each other perfectly in this edgy hairdo with long loose braids. You can take this as an inspiration to create a customized look to match your personality.
We love seeing colored extensions because we love colors and would love you to use them more in your braided hairstyles. Choosing the right color to complement your style is a daunting task. But these bronze extensions that fall to the bum look perfect in these jumbo cornrow braids.
Getting the length right is also very important as it can make or break a look. The color and length of the braids have made it a hit for us!
Small and slim braids with long lengths impart a sleek look to your braided hairstyle. The small knotless side swept braids are very attractive and can be worn for formal or informal events. If you are feeling adventurous, add some accessories or tie them in a low-knotted bun at one side for unmatched elegance and class that will make people turn their heads!
When you see it from the other angle, you will notice the crossing-over chunky braids that are the main feature of this hairdo. The small heart cornrows at one side add a delightful detail that gets noticed instantly and complement the overall look splendidly. You’ll also be more interested in criss-cross cornrows that are sure to steal anyone’s heart!
Sometimes, you need a normal protective hairstyle to match your needs, such as a basic cornrow braids hairstyle. Maybe you’ll want it done for an older adult who doesn’t want to sit for hours in a braider’s chair or a young kid who doesn’t like patterns and designs.
A basic cornrow with a twisted knot at the back will suffice for such situations. However, you’ll have to agree that even a basic cornrow design is enough to make you look pretty!
Straight-back chunky cornrows with a heart design are versatile designs you can take in any direction you want. You can leave the braids loose at the back, tie them in a ponytail, and make a knotted bun or tie two low buns for a more playful look like in this picture. We can’t take our eyes off this hairstyle, and so do everyone to whom we have shown this picture!
You or your stylist will need magical hands to braid these slim straight-back cornrows. To many, these cornrow braids will look too plain. But trust us, you don’t need elaborate designs and intricate details to look beautiful. Most often, it’s these simple hairdos that earn you more praises.
Incredibly stunning! It is what popped into our minds when looking at this shiny ‘do! Two symmetrical cornrows braided into two pigtails is a charming hairstyle that will be good for young girls and women. If you want a braided hairstyle but don’t have too much time, then these cornrow pigtails will make you look like a princess in no time!
Try these knotless cornrow braids, and thank us later if you want to feel fancy in your everyday look! These gorgeous cornrow braids going to your waistline are enough to make you feel beautiful. The front cornrows add texture, and back braids add volume, making it a classy hairstyle.
Some people can’t help to be trend-setters instead of following trends set by others. Style your hair differently and be the one whose style is replicated by everyone! Sometimes just one unique feature makes your hairstyle a hit. For example, these eye-catching red extensions in cornrow braids tied high up on a lopsided ponytail can be a style statement that will inspire others to copy the look.
FAQs
What Are Cornrows And How They Got This Name?
Cornrow is a traditional hair braiding style done very close to the scalp and takes all the hair into the braids. The cornrow braids look like rows of corn or cornfields at one glance; hence they got this name from the African Americans who worked on farms during the nineteenth century.
Cornrows can be straight, curved, wavy, or even geometric patterns like paths in a grain field. These are also called African braids and are one of the most popular scalp braid styles.
What Do Cornrows Symbolize?
Many African Americans wear cornrows as a cultural tradition. For some, cornrows symbolize an important event or rite of passage that happened in their lives; others may wear them to honor someone who has passed away. In many African countries, you can identify one’s age, marital status, social status, and even religion by the type of cornrows they wear.
In western culture, you can wear any cornrows that match your style. Whatever your reason for wearing a particular cornrow style, it’s nice to know that whatever you choose, it’s yours and no one else’s. Wear what makes you feel beautiful on your own terms. Who cares if someone judges you?!
Are Cornrows In Style?
According to many sources, cornrows and other braided hairstyles are among the most popular protective hairstyles. Don’t wait for too long to get in on this fashionable trend!
So whether you’re looking to go from straight hair to braids or just want some new look to switch things up, cornrows are definitely what’s hot. If you don’t believe us, check out the pictures of cornrow styles shared here to help prove it.
What Are the Best Cornrow Styles To Try This Year?
Even though cornrows have been used in many cultures since ancient times, they’re still a hot look on social media. We’ve scoured Instagram to find some of the most stylish styles you might want to copy in 2022.
It is an elaborate list with more than forty looks and variations. As with any braiding style, cornrows can be combined with other hairstyles and almost all hair types. So, pick your favorites and g to be inspired!
Some of the popular celebrity-inspired cornrow styles are chunky cornrow braids, slim cornrows with twists, Cornrows into a bun, cornrows into a high ponytail, side-swept cornrows, half-up cornrows and so many more.
Can Anyone Wear Cornrows?
Indeed, cornrows are often associated with black hairstyles and people, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t appropriate for all races. The beauty of cornrows is that they can be worn by any hair type, whether curly or straight.
Although traditional cornrows typically feature small braids instead of large box braids, there are still plenty of fashionable ways to rock them. It’s just a matter of looking around at what else has been done before you!
Do Cornrows Make Hair Grow Faster?
Some people have misconception that cornrows will cause hair to grow faster, so we decided to look into it. And we’re happy to report that many researches shows that cornrows and braids won’t make your hair grow any faster than normal.
That said, there are some other benefits that you can expect from wearing braided hairstyles such as protection from heat, humidity and pollution. So you can wear cornrows without worrying about any negative impact on your hair.
Do Cornrows Ruin Your Hair?
If you’re getting your hair braided and wonder if your cornrows will ruin your natural hair, know that it is possible to do so. Wearing tight cornrows can strain your hair roots, so ask your stylist to be gentle with your hair. Tight cornrows pulling the hair at the roots can lead to hair loss which can be prevented with a little care.
Also, if your stylist doesn’t moisturize or apply a styling product on your scalp thoroughly before applying each weft, it can dry out some of your strands, creating splits. With time, these splits can cause permanent damage to not only individual strands but also to sections of hair as well.
How Long Can You Keep Cornrows In?
You can keep cornrows in for as long as eight weeks, but it’s best to keep them for 2–4 weeks. After eight weeks, your cornrows will look messy and saggy because of growing hair. The hair growth puts a lot of pressure on the braids, and if you don’t open up your braids, it can lead to hair damage.
Moreover, the braids accumulate too much buildup even if you wash your braids. This buildup needs to be cleaned for healthy hair, so it’s not good to keep cornrows for too long. We suggest not going for another protective style right away after untying your braids. The recommended breathing period for hair is three to seven days. It gives your hair a chance to rest before you tie them up again.
How to braid cornrows?
Braiding basic cornrows is not very complicated. You will be doing them on your hair like a pro with a little practice. Going slow and steady is the key to learning a new skill, and the same goes for learning how to braid cornrows. If you are keen on learning basic cornrows braiding, then here is your chance. Watch this quick video and start practicing on your hair or your friends to become a braiding guru in no time!
Not every hairstyle is right for every face shape, but there are several things you can do to transform any hairstyle into one that flatters your face. Cornrows can be a fun, playful style or a sleek, sophisticated look. Braided hair makes you look younger so consider cornrows as part of your hairstyle. They require few tools and little skill and can be removed easily if you feel like trying something new.
Finding a stylist or getting a friend to help you cornrow is your first step in creating a new look. The style itself can be tailored to fit any hair length, and by choosing from a range of styling products, you can also adjust it slightly more casual or formal, depending on whether you’re dressing up or dressing down.
Regardless of what color your hair is, there’s a cornrow braid that will complement it. You can choose from this list of cornrow styles shared above to save time.
Hi, my name is Miranda Cole, and I’ve been working in the makeup industry for the last 10 years. I began my journey as a beautician, and now I specialize in both makeup and hair.
Over the last 10 years, I have watched as the latest trends change, and have seen the evolution of beauty and makeup in particular. As a result of this, I have a good knowledge of different makeup products, and hairstyles that will suit specific complexions or face shapes.
I want Fabulyst to be an extension of my day job, so that I can help educate others on everything they need to know about fashion and beauty. From the latest style pieces to wear, to the best hairstyles, I will be covering everything there is to know.
