Made popular in the 90s by celebrities like Queen B and Alicia Keys, cornrows braids are braids that are done tightly and close to the scalp. This afro hair appears in infinite styles and designs and is favored for its easy maintenance. What makes them irresistible is that you can wear them with a little of your own or your stylist’s creativity for a unique result!
Accessorize your natural hair with cuffs and beads, dye it with fashion colors and exquisite patterns, and combine different braid sizes to get contrast, or do them uniformly for an elegant finish – cornrows are sure to glam you up!
This braiding style gets its roots in the African culture, as it’s a great way to protect natural hair. It’s also possible on any other type of hair, like baby hairs, as long as you have the confidence to rock it! Upkeep includes careful cleansing and moisturizing of the scalp for healthy and long-lasting protective braids.
Get ready to wear the coolest cornrow feeds this year with this gallery of the trendiest cornrows for women!
#1: Box Braids with Cornrows
Make your everyday life easy when you put on these trendy and stylish cornrows with box braids that go so well with any outfit or event you’ll go to. It’s super versatile that you can prep it any way you want. You can wear your cornrows and box braids with accessories, in a bun, or just let them down!
#2: Side-Swept Chunky Cornrows
Side-swept cornrows are a chic hairstyle for black women with shoulder-length hair. The braids are intricately braided and hang loosely on one side of the face. This creates a flattering and elegant frame. The best part about this hairstyle is not only the low maintenance, but it’s perfect for active women. Whether heading to the gym or the office, the side-swept cornrows keep your hair stylish. For added glam, ask for some loose wavy hair to add a boho look.
#3: Cornrows with Beads
Cornrows with beads can make a stunning style! This classic plaited hairstyle is trendy and timeless. It’s perfect for anyone looking to add design and interest. It’s great for protecting hair from damage. Because the natural hair is styled without heat for an extended time, plus they look amazing on all face shapes. To get this look right, mention any desired placement of beads or what color you’d like. Tell your professional braider so they can create the exact look you want! This will be an eye-catching look with cornrows offset by tiny glimmering beads.
#4: Stunning Cornrow Braids
Get into these stunning cornrow braids. The cornrow design is certainly eye-catching for women who want to turn heads! Commonly called a butterfly design, you must have at least average hair thickness. This is for the precision of such a unique cornrows design.
#5: Tribal Braids
Tribal braids can be designed to fit your style. They are ideal for versatility in your everyday hair styling. Best styled using synthetic braid hair, this look can be long or short. Jazz it up by adding different beads and hair jewelry for added color and style. For best results, seek a professional braider specializing in mini feed-in braids. Ask for their magic in creating a design unique to you.
#6: Braided Bob and Beads
You’ll love the look of a braided bob and beads. This cornrows style is perfect for ladies looking to add a bit of flair to their hair, as it’s both flattering and versatile. Opting for this style can be an easy way to wear your hair in different styles while keeping it chic. To get these corn rows and plaits, separate your hair into two sections on either side of your head and braid each section down to the ends. Finally, accessorize.
#7: Amazing Knotless Braids
Create a stunning look with amazing knotless braids. These cornrows and scalp braids are perfect for creating an effortless yet flattering style. Instead of using knots to secure the hair, I’ve found that using small rubber bands is much more effective – plus, it’s super easy! My best advice when styling these gorgeous braids is to use light-hold hairspray and brush through with your fingers for a natural-looking finish.
#8: High Bun Ponytail with Sweet Cornrow Braids
I often recommend a high bun ponytail with sweet cornrow braids for clients looking to change their style. This look is flattering and can be dressed up or down, depending on the occasion. To achieve this look, create cornrows that run horizontally along the scalp. Secure them at the ends with small elastics, then tie your hair into a high bun secured with an elastic band. For added hold, use bobby pins to secure loose strands.
#9: Cool Bobbed Cornrowed Braids
Consider getting cool braids if you want something short and easily managed. If you decide to try this style, be sure to have healthy edges and healthy roots. These half cornrows half braids are a style for short natural-haired women. So, if you need to do a big chop on your hair, this is a great protective style to go right into your hair re-growth journey.
#10: Long Cornrows with a Heart Braid
Fall in love with these long cornrows with a heart braid on the side. Referred to as lemonade braids, this will allow you to switch up your typical lemonade design. Sometimes, to eliminate stringy ends, your braider can add Flexi rods at the ends for a curly finish.
#11: Long Blonde Cornrows
Long blonde cornrows, or long box braids, are a versatile style with a blonde color to jazz it up. Typically installed with kanekalon hair, you can curl and straighten the ends if you wish to wear different styles. These cornrows hairstyles are one of the best to consider because of their versatility and minimal tension on your hair and scalp.
#12: Twist Braids
Dark red cornrows into twist braids is a modern braided hairstyle. Add gold cuffs to stand out.
#13: Beautiful Cornrows with a High Bun
Think about getting a twist on Fulani braids with beautiful cornrows with a high bun. I advise getting singles in the back so you don’t always have to wear a ponytail. You can wear it up, down, or half and half.
#14: Senegalese Twist Cornrows
The all-time Senegalese twists cornrows demand attention wherever you go! This style can be worn during the day for a trendy casual look, and it will spice up your outfit, giving you an edgy image.
#15: Side Cornrow Braids
These tribal-inspired cornrows look amazing, but adding them with these cute fashionable beads made a difference! It’s an easy way if you’re looking to spruce up your everyday style!
#16: Side Part Cornrows
The simplest yet trendiest protective style you can wear is these big cornrows from one side of your head to the other down to your body. It leaves you feeling easy and fresh yet stylish all day!
#17: Side Cornrows Braided Into a Bun
This cornrow hairstyle is great if you are on the go and need to style your twists quickly. They present polished yet fun scalp braids that work in any setting – work or a casual day out.
#18: Small Cornrow Braids
These thin, small cornrows provide the versatility in styling everyone craves. Depending on the occasion, the latest cornrow styles may be worn in a romantic look or a head-turning edgy look.
#19: Cornrows for Short Hair
A super low-maintenance hairstyle like these cornrows braids in an adorable bob will change your life! If you want a neat and intricate look, be sure to get yours done by a pro!
#20: Cornrows on Long Hair
These neatly done blonde box braids cornrows prove how stylish protective braids can be! Spice up your look by adding some blonde pieces to highlight your long braids.
#21: Goddess Cornrow Braids
Be aware of this eye-catching cornrows style, as it can be created by anyone bold enough to try it! Red is vibrant enough, but you can still add more fun to it by putting in some colorful strings and accessories.
#22: Cornrow Braid with Zig-Zag Design
You often wonder, “How did they do that?” to such intricate designs. Then you’d be surprised how simple it is to do with cornrows! There is no denying that these cornrow braid styles are a breeze to rock, too.
#23: Ghana Cornrows
With this low-maintenance iconic cornrows braid, worry about anything you don’t need! Style them easily with accessories and feel natural with these thin braids.
#24: Big Cornrow Braids
The coolest way to enter the world of Ghana braids is with these thick cornrows! Easy to take care of and style – pair with a natural brown shade to illuminate your skin and face.
#25: Burgundy Cornrows on Long Hair
Go bold and bright with burgundy cornrows that are perfect for olive and dark skin! An added benefit is that it highlights your long hair when light hits you, making everyone see how beautiful those braids are!
#26: Medium-Length Cornrows with Cuffs
Take a look at these stunningly fierce cornrows for medium-length hair. They’ll add hair color to your whole style! Put on some pretty jewelry like these golden cuffs to add variety to your hair. Even simple cornrows are acceptable, so go all out!
#27: Jumbo Cornrow Braids
If you want to make a statement, these inspiring jumbo cornrows are for you! Placing super cute and thin rows provide an amazing contrast that makes the whole look even more interesting.
#28: Straight Back Cornrow Braids
This look is straight-back cornrows. It is a feed-in style of the cornrow, so it has a very natural look. It’s unique with the smaller criss-cross braids in between, making this simple style more than just the ordinary! The easiest, simplest style to accomplish! These straight-back braids are great for the summer. The jewels give off a very fresh and glamorous look. It’s also a great protective style. Perfect for swimming, vacation, and especially those hot, muggy days that make our natural hair frizzy and messy. The best part is that it doesn’t take long to do at all.
#29: Mohawk Cornrow Braids
This is a super chic and professional loc mohawk cornrow strands. This style is perfect for many occasions, such as the office, a wedding, or even a night out with friends or loved ones. I love that it can be dressed up or dressed down, and it is also very simple to achieve. I love loc styles that look more intricate than they are. It makes creating these cornrow braid hairstyles a lot more exciting!
#30: Weave Feed In Braids and Cornrows
This lemonade braided style was inspired by one of Beyoncé’s looks during her Lemonade album – cornrows or small “feed-in” braids going in one direction to hang on one side. I love that it differs from your typical cornrow braided hairstyles, usually to the back. You can get a little more creative with this style as far as designs as well! This cornrow hairstyle is for the everyday woman! I’ve done these cornrow hairstyles in most age groups and races. If you want to spice your usual protective hairstyles up, this is a go-to. This braided hairstyle lasts 4-6 weeks and is easy to maintain with a styling mousse and a scarf at night!
#31: Cornrow Braid Design
These cornrows are definitely for a festive hairstyle or even for someone who wants to try new styles. The hair texture doesn’t matter for braids. Tying your hair up at night is important to keep the braids in place. This is one of my favorite creations.
#32: Updo Cornrow Hairstyle
This style is simple but unique at the same time. Most people who consider cornrows are the ones that like to get up and go, not having to fix the hair, curl the hair, or anything else. Most of my clients who get updo cornrow styles are business personnel (for a professional look), busy moms, or workout gurus who need a style to last through all that sweat.
#33: Two Cornrow Braids
This look is a unique two-cornrow braided style with an added extension. But clearly, the amount of cornrows on your head is irrelevant, whether you choose 4 cornrows or 6 cornrows, so long as the braided pattern is eye-catching.
While it may seem complicated, these half cornrows half waves are a one-of-a-kind style and make a great quick fix on a bad hair day.
#34: Side Cornrow Braids
These are side cornrows with singles and designs at the side. Start off-center for a simple, neat, and easy-to-manage look! The round shape created by these braids is perfect for angular faces. Make sure you oil your scalp braids often.
#35: Nigerian Cornrows
This is a full-frontal box braided cornrows wig, a common style amongst African women, especially in Nigeria. I love that we could develop the idea of transforming this look into a wig. Surely, women all over Nigeria and outside Nigeria can wear this look with maximum ease just by installing it in less than 60 seconds. The baby hair attached gave this look a natural finish at the edge. This look can be worn in professional places and also in casual settings. It’s also for women who do not have the time to go to a beauty salon to get their braids done.
#36: Side Swept Cornrows
The traditional way to wear these cute side cornrow braids is straight back, but don’t stop yourself from falling in love with these side-swept ones! They are very easy to manage and allow you to show your flirty side and beautiful face. Straight back cornrows are a sleek and beautiful style that will make a statement and get you noticed. It brings questions to mind, like how are there so many braids that sit on the side and not as many close to the scalp?
#37: High Ponytail Cornrow Braids
This style here is called feed-in ponytail cornrows. It gives a very natural look and is a great go-to protective style! The great thing about this style is that you can either wear it down or gather the braids to the back and wrap them around into a bun for a more casual look! It’s very versatile and low maintenance. I recommend such straight-back hairstyles to anyone! This style can be manipulated on almost any hair texture! Whether you work in the corporate world or are a regular 9-5, you can’t go wrong with this style!
#38: Black Braids With Cornrow Designs
Q&A with style creator, Mariam
Hairstylist / Manager @ Mariam & Teneke African Hair Braiding in Brooklyn, NY
How would you describe this look?
This braid hairstyle gives you a very classy look. It looks very simple and very easy to manage. You can wash your hair while having this style and grease it, and my favorite thing about this style is that it lasts a very long time, for about three months. Since this style is three layers, when it gets old and starts to get messy, you can always do the top part over and make it look brand new because it lasts so long. It gives your hair time to breathe, which makes it grow.
Any advice for someone considering it?
These African braids hairstyles are for people who like that “one-look” look. What I mean by that is that you can’t style it in any other way. You can only put it in a low bun or ponytail or leave it down. It’s not like different hairstyles where you can style it and do all these things with, so this is for a person who is ok with having the same look for about two months.
#39: Cornrow Ponytail Braids
Q&A with style creator, Omeka Lemons
Owner and Natural Hair Stylist @ Feevas Natural Hair Studio in Holiday, FL
How would you describe this look and what is your favorite thing about it?
This look is a cornrow ponytail braids. My favorite thing about it is the feed-in technique to make the braid look more natural.
What tips or products do you recommend to recreate this look?
All you need is some Kenekalon braiding hair and your favorite hair products for moisture.
What type of client would you recommend this look for?
This hairstyle is great for all face shapes. It is a great style if you like to get up and go. It’s great for traveling, vacationing, or if you want a fun style.