Cornrows, a timeless and iconic hairstyle, have been a staple in African and African-American communities for centuries. This versatile style, characterized by braided rows of hair close to the scalp, offers a myriad of options for those with natural hair. Whether you're looking for a protective style, a way to switch up your look, or simply want to embrace your natural texture, there's a cornrow style out there for you. Let's delve into some of the best cornrow styles for natural hair.
Before we dive into the styles, it's crucial to remember that cornrows can be customized to suit your face shape, personal style, and hair length. They can be as simple or as intricate as you desire, making them a fantastic way to express your creativity. Now, let's explore some inspiring cornrow styles that you might want to try.
Classic Cornrow Styles
The classic cornrow style is a great starting point if you're new to this hairstyle. It's simple, elegant, and can be worn by anyone, regardless of hair length. The key to a classic cornrow is the straight, neat rows that run along the scalp.
For a modern twist on the classic style, consider adding some variation to the parting. A deep side part, a zigzag part, or a middle part can all add a unique touch to your cornrows.
Cornrows with Feed-in Braids
Feed-in braids are a fantastic way to add length and volume to your natural hair. In this style, the braider starts with a small section of your natural hair at the crown, then feeds in extensions as they braid, gradually increasing the thickness of the braid. This creates the illusion of long, luscious locks.
You can opt for a full head of feed-in cornrows or incorporate them into a partial style, such as cornrows at the front with a twist-out or bantu knots at the back. The possibilities are endless!
Cornrows with Faux Locs
If you're looking to try out locs but aren't ready to commit to the long-term maintenance, consider cornrows with faux locs. This style involves braiding your hair into cornrows, then wrapping each braid with a piece of Marley hair or another textured extension.
The result is a style that looks like locs but can be taken out and redone as often as you like. It's a great way to experiment with the loc lifestyle without the long-term commitment.
Intricate Cornrow Designs
Once you're comfortable with the basics, you can start to explore more intricate cornrow designs. These styles often involve complex partings, multiple braiding patterns, or the incorporation of other braiding techniques.
Here are a couple of intricate cornrow styles to inspire your next visit to the salon:
Cornrows with Braided Patterns
One way to add interest to your cornrows is to incorporate braided patterns into your style. This could be as simple as a few braided diamonds or hearts scattered throughout your cornrows, or as complex as a full head of braided designs.
For a truly unique look, consider working with a braider who specializes in custom designs. They can create a one-of-a-kind pattern that reflects your personality and style.
Cornrows with Twists and Knots
Another way to add texture and interest to your cornrows is to incorporate other braiding techniques, such as twists or knots. For example, you could start with a cornrow at the front of your hair, then switch to a two-strand twist or a bantu knot for the rest of your hair.
Alternatively, you could incorporate twists or knots into your cornrows themselves. For instance, you could create a cornrow with a twisted pattern, or add a knot to the end of each cornrow for a unique finishing touch.
Embracing your natural hair texture and exploring different cornrow styles can be a fun and creative journey. Whether you prefer simple and sleek or intricate and eye-catching, there's a cornrow style out there that's perfect for you. So go ahead, experiment, and have fun expressing yourself through your hair!