Cornrows
Sleek rows · sculpted
Cornrows braid hair flat against the scalp in continuous rows — here, straight back from the hairline to the nape. The parts are as much the design as the braids; crisp, even sections catch the light like pinstripes. It's a protective style with centuries of history behind it.
Who it suits
Designed for afro-textured hair, which grips and holds the rows; very straight, slippery hair unravels and won't hold a lasting install. With everything pulled back, the face is framed by the parts alone, which favors defined features — oval, heart, and diamond shapes. Tender-headed? Say so; tension is adjustable.
Two to four weeks of near-zero styling: a satin scarf at night and light scalp oil a few times a week. When the roots fuzz past neat, it's take-down time — pushing longer invites matting.
Cornrows — common questions
How long do cornrows last?
On natural hair, two to four weeks depending on how fast your roots grow fuzzy and how well you wrap them at night. With extension hair added, they can go closer to six. Itchy, flaky, or tight past week four means take them down, not push through.
Do cornrows damage your hairline?
Not inherently — tension does. Braided too tight, any scalp style can cause traction alopecia at the temples. A good braider leaves the hairline snug but painless, and you should alternate cornrows with looser styles instead of reinstalling back-to-back forever.
Can you wash your hair with cornrows in?
Yes, gently: dilute shampoo in a squeeze bottle, work it along the parts with your fingertips, rinse in the direction of the rows, and squeeze dry with a T-shirt. Follow with a light leave-in. Vigorous scrubbing is what turns neat rows fuzzy.
