Iconic Hairstyles
Before You Try Cornrows | Tips, Tricks, and 30 Beautiful Braided Styles
So, here's the thing about cornrows. They aren't just a hairstyle. I mean, yes, they are technically a hairstyle—but they carry so much more than that. You see, I grew up watching my cousins sit for hours while their moms braided their hair—neat little rows marching down their scalps like tiny soldiers. I remember the smell of coconut oil and the click of barrettes. And I remember how, after all that effort, they’d walk a little taller. Like, yeah, this style took time—but it was worth it.
What Even Are Cornrows?
Alright, let me explain it in the simplest way. Cornrows are braids that sit flat against the scalp. They’re done by dividing the hair into sections and braiding each one tightly, close to the head. You end up with rows that are neat and structured. They can be straight, curved, zigzagged—whatever you want. And you don’t need heat or fancy tools to do them. That’s one of the reasons I love them. It’s just skill, patience, and a good comb.
Who Can Rock Cornrows?
Short answer? Anyone. It doesn’t matter your age, your gender, or your hair type. If your hair can hold a braid, you can probably wear cornrows. Some textures hold the style longer, especially thick, curly, or coily hair, but it’s not exclusive.
I’ve seen toddlers with the cutest little braids. I’ve seen older women slay elegant cornrow looks. I’ve seen guys at the gym keeping their hair tight and out of the way. There’s a version of cornrows that fits just about everyone.
Getting Your Hair Ready (Don’t Skip This Step)
Okay, hear me out. You can’t just show up and get braided without prepping your hair. I used to think you could—nope. You have to wash it, condition it, and detangle it thoroughly. I always moisturize my scalp too. A little oil goes a long way. Oh, and if I have any split ends? I snip 'em. Braids won’t fix broken hair. They’ll just hide it.
Getting your hair right before braiding makes the style last longer and keeps your scalp happy. Trust me on that one.
30 Beautiful Cornrows Hairstyles
Sleek Middle-Part Cornrows with Beads
This style has clean, straight cornrows divided into a nice middle part. The braids run from front to back, creating a smooth, polished look.
This style works well for school, sports or everyday clothes, since it keeps your hair neat and out of your face.
Half-Up Cornrows with High Bun and Beads
This playful style combines the best of both worlds - some hair braided up to a sweet bun on top, while the rest hangs down in cornrows. The high bun is like a penny, making it perfect for someone who wants to stand out.
Shoulder-Length Chunky Cornrows with Gold Cuffs
These thick statement cornrows are braided to shoulder-length and decorated with shiny gold cuffs. The thick size of each braid makes them stand out more than thinner styles. Gold cuffs give a hint of glam that catches the light as you move. This style works well for people who want something daring, but not too long or heavy.
Side-Swept Cornrows with Long Braids
In this eye -catching style, the cornrows are merged over the head, creating a dramatic swept effect. The braids extend past the shoulders, and often reach the center back or longer. This style looks fantastic when you want to make a statement, but still keep your hair manageable.
Cornrows with Natural Curls in the Back
This versatile style has pretty cornrows in front and the sides that melt together in your natural curls in the back. It is the perfect mixture of neat and natural, and gives you a polished look while still showing off the beautiful curly texture. This style works well for people who switch to natural hair or those who want an alternative with little maintenance that still looks composed.
Intricate Swirl Cornrows for Kids
These funny, swirling cornrow patterns create beautiful designs that look like artwork on your child's head. The basket braids and twists in circular or spiral patterns, creating a unique look that stands out in a crowd.
This playful style is perfect for children who want something special that will last through school days, play time and even swimming.
High Ponytail Cornrows with Sleek Edges
This sporting, but stylish look has cornrows that lead up to a high ponytail. The edges are super slim with edge control for the extra polished finish. It is perfect for active people who want their hair all the way out of their face while still looking together.
Curly Ponytail with Cornrow Accents in Front
This lovely fashion combines the pleasant of both worlds – neat cornrows inside the front section that lead back to a bouncy, curly ponytail. The front braids create a clean, fashionable body for your face.
Side-Swept Cornrows with Neat Finish
This elegant fashion features cornrows that drift diagonally throughout the head from one aspect to the opposite. The neat, clean end makes it ideal for all informal and formal activities. The side-swept pattern flatters most face shapes via developing an exciting asymmetrical look.
Swirly Pattern Cornrows with Baby Hair
This creative fashion showcases cornrow braided in stunning curved styles, with carefully styled child hairs around the edges. The swirling patterns may be customized to create particular designs that express your personality.
Criss Cross Feed-in Cornrows with Long Braids
This pleasing fashion includes cornrow braided in an X-sample across the pinnacle. The braids increase length beyond the shoulders, giving you flexible styling options. The crisscross pattern creates precise diamond shapes throughout the scalp that make this style stand proud.
Middle-Part Cornrows with Long Chunky Braids
This bold and beautiful style starts with a clean middle part that divides the hair into perfect halves. The thick cornrows run from front to back, creating a statement look without needing many tiny braids. These thick braids make your style stand out in a crowd, but don't take all day to make.
Cornrow Ponytail with Curly Side Bangs
This playful style gives you the best of both pretty cornrows with soft, feminine curls. Most of your hair is braided back to cornrows, leading to a ponytail.
Curved Cornrows with Defined Ends
Unlike the right back cornrows, these artistic braids follow beautiful curved paths across your scalp, creating wave-like patterns that flow naturally. The curved lines are more interesting than simple straight braids, but not as complex as intricate designs, making them a perfect option for the middle.
Goddess Cornrows with Twist Extensions
This royal style combines the pretty look of cornrows with the liquid beauty of twist extensions for a truly majestic look. The style usually starts with cornrows braided front and crown, which then flows into beautiful terms like cascades down past the shoulders.
Simple Straight-Back Cornrows with Sleek Style
This classic, clean style of cornrows is braided right back from the forehead to the neck in parallel lines. The simplicity makes it timeless and suitable for every occasion, from sports to formal events.
Straight-Back Cornrows with Precise Parts
This clean, geometric style has straight cornrows with sharp sublines that create a striking pattern. The precision of the parts is what makes this style stand out - they are completely straight and evenly distributed, creating a look that is both artistic and neat.
Cornrow Bob with Beads
This cute style has cornrows braided to a bob shape that ends at chin or shoulder-length. The blunt ends create a clean, modern look that strikes the face perfectly. Adding colorful pearls to the ends gives fun and personality to the style.
Spiral Pattern Cornrows with Long Braids
These eye catching cornrows start from a centerpiece and spiral over the head like a beautiful maze. The pattern looks complex, but actually distributes the tension evenly over the scalp. The braids extend long past your shoulders and give you many styling options.
Cornrow Ponytail with Curly Extensions
This fun style combines pretty cornrows that lead back to a bounced ponytail made with curly extensions. The cornrows hold the front and sides slim and pretty, while the curly pony adds volume and playfulness. It is perfect for special events or when you want to switch looks without committing to a complete set of braids.
Beaded Medium-Length Cornrows
These middle-length cornrows end around the shoulder level and are decorated with colorful pearls that provide personality and flair. The medium length makes this style more manageable than very long braids, while giving you styling options.
Kids' Cornrows with Side Parts
This adorable style for children has cornrows with clean side parts that create nice sections. The side parts provide visual interest to basic cornrows and can be straight or slightly curved for different effects.
This style is perfect for active children because it keeps the hair nicely contained during sports, swimming and rough play.
Cornrow Bob with Thick Braids
The thick braids create a statement appearance while the bouncy length holds it practically and not too heavy. This style strikes the face beautifully and works with many face shapes.
Half Cornrows Half Curls with Pigtails
This playful style has cornrows on the top half of the head, leading to two sweet pigtails filled with curly hair. The braided top keeps the hair neat and controlled while the curly pigtails give bounce and fun. This style is perfect for younger girls or some young people in their heart who want something sweet, but practical.
Criss-Cross Cornrows with Curls
This creative style has cornrows braided in the X pattern over the head, with the back and curly. The crisscross pattern creates diamond forms that look like artwork on the scalp. The contrast between the pretty geometric braids and the free -flowing curls makes this style stand out.
Side Cornrows with Long Crochet Curls
This lovely style has cornrows braided to one side, with long curls creating dramatic length and volume. The side welded cornrows create an elegant asymmetrical appearance that strikes the face beautifully. Crochet curls give movement and bounces without putting tension on the ends of the natural hair.
Straight Back Feed-In Braids
They are braided right back from the forehead in parallel lines, creating a clean, timeless look. This technique gives a more natural look than braids that begin thick at the roots.
Half-Up Cornrow Bun with Beads
This stylish look has cornrows on the top half of the head, while the bottom half shows off several cornrows decorated with colorful pearls. The high pile creates a chronicle effect that draws attention upwards. The pearls provide glitter and personality to the hanging braids below.
Zigzag Cornrows with Side Baby Hair
This bold style has cornrows braided in dramatic zigzag patterns over the head, with carefully styled baby hair buzzing along one side. The Zigzag pattern creates a dynamic, energetic appearance that stands out from ordinary straight braids.
Long Defined Crochet Twists
This wonderful style combines a cornrowed base with long crochet twists attached to dramatic length and texture. Cornrows create a nice foundation that completely protects your natural hair. The twists hang freely, creating beautiful movement when you turn your head.