About Cornrows

Cornrows are a traditional African hairstyle in which hair is equally segmented, then braided down and against the scalp. Although there is little deviation from the general technique for creating these braids (essentially, they are small "inside out" French braids), cornrows can be fashioned in an endless number of styles, depending upon personal preference.

History

The art of cornrowing hair began on the continent of Africa, where some hair textures were and are extremely curly and thus prone to easily drying out. Cornrows were both a practical and attractive way of protecting hair against premature breakage and sun damage. Though cornrowing began as a style worn exclusively by people of African heritage, its popularity has since spread to every continent and can be modified to suit the hair texture of anyone who wishes to wear cornrows.

Variations

While the general method of creating cornrows doesn't change, the rows themselves can be formed to create elaborate shapes, patterns and styles, which are often as time-consuming as they are intricate. Both men and women who choose flashier styles should know they may spend well over 5 hours sitting while their hair is being braided.

Traditional Cornrows

In the most classic cornrow style, braids start where the hairline meets the forehead and go straight back, tightly against the scalp, until all of the loose ends are braided. Depending upon the length, texture and thickness of hair, the braids will usually require refreshing after one to two weeks of wear.

Maintenance

One of the most attractive aspects of cornrows is their relatively simple and affordable maintenance. Spraying the braids with a light moisturizing serum and wrapping them in a head scarf before sleep will help reduce dryness and flyaways. Applying a non-greasy, nutrient-rich oil to the exposed scalp once a week will help prevent dandruff in addition to keeping the roots of the hair healthy.

Learning How to Cornrow

There are many ways to learn how to cornrow hair. Professional beauty schools routinely offer classes on hair-braiding techniques. Specialty hair manuals and online guides can help refine cornrowing skills for those who already have the basic technique down. Finally, many mid-size and large cities have African hair salons whose stylists are well-versed in how to cornrow; they may be willing to offer one-on-one instruction if pricing and timing of lessons can be mutually agreed upon.

References

• Choosing a cornow hair style

Resources

• Cornrow picture gallery for men and women