Different Cornrow Styles
Both men and women have to decide what way they want to wear their hair. One option is the cornrow, also known as the track braid. Cornrows, popularized by hip-hop artists and members of the African-American community, have plenty of variations, but most fall into one of two categories: traditional and geometric. Does this Spark an idea?
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Traditional Cornrows
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Traditional cornrows are straight braids of hair that lie flat against the head. They do not have any particular design and are parallel to each other. To do a traditional cornrow, separate your hair into small sections. Take each section one at a time and separate it into three parts. Working from the forehead to the back of the scalp, braid the three parts of the section together, making sure to keep the braid tight against the scalp. When you come to the end of the braid, secure it--the most common way to do this is with small beads.
Geometric Cornrows
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Geometric cornrows are cornrows with attitude. They're done in the same way as traditional cornrows, but instead of putting the braids in parallel lines, you braid in a shape of your choice. The shape can be anything you want, such as circles, swirls or even a letter of the alphabet. These cornrows can get a bit on the wild side, so they're a good choice for those individuals who want to be bold and artistic with their appearance.
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Hair Length
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The type of cornrow style you choose may be determined by the length of your hair. If your hair is really long, you may be able to make more dramatic patterns because there is more hair with which to work. Most cornrow styles need at least 5 to 7 cm of hair, depending on the texture--straight hair needs more length. Even if your hair is short, you still can do any cornrow style you want if you are willing to get extensions.
Gender
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Although cornrows were first worn most commonly by women, men are wearing them more often. The actor and rapper Christopher Bridges (better known as Ludacris) is an example of a male celebrity who has sported cornrows. Anyone, regardless of gender, can wear any cornrow hairstyle, providing they have enough hair to do so.
Symbolism
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When deciding what cornrow style you want, think about the message you want to get across. In the past, cornrows have been associated with crops, order and civilization, as well as with the strength of an individual's family. In 2009 and beyond, the cornrow might symbolize ethnic heritage or something specific the wearer believes in (e.g., circled cornrows might represent family or community unity). It is perfectly acceptable to choose a cornrow style that is your own design and which speaks to you.
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