How Does
How Does Cornrow Hair Stay in Place?
Hair Type
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Short to medium, Kinky
Assess the hair texture and length. Determining the type of hair--whether kinky, wavy, tightly spiraled, loosely curled, straight or any combination thereof--will help one decide on how to prepare hair for cornrows. Different hair types require different hair products essential to forging tightly secured cornrows.
Determine What's Easiest
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Kinky hair blown out
Begin with clean hair. Depending on the hair texture, it may be more easily braided while damp. By moisturizing and blow-drying kinky hair, you can make it easier to work through. Whether the hair is damp or completely dry, it can be cornrowed into various patterns and designs specific to this hair braiding technique.
Prepare
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Pick your Product
Add moisture to the hair using hair products that work well with the hair type you are braiding. Moisture is beneficial in achieving a tight braid. For instance, if the hair is prone to dryness or is brittle, add a leave-in conditioner or hair dressing specifically formulated for dry hair. If you are braiding straight hair, add hair products for hold. Using products with gel, mousse, paraffin or beeswax as active ingredients assist in keeping the cornrows in place.
Design
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Back to front with curve
Decide on a particular design. No matter where you begin--the front, side or nape of the neck--typically, you start cornrows by grasping the hair at the edge or start of the hairline. Although, the more intricate curved designs loop around the center of the head, hair along the edges is pulled into cornrows as the hair is braided around. Intricate designs can be created once cornrow skills are mastered. Methods of weaving and creating geometric designs are popular in this hairstyle technique.
Part Hair
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Use a sturdy comb
For a simple design, part the hair one row at a time. The width of the part created will determine the size of the desired cornrow. Thinner cornrows last longer and should be considered for short hair. Set aside the areas yet to be braided by pinning them down with a hair clip or securing them temporarily with a ponytail holder. In the row you've created, begin with separating the hair at the hairline into three sections.
Cornrow Hair
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Add to the existing parts by incorporating groupings of hair-strands as you move along in the braiding process. Continue lifting and adding locks of hair in this manner until reaching the full length of the hair. End the cornrow at the end of the hair. Secure the end of the braid with small rubber bands or barrettes. Kinky hair can remain together without a fastener at the end. Repeat this process until all the hair is braided in cornrows.
eHow Article: How Does Cornrow Hair Stay in Place?
