How to Keep Cornrows From Curling Up

Cornrows were made popular in Africa and are now worn by other cultures.

Cornrows are popular among African American men and women because of the ease of maintaining them. Cornrows are braided close to the scalp, resulting in braids that remain in place for several weeks. A person may braid their own hair into cornrows or add weave hair to create cornrows. Often the braids curl up at the ends, but you can prevent this in many different ways.

Instructions

1. Roll the ends down with rollers so that the cornrows will point in the opposite direction.

2. Put mousse or spritz on the braids and tie them with a scarf for several hours. Mousse causes the braids to stiffen, and the scarf will help keep them in place even after you remove it.

3. Leave the braid loose at the end. Braids only curl up if braided all the way to the end. The ends may puff up a bit if you leave them loose.

4. Put beads, barrettes or rubber bands on the ends. Doing this adds weight to the braid and prevents curling.

References

• Penn State University: Guide To Exploring African American Culture
• Naturalicious Hair: 4 Cornrow Styles For Women With Natural Hair That Will Last For Several Days
• Motown Girl: Cornrows

Resources

• Culturally Situated Design Tools: How to Braid