How to Do Cornrow Braids

More than five centuries ago, peoples of the Niger-Congo civilization in Africa practiced "tight, intricate hair braiding" in elaborate patterns and rows, which took four hours or more to create (Christopher Ehret, 2002). This hairstyle is known as "cornrows" due to its resemblance to the straight alignment of the field-grown vegetable. Cornrow braids have come a long way from the days of African style and are now embraced by people from all over the world.

Things You'll Need

• Rat-tail comb
• Bush comb
• Hair brush
• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Oil

Instructions

1. Begin with clean hair. Pick a shampoo and conditioner that works best with your hair type. Dry hair may require moisturizing products such as Luster's Silk. Weak hair may need Pantene Pro V or Fructis for strengthening. After thoroughly shampooing and deep conditioning hair with detangling hair care products, either towel or blow-dry hair. If blow-drying, using a comb attachment will leave the hair more manageable.

2. Apply hair care products most suited for your hair type. If your hair is coarse or prone to dryness, add a leave-in conditioner or moisturizer to soften the hair and replenish moisture. If your hair is naturally oily, you may not require any product added to your hair or if you fo, prefer a lighter hair care product for a better hold. Use products in moderation to avoid build-up in the cornrow braids.

3. Choose the best tool for the job. There are various types of combs; however, a rat-tail comb is ideal for cornrow styles. A metal rat-tail comb is best for parting the hair into sections for cornrows. Using a rat-tail comb allows for straighter parts in the hair and narrower sections to create smaller cornrows. Use a large "bush" comb to comb through the hair from root to end. Use hair clips or ponytail holders to separate the hair not being immediately cornrowed from the hair being braided. This allows you to focus on one area at a time.

4. Grease or oil the scalp and parted hair from root to tip. Brushing the hair through helps work the oils into the hair and makes it easier on the hands of the braider. Additionally, the oil and brushing helps to soften and tame the hair, making the cornrowing process more comfortable for the person having his or her hair braided.

5. Grasp the strip of parted hair by the roots and divide the hair into three sections. With both hands, hold the hair in your fingers, much like tying a shoelace or grasping a writing utensil. Begin tightly weaving together the three sections of hair as if braiding a rope. Lift hair as you go, incorporating it into the cornrow as you continue braiding the full length of the hair. Continue this step until all hair is in cornrow braids. You will need to make the hair lie flat to the scalp; otherwise, the braid will not be considered a cornrow, but a plait. A plait is a looser braid and does not possess the close-to-the-scalp quality specific to cornrow braid styles.

Tips & Warnings

• Long fingernails can hinder braiding. Tiny strands pulling at the nape of the neck can be painful. Stringy or frizzy hair requires a thicker pomade, beeswax, gel or mousse hair product for added hold.

Resources

• Steps and Photos of Curvy Cornrow Patterns
• How Does Cornrow Hair Stay in Place