Proper Instructions for Cornrow Braids
Cornrow braids are a popular hairstyle dating as far back as ancient Egypt. The style can also help a person manage thick, curly or unruly hair. If you desire, you can style cornrows in different patterns, adding beads, barrettes and ribbons as you braid. Cornrows can provide a stylish alternative to relaxing hair or putting it up. Many celebrities have worn this style, including Christina Aguilera, Snoop Dogg, Oprah, Alicia Keys, Justin Timberlake and Sean Paul. Entertainers in the hip-hop community commonly wear their hair in cornrows. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Paper and pen or photographs of hairstyles
- Water mister
- Beads, elastics, ribbons
- Comb
- Clips
- Braid end sealer (optional)
Instructions
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1
Sketch the kind of pattern and direction you want for you braids, or find a photograph of the type of pattern you want.
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2
Spray a fine mist of water over the hair to make it slightly damp, but not wet.
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3
Comb through the hair to remove any tangles or mats.
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4
Create two parts where you want one row of braiding to begin. Section off the row of hair and clip up the rest of the hair to keep it out of the way.
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5
Divide the part into three equal sections and create one regular "stitch" by pulling the section on the far right over to the far left, and then repeat the step by pulling the left strand over to the right.
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6
Pick up a small section of hair right underneath the single braid you just made and add it only to the middle section. The middle track keeps the braid close to the scalp, while allowing you to move the side sections around. Keep braiding the hair down the row, picking up more hair from underneath as you go.
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7
Tie off the braid with a bead, elastic, barrette, ribbon or use a braid end sealer. A braid end sealer is an instrument that heats up so that you can "seal" the ends by melting a small section of hair together. The only way to undo the braid is to then cut off the sealed end of hair.
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8
Create rows of similar size around the head.
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Tips & Warnings
Do not pull too hard while braiding, or the hair may fall out or break off over time.
Redo the braids when they start to look frizzy or loose.
Spray hair products designed for braided hair over your braids frequently and cover your head with a scarf to prevent frizz.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit beautiful asian girl with braids image by Gina Smith from Fotolia.com
