Cornrows are one of the most iconic and versatile protective hairstyles for natural hair.
They allow you to creatively express your personal style while keeping your hair neat and out of the way.
Cornrows can be dressed up or down, adapted for any occasion, and designed in countless unique ways.
The simplicity of straight cornrow braids makes them easy to DIY at home, saving time and money on frequent salon visits.
Going natural doesn’t mean giving up stylish hairstyles!
Simple Straight Back Cornrows
The classic straight back cornrow remains a timeless favorite for its sleek and straightforward elegance.
It’s the perfect foundation that seamlessly combines with various decorative elements.
Part your hair cleanly down the middle from forehead to nape for a symmetric look or opt for an off-center side or zig-zag part.
As you section and braid each row, keep them uniform in size and evenly spaced.
Situate your straighter cornrows near the hairline and curlier ones toward the lower portion of your head.
This technique helps stretch curly hair for a smoother appearance.
Finish off by grooming any flyaway hairs and tying a scarf around your edges at night.
The minimal simplicity of straight back cornrows lets your natural beauty shine through.
Chunky Cornrow Braids
Thick, chunky cornrows offer a cool modern twist on the traditional style.
They’re quicker to braid and lighten up the look of dense, voluminous natural hair.
Part your hair as desired and section it into boxes approximately 1-2 inches wide.
As you cornrow each chunk, adjust them to lay flat and smooth without tightly pulling at the edges
Wrap hair elastic bands around the ends to secure them in place.
The width and shape of each cornrow can vary for a more dynamic, organic look.
Adorn your chunky braids by threading cords or beads through them.
This hip hairstyle makes a statement for the artsy, fashion-forward woman.
Cornrow Bun
The classic bun gets reimagined with cornrows in this elegant updo.
Straight back cornrows lead up to a high messy bun that sits atop your head like a crown.
Alternatively, braid them in a halo shape around your head for an ethereal goddess vibe.
Pull out a few face-framing tendrils in the front to soften the look.
The cornrow bun works beautifully with voluminous natural hair textures like 3C curls.
It’s a quick protective style for bad hair days that still appears polished and put-together.
Dress it up with gold cuffs, headwraps, or hair jewelry threaded through your cornrows.
This style takes you from the office to a night out with minimal effort.
Cornrow Pigtails
Revive your youthful spirit with these playful cornrow pigtails.
Part your hair down the middle and section it horizontally from ear to ear.
Braid the top half into cornrows facing backward.
Then do the same for the bottom half, but make these cornrows face forward.
Gather and secure the ends of each set of braids into low or high pigtails with elastics.
For extra flair, wrap the pigtail braids into buns.
You can also accentuate the parted middle section by leaving it out as a faux undercut.
Cornrow pigtails give off a spunky, rebellious vibe that’s perfect for concerts or festivals.
Express your creativity by decorating them with colored hair clips, cuffs, or threads.
Sculpted Shape Up Cornrows
This unique cornrow style incorporates sharp lines and shapes for a sculptural masterpiece
Work with your natural hair growth pattern to complement its texture.
Outline geometric or organic shapes like stars, hearts, and waves along the hairline and side part.
Clean up the edges with crisp precise lines using a comb and edge control gel.
Then fill in each sectioned shape with braided cornrows flowing in different directions.
Focus on neat uniform parts and trimming any stray hairs around the shapes.
Let your imagination run wild and make a bold hair statement.
The intricate detail of this style elevates it to a work of art.
Cornrow Faux Hawk
Give your cornrows an edgy twist with this faux hawk design.
Cornrow your hair into a fan shape widening toward the nape of your neck.
Leave out an inverted triangle section at the center which will serve as the mohawk strip.
Ensure the triangle peaks just above your forehead and extends long and wide toward your crown.
Next, braid the hawk strip into slim neat cornrows, fanning them upward and outward.
Use strong holding gel to mold them into the desired point.
A faded undercut or shaved sides amps up the punk rock vibe.
For a more feminine touch, braid the hawk section into a French braid instead.
The faux hawk adds drama and flair to basic cornrows.
Curly Ends Cornrows
Show off your natural texture with braided cornrows that seamlessly transition into free curly ends.
This hairstyle beautifully combines neat structured cornrows against soft bouncy curls.
Braid your hair into straight back or side-swept cornrows stopping an inch or two above the ends.
Leave the remaining hair unbraided and gently separate and pick it outward to achieve maximum volume.
Define your curls using a moisturizing gel or foam.
For extra length and fullness, attach curly clip-in extensions matched to your hair’s texture.
The curly ends offer a fun casual vibe while the cornrows keep your roots neatly in place.
Braided Top Knot Cornrows
In this unique look, braided cornrows lead upward merging into a top knot.
Create cornrows beginning at your hairline and angling them diagonally up toward the crown of your head.
Intertwine the ends of each braid into a top knot bun and wrap it into a coil, securing with bobby pins.
For added dimension, make some cornrows curve clockwise and others counter-clockwise around your head.
Leave out a few wispy tendrils to frame the face.
This intriguing upswept style works best on kinky, coily hair with plenty of length.
The cornrow top knot makes a striking statement for your next big event or night out.
Fishbone Cornrows
The fluid, rippling effect of fishbone braids lend visual interest to basic cornrows.
They utilize a stitching technique that weaves additional hair into each cornrow for fuller size.
Divide your hair into rectangular sections and begin braiding as usual.
After completing about an inch of cornrow, start picking up and sewing in more hair gradually as you continue braiding downward.
This widens each cornrow braid into the distinctive fishbone shape.
Keep them tight and neat by frequently smoothing the braided hair with gel.
Part your hair originally or zig-zag the fishbone braids for unique designs.
Complement the flowing organic look with curvy parts or wavy shapes.
The fishbone stitch highlights the depth and texture of thick, natural hair.
Cornrow Bantu Knots
This textured combo hairstyle pairs cornrows with mini Bantu knots for double the style factor.
First divide your hair into diagonal cornrows ending at the nape of your neck.
Next, section off small squares of hair and twist each one into a tight coil from root to tip.
Tie the coils with elastic bands to form mini Bantu knots.
For extra definition, dip the knots in hot water before securing them.
The Bantu knots can be spaced out or clustered together depending on your preference.
Wrap the ends of the cornrow braids into buns for a cute finishing touch.
This dynamic duo highlights your hair’s natural coils and kinks beautifully.
The mix of textures creates visual interest and volume perfect for summer.
Peekaboo Color Cornrows
Make a bold color statement by weaving bright shades into your cornrow braids.
Start with a neutral base of black, brown or blonde braids.
hen go back in and re-braid certain rows using colored synthetic hair extensions matching your hue.
Strategically place the peekaboo colors to create cool effects like ombre, rainbow or criss-cross patterns.
Wrap hair elastics around the ends to blend them seamlessly together.
Use multiple complementary shades for dimensional mermaid-inspired hair.
Or go monochrome with one vivid neon hue like pink, purple or blue.
This fun styling trick instantly transforms basic cornrows into a head-turning work of art.
Cornrow Crown Braid
Elevate your cornrows with a jumbo braided crown fit for royalty.
Section your hair into a donut shape leaving out the inner circle.
Then cornrow the outer ring into a circular crown ending at the nape of your neck.
Next, French braid the inner circle from front to back until reaching the cornrow crown.
Incorporate the cornrow ends into the central French braid as you work your way around the head.
Wrap the completed crown braid into a regal bun and pin it in place.
For extra flair, thread chains or pearls through your cornrows.
The braided crown adds glamorous texture and intricate detail to simple cornrows.
Goddess Box Braids
Harken back to ancient Egyptian queen Nefertiti with these stunning goddess box braids.
Part your hair into a U-shape starting above the forehead and curving back toward the crown.
Section the hair into squares and braid each one into neat box braids directed toward the part line.
Concentrate the tiny braids densely at the top and center for a widening fanned effect.
Keep them very precise and evenly sized for the illusion of a faux hairline.
Embellish with cuffed gold chains that drape gracefully across your shoulders.
This powerful protective style celebrates the divine strength and beauty of the natural hair queen.
As you can see, cornrows offer an endless array of styling possibilities perfect for naturalistas.
The light tension protects hair from damage while still allowing length retention.
Don’t be afraid to get creative and make these iconic braids uniquely your own.
Elevate your natural beauty on your hair journey with these gorgeous cornrow hairstyles!
Which style are you excited to try next?
