Cornrows, also known as African braids, are a trendy hairstyle that many women adore but are afraid to try. You don’t have to be concerned because we’ve got your back! These braids are perfect for people who have textured or volumized hair that might be tough to manage. People who have straight, low-volume hair, on the other hand, enjoy it since it is universally flattering. If you already know how to braid a single strand, this should be a breeze! There’s nothing preventing you from giving it a chance because we’ve put out the steps in the most basic manner imaginable, along with everything you’ll need.
We have researched and written about a variety of hairstyle topics. There are considerably more people who appreciate a haircut but never try it on. We often avoid trying out new hairstyles because we assume they will be too difficult to duplicate, which isn’t always the case. Making a decision and figuring out the simplest steps to help you is the best solution.
Things You Need To Make African Braids
- Brush
- Hair Mousse or leave-in conditioner
- Comb to part your hair evenly
- Hair ties/ elastic to secure
Detailed Steps to Make African Braids
Step 1: Wash and dry your hair
It’s preferable if you wash your hair first to get rid of any frizz for this hairdo.
Step 2: Detangle your hair
To effectively disentangle your hair, run your brush over it while it is still wet. A mousse or leave-in conditioner can help you get rid of the knots faster while also nourishing and tidying your hair at this time. (Blow-drying your hair before braiding works wonders if your hair is naturally coiled.)
Step 3: Section your hair
Begin splitting your hair into rows once it has been detangled. The rows may be straight or swirly, depending on how creative you want to be. It is recommended to use a comb for this.
Step 4: Secure
Secure each row with bobby pins or elastics to make braiding easier. The inclusion of a middle segment is optional. It might be as adaptable as you desire.
Step 5: Start to braid
- Secure each row with bobby pins or elastics to make braiding easier. The inclusion of a middle segment is optional. It might be as adaptable as you desire.
- Take either side of the core strand (here, left) and cross it over the main strand to begin braiding. Continue on the other side, which is now crossing the center.
- Make careful to add some hair from the same row underneath while crossing the left side across the center for the second time.
Step 6: Master the braiding technique
- Using hair from the row, repeat the process on the opposite side.
- Continue in this fashion until you reach the end of the braid.
- If the braid isn’t tight at all times and the amount of hair added in each phase isn’t uneven, the braid will seem shabby.
- After you’ve reached the ends, secure it with an elastic.
- You must repeat the same steps for each row until all of them are braided.
Step 7: Final look!
That’s all there is to it! Your African braid is finished! Begin splitting from the side of your head, swirling, zigzagging, or whichever manner best suits your personality! You may also embellish your braids by putting them in a ponytail.
1. Fulani Fab
Erica Ash’s hairstylist gave her a magnificent set of Fulani braids that looked stunning with her attention-getting attire. Trammel completed the appearance by placing wooden beads at the ends of Ash’s strands. This haircut has an exotic appearance to it. Cornrows are quite thin in this hairdo. The benefit of such cornrows is that the hairstyle is kept spread apart.
2. Swept Braided Manor
One of the most appealing features of such braids is that the designs may be customized in a variety of ways. The braiding is done in such a way that the front scalp area has a distinct pattern-like structure. Beautiful braids may also be added to the braids. The haircut has a regal undertone to it, with the scalp section being the focal point. This African braid hairstyle with a pattern is certainly worth a try.
3. The Fountain Braid African Braid Style
As the name implies, this hairstyle is called a Fountain. This is due to the fact that the braids come in a variety of lengths and braids. Some braids are tied in a narrow manner, while others are tied in a broad manner. As a result, after the style is finished, there is a combination of everything. The hairdo appears to be more attractive and diversified in this manner. The hairdo is reminiscent of a top knot. The braids at the top, on the other hand, are wider. The hairdo gives the overall look more volume and height. Big silver hoops are a terrific way to dress up the outfit.
4. Patterned African Braid Hairstyle
Braids might take up to 5 hours depending on your hair type and style. On average, it takes a long time to get ready, thus this type of style takes a long time. Hair wash and conditioner can be used on braids on a regular basis, but if your hair is extremely frizzy, wash it twice weekly. Dry shampoo can be used instead. In addition, the hair color is wonderfully incorporated between the braids in this style. Overall, the design is extremely attractive and would be ideal for a brief trip or even daily wear.
5. Easy detail African Braids
Cornrows are maybe one of the most common African American hair braiding styles. It’s a trendy hairstyle that requires the hair to be braided closely to the scalp, employing an underhand, upward action to produce a steady, raised line. Simple vertical lines, as well as complicated geometric or designer patterns, can be used to make these Afro braids. The appeal of this type of braiding is the ease with which it may be maintained.
6. Giant Cornrow braids
Feed-in braids are really popular right now. This braid includes plaiting hair extensions to create the appearance of naturally long cornrows. To achieve a distinctive aesthetic, try experimenting with different thicknesses. When gold cuffs and other hair decorations are put to this design, it looks wonderful. It’s all about showcasing your individuality and jewelry choice, whether you choose for a dramatic or subtle finish.
7. Pulled-Back Cornrow Braids
When it comes to African braids, there is a wide range of styles and designs to choose from. Take a look at this gorgeous lady and bookmark the idea for later! Cornrow braids with large cornrows are a daring and eye-catching approach to embracing this style. Because more hair is utilized in each row, braiding in larger plaits saves a lot of time. The less time you spend sitting in a salon chair, the better! This sort of cornrow braid is also simpler to style, maintain, and care for. To make the most of this style and give it a distinctive spin, add accessories like ribbons and delicate chains.
8. Rocking multicolor African Braids for girls
Do you prefer cornrows braids, box braids, or fishtail braids for your children? Braided hairstyles for children have changed dramatically throughout time. Almost all types of braids are now worn by black children, just as they are by adults. Furthermore, braids for kids become more flexible and perfect for wearing amazing accessories. Braids represent your personality and beauty-consciousness in the same way as your hairstyles do for you. You should also be aware that the more proactive you are, the better.
9. Trending African Hairdo
Greetings, ladies. Every day, new fashion trends emerge. It might be difficult to spot these tendencies at times. Of course, you will not be able to wear everything that is fashionable. Even an out-of-style hairstyle may work for you, and this hairstyle can be really fashionable. So the first thing you’ll do is choose a hairstyle that looks well on you. This may also be found in the hairdo styles we’ve selected for you below. With these lovely hair braids, you’ll be ready to catch the year’s trends. Keep in mind that the cosmetic mix is equally crucial.
10. Braiding Hairstyles for African Women in Fashion
African braids are fashionable, provide protection, and give your hair a break. There are several braids to pick from, as well as numerous methods to design them. We can assist you if you are seeking a new braided style. We’ve compiled a list of 23 innovative ways to wear African braids. From dramatic updos to sunny braids with beads, there’s a hairstyle for everyone. Ombre braids will brighten up your hair. These braids begin black and gradually fade into a burgundy hue. We adore the color, but braids can be done in any hue. You can use bright or natural colors. Ombre braids may be worn in a variety of ways, including buns, half-up hairstyles, and more.
11. Gorgeous Black Braided Hairstyles
Because intricately braided hairstyles may take hours to accomplish, you’ll want them to seem especially fresh when you finally leave the salon chair. It’s hair that makes you do a double take and then a double tap. Braiding is a long-standing custom in many cultures, particularly those with a significant African influence. Classic fashions are also frequently recreated and revived with a new-school swagger. Because braids are so versatile, and with so many techniques and traditions to draw on, it’s no wonder that Black individuals with naturally Afro-textured hair are embracing and reimagining one of our culture’s most significant elements.
12. Straight-back wavy braids
Wavy straight-back braids may appear simple, but they are actually rather difficult. There should be a lot of adjustments made. Hair must be carefully considered in the same way that the best sort of gown must be selected. You must understand the techniques for picking the appropriate clothing design, and there are plenty of them to choose from. This hairstyle is really easy to apply, and you can even do it yourself at home. It develops into a fascinating proposal. For certain people, wavy straight-back braids are required to transition from an older trend to a more sophisticated one. Our hairstyles may either add or subtract time to your age, so choose cautiously based on which direction you want to go.
13. Traditional Fulani braids renewed
You may need to add extensions to bring this look to life, depending on the length of your hair. Once you’ve finished braiding and putting your hair up, add beads and gems to personalize it. The Fulani people are one of Africa’s major tribes, spanning nations in northern and western Africa. Fulani braids are distinguished by two or more beaded braids plaited along the sides of the head to the chin. It’s a haircut that sets the Fulani apart from other tribes.
14. Contemporary African Braids
“There’s nothing new under the sun,” says the narrator. Around 250 BC, King Solomon wrote. It still holds true in many ways, including afro hairstyles, more than two millennia later. While certain hairstyles may appear to be “new” and “on fashion” today, many have been the standard in many African civilizations for decades, if not centuries. These classic haircuts have evolved through time to attain a more contemporary look.
15. Gorgeous African twist braids
Even as natural hair becomes more common, a growing number of Black women who previously would not have considered wearing their hair in anything other than straight braids, cornrows, or twists are speaking out against the stigmas that prevent them from wearing their crowns in braids, cornrows, or twists. We’re often taught that copying is flattering, but this isn’t always the case when non-Black individuals start sporting cornrows, braids, and locs.
16. African Braids on Caucasian hair
Cornrows, unlike braids, are a hairstyle in which hair is pulled tight to the scalp and can form a geometric design, similar to crossroads or routes produced in grain fields (thus the term “cornrow” in the United States). It’s also known as an “African braid.” Cornrows are not the same as a “braid,” which is made by interlacing three strands hanging from the scalp. Other hair cultures, such as the Vikings, Native Americans, and Chinese, use braids.
Different Types of Cornrows
Cornrows were originally braided using only two types of braiding techniques: overhand and underhand. The former is known for its close-to-scalp style, in which braids appear to be perched on top of your head. The latter, on the other hand, creates an inverted effect in which the braids do not appear to be on the top of the head.
Braids are commonly used to stop hair fall and give your hair a break, but they can sometimes have the opposite effect. Cornrows are popular among those who want a break from the regular upkeep and style of their long, unruly hair. However, if you braid your hair too tightly, you risk losing a lot of hair all at once. Most significantly, many hair specialists advise customers not to keep cornrows on for more than two weeks. Cornrow braid weaving can take anywhere from 5-8 hours, depending on parameters like quantity, hair texture, braid breadth, and density of hair, among others. Because of its complexity, there is an opportunity for experimentation, and you may use different textures, patterns, and braid thicknesses.
Tips To Get the Best Out of This Hairstyle
1. Prepping Your Hair
It is necessary to prepare your hair and scalp with deep nourishing hair masks and hair oil a day or two before proceeding. Try washing your hair with diluted apple cider vinegar if you have sensitive skin caused by synthetic hair.
2. Don’t Use Products on Your Edges
If you want your beautiful cornrows to endure a long time, avoid using too many hair products around the edges. This approach will not only cut down on the amount of times you wash your hair, but will also eliminate frizz, dryness, and product build-up on your scalp. Furthermore, set your edges using a pea-size amount of the substance.
3. Silk Pillow Covers- Your New Best Friends
Silk is said to be your hair’s closest friend since it prevents breaking and minimizes hair fall. Use a satin or silk scarf to cover your cornrows in the same way. If you have long or medium-length braids, silk bonnets are also a good choice.
What are the damages that African braids can do?
African braids can not harm your hair directly, but if left undone or redone for an extended period of time, they might cause your hair to become dry and lifeless.
Why do African braids itch so much at times?
The only explanation is that if your hair is pulled too tightly, it causes discomfort and allows dirt to penetrate the skin, causing irritation. It’s preferable to make them tight enough so that they don’t open easily, but not so tight that your hair is harmed.