Cornrows are a type of braid with a long history in Black hair. Today, they are an important type of braid featured in many different Black hairstyles where hair is braided, so it lies flat against the scalp.
Classic and foundational looks
Classic cornrows are braided straight from your forehead to the nape of your neck. They’re sometimes called straight back cornrows and they’re typically braided in small braids.
Cornrows are traditionally braided under, which makes the braid look very defined.
Creative variations that keep things fresh
Cornrows with a fade give you the best of both worlds. You can leave some of your hair long while keeping the sides clean.
Crossed cornrows are a cool take on the traditional men’s cornrow hairstyle that allow you to get more creative. Your braider can braid your hair at all different angles and cross them over, letting you combine different types of cornrows.
Beaded cornrows are a fun take on the original style, where you add beads to the end of the braids. This style is perfect for kids or anyone who wants to connect with their inner child.
Made famous by the rapper Pop Smoke, these cornrows are braided from the middle of the head instead of from front to back.
Staggered Pop Smoke cornrows are a new take on the popular cornrow style.
Microbraids are the smallest braid size. Especially if you have longer hair, micro braids have more movement than larger braid sizes.
We usually associate smaller braids with cornrows, but that doesn’t mean you can’t go bigger.
Buns have become a super popular hairstyle for men over the past few years.
An undercut with cornrows is a great option if you normally keep your hair short but want to try out braids.
Zigzag cornrows add some excitement to classic cornrows with braids that go back and forth across your head.
Getting bored with the same braids? Switch it up and add your favorite colors to make your cornrows stand out even more.
Cornrow locs are another option if you want that cornrow-like look without interrupting your locs journey.
Additional patterns and styles
There are many ways to customize the look, from wavy part cornrows with a touch of ‘70s flair to sunburst cornrows that start at one spot on your head and radiate outward, like sun’s rays.
Cornrows are a great option for men who want a low-maintenance protective style. Once your cornrows are braided, there’s little upkeep between appointments other than keeping them clean and conditioned.
Spider cornrows start at one point on your head, then they’re braided outward. This looks a bit like a spiderweb, hence the name.
Choosing sizes, parts, and maintenance
From micro to jumbo braids, you don’t have to choose one size for your cornrows. If your braider isn’t as experienced with cornrow designs, you can still switch it up by experimenting with different parts.
Durability and cost
Cornrows usually last two to six weeks, depending on what type of cornrows you have and how well you take care of them. Smaller cornrows will usually last longer than larger sizes.
According to internal data, cornrows cost $38 to $183 in the United States. This cost varies a lot because cornrows are customizable based on hair length, braid size, and whether or not you want cornrow designs.
Best Braids Hairstyles for Men 2026 |Cool Men Braids Cornrows, Box Braids & Twists
Practical tips for getting the look
- Consult with an experienced braider who has worked with diverse cornrow patterns to ensure accurate angles and clean lines.
- Decide on a maintenance plan: keep scalp moisturized, protect at night with a satin or silk cap, and refresh edges as needed.
- Choose a size and style that suits your hair type, lifestyle, and personal aesthetic, then experiment with parts or colors for personalization.
tags: #watermelon #braids #men