Cornrows: Braiding techniques & care tips

What are cornrows?

In cornrows, the hair is braided close to the scalp , whereby a strand of hair is repeatedly picked up and integrated into the braid. Alternatively, this braided hairstyle, which can still be seen today, is known as cornrows, cane rows or simply rows for short. The braids, which are plaited close to the head, were often worn with small colourful hair clips in the 90s. However, cornrows originated much earlier: they were already widespread as a hairstyle in Eurasia and Africa in the Palaeolithic Age.

Why are cornrows called that?

The term cornrows is derived from the two words corn for maize and rows for ro ws. Alternatively, you can also read and hear the term canerows, which means braided rows. Cornrows are not just a women's hairstyle. They are also worn by men.

What is the difference between cornrows and braids?

Braids are the umbrella term and refer to braided hairstyles in general. These include cornrows, but also rasta braids. Cornrows are a special braiding technique.

What braiding techniques are there?

The number of individual rows in cornrows can range from four to over a hundred. The more rows you braid, the finer the individual strands become. To braid cornrows, the hair is divided into the desired number of sections. These are then braided together to create large braids. Cornrows are created by taking a new strand of hair and integrating it into the braid. The symmetrical braids lie close to the scalp.

Selection of braiding techniques

Cornrow braiding techniques include knotless rows, knotty rows, designer rows and Cherokee cornrows. Knotless ro ws are simple, knotless cornrows. Synthetic hair is braided in so that no knots are visible at the base. In contrast, the knots are visible at the base of knotty rows. Knotless designer rows or amazing rows are characterised by more elaborate patterns. Cherokee cornrows have long ends. There are also alternating cornrows. For this, a thin row of knotless cornrows and a row of big, sculpted cornrows are braided alternately. Big, sculpted cornrows are thicker cornrows as an elegant updo. Synthetic hair is incorporated using a knotless technique.

What is the advantage of thermofibre hair here?

Thermofibrehair is not conventional synthetic hair, but artificial hair that looks very similar to real hair. If you don't realise it, you won't see that extra hair has been woven into the cornrows. Additional hair to your own hair provides more fullness and a more identical style. Artificial hair is a must, especially if wider, long cornrows are desired and your own hair does not provide this.

How long do cornrows last?

The braiding technique at the root determines how long the cornrows last. This means that the tighter they are braided, the longer the hairstyle will last. Cornrows can last for a few days or up to 8 weeks. If you weave in synthetic hair, the braids will last even longer.

How do you look after your hair?

As with all braided hairstyles, you should avoid rubbing the braids and the roots. This is the only way to keep your cornrows looking beautiful for a long time. If the hairstyle lasts a long time and you feel you need to wash your hair, you should not do this more than once a week . To do this, brush the shampoo over the braids while they are still lathered up. Proceed in the same way at the roots. After rinsing, dab the hair instead of rubbing it. A silk scarf overnight ensures less friction. Alternatively, a silk pillow is recommended. The scalp must also be protected from UV radiation in summer. This applies to all complexions, from light to dark.

Are cornrows harmful to the hair?

Cornrows are initially a torture for the scalp in particular. Those who are sensitive will find the braiding process quite unpleasant. Cornrows are not harmful to the hair itself if they are removed in good time. This prevents the hair from tangling.

How much do cornrows cost?

In addition to the time you should plan for such a look, the cost of well-made cornrows is not low. Depending on the length of the hair and the desired style, the hairstylist will need around 5 hours. The costs are usually calculated according to the number of rows. You can expect to pay between 200 and 600 euros.

Do cornrows itch?

Cornrows can be itchy at first. This is due to a strong tensile load that irritates the scalp. The scalp can then also itch. It takes about a week for the scalp to relax. Birch hair tonic helps to relieve the itching.

How long should my hair be for cornrows?

Cornrows for both men and women require a certain minimum hair length. Around ten centimetres is recommended. The longer the hair, the more beautiful the braids look. They also hold better. If you want thicker cornrows, you need a length of fifteen to twenty centimetres.