With an increasing number of African American women embracing their natural textured hair, it’s the perfect time to highlight the timeless beauty and cultural significance of iconic hairstyles like cornrow braids. Cornrows are not just a style—they’re an art form with deep roots in heritage and tradition. Once your hair is styled in cornrows, the possibilities for further creativity are endless. From intricate updos to chic twists and countless other designs, cornrow braids offer versatility and flair.
Additionally, cornrows can be elevated with extensions to add length, thickness, or a vibrant pop of color. These styles are not just visually stunning but also serve as protective hairstyles that have been cherished and passed down for generations. Far beyond being a mere fashion statement, cornrows embody a beautifully woven narrative of history and culture. Consider the incredible range of styles, colors, and patterns that individuals have created over the years, each a testament to the artistry and innovation within this tradition.
Licensed cosmetologist Danielle Wilkinson Brucklacher beautifully states, “Cornrows are fashionable, and they allow for an endless array of unique designs.” Each design carries its own story, adding to the rich tapestry of this iconic hairstyle.
Ready to explore the world of cornrows? From stunning cornrow braids for any occasion to tips on how to create them, this guide will take you through everything you need to know. Let’s celebrate the artistry and heritage of cornrow braids together!
1. Cornrow Braids With Pink Highlights
Want to make your cornrows look vibrant yet gorgeous? Get some bright pink highlights braided in them. Doing thick cornrow braids is the best way to flaunt this gorgeous color!
2. Cornrow Braids With Golden Highlights
When in doubt, get golden highlights. It is a super versatile hair color, so you do not have to worry about it not suiting your look or skin tone in any way. Give your cornrow style the love of gold and flaunt your mane like never before!
3. Short Beaded Cornrow Braids
Short hair? Don’t care! Thanks to fun braid beads readily available on the market, you can give that instant twist to your short cornrows with barely any effort. Clip the beads to the ends of your braids. You are now set to rule the world!
4. Pastel Blue And Blonde Thick Cornrow Braids
They say we only live once. Life is too short to refrain from experimenting with hair colors. Pastel blue and blonde may sound like an eccentric combination, but if you try them for your cornrows, you will be in for nothing but sheer magic. So, take the plunge and bless your cornrows with this adorable combo!
5. Triangle-Patterned Cornrow Braids
This hairstyle is here to make you look like a million bucks! So, ditch the regular cornrows and get these fun patterned cornrows to amp up your look. It will also give you that cool undercut vibe.
6. Pastel Pink Cornrow Braids
Pastel pink is, without a doubt, one of the most fun colors for highlights. It is bright, cute, and fun all at the same time! There is no way you can ever go wrong with this color. So, spice up your cornrows by adding a touch of pastel pink, and you will thank us later!
7. Unicorn Cornrow Braids
Unicorn-colored hair has been creating some buzz for quite a while now, and the reason is obvious. It is unique and brings out your fun side. Therefore, it only makes sense if you jump onto the unicorn bandwagon and pair it with a cornrows look.
8. Blue Cornrow Braids
If you have not dyed your hair blue at least once in your life, you are missing out on a lot of fun. Blue brings out the dark tones of your hair and lets you grab all the attention. So, give your cornrows by adding blue highlights to them!
9. Cornrow Braids With Gray Highlights
Gone are the days when gray hair was considered a sign of aging. Today, gray is the color for every ‘It’ girl on the planet. It is unique yet stylish and makes you stand out from the crowd. So, if you want to bless your cornrow braided look with something fun, get some gray highlights, and nothing shall stop you from stealing the show!
10. Feed-in Beaded Braids
Let’s kick off this list with a bang with this gorgeously embellished cornrows style. The highlight of this hair look is the singular cornrow that runs down the center of the model’s head, from which shoot out all the cornrows from the sides. Hair extensions have been fed into the cornrows and embellished with beads in a variety of shapes and colors to make this a look fit for a princess.
11. Candy Floss Cornrows
Look like a sugar pop princess with this bright pink hair look that is sure to make heads turn. This cornrow style makes use of candy floss pink and black box braid extensions being inserted into them (known as crochet braiding). It leaves one side of your head with lesser box braids to keep the cornrows there exposed and create a contrasted look.
12. Combined Cornrows Dutch Braids
Get over the cornrows vs. Dutch braids when you have the option to combine the two styles for a distinct and stylish look! Create a high fashion statement by braiding your hair from the center towards your ears in a jagged cornrow pattern. Now, here’s the fun part – Dutch braid some hair extensions on either side of your head along with the tails of all your cornrows. You now have a hair look that gives an edgy twist to the innocent schoolgirl pigtails style.
13. Cornrows Mohawk
No one will dare mess with you when they see you sporting this kickass cornrows Mohawk look. The cornrows have been done up in a trippy curved pattern and gathered in the center of the head, where extensions have been attached and molded to create a Mohawk. Unleash your badass side to the world with this edgy and cool look.
You may also add some glitz to your style by adding some sparkling barrettes.
14. Swirly Cornrows Afro
Why choose between cornrows and an afro when you can sport both? Get the best of both styles with this swirly whirly cornrows pattern that is flirty, feminine, and so cute to look at. Crochet braid some short brown Marley hair at the back to create a gorgeous little afro and finish off the look.
15. Floral Half Cornrows
Whoever said that you can’t sport a protective style on your wedding day was so wrong! The stunning bride pictured above has gone for two simple diagonal cornrows on either side of her head and left her natural hair loose at the back to create a unique half up/half down look. To complete the floral queen vibe of the look, red carnations have been used to adorn the crown of her head.
16. Mixed Cornrows Mohawk
Girl, now this is a look that will get all the boys knocking at your door. Start with some cornrows in various sizes that start from your ears and curve up towards the center of your head. Add in some extensions to the tails of your cornrows and create a slay-worthy braided Mohawk.
17. Subtle Frontal Cornrows With A High Ponytail
When it comes to cornrows styles, you could go as full-on or as subtle as you want. This subtle braided style involves cornrowing your hair right at the front and tying your natural hair into a voluminous high ponytail to up the dramatic factor of your edgy look.
18. Pulled Back Half Cornrows
So you want to have your hair out of your face and still highlight the natural beauty of your hair, huh? Try out this half done cornrows style that makes use of vertical cornrows going from front to back and leaves your natural hair loose at the back. Cornrow braids are an excellent choice for protective hairstyles; they are functional and fabulous, which is how I’d describe this beautiful style.
19. Cornrows Ponytail And Bun Combo
Wowza! Now here’s a style that has a lot going on in it. First up, the neat horizontal cornrows create a symmetrical pattern that has a mesmerizing effect. The style then incorporates crochet braiding Marley twists to create a dual ponytail and high bun look that is the very definition of ‘cool’.
20. Twisted Cornrows Floral Updo
When it comes to bridal hairdos, you gotta keep it as pretty as possible. This mixed cornrows/afro updo is a perfect example of that. Instead of the traditional braids, these cornrows at the back have been done up in a twisted style to create an intricate look. The hair on top has been left naturally styled in an afro and accessorized with pink roses and baby’s breath to add an ethereal feel to the hairdo.
21. Celtic Knot Cornrows Crown
Headed to a holiday party? Or maybe a friend’s wedding? These cornrows have been done up in a Celtic knot style that is sure to grab the attention of everyone in attendance. Four cornrows wind together in an intricate Celtic knot design and continue into braids that form a gorgeous crown. The rest of the hair is left loose to add a soft and feminine touch.
22. Cornrow Bun
Create a beautiful cornrows pattern that continues into braids and ties into a top bun. Accent the thinner cornrows by dusting some silver glitter on them to complete your translation into an adorable little pixie.
23. Ginger Feed-In Braids
If you define your style as quirky and “out there”, here’s a style that may pique your interest. While thin cornrows that contain most of the natural hair have been done up in a horizontal manner, the fed-in braids go from the front to the back. The ginger braids create a look that is especially suitable for an athlete. This straight up hairstyle can really oomph up the style game.
24. Ivory Cornrow Braids
Hop onto the white hair bandwagon with this side parted cornrows style that is nothing if not insanely awesome. With its off-center parting and combination of thick and thin cornrows, there is nothing that can stop you from being at the top of the style game. And don’t worry, you don’t really need to bleach your hair white to sport this look. All you need are white hair extensions and you’re good to go!
25. Midnight Blue Ghana Cornrows
Embracing African hairstyles, like cornrows, connects you to a rich cultural heritage. Show your love for the enchanting night sky with this gorgeous midnight blue hair look. These Ghana braids have been added to the simple cornrow ponytail on the top. They then descend into beautiful long braids to create a stunning hair look.
26. Cutesy Cornrow Double Buns
You don’t have to leave your pigtail days behind now that you’re all grown up. Here’s a cute way that you can sport them along with your dreadlocks. This super adorable look makes use of only four twisted dreadlocks that are combined into two buns at the back. And the best part is that you can do these all by yourself because they’re that simple!
27. Magenta Cornrow Braids
Bring a little bit of whimsy into your look with the help of these bright magenta hair extensions added into your cornrows. The thin cornrows are easy to manage and add oodles of fun and flirtation to your look.
28. Barbie Pink Dutch Braid Cornrows
Your cornrows don’t always have to be super thin and intricate. If you’re like me and are too impatient to cornrow all your hair or get them done, these Dutch braids cornrows are easy to do and look super chic. Combine some Barbie pink extensions with your natural hair while braiding to make your style feminine, yet badass.
29. Cornrows Bob
All you ladies with medium length hair out there, listen up! Mix up your style with a bit of bright color and a unique hair look. Go for a vivacious crimson shade and do up your hair in some straight back cornrows to create a short bob and set your style quotient on fire.
30. Deep Purple Cornrow Buns
Purple has the kind of sexy touch that is unmatched by any other color. So go for some extensions in this gorgeous color to create some simple and thick cornrows. Leaving aside a braid on each side, tie all your other cornrows into a high bun and a low bun to create a style that no one has ever seen before.
31. Shaded Mauve Curved Cornrows
You don’t have to miss out on the long and brightly colored cornrows trend just because you have short hair. Get yourself some mauve extensions in various colors that are bound to give your cornrows a dynamic look. Pair your gorgeous extensions with some alternating thick and thin curved cornrows to up your style quotient by like a million points.
32. Curved Cornrows Bun
You know what’s the beauty of having cornrows? You can be ready for any formal event in a jiffy! Tying your cornrows into a low bun will take you like 2 minutes. And the look created will be uber chic and professional. Pair this hair look with some gold jewelry and a bright red lip to complete your fierce look.
33. Cherry Bomb Straight Backs
Are you on the lookout for a style that will help you make a bold statement? Say no more! This bright cherry red color will do just that. And with a color this vibrant and “out there”, you don’t need anything more than some simple straight back cornrows to round up your daring hair look. Nothing can say bring back the style of bold cornrow women as cherry red can!
34. Twisted Cornrows Updo
High fashion doesn’t have to be truly bizarre or something you can’t practice in your day-to-day life. This twisted cornrows style is proof of that. The horizontal cornrows have been arranged in a gutsy updo that creates the illusion of a bob cut and is sure to make you look like the badass you are.
35. Red Bombshell High Ponytail
Unleash your inner red hot sexy mama with this mixed box braids and cornrows style. And as intricate as it looks, it’s actually pretty easy to do! All you need to do is crochet braid some bright red box braids into your cornrows at the crown of your head and wrap one braid around all the others to tie them into a ponytail. Add some silver beads and rings to your braids to make your style look fit for a queen.
36. Blue And Purple Bodacious Cornrows
Here’s another cornrows style that you can do yourself easily. These bodacious cornrows in shades of electric blue and deep purple will make everyone around you turn green with envy. All you need to have are some good Dutch braiding skills and you are good to go!
37. Inferno Cornrows
Set any room you walk into on fire with these cornrows that make use of all the shades of an inferno. These super thin cornrows are attached with braided extensions that are ombred at the bottom in striking shades of orange and yellow. And since all the color you need in your look is taken care of by the hair, you can simply throw on clothes in some neutral tones and you’re good to go!
38. White And Black Cornrows
Black and white is a color combination that is eternally stylish and can never go out of fashion. This interesting take on cornrows involves adding white braid extensions to the black braids. The crazy contrast created by the black and white is enough to bring anyone to their knees.
39. Twisted Cornrows Bouffant
If you have long hair that is bothersome but you are not ready to cut it short, try out this cornrows style for size. These twisted cornrows have been swept up and fashioned into a classy bouffant at the top of her head. There you go! Your hair is out of your face AND you didn’t even need to chop it off!
40. Cornrows Top Bun
Now here’s a style fit for ballerinas and athletes. This hairstyle is inspired by the weaving tradition of African culture and is perfect for women who want a stylish and elegant updo. These cornrows that start from the hairline and go towards the crown are done specifically to be tied into a top bun that looks effortless and chic. Insert some silver beads to bling up your cornrows and you’re good to go!
41. Blonde Straight Backs
Blonde is one of those hair colors in which any hairstyle stands out beautifully. Take these simple straight back cornrows, for example. The cornrows look prominent and insanely gorgeous in this light color. And if you’re a natural blonde, you don’t even need to go through the effort of coloring it!
42. Blue Accented Cornrows
Here’s a cornrows style that is going to be easy on your pocket. You don’t need to spend a bomb on getting a bunch of extensions. All you need is one pack of blue extensions and add one in each of the cornrows. What you will end up with are some gorgeous cornrows accented with streaks of blue that are perfect to sport at a music festival.
43. Golden Blonde Cornrows Bun
Now here’s a style that’s fit for a queen. Stunning golden blonde extensions have been fed into the cornrow that curve from the model’s right temple towards the back. The low bun tied from loose extensions at the back creates a look that has a classy and dignified air to it.
44. Hourglass Cornrows
The pattern of these cornrows fits their moniker. Why go for simple straight back when you can go crazy with their pattern? These alternating thick and thin cornrows curve in and out to form a mesmerizing hourglass shaped pattern that is mind-blowing and beautiful. This is an amazing pattern idea for those who love a twist in the thick straight back hairstyles.
45. Cornrows Braided Pony
Awaken the kid within you with this braided pony style that you probably sported in your school days. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t look hella stylish sporting it now! These straight back cornrows are attached with box braids at the crown and braided into a high pony braid to create a magnificent hairstyle.
46. Combined Cornrows
Be crazy, be awesome, be you with this simple blonde cornrows style. Six straight backs combine to create two cute braids at the back and make a super chic style. This shows how straight back hairstyles are the best choice among cornrows for women. All you need to do is put on your most colorful outfit and you’ll be spreading sunshine everywhere!
47. Baby Pink Accented Cornrows
Show off your feminine and flirty style with these adorably colored cornrows. Go get yourself some cute baby pink extensions and braid them into your cornrows. Add some silver beads to add some sparkle to your hair and voila! Your adorable style is ready for you to flaunt!
48. Lilac And Blonde Straight Backs Braid
Once Khloe Kardashian embraces a style, you know she’s going to put her own spin on it and absolutely slay it. Here, she has added lilac extensions to her blonde hair and gone for some simple straight back hairstyles. The highlight of this style though is the way she has combined the tails of all her cornrows into a single braid at the back, making it a half-straight back with braids.
49. Ginger Cornrows Double Bouffant
If you’re a Janelle Monae fan, check out this style inspired by her signature look. Micro cornrows are braided from the back to the front and extensions have been added to create two bouffants – one right above the forehead and the other behind it. Throw on a pair of high heels and some diamond earrings and be the diva that you were meant to be.
50. Caramel Strawberry Cornrows
What do you get when you combine colorful hair extensions with cornrows? A stunning hair look, of course! This gorgeous cornrows style has been done up with caramel, pink, and white extensions to create a beautiful fusion of colors. The big bun at the back adds a cute bohemian element to the whole look.
