Yahoo Lifestyle 20 Stylish Ways to Wear Cornrows Going Straight Back
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Looking for a hairstyle that's always in vogue? Consider cornrows going straight back. Whether you're seeking a protective style or simply want to switch things up, straight-back cornrows offer so much versatility.
Meet Our Expert
Kim Kimble is a celebrity hairstylist and creator of the Kim Kimble Hair Collection by HairUWear.
Racky Ly is a braid and weave specialist, and owner of Pretty Lady Salon in Brooklyn, NY.
“Cornrows are a traditional African hairstyle where the hair is braided very close to the scalp in a continuous, raised row,” Ly says. This intricate style involves sectioning the hair into precise, straight lines and weaving it tightly to create neat, narrow braids.
Snake Cornrows
Snake cornrows are a fun style. The winding patterns create a visually striking and unique look that stands out from traditional straight cornrows.
Simple Straight Backs
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If you want a style you can make happen quickly, Kimble says take inspiration from Mel B’s simple, straight-back look.
Blonde Cornrows
The great thing about cornrows is that you can play around with color. We love this striking blonde style, it’s the perfect beach or vacation look.
Fulani Braids
Fulani braids usually have a central braid or twist running down the middle of the head, with additional cornrows braided towards the sides. We love how this style has been jazzed up with stylish beads.
Floor-Length Cornrows
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If you’re looking to give your cornrows the wow factor, Jourdan Dunn’s floor-length straight-back cornrows are a dramatic hairstyle that will immediately dazzle anyone.
Branch Cornrows
Change up the parts of your straight-back cornrows to add more visual interest to your style. This three-strand branch in the center frames the face and gives the look a creative twist.
Accent Cornrows
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Cornrows can elevate any hairstyle, as demonstrated by Alicia Keys’ chic updo. “Adding baby hairs to your cornrows gives it a softer edge and fancies it up a bit,” Kimble says.
Heart Accent
The great thing about cornrows is that you can personalize them by adding anything to the style, from an accent heart to a flower — or even your name!
Swooped Edges
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Ciara’s swooped baby hairs not only make these cornrows look more sleek, but they are the perfect way to neaten up your edges as the style gets older.
Three Curve
This artistic style frames the face by creating a stylish curve pattern in three panels across the head.
Little and Large
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To add a creative twist to your cornrows, play around with size. This look intricately mixes small and large cornrows to create a pattern.
Straight-Back Crossover
Cornrows styled straight back with horizontal lines crossing through add a modern twist to the traditional braid pattern.
Embellished Cornrows
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“One look I loved styling was Tyra Banks’ Dancing with the Stars look,” says Kimble. “We did straight-back cornrows, then embellished them with stone appliques.”
Metalic Touch
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“This look has straight-back cornrows that go into a chignon-like bun, then it's embellished with metallic string to give it a creative edge,” Kimble says. “You can embrace the trend with different accessories.”
Cornrow Mohawk
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If you want to add a touch of drama to your cornrows, take inspiration from Tracee Ellis Ross by elevating the center braid. This added height creates a bold, fashionable look with an edge.
Pink Cornrows
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“What makes Eve’s style cool is that it's been done on short hair. The cornrows are small, thin, and the color gives it more flair,” says Kimble. “I love to see bold, bright colors like this.”
Three-Way Cornrows
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Who said cornrows have to all go back in one direction? Yara Shahidi shows how you can wear cornrows going straight back in three directions! “This style is more edgy and the pattern is different,” says Kimble. “For this style to look good, the lines should match with the line of your face.”
Cornrows and Boho Braids
This style offers a perfect blend of structure and free-spirited flair with cornrows at the front and boho braids at the back.
Diagonal Cornrows
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Keke Palmer's look only has a few cornrows, but the diagonal parts create a cool shape. To make sure the parts are precise and sleek, Kimble recommends using a rattail comb to create the lines.
Lemonade Braids
Lemonade braids, popularized by Beyoncé's iconic album Lemonade, are side-swept cornrows.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do cornrows last?
How long your cornrows last really depends on the type of hair you have and how it grows out. "Typically the style should last two to three weeks, sometimes up to four weeks," says Kimble. Proper care is crucial for extending the lifespan of cornrows. This includes regularly moisturizing the scalp, wearing a satin or silk scarf at night to reduce friction, and avoiding excessive manipulation of the braids.
How long does it take to braid cornrows straight back?
The time it takes to braid cornrows straight back really depends on the style, the size, the length, and how many you get. “Typically, cornrows can take anywhere from one to four hours,” Ly says.
How can you maintain the style?
According to Kimble, it’s best to braid your hair with pomades that don’t clog your pores. “Always apply mousse or setting foam and tie down the cornrows with a silk scarf after they've been installed,” she says.
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