Andy JonesAre you on a mission to find the best cornrow braids? Cornrows, or braids, are beautiful hairstyles that originated in Africa and the Caribbean Islands. Strands of hair are braided tight against the scalp to create gorgeous linear looks. While these stunning hairdos have always been an integral part of black culture, celebrities like Zoey Kravitz, Alicia Keys, and Beyoncé have helped breathe light into these otherwise traditional hair ideas.
57 Irresistible Cornrow Braid Ideas to Try
Modern cornrow looks consist of everything from chunky boxer braids to micro plaits. While most people consider braided looks to be low-maintenance hairdos, many of these looks are quite complicated. You can customize the size, direction, pattern, and color of your plaits to create a wholly unique look. Beads, cuffs, and other pretty accessories make it easy for you to change up your style.
Cornrow hairstyles are protective hairdos worn by women, men, and even children. Cornrow styles can be worn down or pulled into cool updo cornrow hairstyle. Most cornrow styles pull hair away from the face, placing extra emphasis on a person’s best features, including their eyes, cheeks, and lips. From sleek and sexy to cute and playful, there’s no limit to this year’s most coveted cornrow styles. While women have been coming up with fresh cornrow braid ideas since 3,000 B.C., we’re were able to find 50 cornrow looks that are perfect for modern women. Check them out in the section below!
1. Stunning Feed-In Best Cornrow Braids and Buns
Combine small and large plaits to create this gorgeous straight-back four cornrow braids cornrow look. Spiral the asymmetrical braids to make lovely low double buns. Or, wear the chunky twists down your back for a more laid-back workday four cornrow braids look. While this four cornrow braids style has tons of texture, it’s deceitfully easy to pull together. You can always add decorative cuffs or press your edges to customize this cornrow look. Overall, this is an excellent modern hairstyle for women and girls and a great alternative to a simple long layered hairstyle.
2. Feed-In Best Cornrow Braids with Cute Pink Extensions Two Cornrow Braids
This braided look with two cornrow braids is perfect for little girls and women who want stunning cornrows but don’t have the patience to sit in the salon chair for hours. The hairdo boasts four braids that are woven into a set length Dutch braids. Bubblegum-pink extensions give this cornrow braid hairstyle with two cornrow braids a welcome pop of color! This pretty hairstyle with two cornrow braids lets you rock hair extensions without putting excess pressure on your roots. If you ask us, this low-maintenance look is perfect for the 2020 school year.
3. Knotless Box Braids with Curly Ends Cornrow Braids
Protect your precious locks with these curly knotless box braids. These shoulder length hair braids are perfect for ladies looking for a low-maintenance protective hairstyle. Unlike traditional cornrow hairstyles, these braids don’t put a lot of pressure on your roots. Plus, they let you show off a bit of your natural hair texture. It takes extra time to maintain a combination of plaits and loose extensions. However, these shoulder-length braids are worth the effort!
4. Chunky Cornrow Styles for Short Hair Cornrow Braids
Ladies, you don’t need synthetic extensions to pull off these sophisticated cornrow braids. The set of six chunky braids lies flat against the crown. It is a super cute, easy hairstyle that you may be able to pull together without visiting the salon. The extension-free coiffure fits right in with the minimalist hair trends of 2020.
5. Miniature Cornrows with Loosely Braided Mohawk Cornrow Braids
Give your head ample dimension by plaiting a section of box braids on the top of your crown. Then, ask your stylist weave a few rows of miniature cornrows each side of your head. After that, weave a new patch of cornrows along the lower back of the head, braiding from the bottom up. Braid the cornrows on top of your head together to create the illusion of Mohawk. This bold mohawk cornrow braids is one of our favorite cornrow braid ideas.
6. Modern Cornrow Hairstyle with Tight Back Braids Cornrow Braids
This intricate cornrow pattern is a look fit for a goddess. We are obsessed with braiding ideas that pull hair away from the face. Plus, miniature box braids pair perfectly with box braids. Keep in mind that such intricate plaiting is going to take a lot of time. Still, this beautiful hairstyle for women who are willing to sit for it.
7. Flirty Back-swept Rainbow Braids Cornrow Braids
We love the use of color in this stunning miniature box braid hair design. The palette of extensions pops against the model’s naturally black hair. Pin half of your braids up to create a stunning half-up, half-down hairdo, but be sure to pluck a few face-framing locks from the bundle. These subtle snippets will draw all the attention to your best features. This simple, colorful cornrow braid hairstyle is perfect for teens and young adults. If you find the rainbow details to be too bold, opt for monotone highlights instead.
8. Black-Gold Best Cornrow Braids with Curly Tips Cornrow Braids
These lovely black and gold box braids are paired with curly hair extensions to help maximize texture and volume. The layered hair colors give this cute, easy hairstyle a ton of depth. From top buns to ponies, there are plenty of ways to switch up full-length cornrow hairstyles like this. Not to mention, gold is one of the few hair color trends that’s getting us through 2020. We think it’s safe to say that this look is both chic and athletic.
9. Twisted Cornrows with Blonde Bun Cornrow Braids
These straight-back cornrows go all around the head before making their way into a super-high topknot. The variations between the wavy small and large straight-back plaits make this an even more mesmerizing hair idea. We love the seemingly dip-dyed blonde highlights. This pretty cornrow hair idea puts all the attention on your face. As such, you should be sure to pair it with a bold makeup palette. Want to stand out from the crowd? Add a few delicious accessories!
10. Sideswept Purple Cornrows with Pony Cornrow Braids
Are you looking for cornrow styles that incorporate lots of colors? A deep, low side part makes these sweeping purple hair cornrow braids even more dramatic. This cute, easy hairstyle also boasts a clean layer of miniature box braids. A half-up-half-down ponytail is a perfect way to finish off this colorful braid idea. Can you go wrong with a faux undercut hairstyle for women?
11. Red and Black Spirals with Gold Cuffs Cornrow Hairstyle
These enormous spiraled goddess braids feature bright red extensions, golden lock cuffs, and silver rings. Between the bold use of color and over-the-top accessories, we’re confident that these Afro-punk-cornrow braids are perfect for emboldened fashionistas of all ages! Tell your stylist to save the bleach for the next client, because these pretty red highlights are just synthetic extensions. They instantly transform cornrows into a cute hairstyle for women.
12. Cleopatra Cornrows with Braided Straight-Back Part Cornrow Braid Styles
These tiny waist-length box tribal braids will have you looking like the queen of Egypt. A single straight-back braid serves as a central part, making feminine look feel incredibly regal and dramatic. Meanwhile, the clear crystal beads and silver rings add a bohemian flair to this otherwise stately hairdo. Like many cornrow hairstyles, these braids look best when left to flow freely. However, you can always pin them up to show off the angles of your gorgeous neckline.
13. Chunky Pink Feed-In Braids in Cornrow Style
Check out these glamorous and girly feed-in cornrow braids. Ask your stylist to plait five chunky goddess braids on your kiddo’s head. Then, have them feed in colored extensions of your choice. We love the lengthy pastel pink hair tips on these large plaits, but any color would do. Since the cornrows are slightly off-center, they form a gentle spiral on the top of the head. Feel free to play around with the direction of the cornrows, as the slightest shift can take this look from playful and flirty!
14. Blonde Goddess Braids with Bold Roots
These gorgeous goddess braids are a thick, protective cornrow hairstyle that will keep you looking good for weeks at a time. This version consists of four over-sized braids with thick blonde hair extensions. Tapered roots and tips help to accentuate the braids’ bulging middles. These cornrows will keep your hair up and out of your face while still offering you plenty of dimension. Wear them down or twist the ends into an elegant topknot. No matter how you rock these thick plaits, you’re bound to get the attention of envious onlookers!
15. Cute Easy Cornrow Coiffure with Gold Accents
This adorable cornrow bun consists of whole-head goddess braids in a tightly twisted topknot. Plait your hair all-around your scalp, feeding in extensions to give your jumbo plaits even more volume. Then, twist the ends of the braids together to create a scrumptious woven topknot. Gold hair cuffs and other metallic accessories take this elegant look from simple to sexy. However, a bare bun is equally sophisticated.
16. Simple Butt-Length Copper Box Braids
We love the color and texture of these butt-length box braids. The copper hue gives the naturally dark miniature plaits lots of dimensions. We love the way the light reflects off these shiny twists light brown hair. Don’t worry if you don’t have enough length to get the full look. You can easily weave in a few synthetic extensions to get this Rapunzel-inspired braid look. Ask your stylist to create a clean center part along the top of your head. This part will help to direct the braids down the sides of your head.
17. Easy Sideswept Box Braids
These diamond-based box braids are an incredibly low-maintenance protective hairdo. The diamond blocking gives the style edge. Meanwhile, the medium-sized braids look great when they are tossed to one side. We love the single gold hair cuff in this style. When it comes to this cornrow hairstyle, less is often more.
18. Deep Side Part Cornrows with Curve Appeal
Keep your hair game strong with these super trendy side-swept cornrows. The lengthy microbraids are swept to one side to create a sort of faux undercut. The braids even boast Nike-inspired swooshes at their bases. Clear glass beads add a bit of bling to the ends of the braids. However, you can easily mix and match accessories or leave the braids bare to personalize this gorgeous cornrow look.
19. Scrumptious Cotton Candy Box Braids
Are you growing out a pixie cut? Instantly extend your hair with these adorable cotton candy box braids. The synthetic extensions add a can’t-miss pop of color. Press your ends to preserve your hairline, as lengthy hair extensions can be a bit heavy.
20. Chunky Braids with Locked-In Waves Braided Hairstyles
This shoulder-length box braid look is perfect for professionals. Extensions give the braids a bit more volume around the roots. Use string and hot water to curl the ends of your hair extensions. Add mouse daily to tame the frizz and keep your hairdo looking fresh.
21. Large & Long Threaded Box Braids
This signature cornrow hairstyle consists of two extra-chunky face-framing box braids. The stylist used white string to accent the largest plaits. However, chunky straight-back braids continue around the whole scalp. The extra length makes these braids are perfect candidates for ponies and other updo cornrow hairstyle.
22. Bold, Black, Beaded Cornrows
We’re super obsessed with these butt-length cornrows. They take traditional braids to a whole new level. While traditional African beads make excellent accessories, we can also see ourselves switching these details out for gold hair cuffs.
23. Red Straight-Back Braids in High Bun Cornrows Braided Hairstyles
Are you feeling super adventurous? You’ll love these bold straight-back braids! Wrap your crimson-tipped braids into a high topknot for an ultra-stylish finish. This look is perfect for cornrow fans who can’t take the constant tension.
24. Chunky Asymmetrical Half-Head Cornrows Braid Styles
These chunky half-done cornrows look super foxy in strawberry blonde hair color! This look lets you show off your plaits and your natural texture at the same time. You can easily toss your ends into a bun or ponytail.
25. Girl on Fire Woven Braid Bun Braid Styles
Orange and red extensions make these straight-back cornrows pure fire! We love that the braids are spun into a tight ballerina topknot. Meanwhile, the ends are woven back under the cornrows to create an even more intricate appearance. This is a great style to choose with orange nails.
26. Big and Small Twisted Straight-Back Braids
Combine big and small plaits to create an incredibly cultured cornrow style. These wavy braids complement the natural contours of the head. While the design is a bit complex, it doesn’t take much time or dedication. Keep your braids close to the head, or add extensions! You really can’t go wrong with this modern hairstyle!
27. Awesome Straight-Back Braids with Heritage Beads
These sleek straight-back cornrow braids are layered on top of box braids to create a dense canopy of hair. While these braids look phenomenal, it’s the chunky wooden beads that steal the show. These heritage accessories help pay homage to this hairdo’s deep African roots.
28. Straight-Back Braids with Kinky Extensions Cornrow Braided Hairstyles
We can’t look away from these slinky straight-back cornrows. First off, we love the rich burgundy hue of this natural red hair dye. The crimped ends add length to this hairdo without putting extra tension on your precious roots. Plus, you can gather the pieces together to create a flirty low pony or braid. Burgundy nails are a great choice for this look.
29. Four Straight-Back Braids with Extensions
Want to keep your salon chair time down to a bare minimum? Ask for four chunky boxer plaits instead of a head full of baby braids. You can add extensions to increase the height or length of twists. Pair this look with pressed ends and chunky hoops for a truly rap-inspired hairdo.
30. Royal Half-Head Cornrows with Natural Pony Mohawk Cornrow Braids
Give some of your roots a break with this deconstructed cornrow Mohawk. Divide your crown hairs into small braids. Then, interweave the braids using a couple of gold cuffs to create a perfectly accessorized Mohawk. A few beaded braids on the side of the face are the perfect way to soften this bold look.
31. Chunky Straight-Back Braids With Plaited Halo
Weave synthetic extensions into your hair to create extra-chunky braids. Then, weave the side braids into a chunky halo. Straight-back braids are a super simple, cute hairstyle for women or girls. Plus, it’s a rad hair idea for weddings, proms, and other formal events.
32. Over-the-Top Straight-Back Braids with Light Extensions
This look consists of lightly bleached straight-back braids in the front and box braids in the back. The full cornrows help to bring your hair away from your face. If you’re looking for a bold braided hair idea, this might be it.
33. Intricate Ghana and Box Braid Combo
This intricate cornrow design will impress the most seasoned hair professionals. The front braids weave from side to side, like ripples on water. The intricate half-head cornrows help pull the hair away from the face. With tiny box braids in the back, you still have something to toss over your shoulders. Wear them down or twist them into a low chignon.
34. Eight Cornrows with Defining Middle Part
This spider-like hairdo consists of eight cornrows. These braids seal all of your locks into a tight, protective look that lasts for weeks. These cornrow braids are ideal for short-haired children and adults. This protective hairdo is perfect for people of all ages.
35. High Straight-Back Braids with High Pony
Alternating big and little plaits are one of this season’s coolest trends. This beautiful hairdo also consists of face-framing braids that extended from back to front. Heritage beads dangle from the ends of these locks. Meanwhile, extra-long extensions are woven into the other cornrow braids to give them volume and length. These lengthy pieces make a mind-blowing high pony.
36. Cute Easy Hairstyle With Box Braids
These tiny box braids are capped with curly extensions before being wrapped into an extra elegant high bun. These cornrow braids let you rock a protective hairdo without having to square away all your natural hair. It’s a simple yet sexy hair idea for your natural hair that will last you a month or more.
37. Braids and Spunky Space Buns
These chunky Ghana braids have been pulled into super cute high space buns. This modern hairstyle combines traditional and trendy cornrow braid concepts to create a one-of-a-kind hair idea. Ask your stylist to feed in extensions starting at the roots. These extra threads will boost the height and texture of your cornrow braids.
38. Awesome Straight-Back Cornrow Braids
These cornrow braids are a cute easy hairstyle for women rocking the granny gray hair trend. You can save yourself a lot of time by opting for bigger plaits. This look consists of just seven braids. The braids are woven straight back to draw attention to your eyes and brows.
39. Sideswept Cornrow Braids with Natural Hair
This pretty half-up cornrow braid hairstyle for natural hair lets you show off your natural texture while rocking end-saving plaits in the front. The braids are plaited at an angle so that they blend in with the natural contours of the head. Gather your ends into a high half-up bun when the tension gets to be too much.
40. Burgundy Ghana Braids with Jewelry
Are you searching for more traditional African cornrow braid ideas? These twisty Ghana plaits create an eye-catching geometric design before pouring over the sides of the head. Silver rings and lock cuffs align with this year’s biggest cornrow accessory trends. In some ways, this scalp braid style reminds us of Beyoncé’s lemonade braid trend.
41. Cute Hairstyle Idea for Women with Ghana Braids
This pretty hairstyle consists of whole-head Ghana plaits gathered into a high topknot. Strategically placed ash blonde hair extensions brighten up naturally dark roots. Feed synthetic extensions into bases of the straight-back braids to give them extra height. Then, twist the multi-colored strands together to create a one-of-a-kind updo cornrow hairstyle. You can keep things simple with uniform plaits, or variate between small and large braids.
42. Cool High Pony with Cornrows
These cornrows are pulled into a gravity-defying top-of-the-head ponytail. Golden hair cuffs, beads, and thread give this look a truly regal vibe. While this look appears quite complicated, it’s a pretty low-maintenance date night look. The weight of the extensions might limit how long you are willing to rock these braids.
43. Over-the-Top Strawberry Space Buns
Are you looking for a super unique cornrow braid hairstyle? This hairdo consists of an intricate geometric cornrow design, braided space buns, and butt-length white and pink braided extensions. It’s a half-up-half-down look has major 90s hip hop vibes. While these braids might have you stuck in the salon chair for some time, they’re worth their weight in compliments.
44. Diamond Box Braids with Extensions
Diamond box braids are one of the coolest trends of 2020. These cornrow braids last for weeks with minimal maintenance. If you’re looking for protective cornrow braid ideas that you can easily pull up and out of your face, this one’s worth a bookmark. Keep them natural or add some color.
45. Miniature Box Braids with Blonde Extensions
Let down your locks! These head-to-butt miniature box braids have been paired with extra-long wavy extensions. We adore the dye job, which consists of a dark base with warm chestnut overtones.
46. Blonde, Beaded Cornrow Braids
This parted cornrow look is incredibly fierce. The braids have been parted down the middle, with two sets of chunky backward-slanted plaits. Then, there’s that subtle yet look-defining braid down the center of the head. The dark roots and blonde highlights look amazing together. Then again, where would this look be without the wooden African hair heads?
47. Golden Box Braids in a High Bun
These small blonde box braids are the ultimate protective hairdo. Since these are not technically cornrows, they’re a bit easier to pull together. They serve as an excellent base for a half-up bun. Though, you can also drape them over your back for a more casual look. We just adore this 90s-inspired braid style.
48. Cute Box Braids with Cornrow Braids
We adore this cornrow and box braid combo for kids and teens. The large braids zig and zag across the top of the model’s head. Beads give the chunky box braids a clean finish. Meanwhile, two backward cornrows frame the sides of the face. Give your little goddess the hair she deserves with this youthful cornrow style.
49. Super-Tight Boxer Braids with Extensions
This yummy hairdo consists of four wet-and-wavy straight-back braids. These plaits are excellent candidates for low ponies and other down-the-back hairdos. The wavy parts help this look stand out. If you’re looking to express yourself, consider adding a few gold hair cuffs or colored extensions.
50. Cool Jumbo Cornrow Braid Hairstyle
These jumbo head-to-butt cornrows are less effort than they look. Miniature cornrows are woven between much larger goddess braids to create the illusion of depth and texture. Meanwhile, bleached hair extensions lighten up the ends of the braids. This is a popping look for any occasion.
57 Head-Turning Cornrow Braids for Natural Hair
Cornrow hairstyles for natural hair don’t have to be one-dimensional. These low-maintenance yet stunning braided hairstyles let you literally and figuratively show off your roots. From chunky straight-back braids to miniature head-to-butt plaits, there are hundreds of beautiful braided hairstyles ideas. Are you feeling one of these beautiful hairstyles for natural hair? Let us know in the comment section below! Now that you’ve gone through these gorgeous looks, don’t forget to also take a look at the prettiest short blonde hair ideas or our curly pixie cut ideas!
