Cornrow hairstyles, a timeless and iconic look, have been a staple in African and African-American culture for centuries. Originating in Africa, these intricately braided hairstyles not only serve as a stylish and low-maintenance option but also hold deep cultural significance. Cornrows are created by braiding the hair close to the scalp in a continuous, raised row, resulting in a visually striking pattern.
In recent years, cornrow hairstyles have gained popularity across the globe, thanks to top trends such as feed-in braids, zig-zag patterns, and Fulani-inspired braids. Numerous celebrities, including Beyoncé, Alicia Keys, and Zendaya, have rocked cornrows on red carpets and in everyday life, further elevating the hairstyle’s status.
Explore our curated collection of 30 stunning cornrow hairstyles from Instagram, and discover the perfect look to showcase your unique style while embracing the rich heritage of this beautiful hair artistry.
1. Small Cornrow Hair with Yellow Highlights
The yellow hair extensions that are added in these cornrow braids make the hairstyle eye-popping, for sure. By creating small, tight braids close to the scalp, you can rock with this African braids.
2. Big Sized Red Cornrow Hairstyle
This cornrow hairstyle with neon red highlights at the ends is a bold and eye-catching hairdo that features a series of thick cornrows that are styled into a large, intricate pattern. If you want to make a bold fashion statement, go for it.
3. Black Cornrow Hair with a Star Side
The black colored small and tight braids start at the front of the head and move towards the back. The unique touch of this hairstyle is the addition of a star-shaped design on one side of the head. The result is a striking hairstyle can be worn for a variety of occasions.
4. Artistic Cornrow Hairstyle with Blonde Highlights
The intricate scalp braids in this style shows a sophisticated and artistic design. With a series of cornrows that interweave and blend seamlessly into delicate braids, this look is created by stunning blonde highlights that truly make it pop! To wear it in its full glory, simply sweep the thick, side-swept twist to one side. This cornrow style is sure to turn heads.
5. Unique Cornrow Hairstyle
If you have thin hair strands, you can attract everyone with this cornrow braid. The hair, which is divided into small strands, is gathered with a high bun with all the hair braided from both the front and the back. Give it a shot.
6. Big-sized Red Cornrow with Gold Hair Cuffs
The red color of the cornrows is achieved by either dyeing the hair or using hair extensions that come in the desired color. The gold hair cuffs that are placed randomly on each cornrow are small metallic accessories and they add a decorative touch to the hairstyle.
7. Stylish Copper Cornrow Hair
If you’re looking to enhance your hairstyle, cornrow braids can be taken to the next level with the addition of color. Consider consulting with your stylist about incorporating a pop of copper shade into your next look. This simple step can add both warmth and depth to your hair, making it look even more stunning and dimensional.
8. Thick Black Cornrow Braids
One of our top picks for thick cornrow hairstyles has to be this one – and it’s not hard to see why! This style is incredibly easy to fall in love with. These thick, feed-in cornrows create a stylish and versatile look that’s both elegant and playful at the same time. Whether you’re going for a sophisticated or a more bohemian look, this hairstyle has got you covered.
9. Small Cornrow Hairstyle with a Half Bun
This hairstyle is a perfect fusion of two styles, featuring several small cornrow braids delicately flowing into loose and beautiful curls and a half bun. If you desire to achieve a goddess-like appearance, we highly recommend trying out this unique and creative hairstyle.
10. Straight Back Cornrow Braids
If you’re looking for a hassle-free yet stylish way to braid your hair, straight-back stitch braids are a perfect choice. They require no intricate designs or fancy patterns, yet look cool and trendy. Moreover, they’re an ideal option for those who prefer sophisticated and polished cornrow hairstyles that provide ample protection against external elements.
11. Purple Cornrow Braids
Did you know that you can change your entire style with just one color and one braid? Whether you dye your hair or wear hair extensions, this bright purple hair color will make you feel like a rock star with cornrow braids.
12. Stylish Black Cornrow Braids
Ghana braids have become one of the trendiest African hairstyles in recent years. These invisible cornrows offer a stunning appearance that’s easy to maintain. This chic hairstyle is perfect for summer, as it provides excellent protection for your hair and keeps it healthy for an extended period. Be ready to fall in love with Ghana braids!
13. Thick Cornrows and a Low Bun
When combined, thick cornrows and a low bun create a stylish and practical hairstyle that is perfect for those who want a low-maintenance, protective style that can last for several weeks. You can stand out wherever you go with this chic hairstyle, so let’s try it out.
14. Cornrow Ponytails with Bangs
No matter what hairstyle you have, there’s just something about bangs. Consider asking your stylist to create face-framing effects with your braids, and add a pop of color to your ponytail like orange for an extra touch of movement.
15. Gorgeous Cornrow with a Ponytail
If you want to look chic, high buns are an excellent option, and this particular cornrowed bun is especially eye-catching due to its braids of varying sizes. So why not give it a try?
16. Small Cornrow Ponytail
Ombré has always been a source of fascination for many, but when it comes to ombré cornrows tied into a ponytail, the excitement is almost too much to handle! These adorable cornrows, braided into a high ponytail and featuring lighter hues towards the edges, are the perfect complement to any summer outfit.
17. Big Black Cornrow Braids with a Low Bun
You will look amazing when you combine your short and curly hair with this amazing hairstyle! While the front and back of this hair are braided in a cornrow style, the lower part of is left curly and gathered with a hairpin. It looks pretty sweet!
18. Cute Blonde Cornrow Braids
Big cornrows and messy low buns create this stunning hairstyle! The chunky cornrows are braided and slicked back, then twisted into beautiful buns that are finished off with chopsticks. Also, the butter blonde color adds an extra touch of high-fashion elegance to this already impressive cornrow braided hairstyle.
19. Feed-In Cornrows with a Low Ponytail
The style of having larger cornrow braids separated by tiny cornrows braided close to the scalp is specifically designed to wrap around the head, resulting in an almost halo-like effect. As a final touch, they are gathered in a low bun and it looks amazing!
20. Cornrows with Shell Braids
If you’re looking for an authentic and natural bead alternative, consider using puka shells. These shells add a bohemian touch to cornrow braids, making you feel confident and stunning. Also, have you ever noticed that two side cornrow braids can go in different directions? You will rock with these!
21. Half Cornrow Braids with a Top Bun
If you find yourself running out out of time or lacking the energy to cornrow your entire head, consider braiding the front section and using your go-to styling products to define the back. Once you’ve done that, gather your hair into a high bun for a chic and effortless look.
22. Zig-Zag Cornrow Hairstyle
If you’re feeling bored with straight-back cornrows, try switching things up with snake-like zig-zag patterns. This can help make your protective style more interesting, and don’t forget to accessorize with some beads for added flair!
23. Heart-Shaped Cornrow Braids
If you want to spice up the thick plain cornrow braids, the braids made in the form of hearts on the sides are just for you. Getting a cute look is that easy with this creative design!
24. Mohawk Cornrow Hairstyle
Those who are feeling bold and daring should definitely try transforming box braids into a mohawk? You can use some of the braids to create the illusion of a hairband, which will hide any bobby pins or elastics you’ve used to secure the style in place. Give it a shot.
25. Cornrows into a Large Bun with Blonde Highlights
Consider pairing elegance with a bold edge by pulling your brown cornrows with blonde highlights into a large bun at the top of your head. When you gather all your braids with a bun, you will take your hairstyle to a more sophisticated level.
26. Gorgeous Asymmetrical Cornrow Hair
If the straight and simply braided cornrow hairstyle is not for you, why not try different designs? These braids with an angular design is just for you. Braids colored with black and red will make you stand out, so go for it.
27. Brown Cornrow Braids with Curls
In this hair design, cornrow braids, which are divided into eight parts, look great. The main reason for this is the light brown highlights applied among dark brown hair. It is also a nice detail that the hair is not completely braided and the curls are left at the bottom.
28. Big and Small Blonde Cornrow Hair
Feeling like a goddess is easy with this hairstyle! The cornrow braids, which go in sequence as one small and one large at the front, are combined with a ponytail. Long blonde curly hair seems to be a very nice detail to the whole look at the back.
29. Creative Copper Cornrow Style
These cornrow braids, part of which are braided into a small zig zag shape and then continued large and straight, can make you shine like a star with copper hair color! Give it a try.
30. Red Cornrow Hairstyle with a Top Bun
You can look great with long hair extensions! You can easily design your hair with this finely braided cornrow hair by adding red extensions to black natural hair. If you want a hair that is easier to maintain, combine it all in a high bun.
31. Backwards Cornrowed Top Bun
Cornrow braids designed from the front of the hair are always a classic, but if you want to take it to the next level, why not have back of your hair braided in the same way? As a final touch, you can bring all the braids together and combine them into a high bun.
32. Asymmetrical Cornrow Braids
For those who want an interesting corncow braid, in this model, the part on the top of the hair is braided in different ways, one right and one left, and the remaining hair is left down. The natural curls at the end of the hair also provide an extra beauty.
33. Gorgeous Red Cornrow Braids
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How about looking like a star with long red hair? Cornrow braided hair is divided into equal parts and each of them extends from the nape of the neck. You can also look pretty good with a small silver hair cuffs placed on the front of the hair.
In conclusion, cornrow hairstyles showcase a rich blend of cultural heritage, creativity, and modern style. As you browse through our curated selection of 30 Instagram-worthy cornrows, embrace the diversity and adaptability of this timeless hairstyle. Whether you’re looking for a bold statement or an everyday look, cornrows offer endless possibilities for self-expression and a nod to a proud tradition.
