Cornrows have existed for a very long time but not until recently have they become more acceptable in mainstream society.  Although still considered taboo in many circles, today we see everyone from the guys on the corner to major celebrities sporting this style.  Cornrows, like braids, are very versatile.  With a skilled set of hands and a flare for originality, the result is only limited by your imagination.  In this section, you will learn how to do cornrows, cornrow extensions and how to combine cornrows with other styles.

Cornrows are a simple and easy style to do at home. Ok correction.  Cornrows are NOT simple and they're far from easy.  They take tons of practice and years to hone in on a technique.  But either way, they're cute aren't they :-)

Cornrows are good for your hair because they tend to encourage growth and enable the hair to retain moisture. If you're not familiar with this technique, this style got its name because usually the hair is braided very close to the scalp from the forehead to the nape of the neck and in several different rows. The end result resembles that of farmer's corn rows.

To achieve this look you can begin with virtually any length of hair. The hair need only be long enough for you or the stylist to grip and braid. Cornrowing is similar to braiding except the hair is braided close to the scalp rather than allowed to hang freely.

This style can be done over or underhanded but with both techniques you will be working with three strands of hair as you did in the braiding section. Although difficult to describe, cornrowing is a technique that only gets better with practice. I practiced on Kia in order to get it right and it took several tries before I had completed an even, attractive looking row.

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Instructions on how to create cornrows on any hair type
Begin by making a part in the hair that neatly extends from the forehead to the nape of the neck. The part will have to be made somewhat at an angle because the area covered by your forehead is greater than that of your neck. If you can imagine, the cornrows will take on somewhat of a tapered look in the back if the parts are done evenly and correctly.

After parting the section to be cornrowed, secure the rest of the hair with a clip. Comb out the section to remove tangles. Beginning at the forehead, take a small portion of the section and place a little No More Frizzies Aromatherapy Aloe Vera Jelly or Styling Gel at the root.  This will help smooth fly-away.

Once you've added the Jelly or Gel, divide the small section into two separate strands. Cross them.

For your third strand pick up some of the hair from the larger section and cross it over one of the other two strands. You now have the three strands necessary to cornrow.

The procedure is similar to braiding except you will be working your way down the section by continually adding hair from the larger section to each of your three strands.
Once you have reached the nape of the neck, braid the rest of the hair to the ends and secure with a rubber band. Part the next section and cornrow it.

If you still can not envision how to achieve this look, have a friend or beautician show you. Remember that your first attempt won't result in the perfect cornrow. It will probably be uneven and look messy but remember, practice makes perfect.

To maintain cornrows, use a light oil spray for sheen and added moisture. Sleep with a satin scarf to reduce flyaways. This style usually lasts between 1-2 weeks before needing to be redone.


Cornrows Extensions: This style is a little harder to nail down but well worth the time it takes to reach perfection.
Cornrow extensions are similar to braid extensions. Synthetic hair is usually weaved into your own. Cornrow extensions are also a great style because they encourage growth and help protect the hair shaft. This style usually lasts 2-3 weeks with proper maintenance. Read the section on cornrows and braid extensions before you begin.

There are two ways to weave hair into your cornrows.  The first is to place the hair addition at the start of the cornrow.  This method creates a little bulb of hair at the start of each row. 

The second method is to integrate the hair addition AFTER you've already begun the cornrow.  The latter method creates a more seamless addition and natural look.  Because the second method is harder to describe, we'll only address the first one here.

Part a section to be cornrowed. Take a portion of the synthetic hair and fold it in half. Beginning at the forehead, separate an adequate strand from the section to be cornrowed.

Place the loop you've made in the synthetic hair around the strand. You now have the three strands you need to cornrow. Begin working your way down the section by adding hair from the section to each of the strands.

Once you have reached the base, braid the synthetic hair past your own and to the desired length. Secure with a rubber band, hot/boiled water or singe the ends.

To maintain cornrow extensions, use a light oil spray for sheen or added moisture. Sleep with a satin scarf to reduce flyaways.

Instructional Image Courtesy of http://cornrows.co.uk

Photos courtesy of Magic Style Salon.  Copyright 2004-2007. Reprinted with permission.  Visit Magic Style Salon Online - http://traumfrisuren.de/

For more information on proper hair care and for a salon quality products for all hair types, textures and ethnicities, visit http://www.naani.com.