Nice Cornrows Designs
Cornrows
African Style Flat BraidsA guide to the basics of cornrows including how to braid them and care for them as well as solving potential problems.
What are cornrows?
Cornrows are a style of underhand track braids or "flat braids" that are generally made along narrow sections of hair. Where did cornrows originate?
Cornrows were first done in Africa, and the technique spread throughout the world from there. It remained more popular in Africa than other places because of the climate and hair texture. It is practical for curlier haired people, rather than just ornamental.Can people with straight hair wear cornrows?
Yes, of course they can. Their hair just needs to be at least around 7-10cm. long, or else it might unravel. The cuticle of straight hair is usually thicker (when it's natural) so more length and special products may be needed to help the style last and stay neat.How do I braid cornrows?
Basically, cornrows are made by braiding the hair and picking up hair as you go along. Here is a helpful image with instructions:
- Plan your style.
- Put your initial part in the hair, and secure the rest out of the way with a rubber band or hair clips.
- Take a small amount of hair from where you want it to start, and braid a couple of "stitches" or "cycles".
- Pick up some hair from just under the braid, and add it to the middle strand (or more like the strand you are bringing to the middle).
- Complete that stitch.
- Pick up some more hair.
- Complete that stitch...and so on.
- When you run out of hair to pick up, continue braiding as normal.
- Secure the end with a rubber band or barette.
You will also need a spray bottle so that you can keep the hair slightly damp while you're working. The reason you want to keep the hair damp is to control your own ability to accidentally use too much tension while you're braiding, and because the hair expands when it's wet and contracts as it dries. This is what will tighten the braids just enough without damaging the hair follicle or scalp. If you'll be working on someone with straight hair, you need some sculpting hair wax or moisturizing flex gel. This will keep the style in place without it becoming overly stiff. The sort of hair wax that Sumo wrestlers and traditional Japanese stylists use is perfect for this in people with super straight hair. To keep hair out of the way while you're working on a section, you'll need rubber bands or hair clips. For decoration, use barettes, beads, ribbons, or whatever looks nice to you. Some even like to weave flowers or other organic objects into their style. For a post modern look, you can use funky colors of craft cord or synthetic hair. Possible Problems and Solutions
I just got my hair braided, and now my head hurts. Either your braider was too heavy handed, or you might be one of those tenderheaded people who can't wear cornrows. Carefully unbraid your hair, and try individual braids instead. To help soothe and heal your scalp once you take the braids out, use a hair oil or leave in conditioner with oblipicha oil, sunflower oil, or shea butter. Both of these are fairly gentle and inhibit the growth of microbes. I left my braids in too long, and now my hair has knotted or matted in places. To get the matts out without losing too much hair, coat your hair in the cheapest conditioner like Suave or White Rain. Then gently pick through the knots with a ball tipped nail art prong. You can find these in just about any beauty supply store. They're a tool that nail artists use to pick up and apply very small designs. I'm afraid that my boss or school won't allow me to wear cornrows. There's no rule about it, but they might think it looks unprofessional.If there isn't a specific rule against African hairstyles, then usually they won't make an issue about it if you don't. Enough schools and companies have been sued that they probably won't want the scandal. However, you don't want to go overboard. Avoid using flashy ornaments in your hair. You want to choose styles that are slick and neat, and feminine if you're female, masculine if you're male. Wear styles that say "African" and not "Rapper". Ask other professionals who have natural and braided hair for styling suggestions and moral support. Unfortunately because ethnicity is still an issue, you might have some problems if you are not visibly African looking, but want to wear braids. Again, try to avoid styles that are too flashy. You may want to take inspiration from old traditional styles from Europe or the pioneer days. Want to learn more?
You can get more information on cornrows and African braiding at Cornrows.co.uk. Also, feel free to ask questions in the comments here. Credits and Notes This site's short URL http://cornrows.co.nr is provided by:
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