Whether you’re planning a new style for the summer or looking for an easy-care protective hairstyle, cornrows are a great option. But how long do cornrows last? In this blog post, I’ll explain the factors that affect the longevity of cornrows and explore some tips and tricks to ensure your braids stay looking fresh.
What Are Cornrows?
Cornrows are a traditional African-style of hairstyle that is used to create intricate patterns in the hair. This type of hairstyle involves braiding the hair into tight and neat sections, typically beginning at the scalp and working down towards the ends.
The cornrow can be worn in countless styles, including single plaits, double or multiple strands, as well as a combination of both.
The term “cornrow” itself often traces back to Africa; however, there are many African language variations for this style, such as “banji” or “kaner”.
In recent years, cornrows have become a popular trend among celebrities and fashion enthusiasts alike, who use it not only as a way to show their connection to African culture but also to bring an element of chicness to their look.
Not only do cornrows offer versatility when it comes to styling, but they are also quite low maintenance when done correctly. Ideally, one should retie them every few weeks; otherwise it will become loose or start unraveling prematurely.
With its origins within Africa, it is important that we appreciate and recognize its cultural significance when wearing these kinds of styles, too.
What Is The Origin Of The Cornrows Hairstyle?
The origin of cornrows is often debated and up for discussion, but it is believed to have originated in Africa. Its roots trace back to the tribes of Ethiopia, Egypt, parts of North Africa, Sudan, and Somalia.
Due to slavery, African slaves were brought over to America during the colonial period. During this time, they kept their traditions alive by wearing their hair in braids, and along with that created the newly adapted American version of “cornrows” -also known as “Braided Hair”.
Later on during slavery, hairstyles were used to express one’s ethnicity and served as confirmation and unification among slaves who came from all different parts of Africa with each having their own cultural styles and techniques when it came down to styling hair whether it be by weaving/braiding or even creating twisted knots which hold intricate designs and patterns.
It was also used in religious ceremonies like rites of passages into adulthood for Afro-American women for many years when an elder would braid the girls’ hair starting from the forehead towards the back of the head, symbolizing one leaving childhood behind and stepping onto a new path into womanhood.
What Are The Benefits Of Having Cornrows?
Cornrows are an effective way to style hair that can provide many benefits. Firstly, cornrows help to keep the hair neat and tidy by tightly braiding the strands together.
This reduces frizz and prevents flyaway hair from ruining the hairstyle. It helps to reduce split ends caused by brushing and combing, which can weaken strands of hair over time. Cornrows are also low maintenance as they don’t require you to invest significant amounts of money or time in styling as traditional hairstyling options do.
All you need is a few bobby pins or clips to keep them in place throughout the day, and your cornrow look will be complete. Moreover, since they last so long–typically weeks on end–cornrows offer great value for money.
What Are The Downsides Of Having Cornrows?
Cornrows can be a stylish and practical hairstyle, but there are some downsides to consider. The most significant downside of cornrows is the tedious and long process of getting them installed.
It usually takes several hours to complete the process, which can be difficult for busy people or those who don’t have someone else to help them create the style.
Having cornrows put in correctly without causing pain or damage is actually quite hard and requires an experienced stylist; otherwise, you could be at risk of pulling out your own hair or trapping sweat underneath the braid.
Another potential downside to wearing cornrows is that they require regular maintenance and styling. Cornrow styles can unravel relatively quickly if not re-braided after a certain amount of time (which varies depending on growth pattern).
This means that the person wearing them must make sure they are always properly re-braided to maintain their look—which can involve additional time spent in a salon chair each month.
Over time, these styles will cause tension along your scalp line, which has been known to lead to traction alopecia over prolonged periods of wear or when tight braids are used too often.
Do Cornrows Affect Your Natural Hairline?
Cornrows can affect your natural hairline depending on how they are done and maintained. If the cornrows are too tight, or if they are not shampooed, conditioned and gently detangled regularly, then your hairstyle could cause breakage and damage to your edges, or you may even experience permanent alopecia.
To minimize these risks, it is important to make sure that your hair is properly moisturized before installing the cornrows, as well as using enough oil for a soft installation.
It’s also important to avoid styles with extreme tension like flat twists and box braids, as this can lead to permanent hair loss around the edges of the forehead and at the temples over time.
Make sure that you keep up with regular trims of your edges while having this style, to reduce split ends and maintain proper growth patterns along your existing hairline.
Making sure that you take breaks between wearing this particular style will allow your scalp to rest and encourage healthy regrowth of any lost hairs due to strain or traction from the tightness of the weave fibers.
How Long Do Cornrows Last?
When considering this style of hair grooming, you may be wondering how long will a cornrow last. Depending on maintenance and upkeep, cornrows can last anywhere from 2 weeks up to 8 weeks or more.
Since they’re a tightly woven braid pattern that adheres closely to your scalp—and with proper care—cornrows can maintain their shape for 8 weeks or longer. To keep them looking fresh and clean for as long as possible, there are some preventive measures you can take.
First off, make sure you moisturize your scalp regularly to ensure healthy growth of your natural hair texture underneath the cornrowed locks; this will also prevent scalp irritation caused by dryness or friction between the rows.
As with any tight hairstyle—try not to wear extensions weighed down by heavy accessories such as beads or scarves; these items can pull at the roots of your cornrowed styles over time and cause breakage.
If you must use such styling products or ornamentation with your look, only attach them at the ends of each braid where there’s less tension pulling at root level when worn.
Depending on how quickly your own personal hair grows (which varies from person-to-person due to genetics), you might need more frequent trims of dead splits hairs at the end of your braids every 3–4 weeks. This will help keep them looking neat throughout their lifespan and boost their longevity even further.
How Are Cornrows Done?
The technique involves sectioning the hair into three or more parts and creating a long, continuous braid along the head, by the hair stylist. Each strand is then crossed in front of one another in a neat row as you move down the head from scalp to ends.
Cornrows are kept tight so that they lay flat against your head and stay securely in place for several weeks at a time. To install them properly, start by separating your desired sections of hair with clips or small elastic bands.
Then use your fingers to create a single plait by taking three strands of hair and crossing them over each other repeatedly until you reach the end of the sectioned area.
To secure the braid, use an elastic band at the end and repeat this process until all sections have been braided together.
How Long Does It Take To Have Cornrows Installed?
Cornrows are a popular choice for a protective style as they can last up to 8 weeks, depending on the person. The length of time it takes to have cornrows installed will depend on the size and complexity of the style desired, as well as how experienced your stylist is.
It might take anywhere from 1 to 4 hours for an experienced hairdresser to install cornrows, depending on your hair type. If you are opting for a complex design or want many rows of braiding, it may take even longer.
How To Maintain Cornrows To Make Them Last As Long As Possible?
Maintaining cornrows, so they can last as long as possible, is an essential part of having great braids. With this style, it’s important to keep the hair hydrated and free from damage.
One way to do this is with protective styling overnight. When sleeping, avoid using cotton pillowcases or sleeping on your hair directly; instead, uses a silk scarf or satin bonnet to keep the moisture locked in and prevent breakage and hair damage.
Another way to ensure longevity for cornrows is by using natural oils on the scalp before installing them. Olive oil helps seal moisture in the scalp, making sure that each strand stays healthy throughout its life cycle without suffering from drying out due to lack of natural oils secreted by your scalp. It’ll stop you getting a dry scalp, too.
To extend their life even more, you should also make sure not to over manipulate your cornrows too much; touching them often can pull out strands prematurely, along with loosening up any beads or accessories used while creating the style.
You should also be mindful when shampooing and conditioning; use products specifically geared towards protecting braided styles and avoid overly sudsy shampoos as they can dry out your hair faster than necessary.
Before swimming in pools or open bodies of water, protect your cornrows with a swimming cap so that chlorine doesn’t dry out or damage them quickly, either. When taking down the style, make sure not to rush through it; gently unravel each braid separately and be careful not to tug at them too hard, as strands may come off during take down if done incorrectly.
How Can I Make My Cornrows Last Longer?
To make your cornrows last longer, try to avoid any excessive pulling or tugging on the braids and regularly moisturize your scalp to prevent dryness and breakage. Additionally, try not to wet your hair too often as this can cause the braids to loosen and potentially fall out prematurely.
Do Cornrows Last Longer with Synthetic or Real Hair?
Cornrows typically last longer with synthetic hair as it is less prone to breakage and can hold the style better. However, using real hair may provide a more natural look and feel.
Can Cornrows Damage My Hair?
Cornrows can potentially damage your hair if they are too tight or if they are left in for too long. It is important to keep your hair and scalp clean and well-moisturized to prevent any potential breakage or damage.
Can I Get Cornrows if I Have Straight or Caucasian Hair?
Yes, cornrows can be done on any hair type, but it is important to work with a stylist who is experienced in working with different hair textures to ensure the style is done properly and doesn’t cause any damage.
Can Cornrows Pull Your Hairline Back?
Yes, if the cornrows are too tight, they can pull on the hairline and potentially cause it to recede. It is important to communicate with your stylist about your desired level of tension and to speak up if the braids are too tight during the braiding process.
How Can I Care for My Cornrows to Make Them Last Longer?
To care for your cornrows, regularly wash your scalp and hair with a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner. Additionally, be sure to moisturize your scalp and hair regularly with oils or leave-in conditioners to prevent dryness and breakage.
How Long Can Cornrows Last on Natural Hair?
Cornrows can last on natural hair for about the same amount of time as other hair types, typically around 2-6 weeks depending on the care and maintenance of the braids.
Can I Get Cornrows with Hair Extensions?
Yes, hair extensions can be added to cornrows to add length or fullness to the style.
Does the Size of The Cornrows Affect how Long They Last?
Yes, smaller cornrows may last longer than larger ones as they are typically more secure and less prone to unraveling or falling out prematurely.
Final Thoughts
Cornrows are a stylish and low-maintenance hairstyle, but just how long do cornrows last? Depending on the individual, it can range anywhere from two weeks up to 8 weeks or more.
For them to reach their longest lifespan, it’s important to keep strands hydrated and moisturized with natural oils before installation, maintain your hair with gentle manipulation during styling time and take down time, avoid applying too much tension when creating the style, as well as using protective styles while sleeping.
Use a specific cornrow shampoo and conditioner, as it’s designed to maintain the style, with minimal hair breakage. Keeping up with regular trims of your edges while having this style will also help reduce split ends and minimize any potential traction alopecia that may arise due to over manipulation or tight braids being used too often.
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