Top Cornrow Hairstyles for Men With Tips To Style Like Pro

Cornrows have a rich history, rooted in Yoruba culture, with kolese braids originally symbolizing connections to Black hair traditions. Today, cornrow braid styles for men represent more than just a hairstyle; they’re a statement of personal expression, blending fashion with culture. This guide explores the popular and trendy patterns and designs that enthusiasts can try, whether aiming for a sleek, iconic look or experimenting with temple fades, taper, undercut, or shaved sides.

With versatile styles suited for short, medium, or long hair, there’s a depth of styling choices to suit everyone. Creating and maintaining these complex braids requires techniques for proper care to keep them lasting weeks.

Whether you prefer small or big braids, straight or intricate art, the Majesticuts team has covered the solutions for common challenges, guiding you toward achieving that distinctive, fresh look that brings out the best of your braiding experience.

Recommended Hair Products

Cornrow braids are a timeless style for men, and maintaining them can be simple with the right approach. To keep your hair looking fresh and well-cared for, you’ll need some essential products. Here’s what I recommend to ensure your rows stay hydrated and healthy.

• Do-rag or du-rag: A special scarf that helps with hair treatment and keeps your braids neat.
• Shea or coconut butter: These are key for keeping your cornrows hydrated and avoiding dryness.
• Shampoo: Use one for deep cleansing to remove buildup of oils and other residue.
• Rich conditioner: Adds moisturizing benefits, making your braids softer and smoother.
• Hair ties: Essential for securing African braids and keeping each section tight.
• Multi-vitamin supplement: Helps treat your locks from the inside and supports overall hair health.

Cornrow Braids Hairstyles for Men

1. Classic Cornrows

The classic cornrows hairstyle is a timeless style that goes straight back from the forehead to the nape of the neck. Known for being versatile and easy to wear, this style keeps hair neat and clean while allowing small braids to create a striking hairstyle for any man. Whether you’re watching a movie at home or hitting the gym, classic cornrows offer a clean-cut look.

• Pro Tip: Opt for neat, small braids for a sophisticated look that lasts longer between barber visits.

2. Cornrow Fade

A cornrow fade adds a modern twist by blending the sides into a low, mid, or high fade. The fade gives a sharp contrast to the braids, creating a trendy and impactful look. Taper fades and bald fades bring added versatility, allowing for a more stylish contrast that looks fresh on boys and men alike.

• Pro Tip: To keep it looking well-groomed, ask your barber to maintain the fade every two weeks.

3. Cornrow Twists

For a unique twist, consider cornrow twists that give a cornrow-like effect with twisted braids. This twist style adds a bit of texture and neatness, perfect for guys who want a different hairstyle without going too far from the traditional cornrows. The style lays flat to the scalp and gives a softer, more creative look.

• Pro Tip: Go for three-strand braids for a tighter twisted look that reduces frizz and keeps the scalp cool.

4. Crossed Cornrows

Crossed cornrows add an intricate pattern by crossing cornrows at angles. These criss-cross cornrow braids offer an artistic touch, creating a striking visual effect with overlapping sections. This style stands out for its unique, captivating look.

• Pro Tip: Let a professional braider handle the angles and patterns for a more precise look.

5. Beaded Cornrows

Adding beads to cornrows brings a playful yet stylish vibe. Beaded cornrow braids allow men to personalize their style with wooden or neutral-colored beads. For a Pop Smoke-inspired look, place beads at the end of each braid to bring out your inner child and add an original style.

• Pro Tip: Try beads in pops of color to enhance the overall look and add a personalized touch.

6. Pop Smoke Cornrows

Inspired by rapper Pop Smoke, these staggered cornrows feature a middle part with braids that frame the face. Known for their casual yet exclusive style, these cornrow braids are highly popular and offer a cool, trendy look for men.

• Pro Tip: Keep the parting and middle section clean to capture the iconic Pop Smoke style.

7. Micro braids

Microbraids use the smallest braid size for a more delicate look. Ideal for longer hair, micro cornrow braids allow for a lot of movement and flexibility in braiding styles and designs. While time-intensive to install, these tiny braids can be styled in many creative ways.

• Pro Tip: Microbraids last longer, so they’re a time-saver for busy schedules, though they do require extra care.

8. Jumbo Cornrows

Jumbo cornrows are larger, bigger braids that work well for a quicker appointment with the braider. This style is great for men with thicker strands as it takes less time to install while still looking trendy.

• Pro Tip: Jumbo cornrows are low-maintenance and perfect for those who want style without the hassle.

9. Side Cornrows

Side cornrows with an undercut on one or both sides add an edgy look that’s fashionable yet low-maintenance. The shaved sides provide a strong contrast to the braided top and can even be customized with different braid lengths to suit long or short hair.

• Pro Tip: This style looks great with a beard for a handsome bad-boy vibe that women love.

10. Spider Braids

For a more bold choice, spider braids use simple rows arranged in a spider-like pattern across the scalp. This style is an exceptional choice for those who want a striking, eye-catching look that’s a bit unusual and truly low key.

• Pro Tip: Spider braids work best with short locks and are perfect for guys looking for a unique story in their hairstyle.

11. Cornrows with a Bun

Buns have grown super popular over the years for men who want a unique hairstyle. Pairing a bun with cornrows is a stylish go-to option that adds a bold and versatile vibe. A series of cornrows can be intricately braided toward the crown of your head, ending in a textured bun. This look brings out a dramatic contrast with the scalp’s natural complexion and shows off impressive craftsmanship in the braiding technique.

• Pro Tip: Keep your scalp moisturized to enhance the pattern and add even more texture.

12. Undercut with Cornrows

An undercut with cornrows is a great option if you normally keep your hair short but want to try out braids. It might take some time to grow enough hair on the top of your head to braid, but once it’s braided and your undercut is shaved, you’ll have a low-maintenance, high-style cut that really shines. This eye-catching style can gain even more sharpness when complementing with a disconnected undercut where the sides and back are cut shorter, shifting the focus to the cornrows on top.

• Pro Tip: Try a bit of hair oil to keep cornrows sleek and your undercut fresh.

13. Zigzag Cornrows

Zigzag cornrows add extra excitement to classic cornrows with unique braids that move back and forth across your head. This style is a perfect gateway for trying out other cornrow design styles.

• Pro Tip: Go bold with a zigzag pattern to make your braids pop.

14. Colorful Cornrows

Feeling bored with your current braids? Switch it up by adding your favorite colors to make your cornrows stand out. Consider using colorful extensions for a noncommittal way to experiment with dyed hair.

• Pro Tip: Choose colors that complement your skin tone for an even better look.

15. Cornrow Locs

Cornrow locs offer a cornrow-like look without interrupting your locs journey. Ask your braider to braid or twist your locs into cornrows, giving you a new style for your rotation.

• Pro Tip: Try this if you want locs but like the flexibility of cornrow styles.

16. Creative Cornrow Designs

Most people don’t realize how much men can do with cornrows. Skilled braiders can create almost any design, so bring some references to your braider for a one-of-a-kind look. Experiment with patterns, shapes, sizes, and haircuts to create the coolest designs.

• Pro Tip: Let your imagination run wild for truly unique cornrow designs.

17. Three Cornrow Braids

For a sexy and fun look, guys can try the three cornrows style with faded sides. This hairstyle is both casual and fresh, especially when paired with a temp fade haircut, shape up, and a thick, groomed beard. The multiple braided rows allow for small and large plaited hair sections, which can be tied up or left hanging at the crown for added style.

• Pro Tip: To keep this look sharp, get regular trims to maintain the fade and shape up details.

18. Mixed-Size Cornrows

From micro to jumbo braids, you don’t have to choose only one size for your cornrows. Ask your braider to combine different braid sizes for a fresh twist.

• Pro Tip: Adding variety in braid sizes can make your cornrows more interesting and dynamic.

19. Zigzag Part Cornrows

If your braider is still building skills with cornrow designs, try zigzag parts to add visual interest. Here, the parts are in a zigzag pattern, but the braids still go straight back for a symmetrical look.

• Pro Tip: For a sharper look, start with a taper fade on the sides and back.

20. Sunburst Cornrows

Sunburst cornrows begin at a single spot on your head and spread out like sun rays. Whether you wear them long or short, this style takes classic cornrows to the next level.

• Pro Tip: This eye-catching pattern is best done by an experienced braider for a clean finish.

21. Braid Over Cornrows

Cornrows are a unique style that can be braided in different ways to suit anyone’s look and vibe. For a defined appearance, traditionally they’re braided under, making each braid pop, but if you want a softer, more blended look, you can choose to braid over instead of under. This variation gives a low-key and effortless feel that is perfect for laid-back days.

• Pro Tip: Opt for a big, chunky cornrow style to add size and a bold edge to your hairstyle, especially if you’re aiming for a comparatively bolder vibe.

22. Spider Cornrows

Spider cornrows are a standout style that starts at a single point on the head and are braided outward for an edgy, spiderweb look. This style is a fun and unique way to try cornrows, especially with a high fade on the sides and a sharp shape up along the hairline. It’s a special type of cornrow style for men that’s both prominent and badass.

• Pro Tip: Keep the pattern even and clean for a polished design that’ll look great on all ages.

23. Cornrows and box braids

Cornrows offer a timeless style that blends classic and modern looks effortlessly. This style combines the best of 90s style with current favorites like box braids. Adding triangle box braids to cornrows creates distinct, geometric patterns by intertwining smaller, triangular sections for a unique and eye-catching appearance.

• Pro Tip: To enhance the defined shape and sleekness of your cornrow braids, ensure each section is cleanly parted for a crisp look.

24. Cornrows With Highlighted Ends

Adding highlights to your cornrows is an easy way to add movement and dimension to your hair. You can choose a shade several tones lighter than your natural hair color for a bold, edgy look, or go with softer highlights just one or two shades lighter for a subtle appearance.

Pro Tip: Highlighting before plaiting can make the contrast more striking and the style more dynamic.

25. Four Cornrows

For men wanting a flattering look with better coverage across the head, four cornrow styles can be an ideal choice. These braids can be arranged in multiple rows for a clean, even look, extending from front to back. Guys often choose this style by keeping their sides and back cut short or trimmed for a bolder look. Black men have several ways to sport these big braids; some cover the head entirely, while others create space between the top and sides for an edgier style.

• Pro Tip: For the best version, consider sectioning off rows from side to side to balance your look with precise coverage and style.

Maintaining and Caring for Your Cornrow Braids

1. Keep Your Scalp Clean

It’s important to keep your scalp clean to avoid build-up and itching. Using a gentle, diluted shampoo can help cleanse your scalp without loosening the braids. Follow up with a light conditioner to keep your hair soft and fresh.

2. Moisturize Regularly

Cornrows can cause hair to become dry quickly, so using a light spray or oil on your scalp and braids is key. This not only moisturizes but also adds a nice sheen, keeping your hair and scalp healthy.

3. Protect at Night

For bedtime, a silk or satin scarf or silk pillowcase helps by reducing friction. This protects your braids from frizzing and becoming messy, keeping them looking fresh every morning.

4. Avoid Tight Styles

Although tight braids might look neater, they can cause tension on your roots and even lead to alopecia. Make sure your braids are snug but not pulling, to avoid damage and ensure the health of your hair.

5. Touch-Up Your Braids

Depending on your hair growth, you may need touch-ups every few weeks to keep your style neat. This not only keeps your braids from getting too loose but also helps them stay looking fresh.

6. Be Gentle When Styling

Avoid pulling or tugging on your braids while styling. Use gentle movements to adjust your braids and reduce the risk of breakage. This small step goes a long way in preserving your style.

7. Know When to Take Them Out

Cornrows can typically be worn for 6-8 weeks. However, if your hair starts to feel strained, or you see frizzing or breakage, it may be time to take them out. Pay attention to these signs to avoid hair loss.

8. Post-Braid Care

After removing your braids, allow your hair time to recover with a deep conditioning treatment. Try to avoid tight styles for a few days to give your scalp a break, and keep your hair healthy.

FAQ’s:

Are Cornrows a Good Option for Men?

Yes, cornrows are a great option for men who want a low-maintenance and protective style. Once braided, cornrows require minimal upkeep between appointments—just focus on keeping them clean and conditioned.

How Long Do Cornrows Last?

On average, cornrows can last between two and six weeks. How long they hold up depends on the type of cornrows you have and how well you take care of them. Smaller braids often last longer than larger sizes.

How Much Do Cornrows Cost?

The cost of cornrows varies widely in the United States, typically ranging from $38 to $183. Internal data suggests this range, as cornrows are highly customizable by hair length, braid size, and special cornrow designs.

Do Cornrows Damage Hair?

When done right, cornrows won’t damage your hair; instead, they can actually help keep it healthy and strong. Regularly washing and conditioning your scalp under the braids helps maintain this benefit.

What Do Cornrows Symbolize?

Originally, cornrows were a way to show which tribe a person belonged to. Today, they represent cultural pride and style, carrying a rich history that’s still appreciated.

Can You Shower with Cornrows?

Yes, you can wash your cornrows in the shower but consider wearing a net to protect them. This helps prevent fly-aways and frizz, keeping your style looking fresh.

Do Cornrows Help with Hair Growth?

Cornrows and braids are often chosen for hair growth promotion and damage correction. They allow your natural hair to rest, reducing daily styling that can stress your strands.