Cornrows are one of the most elite and versatile protective hairstyles – here are 15 inspo shots to prove it

Cornrows, also referred to as cainrows in the UK, and have been an important part of Black culture and afro hair regimes for centuries and are still a popular hairstyle today thanks to their protective benefits as well as styling potential.

“Cornrows are one of the most versatile ways of protecting the hair from physical manipulation, daily styling, combing, detangling or just from touching your hair,” explains Charlotte. Heather also adds how you can get benefits from cornrows during and after. “You can get two-in-one styles out of cornrows as it will leave your hair wavy when you take them out for that heat-free mermaid wave look.” adds Heather.

However, it's important not to keep them in for too long in order to prevent damage to your hair which in extreme cases can lead to hair loss. “Cornrows are meant to be a short-term hairstyle and are an excellent way to protect your hair for a moment but you should never keep them in any longer than two to four weeks. Any longer than that and it can lead to damage and ultimately hair loss. Eventually you’ll have to let your hair be free.”

How to keep cornrows fresh?

According to Charlotte, there are a number of things you can do to make sure your cornrows are cared for and stay looking their best for longer, as well as making sure your hair and scalp is healthy and nourished.

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First of all, Charlotte recommends maintaining your usual wash routine. “Most people avoid washing their cornrows because they're afraid of frizz, but it's not a good idea.” Regular washing is particularly important if you use gel of edge control products often, which can leave to build up and result in scalp irritation.

You'll also need a good nourishing spray, like Charlotte's own Manketti Oil Finishing Mist, which contains an organic blend of manketti nut and ximenia oils and provides a rich source of nourishing vitamin E. Heather also recommends adding a nice sheen spray. “My favourite sheen spray is the Keracare Oil Sheen Spray, £10.95, Look Fantastic that will always revitalise your braids. You can also go for a hydrating spray like the Pattern Beauty Hydrating Mist, £7, Look Fantastic, which helps to keep it nice and fresh.”

Charlotte Mensah Manketti Oil Finishing Mist

£38 at Space NK

Color Wow Dream Coat

£27 £21.60 at Look Fantastic

Another great way to maintain your cornrows for longer is investing in a silk hair wrap. “Wrap a silk scarf on your head or use a silk pillowcase at night to keep any rough textures away from your hair and scalp while you sleep,” says Charlotte. “This will keep your hair from getting dry and brittle.”

Silke London The Silke Hair Wrap The Kate in Navy

£50 at Cult Beauty

Slip Pure Silk Turban

£75 at Look Fantastic

Heather also adds her two scents on keeping the cornrows looking neat. “Having a good edge tamer, really works. My favourite is the RedOne Hair Styling Aqua Wax, £6.17, Amazon. Once your edges start to get messy you can always go back in to create a nice curl or some cute baby hairs and you're back up and running again.”

Ampro Shine 'n Jam Gel Extra Hold

£8.16 at Amazon

Sunny Isle Jamaican Black Castor Oil Mousse

£8.99 at Amazon

Now all you'll need to do is choose the style you want.

Keep scrolling for some drop-dead cornrow styles to take to aunty-that-does-the-good-hair, for inspo on your next look…

Micro cornrows

Thin cornrows running straight down the head are classic, neat, look effortless and they frame many different face shapes beautifully. Universally flattering.

Cornrow Bun

These feed-in cornrows wrapped in a bun are everything and then some. The perfect protective style that can be paired with a casual everyday look or for the classiest red carpet glam.

Feed-in braids with a zig-zag parting

A zig-zag parting makes for an intricate twist on classic cornrows. These ones were then wrapped into a ballerina bun for an elegant finish.

Fulani braids

Fulani braids, are essentially cornrows that only run half way down the head and split into half cornrows and half box braids. The hair is first sectioned into small parts and then braided in a pattern that features a centre part with braids going down the sides of the head. So cute.

Fulani braids with colour

Much like the regular fulani braids which are essentially half a head of cornrows and half box braids, these have a splash of something by adding colour. This electric blue weaved into the the natural brown colour of the hair makers the look more unique and expressive.

Fulani braids with curls

You can always opt out for mixing these Fulani cornrows at the front with straight, wavy or curly hair at the back like actress Storm Reid shows us above.

Feed-in cornrows in a high-up ponytail

If you want to add extra length, you can always attach hair extensions to the crown of the cornrows as they gather at the centre of the head and then you get an epic voluminous high pony with braids.

Wave band cornrow

This unique one braid cornrow across the band of the head from one ear the other is pretty epic. Amandla Stenberg has styled hers with an electric bleach blond afro look and with x2 XXL baby braids on each side of the face. Pretty, pretty cool.

Jumbo cornrows

These chunky, knotted jumbo cornrows divide the hair into the thicker braids. Adding hair extensions of a different colour to your natural hair, gives extra drama on these chunky braids. They're fun and faster to execute.

Feed-in stitch braids with heart detail

These stitch braids look dead neat and the heart shaped braided detailing are an added soft and feminine touch.