Cornrows are a popular hairstyle choice for men that not only help manage unruly locks but also offer the opportunity to showcase individual style through customization. While it may not be the easiest style to maintain, the time and effort invested are undoubtedly worth the end result.
If you’re interested in learning more about how to achieve and style cornrows, look no further than our comprehensive guide, which will provide you with all the information and details you need to rock this trendy ‘do. From the best techniques for braiding to the most stylish ways to accessorize, we’ve got you covered. So, get ready to elevate your hair game with some seriously sleek and stylish cornrows!
1. Simple Cornrows
The most fundamental type of cornrows is simple cornrows, and their appearance is influenced by the natural volume of your hair. Typically, men have thicker braids on the top due to more hair volume, while the sides have thinner ones. It is not recommended for individuals with a diamond-shaped face to opt for simple cornrows since they do not suit this facial shape.
For a basic and clean look, try out protective hairstyles like simple cornrows. These braids are perfect for men with textured or curly hair, and they can be styled with or without extensions for added length. Not to mention, they can last for weeks with proper maintenance.
2. Feed-in braids
If you possess substantial hair volume but are reluctant to sport braids that are too thick or tall near your forehead, feed-in braids could be an ideal option for you. These braids commence as small and gradually increase in volume as they progress, resulting in a seamless and aesthetically pleasing appearance. They can enhance your hairstyle without requiring too much effort or maintenance, making them a convenient and time-saving choice for busy individuals.
Additionally, feed-in braids are versatile and can be customized to suit your preferences, including braid length, pattern, and color, to achieve a unique and personalized look. Therefore, if you want a chic and sophisticated hairstyle that is both practical and visually appealing, feed-in braids might be an excellent choice.
3. Intricate Designs
Braiding the hair on your crown in diverse patterns can result in intricate and visually stunning designs. Intricate Designs is often complemented with short hair on the sides and back, drawing attention to the complex patterns on top. It is advisable to research the dissimilarities between a taper and a fade haircut to determine which one would best suit the elaborate designs you have selected.
Choosing the appropriate haircut to pair with your braided crown can elevate the overall look and ensure that the intricate patterns receive the attention they deserve. Hence, conducting thorough research and consulting with a hairstylist can be beneficial in achieving the desired result.
To achieve intricate designs in cornrow braids, you can consider stitch braids hairstyles . These braids add an extra layer of detail and texture to your hair and come in various styles such as zig-zag and criss-cross. Stitch braids work well for both long and short hair and can create a unique and stylish look for any occasion.
4. Zig-Zag Cornrow
The zig-zag Cornrow from the temple to the back of the head creates a distinct and uncommon appearance. However, due to the prominence of the temples in this hairstyle, individuals with heart-shaped or round faces should refrain from adopting this style.
The reason is that the zig-zag braids emphasize the temples, drawing attention to this area of the face, which can accentuate or amplify certain facial features. As such, it is recommended that those with other facial shapes explore alternative hairstyles that would be more suitable and complement their facial structure.
5. Part Braided
In case you believe that an unprofessional hairstyle would not be appropriate for your profession or you simply don’t want to braid your entire hair, a partially braided hairstyle can be a good option. With this style, only a section of the hair is braided, typically along the sides, which is ideal for individuals with square or oblong face shapes.
If you want to take it up a notch, you can also incorporate an undercut into the style. To make a bold statement without having to braid all of your hair, you can braid two sections along the undercut part.
6. Cornrow Fade
The cornrow fade is a highly sought-after hairstyle among black men, and for good reason. This versatile and sharp look can be achieved by pairing any type of cornrow with a taper fade haircut.
To determine the starting point of the blending on the sides, individuals can request a low, mid, or high fade from their barber. Additionally, there are several options available to personalize the cut, such as a temp, drop, burst, skin, taper, or bald fade.
With the short sides and back contrasting against the braids on top, the cornrow taper fade is a stylish and effortless option for anyone who wants to wear cornrows. Whether you prefer intricate spider braids or simple rows, this hairstyle is suitable for boys and men alike.
For a modern and trendy hairstyle, try pairing your cornrows with a fade. Check out these black boy haircuts for inspiration on how to style your cornrows with a fade. Whether you want a subtle taper or an edgy zero fade, there’s a look that will work for you.
7. Shaved Side Cornrows
If you’re looking to give your cornrows an extra touch of sophistication, consider incorporating shaved side cornrows for a polished and modern appearance. Whether you opt for a high razor fade or a bold shaved look, this masculine style directs attention toward the braided styling above. To further enhance the overall look, shape up your hairline and showcase intricate and tight patterns in your new braids.
The best part is that this style works wonders for both short and long-braided hairstyles, which allows men to explore endless creative possibilities.
8. Side Cornrows
For a unique twist on traditional cornrows, consider trying side cornrows where the braids run along the sides of the head instead of toward the back. This trendy yet low-maintenance style can be executed on one side or both and is suitable for men with both long and short hair lengths.
With this style, the additional length of the hair is left to hang off the sides, resulting in a stylish and edgy appearance. To complete the look, pair the braided side cornrows with a beard for a rugged and attractive “bad-boy” aesthetic that is sure to catch the attention of women.
If you want to make your side cornrows more stylish, you can try combining them with braids with shaved sides. This will create a bold and edgy look that is perfect for those who want to stand out from the crowd. The contrast between the intricate cornrow braids and the shaved sides will definitely turn heads.
9. Two Cornrows
Creating two cornrows is a fast and effortless way to express yourself through fashion. If paired with a fade haircut or shaved sides, two braided lines can drastically change your appearance. This trend suits individuals with short or long hair and both thin and thick cornrows. To further enhance your look, consider incorporating an edge up, growing out a full beard, and leaving your hair long and flowing or tied up in a bun at the nape of your neck.
10. Four Cornrows
For a more polished appearance, opt for four cornrow braids that provide excellent coverage across the entire head. This style works well for men who prefer shorter hair on the sides and back while creating more space on the top by dividing it into multiple sections with larger braids. For a flawless and symmetrical finish, it’s recommended to extend the braids from the front to the back of the head.
If you are looking for new braiding styles to try, take a look at these Ghana braids hairstyles. Known for their elegance and versatility, Ghana braids can be styled in various shapes, sizes, and patterns to suit anyone’s taste. Whether you prefer chunky braids or thin cornrows, you can easily customize this style to make it your own.
11. Short Cornrows
Short-haired men can still enjoy the benefits of braids by opting for short cornrows. Even with limited hair length, there are various styles to choose from, including a fade, undercut, or shaved sides. However, it’s important to ensure that your hair is long enough to be braided. While sections can be of varying sizes, combining smaller micro braids with a few larger ones creates a striking contrast that adds more depth and character to the overall look.
12. Braids with Taper
For some black men, a taper with cornrows is the go-to choice as it presents a polished and professional look that is ideal for business settings. In contrast to a bald fade, the tapered sides gradually blend shorter hair into even shorter hair without revealing the skin. When executed with skillful shadowing, a taper haircut complements cornrow braids flawlessly, creating a seamless and natural-looking transition.
A perfect illustration of Braids with Taper is a low taper with long braids that extend from the front of the head all the way to the back. The well-defined line up and meticulously groomed full beard complete the look with perfection.
Achieving a clean, sharp look can be done with braids and taper fade. Try incorporating a classic taper fade to your braids, creating a polished finish for a professional or casual setting. This style blends well with all hair types and provides the perfect balance of edginess and elegance.
13. Big Cornrows Hairstyle
Big cornrows hairstyles are not only stylish but practical too, requiring less time and effort to plait. This makes them a great option for men with long and thick hair who want to stand out with their braids. Combining different sizes of cornrows can create a versatile look that complements the wearer’s features.
Typically, men with big cornrows choose a straight-back pattern that accentuates their bold and masculine appearance, complemented by a well-groomed beard and a sharp haircut.
14. Mohawk Cornrows
For a striking and eye-catching hairstyle, consider drawing inspiration from mohawk cornrows. To achieve this look, ask your barber for a temp or burst fade, similar to the mohawk fade, which will highlight your braided mohawk. To complement the braided top, you could also consider sporting a heavy stubble beard with a shaved line design, as seen on Jason Derulo, to further accentuate the cut on top.
Achieve a bold and edgy look with Mohawk Braids. This style features distinctive braids on the sides of the head, with hair braided up to form a line from the forehead to the nape of the neck. It’s a great way to add some personality to your cornrows.
15. Small cornrows
Intricate designs are a natural fit for small cornrows. While many hairstyles for men combine large and small braids to create a captivating look, small cornrows are especially suitable for shorter styles.
One option is feed-in cornrows, where the braids begin small and gradually increase in size towards the back of the head. When expertly braided, small cornrows can produce stunning results with a variety of shapes and sizes.
16. Blonde Braids
Adding a touch of color is an excellent way for men to personalize their cornrow hairstyle, and blonde braids are a popular choice. Whether you identify as a hipster, bad boy, or modern gentleman, there’s a wide range of hair colors for men to experiment with. Blonde cornrows are a timeless favorite, but don’t be afraid to try bold shades of blue, red, white, silver, yellow, or orange for a unique look.
If you have dark skin and want to add some brightness to your look, consider blonde braids. It’s a stylish way to make a statement and to change up your look. Whether you prefer long braids or short braids, blonde hair can add a level of sophistication to your style.
17. Straight Back Cornrows
Cornrow braids that follow a straight back and downward pattern have consistently remained in fashion over the years. This classic hairstyle is simple, modern, and trendy, making it an ideal choice for many. It is achieved by interweaving thick and thin sections of hair into narrow braids that are then aligned in parallel rows that go straight back from the hairline. One of the most appealing aspects of straight-back cornrow braids is their versatility.
Straight Back Cornrows can be customized to fit any individual’s preference or style. The number of rows used can range from 2 to more, depending on the desired outcome. For instance, using only two rows can create a minimalist look, while using more rows can give a more elaborate appearance.
18. Braids With Bangs
Braids are versatile hairstyles that can be achieved even if you have bangs. In fact, braiding your bangs can add an extra touch of uniqueness to your overall look. By parting your bangs in the middle and braiding them into two sections, you can create a stylish fringe that hangs across your forehead. This look pairs particularly well with an undercut, but it’s important to consider your facial features before committing to it.
The Braids With Bangs may not be the best fit for those with bold or angular face shapes, so it’s worth taking some time to think it over before making a decision. If you’re unsure, you can always wait until your bangs grow out before experimenting with braids.
19. Spider Braids
Spider braids are a unique and distinct variation of the cornrow hairstyle, specifically tailored to men. This style typically incorporates a high fade on the sides, meticulously crafted shape up along the hairline, and intricately plaited hair on top, resulting in a striking spider web-like design that is both edgy and daring.
One of the defining features of spider braids is the addition of braids that elegantly hang off the sides of the head, which further enhances the overall aesthetic appeal of the hairstyle. Whether you’re seeking to make a bold statement or simply looking to try out a fresh and exciting new look, spider braids are an excellent choice that exudes confidence and individuality.
Spider braids, a unique style popular among men, are a perfect choice for a trendy and stylish look. These braids can be worn in a number of ways, from a single braid down the back to an array of braids covering the whole head. To learn more about how to style your spider braids, check out our article on Awesome Stitch Braids Hairstyle Ideas 2022.
20. Xzibit Braids
During the 1990s and early 2000s, the world witnessed a cultural revolution that was accompanied by some of the most memorable and iconic styles. Among the trendsetters of that era were Allen Iverson, a legendary basketball superstar, and Xzibit, a renowned rapper. Both of these cultural icons were well-known for their signature braided hairstyles that became synonymous with their names.
Iverson and Xzibit were considered to be masters of the art of braiding, having experimented with a variety of intricate and eye-catching designs. Whether Xzibit Braids were classic cornrows or more elaborate spiraling braids, they always managed to maintain a unique and creative aesthetic.
21. Asian Braids
Braided hairstyles for men have become incredibly versatile and widespread, and Asian Braids exemplify this trend. Barber shops across the globe continue to feature cornrow braids as a popular men’s hair trend, with Asian hair proving to be particularly well-suited to this style.
To achieve a laid-back and effortless appearance, the top hair is plaited straight back and left to hang loosely in the back, while an undercut fade and edge up complete the look.
Try out some unique and bold short box braid styles to achieve a chic and edgy look. You can experiment with different colors and lengths to suit your personality and style. These braids are great for protecting your natural hair while making a statement.
22. Criss Cross Cornrows
Your hair can be likened to a canvas, while your hair braider is the artist. The possibilities for styling your cornrows are virtually limitless. For instance, you can choose to have two thick braids extending from the front to the back, accentuated by thin cornrows crisscrossing the sides. With a style like this, what more could you desire?
Undeniably, this Criss Cross Cornrows is stunning and will undoubtedly capture attention wherever you go. Such a hairstyle has the potential to completely transform your appearance.
23. Easy Cornrows
When it comes to men’s hairstyles, many are drawn to the simplicity and classic appeal of easy cornrows. Cornrows are a type of braided hairstyle that involves weaving hair tightly to the scalp in a series of neat rows. This style has been around for centuries and has been adopted by people of all races and genders.
One of the main reasons why easy cornrows are a popular choice for men is because they are low maintenance yet still look great. Unlike some more elaborate braid styles, cornrows are relatively simple to create and require minimal styling or upkeep. This makes them a practical option for those who want a stylish look without having to spend a lot of time on their hair.
24. Top Knot Men’s Braids
Top Knot Mens Braids is a classic cornrows design that incorporates modern hairstyling techniques, such as the use of an undercut and a top knot. Adding an undercut is an excellent way to highlight the cornrows. However, it’s essential to communicate with your stylist beforehand about whether you prefer a top knot or a bun.
If you opt for a bun, your hair should be braided inward, especially if you want a higher bun than usual. This style suits men with triangle, oval, and square face shapes, but those with longer face shapes should avoid it.
25. Cornrows for Straight Hair
Having afro hair is not a prerequisite for sporting cornrows or braids. Even without it, you can create a comparable appearance with clever plaiting and styling. If your hair is straighter, you can experiment with a wider range of braiding styles.
Chunky cornrows are preferred by men because they are simpler and quicker to create than intricate ones, and you might even be able to make them on your own. To establish the Cornrows for Straight Hair, try combining the braids with an undercut and a sharply shaved part.
26. Braids for Long Hair
Black guy cornrow styles offer more choices when your hair is naturally long or if you plan on incorporating synthetic hair. Extra-long tresses provide more styling options. You can try very fine braids that are plaited straight back from the forehead, with waved detailing that draws attention.
Creating a stark contrast is possible by alternating the plait thickness at the nape of the neck. This Braids for Long Hair enables you to keep the length of your hair while avoiding the trouble of letting it all hang loose.
For those with long hair, try out long box braids hairstyles for a timeless and easy-to-manage look. Whether you prefer a sleek or messy style, box braids offer versatility and can last for weeks with proper maintenance.
27. Cornrow Waves
If you’re looking to give a traditional hairstyle your own personal touch, wave pattern cornrows may be the perfect choice for you. These cornrows draw inspiration from the traditional front-to-back pattern but add a slight curve to create a smooth, wavy effect.
Opting for cornrow waves allows you to infuse your style with your unique personality while keeping your hair length intact, making it an excellent alternative to cutting or fading your hair if you’re seeking a change from your usual cornrow look.
28. Viking Cornrow Braids
The Vikings were renowned for their elaborate long braids, and nowadays, many men emulate these legendary warriors’ hairstyles. Additionally, the popular TV series “Vikings” has influenced modern men’s hairstyles.
The Viking version of cornrows involves tightly plaited side braids created with the underhand technique. Due to their tightness, the braids can typically stay put without the use of elastics. To achieve the Viking Cornrow Braid style, incorporate additional braids of varying widths, and elevate the crown section for a faux undercut appearance.
To achieve the fierce and bold Viking cornrow braids, check out our 35 Bold Viking Braids for Men’s Authentic Look article for inspiration. These braids will give you the warrior-like appearance and make you stand out from the crowd with their intricate and unique designs.
29. Cornrow Braids With Beads
Incorporating beads into your cornrow braids can give your hairstyle a distinctive touch while also incorporating a traditional element. This is why many people view it as an excellent way to express their cultural heritage and connect with their roots.
To enhance the tribal feel of your cornrows, experiment with different braid sizes and patterns, such as crossovers. Adding these embellishments can elevate the overall look of your hairstyle, making it more unique and expressive, so I think you should try Cornrow Braids With Beads.
30. Box Braids with Beads
If you prefer a more subdued approach to men’s braided hairstyles, consider opting for medium box braids with beads. These braids strike a balance between simple and intricate styles, offering a versatile option. To elevate the look, add beads in various styles, sizes, and materials to accentuate the braids. This allows you to customize your hairstyle to your liking and infuse it with your personal style.
31. Box Braids with Shaved Sides
These Box Braids with Shaved Sides have become increasingly popular among men as a stylish and versatile hairstyle option. One of the best things about this type of hairstyle is that you can be as bold as you want with it. There’s no such thing as going too far when it comes to boxing braids for men, as the more daring you are, the more unique and eye-catching your look will be.
If you really want to create a striking contrast and make a statement with your box braids hairstyle, consider shaving off the hair on the sides of your head. This technique creates a bold and edgy look that is sure to turn heads. By removing the hair on the sides, you’ll also be drawing attention to the top of your head, which becomes the focal point of your entire look.
32. Box Braids for Thin Hair
If you have thin hair, it’s important to be careful when choosing the right braids for you. Some types of braids may not work well with thin hair, and thick or medium-sized braids can actually make your hair appear even thinner. To avoid this issue, one solution is to style your hair into Box Braids for Thin Hair. By opting for thin braids, you can create the illusion of fuller hair.
Generally, the more braids you have, the more voluminous your hairstyle will look. This is because the thin braids add texture and depth to your hair, making it appear thicker and fuller. To create thin braids, it’s best to work with small sections of hair at a time. Use a comb to section off your hair evenly, then braid each section tightly and close to the scalp.
If you have thin hair and want to try box braids, check out these short box braid styles that will give you a stylish and low-maintenance look. With a variety of lengths and sizes, you can choose a style that fits your hair type and face shape. The keyword-rich anchor text “short box braid styles” perfectly relates to the context of the section about box braids for thin hair.
33. Colored Cornrows
If you’re a man with colored hair and you’re considering getting cornrows, there’s no need to worry – colored hair can actually pair incredibly well with this hairstyle. In fact, cornrows can even help to disguise any visible roots if you don’t have the time or resources for a full touch-up.
One particularly cool and trendy variation of the cornrows hairstyle involves combining different-sized rows with a man-bun. This creates a unique and edgy look that is sure to turn heads. Colored Cornrows can work particularly well with golden hair colors, as the warm tones complement each other beautifully.
34. African Braids
When considering options for men’s braided hairstyles, it’s not always necessary to come up with a new, unique approach. Sometimes sticking with a classic approach can be the best choice. One such classic style that should not be overlooked is African braids. This style has proven to be effective in not only enhancing your appearance but also protecting your hair from frizz and damage.
African braids have the added advantage of keeping your kinks organized and orderly, which is particularly beneficial for men who desire a well-groomed appearance. With the added protection and sleek appearance that African braids provide, you’ll be able to maintain healthy hair while looking sharp and stylish.
When it comes to African braids, Ghana braids, Fulani braids, tribal braids, and cornrow braids are some of the most popular styles. To add some extra flair to your cornrow braids, try incorporating some weave into the pattern. Check out these braids with weave hairstyle ideas for some inspiration.
35. Detailed box braids with Shaved Sides
Men who prefer to style their hair on their own can opt for Detailed box braids with Shaved Sides. The best part is that you can achieve this look on your own, without needing any extra help, and in just a matter of minutes. For added contrast and an attention-grabbing look, shaving the sides bald can be a great option. However, you need to be ready for the upkeep as this style requires daily or every other day shaving to maintain the appearance.